| 4 mins read
Situated along Sri Lanka’s south central coast, Colombo is both the largest and most populated city in the country. While not the “official” capital, Colombo is the commercial capital of the country and its most important trade, economic and administrative hub. Serviced by Bandaranaike International Airport, most foreign travelers vacationing to Sri Lanka will stop off first in this bustling city of 4.5 million. With an extensive history, multitude of attractions and a beautiful blend of modern and colonial Sri Lanka, this major metropolis is one of the country’s most interesting spots to visit. For the time-constrained traveler who still wants to explore Sri Lanka’s most important port city, here’s our must sees and dos for a day in Colombo.
Morning in Colombo: Breakfast, Tuk-Tuks and Temples
Before you get started on your big day of touring, you will need to fuel up with some local favorites. “String Hoppers” are a popular breakfast food in Colombo (and Sri Lanka), consisting of damped flour noodles, dal (lentils), curry and coconut chutney. Also know worldwide for their delicious (Ceylon) tea, a glass or two of the beverage to wash down your breakfast is a must.
Hop into a famous Sri Lankan rickshaw for the first major site of the day, the Gangaramaya Temple. A beautiful Buddhist temple situated along Beira Lake, this complex boasts several architectural styles (Sri Lankan, Indian and Thai to name a few) and is home to a main temple, assembly hall, lake shrine, museum and relics chamber. One of the most important temples in all of Colombo, a visit to Gangaramaya is one of the city’s must do’s.
From here travelers can opt to visit a number of different religious structures, from Sri Kailasanathar (the oldest Hindu Temple) to the well-preserved Dutch Wolvendaal Church. Before you start thinking about lunch, you should head to one final cultural site, the National Museum. Situated in a beautiful colonial style building, this museum covers everything from Sri Lankan heritage and humanities to natural sciences and the arts.
A Quick Lunch Break
A visit to Colombo isn’t complete without trying “Kothu.” A combination of chopped up roti, eggs, meats, spices and vegetables, this staple meal is one of the nation’s favorites. Find a popular Kothu stall along the street and watch as this incredibly delicious meal is whipped up in front of you.
Markets, Monuments and Gardens
The afternoon in Colombo can be spent visiting a number of different sites. Pettah Market is the most famous market in the area, selling everything from handicrafts and souvenirs to fresh produce and garments. Though a bit chaotic, a walk through this vibrant bazaar is a true Colombo experience. If you’re looking to continue on with the shopping experience, the Kolluptiya Super Market is another intriguing visit. As for monuments and sites, Colombo has plenty to offer all throughout the city. From the Independence Memorial Hall and Colombo Town Hall to the Dutch Museum and Jami-Ul-Alfar Mosque, history and culture buffs will have plenty of important destinations to photograph and explore. If you’re looking to spend some time in the outdoors, Colombo’s National Zoological Gardens is a beautiful spot to explore, housing some of the country’s most famous wildlife. Stretching for a half kilometer along Sri Lanka’s coast is another iconic city site, the waterfront-promenade Galle Face Green. A great place to relax and people watch, this bustling waterfront area is also home to some excellent street food.
Wrapping up the Evening
Finish off your day of Colombo tourism with a delicious meal and some great views. The beautiful Mount Lavinia Beach area is extremely tourist-friendly and offers some amazing dining options in the evening. Enjoy some of the country’s most delicious and fresh seafood along Mount Lavinia Beach as you watch the sun set over the horizon; truly the ultimate way to top off your day in Colombo!
If you only have one day in the city (or just want to make the most out of your stay), a better bet would be to find a top-rated Colombo tour guide to show you around all the top sites and must visit attractions of this eclectic Sri Lankan destination. There’s no better way to explore a city than with a local!
Image Details and Licenses: https://flic.kr/p/dEScxV (istolethetv, CC BY 2.0); https://flic.kr/p/nVB2rP (Christopher Amos, CC BY-NC-SA 2.0); https://flic.kr/p/bEKVRv (Alpha, CC BY-NC-SA 2.0); https://flic.kr/p/3u4xwX (McKay Savage, CC BY 2.0), https://flic.kr/p/dNhUTt (Indi Samarajiva, CC BY 2.0)