A Guide To 10 Fantastic Things To Do In Colombo

Experience the best of Colombo with our comprehensive guide to the city's top activities and attractions. From fun things to do with kids to unique experiences that you won't find anywhere else, we've got you covered. Discover the city's vibrant nightlife scene, explore its rich history and culture, and see why Colombo is famous for its incredible food and hospitality. Whether you're visiting for just one day or planning a longer stay, our guide has everything about things to do in Colombo you need to know.

10 Fun And Unique Things To Do In Colombo In One Day

Colombo, the commercial capital of Sri Lanka, is a bustling city filled with fascinating sights and experiences. Whether you're interested in history, or culture, or just want to relax and unwind, there is no shortage of things to explore the nation. In this article, we'll take a look at some of the top things to do in Colombo and help you plan your next trip to this vibrant city.

Explore Colombo Fort

One of the best things to do in Colombo is simply take a stroll through Colombo Fort. This district is a mix of Sri Lanka's colonial history and its modern and independent place in the world. Colombo Fort is seen as the business district of Colombo and has several high-rise buildings, including the Trade Centre. However, it's also full of history from colonial times, with several colonial buildings you can spot by walking around the Fort area. The Lighthouse Clock Tower is a particularly interesting building to see, as it was originally built by the Portuguese in 1517 and later expanded by the Dutch.

Taking a stroll through Colombo Fort

See the Red Mosque

Jami Ul-Alfar Masjid, also known as the Red Mosque, is one of the most intriguing buildings to see in Colombo. The mosque was built in 1909, making it one of the oldest mosques in the country. The red and white colored patterns are striking, and it almost makes it look like the building is made of candy. Visitors are welcome to visit the mosque but be sure to dress respectfully and according to Islamic customs, which means women should cover their hair when traveling to the place.

Red Mosque is a historic mosque in Colombo, Sri Lanka

Have a cup of tea at T-Lounge

One of the fun things to do in Colombo is have a drink and a bite at the T-Lounge. Here, you can try many different teas, which have all been made right here in Sri Lanka! Sri Lanka is internationally known for its tea production, so drinking a cup of tea here is almost mandatory. Apart from green tea, you can also find white tea, black tea, iced tea, and much more! With your tea comes an hourglass that times how long it has to steep, and a specific container that sits on top of your glass with the tea inside. It's a fun and unique way to experience tea drinking and a great way to get a taste of Sri Lanka's tea culture.

Take a culinary tour to get to know the city

Have you ever visited Sri Lanka before? Why not delve into the nation's gastronomic culture as your first port of call for exploration?

You may take a lot of different food excursions in Colombo. We believe that a fantastic way to learn about a place is typically through its cuisine and culture. Or perhaps we're just fervent foodies?

Rice and curry, kottu, hoppers, and many other cuisines are popular in Sri Lanka. The Rice and Curry dish, which comprises of a plate of rice and five tiny dishes of various curries, was our favorite food in Sri Lanka. Banana blossoms and pumpkin are two unusual ingredients that we found in some of the best curries we've ever had.

Visit: Top restaurants in Colombo

Take a culinary tour to get to know the city

Visit Gangaramaya Temple

The Gangaramaya Temple is one of Colombo's largest and oldest temples. This temple serves as a place of prayer, a school, and an incredible museum that houses a sizable collection of Buddha sculptures and other religious and historical relics.

The temple is a serene and beautiful destination to visit because it is situated near Beira Lake. It's easy to spend a few hours here admiring the building, learning about its history, and soaking up the tranquility. This location in Colombo is a must-see if you're interested in Buddhism or religion in general.

Go shopping at Odel

If you’re a shopaholic, then you’ll love Odel. This department store is one of the biggest in Sri Lanka, and it’s packed with everything from clothes and accessories to homeware and beauty products.

The store has a modern and chic design, and it’s a great place to find unique and stylish souvenirs. You can also grab a coffee or a snack at the in-store café.

Go up the iconic Lotus Tower

In 2022, the stunning tower that resembles the bud of a lotus flower opened to the public, making it still fairly new. It is actually the tallest building in South Asia, at 350 meters tall! An observation platform with a 360-degree view and a rotating restaurant is also a good spot to note on your bucket list. One of the nicest moments you have in Colombo is when you choose to climb the tower for sunset. You have a chance to see all the locations you have already visited, in addition to a spectacular sunset.

View of the Banquet Hall in the Colombo Lotus Tower, Sri Lanka

Take a break in Viharamahadevi Park

Viharamahadevi Park is the oldest and largest park in Colombo. The park is a beautiful green oasis in the heart of the city, and it’s a great place to take a break from the hustle and bustle of the streets.

You can see the giant Buddha statue, enjoy the lush gardens, and watch the local wildlife. The park is also home to a children’s play area, a water fountain, and several food vendors.

Sunbathe at Galle Face Green.

Galle Face Green is a prominent public park along Colombo's seafront. The park is a fantastic location for a stroll, kite flying, or picnicking. However, the site is most famous around twilight, when you may see a stunning sunset.

Galle Face Green in Colombo is still a fantastic area, even though there isn't much "Green" left in the park because the grass has long since vanished. The entire city may be seen from this location, which is close to the breezy coast. A sunset view over the Indian Ocean may be seen, as well as food vendors serving regional foods. After a long day of sightseeing, it's a terrific spot to unwind and relax.

Aerial view of Colombo and Galle Face Green

Take a day trip from Colombo

Going on a day trip from Colombo is an excellent way to explore the beauty and diversity of Sri Lanka's landscape, culture, and history. It allows you to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and immerse yourself in the natural beauty and charm of the surrounding areas.

By going on a day trip, you can visit different locations, such as beaches, temples, nature reserves, and historical sites, that are not easily accessible from Colombo. You can also experience the authentic Sri Lankan lifestyle and indulge in local cuisine, which varies from region to region.

Read more: Best time to visit Colombo

Take a day trip to explore the beauty of Colombo city

Here is a list of some recommended places for a day trip from Colombo:

• Kandy - to visit the Temple of the Tooth and explore the botanical gardens
• Galle - to see the historic fort and enjoy the beach
• Sigiriya - to climb the ancient rock fortress and see the stunning views
• Bentota - to relax on the beach and try water sports
• Nuwara Eliya - to see the beautiful tea plantations and waterfalls
• Yala National Park - to go on a safari and see the wildlife
• Dambulla - to see the Golden Temple and the cave temples
• Hikkaduwa - to snorkel and dive in the coral reefs
• Anuradhapura - to visit the ancient ruins and temples
• Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage - to see and interact with rescued elephants

For visitors who want to visit Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte, let's make a trip to discover this place.

Colombo offers a wealth of experiences for travelers, from exploring its rich history and culture to indulging in its delicious cuisine and vibrant nightlife. However, taking a day trip from Colombo can elevate your travel experience even further. With a variety of destinations to choose from, including breathtaking nature reserves, ancient temples, and stunning beaches, you can immerse yourself in Sri Lanka's beauty and diversity and consider making a list of things to do in Colombo beforehand.

If you're planning a trip to Sri Lanka, it's important to note that a visa is required for entry. But don't worry - the process is now easier than ever. You can apply for your Sri Lanka visa online through the official website of Sri Lanka Immigration Services. This will ensure a smooth and hassle-free entry into the country, so you can focus on enjoying your trip.

Plan your day trip from Colombo and explore the best of Sri Lanka. Apply for your visa today and get ready for an unforgettable journey!