Colombo, Sri Lanka: Worth Visiting?
Our latest adventure took us to the ‘Emerald of the Indian Ocean’ – Sri Lanka. It was our first time visiting, but over the course of our Sri Lanka itinerary covering four different parts of the country, it began to dawn on us why so many tourists choose to return there over and over again, keeping tallies of their visits. Hospitality, natural beauty, and mouthwatering cuisine feel familiar, yet with every visit, you peel back a new layer of Sri Lanka's identity. The teardrop island in the Indian Ocean is about the size of West Virginia, but it’s packed with pristine beaches, world-class surf, jungles, safaris, exquisite tea plantations, and monolith mountains.
Colombo is the capital and a busy port city. It’s not blessed with the type of beaches Sri Lanka is famous for, nor is it a peaceful jungle paradise. Sans popular attractions, most tourists breeze through Colombo. But we are all about giving underappreciated cities a chance and committed to 5 days in Colombo. Yes, that's almost unheard of. But what a rewarding experience it was!
First-time visitors, though mentally prepared by prior research, are often taken aback by the chaotic nature of Colombo. To us, fresh out of India, it seemed more organized and cleaner. So, with more “room to breathe”, we crisscrossed through the city to deliver you the best Colombo attractions and convince you that it’s worth your time as much as the beach and mountain cities.
Places to See in Colombo that Make It Special
Lotus Tower
Seeing a new city from a bird’s eye view is always a must on our itineraries, so naturally, we made a beeline for the Lotus Tower – the highest point of Colombo. Proudly wearing the title of 'the tallest self-supported structure in South Asia', it features casual dining options, an art museum, a convention center, exclusive suites, a revolving restaurant, and, of course, an observation platform. The lotus flower on top symbolizes purity and is decked out with rosy petals that illuminate come nightfall, visible from most parts of the city. We can confirm - visiting the Lotus Tower observation deck is one of the best things to do in Colombo.
Pettah Market
Back on the ground, a great starting place for your Colombo itinerary is Pettah Market. It’s the biggest and busiest congregation of vendors, peddling everything from aromatic spices to handwoven textiles. We spent a good portion of our day wandering through the maze of stalls and relishing in the sensory overload. Pettah Market is a must-visit if you want to observe everyday life in Colombo, sharpen your bargaining skills, and immerse yourself in the fragrant world of Sri Lankan street food. Don’t miss the opportunity to sample fresh fruit and piping hot samosas.
Colombo National Museum
At this museum, situated in a beautiful colonial building, you will kick-start your understanding of the rich tapestry of Sri Lanka’s history and culture. The exhibits feature ancient artifacts, colonial-era relics, traditional craftsmanship, and royal regalia, all of which give an insight into the complexities of Sri Lanka’s past and colonial heritage.
Jami Ul-Alfat Mosque
Also known as the Red Mosque, Jami Ul-Alfat is easily picked from the crowd for its vibrant candy-cane decoration. Dating back to 1908, this architectural masterpiece is adorned with bright red stripes that swirl around pillars, domes, and checker its façade. Take a tour to learn about the significance of its architectural details and decoration, and do get carried away taking way too many photos.
Galle Face Green
If you are not spending your evenings in Colombo at Galle Face Green, you are doing it wrong. This sprawling promenade is where the best sunset views are found, and the most vibrant people-watching can be enjoyed. Whether you are strolling along the oceanfront or savoring local street food, make sure you end up at the tip of the pier to admire the city in fiery hues, with kites slicing through the vista.
Slave Island
Though an island no more and officially renamed to Company Roads or Kompanna Veediya as of 2023, Slave Island is an area that safe keeps many controversial stories. As the name suggests, it once imprisoned slaves brought over by the Portuguese. Today, it’s a place to admire diverse architecture and street art and relax at the Botanical Gardens. Slave Island is also home to a variety of places of worship and Sri Lanka’s ethnic minorities, creating a unique melting pot of cultures which you can’t miss getting acquainted with.
Gangaramaya Temple
This Buddhist temple is the spiritual heart of Colombo, a learning center, and a treat for architecture and history fans, featuring carvings, paintings, and a collection of sacred relics to marvel at. Not only is it an active site of worship, but it is also a museum, a library, and a training center for the less fortunate. A few hundred meters from the temple, there is a bridge leading to Seema Malaka, a tiny temple located on an island amidst the lake. Don’t skip paying a visit to this serene spot from which you get some of the most unique views of Colombo. After touring the temple grounds, stroll around Beira Lake, taking in its tranquility, or hop in a paddle boat and admire the city from the water.
Vihara Maha Devi Park
Another place to seek respite from the hustle and bustle of Colombo is amidst the serene park grounds of Vihara Maha Devi, which feature a giant golden Buddha statue at its center. After exploring the winding pathways, do like the locals and enjoy some treats under the shade of towering trees. As the sun begins to dip and the air cools, watch couples and families arrive to grab a spot to soak in Sri Lanka’s signature sunsets.
Kelaniya Raja Maha Viharaya Temple
Located just 30 minutes outside of the city, this temple doesn’t get a lot of footfall from tourists, but trust us when we say it’s one of the best places to see in Colombo. With over 2,500 years of history, stunning architecture, a giant white stupa, and captivating legends that associate Kelaniya temple with the rise and fall of Sri Lanka, a visit to the Kelaniya temple is a fascinating experience.
Edible Colombo Attractions
The other reason Colombo is worth visiting is the food. There is simply no better place to get acquainted with local flavors, spices, and twists, and range in presentation. From street vendors to fine-dining and food tours, try it all. Sri Lankan cuisine is centered around seafood, spice, and King Coconut, the yellow kind, native to the island. To get you started, here are some essential dishes to note.
Start your day by grabbing a bowl of kola kenda from street stalls. What looks like a green smoothie at first glance is more of a breakfast concoction akin to congee made from rice, coconut milk, and juiced greens. If you need a little more convincing, the porridge comes with a long list of health benefits that’s worth queuing for!
If there is one Sri Lankan dish that should come with an addiction warning, it’s kottu. A street food staple, this dish is essentially a chopped-up roti cooked with a spiced mixture of whatever you like, veggies, meat, or chicken. A one-pot dish that is perfect for any meal.
Another Sri Lankan must-try delicacy is mud crab. It is best enjoyed in Crab curry, where quintessential Sri Lankan flavors are combined in one dish or as a whole-cooked extravaganza. And there is no better place to try these plated-up giants than at the Ministry of Crab, the most popular restaurant in Colombo, opened by two famous cricket players as a shrine to Sri Lanka’s crab.
When in tea country, expect everything to be tea-themed and lean into it. We mean having Ceylon tea on its own, in cocktail form, in tea-flavored dessert form, and everything in between. If short on time, combine it all in one go and enjoy a delectable afternoon tea experience, the most iconic one of which is found at the water-facing historic Galle Face Hotel. Having conversations over steaming cups of Ceylon tea is one of our most cherished memories.
To us, visiting Colombo was an essential part of our Sri Lanka itinerary. From ancient temples to bustling markets and colonial landmarks to scenic parks, our stay was filled with experiences and discoveries about local history and culture that we fell back on for the remainder of our journey. You don’t need to spend 5 days in Colombo like us, but we hope we’ve convinced you not to skip it at least!