Colombo : Sri Lanka’s Sprawling Ocean City that Serves as Its Capital and Commercial Hub

During the 19th century, Colombo was referred as the garden city of the east. This title is, however, being reclaimed since Colombo is becoming one of the finest and emerging sightseeing cities in Sri Lanka. It has grown to cultivate the worth of tourist visits and excellent sightseeing destinations filled adventures, history, and many others. Below are among the top-rated sightseeing spots and activities for travelers to do while in Colombo:

1. Kelaniya Raja Maha Vihara

Kelaniya Raja Maha Vihara is located on the outskirts of Colombo and brings forth the serene, peaceful and religious environment that would entice visitors. The Temple has a remarkable reclining Buddha and beautiful adorning murals. Tourists will be up for the sightseeing artistic imprints all over the temple as they understand the history it beholds. Buddhists, in particular, will explain to you how significant the temple is to them and the tranquillity, impressionable, informative climate that tourists receive from visiting this prestigious temple.

2. St Anthony’s Shrine

St Anthony’s Church is a divine church with a rich history from the beginning of the 18th century. Tourists from all over the world, regardless of religion would come to this church to spend time in a tranquil environment and connect with the divine. On Tuesdays it is specially set aside for novenas and most of the other days, it hosts a lot of worshippers. Visitors enjoy the strategically placed pictures and statues in the shrine, like the statue of St Anthony at the entrance of the church, that prepares your thoughts and mind for a serene visit at no fee.

3. Asokaramaya Buddhist Temple

The Asokaramaya Buddhist temple is one of the most beautiful and richest temples in Colombo that will be the highlight of tourists sightseeing ventures. It is centrally located in Colombo with the most attractive and colorful statues of Buddha that is inexplicably rare. The paintings located in the ceiling are very intricate and offer a wide array of vision for visitors. They also display a vintage collection of ceramics, phones, typewriter, and cameras among others. This makes visitors relate to the fascinating history and the growth it has had to date. This temple is worth the visit as they only charge a small fee for entrance.

4. Independence Square

Independence square is a historical landmark that resonates with the independence of Sri Lanka. Tourists will find local people in the area and through their sightseeing journey, they will come across the most interesting structure, which is the monument to independence from the British. The monument has interesting carvings and releases a peaceful atmosphere for all. A tour guide will explain the historical facts of the place, leadership and the independence, which will be a joy to learn. The square offers great views of Viharamahadevi Park to travelers that are photo enthusiasts. The independence memorial hall located in the independence square should be the next place to see in your sightseeing itinerary.

5. Galle Face Green

Galle Face Green is an urban Park on the ocean side in Colombo. It is a great place for tourists to relax, take walks, interact with the locals and it is also very family friendly with kite flying activities for kids. For food lovers, this is a must stop especially in the evening for local street food and seafood that you will definitely enjoy. Tourists also get to enjoy great Indian Ocean views as they stroll along the promenade, with the lush green open area that creates a relaxing environment aside from the hustle in Colombo city.

6. National Museum of Colombo

National Museum of Colombo is a historically rich museum which explains the civilization of Asians. It is also the oldest and largest in Sri Lanka. Travelers planning for a sightseeing visit in the museum have to adequately plan their time as it is a huge space. There is so much to see and learn about the history of Sri Lanka. Detailed information is also easily available with exhibits that make the past feel like it is brought to the present. The museum is opened seven days a week and charges a small amount of admission fee for all visitors.

7. R. Premadasa Stadium

R. Premadasa Stadium is a stadium and arena that host various cricket matches in Colombo. The stadium is named after the former president of Sri Lanka. Visitors that love cricket would enjoy visiting this stadium and enjoy a Sri Lanka Match in a great atmosphere with superb views and fun crowd. Foods and drinks are easily available for sightseeing travelers to enjoy as they catch on with the matches. Make sure to purchase tickets online on their website beforehand and enjoy cricket matches day and night. There is a cricket carnival at night that is interesting and memorable on match days.

8. Jami Ul-Alfar Mosque

Jami Ul-Alfar Mosque is one of the best and iconic mosque landmarks in Colombo. It is an outstanding mosque from the 19th century, renovated with modern architecture on the interiors. It is attractive to the eye due to its extraordinary exterior architecture style, red and white stripes, and exquisite towering. It is located near the busy pettah market, in between the narrow streets of Pettah area, Colombo. Visitors in their sightseeing escapades in the city should pass by the mosque and should be decently dressed since it is a religious and sacred landmark.

9. Gangaramaya temple

Gangaramaya temple is a mix of historic architecture and cultural presence and it is very significant to Colombo, Sri Lanka. It offers a positive space that caters to visitors from all walks of life. In your sightseeing trip to this temple, you will be amazed by art, religion and history enriched and deeply rooted. You will enjoy the view of the mammoth Bo tree, various elephant arts, amazing painting with detailed skills, history of printing and transport and art pieces. It a great place to start your Colombo sightseeing tour in the morning, when it is less crowded and enjoy an explicit a museum feel in the temple.

10. Viharamahadevi Park

Viharamahadevi Park is an urban public park that formidably describes the port of Colombo. It is by far the oldest and largest park in the city. The geography of the park is favorable to tourists as it lays next to various sightseeing spots like the National Museum and Colonial Age town hall structure. Visitors get to learn about the history of the park, where the name is derived from and other intriguing details that makes Viharamahadevi Park hold its weight. Tourists will also enjoy the joyous tour to various statues, water fountains and a mini zoo that makes this sightseeing adventure very family friendly for travelers.

◎ Closing

Colombo is the financial and commercial hub of Sri Lanka. It is rich in history and culture essence from the vast museums and temples, shrines and churches, urban public and picnic parks that promote tourists interaction with the locals. Tourists planning to visit Colombo can easily book a bus, private or Tuk-Tuk tours that will cover nature, wildlife, heritage or cultural and more sightseeing spots in Colombo.

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Colombo : Sri Lanka’s Sprawling Ocean City that Serves as Its Capital and Commercial Hub