Colombo is a land of rich culture, stunning landscapes, and vibrant capital of Sri Lanka with lush green rainforests to towering peaks of the Andes. All the iconic places to visit in Colombo await exploration, from the Historic Gangaramaya Temple to the iconic Viharamahadevi State Park. From the streets of Maliban to the Pettah Market, all the destinations are brimmed with art and culture.
Embark with me on this getaway to the top sites in Colombo that are nothing short of extraordinary.
Attractive Places to Visit in Colombo
Gangaramaya Temple
Gangaramaya Temple in Colombo – Sri Lanka, is one of the top Colombo tourist attractions. Have a look at some essential details and information about the temple:
• Location
This temple is in the heart of Colombo, near Beira Lake on 61 Sri Jinaratana Road.
• History
The Gangaramaya temple was first built in 1885 by Ven, making it one of the top Buddhist temples in Colombo.
• Architectural Beauty
This temple is an excellent fusion of various architectural styles, including Sri Lankan, Thai, Indian, and Chinese.
• Museum
To glimpse the rich Buddhist history of Sri Lanka, there is a museum in the temple with a vast collection of artifacts, antiques, and historical relics.
• Religious Significance
The temple is not only a place of worship, but it has great significance in cultural activities, Buddhist festivals, and other rituals.
• Visiting Hours
The temple opens daily from 6 AM to 10 PM.
• Entrance Fee
There are no entry charges to visit the temple, but donations are welcome.
• How to Reach
Take a taxi from Colombo Airport, which will take 40 minutes to reach the temple.
• Dress Code
Like other temples, it is notable to dress modestly while entering the temple. Wear dresses that cover shoulders and knees, and remove your shoes before entering the prayer area.
Independence Memorial Hall
Another one of the most popular travel destinations in Colombo is the Independence Memorial Hall, which the Department of National Museum maintains. Here are some significant details and information about this place:
• Location
In the heart of Colombo is an Independence Square, where the Independence Memorial Hall is present.
• History
The monument was first constructed to celebrate the Independence of Sir Lanka from British colonial rule in 1948.
• Architectural Significance
The architectural significance of the Independence Memorial Hall is in its distinctive stone structure, stone cravings sculptures, and lotus pond.
• Symbolism
The design and layout of this monument symbolize Sri Lankan culture and history with its four stupas that represent Buddhism and its impact on the country.
• Visiting Hours
The Independence Memorial Hall opens from 9 AM to 5 PM, which makes it the best spot to visit during the daytime.
• Photography
There is no restriction on photography at this monument as it provides excellent photography opportunities to capture scenic lotus ponds with your lens.
Galle Face Green
On the coastline of Colombo, Sri Lanka, is a point where this popular open space and the urban Park are present. Here are some critical facts about Galle Face Green:
• Location
Galle Face Green is at Galle's main road along the coastline, making it accessible from other parts of the city.
• History
This urban Park is full of history and culture, first created during the colonial era, but over time, it has become more cherished by locals and tourists.
• Activities
Galle Face Green is an open space with various activities like picnics, kite flying, cricket, and football.
• Food and Refreshments
This spot is famous for its food stalls that serve great Sri Lankan street food, from Isso Wade to Kottu roti, and fresh juices.
• Events
Regional people also use the open space of Gale Face Green to hold various events, concerts, and cultural performances.
• How to Reach
Take a taxi from Colombo Airport; reaching the Gale Face Green will take only 30 minutes.
• Opening Hours
Visiting this monument is not limited as it remains open 24/7.
Diyatha Uyana
Diyatha Uyana is a panoramic lakeside park in Colombo, a tranquil and pleasant place for tourists and locals. Look at some of its details:
• Location
Baramulla, a suburb of Colombo, is where Diyatha Uyana is present, making it the most accessible spot from the city center. The official address is Polduwa Road, Battaramulla.
• Man-Made Lake
Diyatha Uyana is a manufactured lake, and locals have built a park around that lake, adding to the serenity and beauty of the Park.
• Restaurants and Cafes
This Park is the ideal spot to enjoy the lake's local and international cuisine outdoors.
• Evening Entertainment
Diyatha Uyana offers the most captivating visuals and experience in the evening with live music, cultural performances, and art exhibitions.
• Entrance Fee
There are no entry charges to enter or visit this place.
• How to Reach
From Colombo's center, it will take only 12 to 15 minutes to reach the Diyatha Uyana by car.
• Opening Hours
The Park is typically open every day of the week from 8 AM to 11 PM.
Viharamahadevi Park
Moving onto the last Colombo hidden gems is the Viharamahadevi Park, a historic public park in Colombo known as the "Garden City of the East." Look at some details of Viharamahadevi Park.
• Location
This public Park is in Cinnamon Gardens, Colombo, in front of the colonial-era town hall.
• History
The land on which this Park was built was donated by Charles Henry De Soysa to the Colombo city during British rule. After the reign of Queen Victoria, it was named “Victoria Park”.
• How to Reach
Reaching the Park is accessible from all parts of the city by using bus services, cool kangaroo cabs, or their traditional tuk-tuk rickshaws.
• Entry Time and Fee
The entry fee to visit the Park is 20 LKR per person, and the Park entry time is from 6 AM to 8 PM.
• Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit the Viharamahadevi Park is from November to February. The months from June to September are monsoons that should be avoided due to the heavy rainfall.
Final Thoughts
Colombo offers a range of captivating destinations and attractions, from the historic charms to the vibrant markets to explore. As I've mentioned above, the places to visit in Colombo are rich in culture, heritage, history, and stunning beauty for an unforgettable experience.
Pack your bag and immerse yourself in this journey through Sir Lanka's captivating landscapes and fantastic sites. Make sure to have full entertainment on your trip to Colombo and share your experience with me.
