Best Things To Do in Colombo, Sri Lanka

  1. St Peters Church

    4.4 (6766 Votes)
    St Peters Church

    Church, Religious Site

    It doesn't look like a church. That's the first thought you'll have when you step in, and are no longer being distracted by the admittedly church-like facade outside. But you see, it wasn't always a church. In Portuguese times, the building was a monastery. The Dutch used it as a government house and banquet hall. It wasn't until the British came along that it was made into a Garrison Church. I...Read more
  2. Borella General Cemetery

    Cemetery

    This graveyard, over 170 years old, is the most significant burial place in the city for several reasons. First, as resting places go, it is utterly beautiful, with flowering plants, and pathways shaded by large trees as old as the cemetery itself. Secondly, a plethora of famous people are buried here, perhaps none more prominent than famous science fiction author Arthur C. Clarke. The people b...Read more
  3. King Sri Wickrama Rajasinghe Prison Cell
    There are many places you can expect to find a king's prison cell. But the parking lot of a financial institution would probably not be it. It can be a little hard to find, but you're looking for a bright yellow room, standing sort independently, but up against a wall. It is right under the Ceylinco tower, in front of the Bank of Ceylon. It is INSIDE the Ceylinco complex, so you won't be able t...Read more
  4. Dawatagaha Jumma Masjid And Shrine

    Mosque, Religious Site

    The green vines and shrubs growing on the this 200 year old mosque's high minarets almost gives it the impression of wearing a laurel wreath. It is a striking, bold and white building, and looks like something you might find in Arabian Nights story. There is an interesting legend to its founding - ask the locals about it. More than its looks though, the mosque is revered as the final resting pl...Read more
  5. St Pauls Church

    4.2 (460 Votes)
    St Pauls Church

    Church, Religious Site, Cathedral

    This Anglican church is one of the oldest in Sri Lanka. It was originally a Roman Catholic and Portuguese church, and reputed to have miraculous power. The architecture is reminiscent of a Greek Basilica. It is very graceful looking. In front of the church is a small play area for kids.
  6. Gangaramya Temple

    4.6 (4692 Votes)
    Gangaramya Temple

    Religious Site, Temple, View Point

    An assorted collection of ornamental and gold carven gifts presented by loyal devotees and well wisher over a long course of time is exhibited at this temple, which is literally a unification of a spiritual centre, a library and a unique museum. This Temple complex is run by the country’s adroit monk and has a distinctive collection which is worth observing. The most tantalizing experienc...Read more
  7. Mount Lavinia Beach

    4.3 (3445 Votes)
    Mount Lavinia Beach

    Outdoors, Beach, View Point, Entertainment

    Mount Lavinia is a beachside property with a spectacular view. It takes you away from the regular hustle bustle of the city for some calm and quiet. Enjoy watching the waves lap up the shore and spend your day in beautiful solitude. This is an ideal beach destination in Colombo and has extensive options to relax, eat and drink on the beach. You can also enjoy sailing through the boat if yo...Read more
  8. The National Museum Of Colombo

    Art And Culture, Religious Site, Museum, View Point

    Under the soothing shade of magnificent Banyan trees stands Sri Lanka’s premier cultural institution- the Colombo national museum. To greet you on your ingress is a Buddha carved in stone which dates back to the 9th century and the enigmatic smile of the statue will surely mesmerize you. The galleries displaying a huge collection of arts, carvings and statuary, a peek through the ancient ...Read more
  9. The National Museum Of Natural History

    Museum, Science Museum, Natural History Museum

    Situated in the premises of Colombo national museum, this museum displays the natural heritage and is one of its kind in the country. The special feature is that plants and Animal specimens which are endemic to Sri Lanka, rare and threatened with extinction are displayed in this museum. There is a large collection of specimens such as Mammals, Birds, Reptiles, Insects, Fish, Amphibians of vario...Read more
  10. Old Dutch Hospital

    4.4 (3440 Votes)
    Old Dutch Hospital

    Historical Site, Entertainment, Architecture

    As the name suggests, a former hospital of the Dutch, this colonial era complex is now rejuvenated to become a city centre of Colombo. Centrepiece of the newly vibrant Fort, this construction dates back to the early 1600s. The unyielding architecture astonishes the on-lookers and is an ideal hang out in the evenings. Lavishly restored, it is home to shops, cafes and restaurants run by some of C...Read more
  11. Wolvendaal Church

    3.9 (3308 Votes)
    Wolvendaal Church

    Church, Religious Site, View Point

    The 1749 Wolvendaal Church is the most important Dutch building in Sri Lanka. When the church was built, this area was a wilderness beyond the city walls. The Europeans mistook the packs of roaming jackals for wolves, and the area became known as Wolf’s Dale, or Wolvendaal in Dutch. The church is in the form of a Greek cross, with walls 1.5m thick, but the real treasure is its Dutch furni...Read more
  12. Dutch Period Museum

    3.9 (2877 Votes)
    Dutch Period Museum

    Museum, View Point, Historical Site, Architecture

    This unique museum was originally the 17th-century residence of the Dutch governor and has since been used as a Catholic seminary, a military hospital, a police station and a post office. The mansion contains a lovely garden courtyard and has a nice faded feel since a 1977 restoration. Exhibits include Dutch colonial furniture and other artefacts.
  13. Viharamahadevi Park

    4.4 (4024 Votes)
    Viharamahadevi Park

    Park, Entertainment

    This is the oldest and largest park of port of Colombo which was developed in the British rule. Formerly named as ‘Queen Victoria Park’ and then renamed after the Queen Viharamahadevi of Sri Lanka, it is situated near the colonial-style town hall building. The park features include a huge Buddha statue and a series of water fountains. It also includes a mini zoo, a children's play a...Read more
  14. Kelaniya Raja Maha Vihara

    4.8 (3427 Votes)
    Kelaniya Raja Maha Vihara

    Religious Site, Temple, Landmark

    Marking the visit of Lord Buddha for the third time, this temple is an epitome for the grand welcome the country offered. With a quintessential construction, the original temple was destroyed over the course of time by the Indian invaders. The lost charm was restored and the temple was destroyed again by the Portuguese. The temple went in to a resurrection with the help of the Dutch in the 18th...Read more
  15. Fort

    Landmark, View Point, Entertainment, Shopping Center

    During the European era Fort was indeed a fort, surrounded by the sea on two sides and a moat on the landward sides. Today it’s a curious mix of brash modern structures, such as the World Trade Center, and venerable red-brick institutions from the Colonial-era, such as Cargills and Millers. The security presence is heavy here, curtailing vehicle access and some pedestrian access. A good l...Read more