How to Explore the Busy Streets of Colombo
By: Lucifer Goodman
Tags: Travel, Sri Lanka, Vacation, Colombo

Colombo has a lot in store for its visitor and residents both, and below are some of the best things you can do to experience the city in all its glory.

Cultural Sites

From the Gangaramaya Temple to the tiny island in Beira Lake, Colombo has many prominent cultural sites to call its own. Known as one of the more magnificent temples of Sri Lanka, the Gangaramaya is a Buddhist temple that has many interesting qualities about it. Within the temple, you can find a museum, a library and a hall that showcases the numerous gifts the temple has received over the years. After you visit the Gangaramaya Temple, walk down the road to get a better view of the Beira Lake. Located in a prominent part of Colombo, this lake is a wonder and is also a relief to look at, nestled among all the tall buildings of the city. There is a quaint shrine right in the middle of the lake too, and this scenic setup makes this lake one of the most photographed places in Colombo.

Historical Sites

The National Museum is a must visit historical site in the city. This mighty white structure was built back in the year 1876 and the inauguration carried out by the Governor of Sri Lanka at the time. To this day, the National Museum is the biggest building of its kind in Sri Lanka. You can learn a great deal about the colourful heritage of Sri Lanka through a visit to this spectacular museum. The Dutch Hospital is another historical building that deserves a visit. This vintage structure was restored a few years ago and is a major entertainment hub in Colombo now. People of all ages can be found here in the evenings, especially on weekends. If you are tired after all the walking around and sightseeing, make a pit stop at the Old Dutch Hospital and treat yourself to a cold drink and a delicious meal at one of the many eateries in here.

Fancy Restaurants

Being a commercial hub and stop for many tourists before they head off to the south or up north, Colombo has an amazing collection of places to eat at. From the hole in the wall cafes to elegant hotels in Colombo that has elite restaurants, like The Kingsbury Colombo, for example, whatever you crave for, this city has it.

Tuk Rides

A visit to Colombo or even Sri Lanka isn’t complete without you taking a ride in one of the colourful tuk-tuks that you’d see roaming the streets. Hiring a tuk-tuk is one of the best ways to travel around Colombo, but, make sure you decide on the fare before you get in. To make your journeys hassle-free, go for the tuk-tuks that have a working fare metre.

Shopping

Known as one of the busiest and crowded places in the city, Pettah is an old business district that sees a flurry of activity during business hours. The place also has a few historic buildings to look at, like the old Cargills Building and the Jami Ul-Alfar Mosque. Everything and anything you might want to get, you can find it in the nooks and corners of the Pettah streets, but keep in mind, bargaining is a must have talent if you want to shop here and feel good about it once you get back to your rooms. If souvenirs are what you are looking for in terms of shopping, places like Barefoot and Odel will cater to your needs perfectly.

Simple Foods

One simply cannot visit Colombo and leave without trying the Koththu Rotti. Whether it is a plain old vegetable koththu or an indulgent chicken and cheese extravaganza, experiencing the island’s legendary fast-food dish, especially when coupled with a Ginger Beer, will be a culinary experience you might end up cherishing for a lifetime. Various types of cuisines can also be found around the city, from Chinese to Italian and even Japanese, if you’re craving some masterfully prepared sushi. Good hotel recommendations can be found online, and always check for reviews before you drop by a place as this would save you many unpleasant experiences with food tasting.