Top 7 Attractions in Colombo, Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka, a tropical paradise with rich culture and tradition marks the confluence of the East and the West. This country is a must visit for those seeking a destination, which offers a multi sensory experience. Well, gear up for a delightful medley of elements if you are visiting the capital city of Colombo. Great food, art and culture, temples, fantastic beaches and Buddhist viharas (Buddhist place for monks) await you. Here are the top 7 attractions in Colombo.

Gangaramaya Temple

One of the most important temples of Colombo, this Buddhist temple is highly revered by the locals. The temple beautifully blends local, Indian and Chinese architecture and is a sheer delight for all those with an eye for architectural detail. The temple is not only a place of worship; it also acts as a centre of learning and charitable activities.

Galle Face Green

Galle Face Green is a stunning ocean side promenade stretching for a half a kilometre and sprawls over an area of five hectares. Laid out by the British governor of Ceylon in the 1850s, it was a site for horse racing, golf, rugby and cricket. In recent times, the place has become a popular site for locals and tourists who flock here in huge numbers to witness the breathtaking views of the ocean.

Kelaniya Raja Maha Vihara

This Buddhist temple attracts visitors in huge numbers owing to its rich mythology and culture. It is believed to contain the throne on which the Buddha used to sit while giving his sermons. The walls of the temple contain paintings depicting the life of the Buddha and stories from the Jataka Tales (collection of Buddhist fables). 

National Museum of Colombo

This museum is a dream come true place for all history buffs who like to delve into the local history and culture of a place. It has the memorabilia of ancient kings, exhibits that recount the story of Sri Lanka and a library, which is well stocked with ancient manuscripts and historical documents. 

Arcade Independence Square

Arcade Independence Square is a famous shopping destination definitely worth a visit. Fantastic architecture all around, trendy shops, fine dining restaurants and entertainment options allure visitors. It’s a great place to spend a day at. 

Weras Ganga Park

Weras Ganga Park, one of the most beautiful getaways in Sri Lanka is perfect for spending your leisure time with your friends and family. Full of green spaces, it has a walkway around a lake with several food outlets serving an assortment of South Indian, North Indian, Chinese, Thai and local cuisines.

St Lucia’s Cathedral

This imposing and beautiful Roman Catholic cathedral named after St Lucy, is situated in the north east of Colombo in Kotahena. It is famous for its depiction of a dark skinned Madonna and for a procession, when the statue of Madonna and baby Jesus is taken out in May every year.