Sri Lanka is filled with amazing places to visit that exhibit true beauty and offer extraordinary experiences. There are many places in Sri Lanka that make it a place you would want to visit again and again. Colombo is one of the best places to visit in the country. From beaches and parks to heritage buildings and museums, it offers a wide range of great places that you must add to your list if you are planning to visit. If you are done with all of them and want some more fun on your trip, then there are many places to visit near Colombo airport. These places will not only help you have an extraordinary experience but also let you witness the city’s culture like never before.
Best Time To Visit Colombo
Colombo is the capital of Sri Lanka and has a rich history. Ruled by countries of different origins, it shows a mixture of different cultures through its architecture which will fascinate you. It is home to many places and experiences that will help you have a great vacation.
Though you can visit the city anytime of the year, the best time to visit Colombo is January to March. The weather of Colombo during these months is perfect for exploring it. It is mostly sunny and pleasant so you can go out without thinking twice.
5 Best Places To Visit Near Colombo Airport
Here is a list of the best places to visit near Colombo airport that you can visit while you are at the airport. Take a look!
1. Viharamahadevi Park
A vacation to Sri Lanka with friends and family is incomplete without a trip to the Viharamahadevi Park. Adorned with beautiful lotus ponds, majestic trees, paved walkways, and a stunning fountain, this makes up for a perfect place for a fun time with loved ones. Particularly a fun place for kids, children can take delight in the jolly train rain, watch the animals in the mini zoo or gawk at the variety of fishes in the aquarium. The park is conveniently located opposite to the renowned colonial Town Hall in Colombo and is easy to reach. It also hosts golden statues of the Buddha, Queen Victoria, and Queen Viharamahadevi, showcasing the majestic heritage and culture.
Opening hours: 24 hours
Entry fee: INR 8/-
Distance from city centre: 2 kilometers
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2. Colombo Fort
The Colombo Fort is basically the central business district of Colombo in Sri Lanka that boasts of some stunning British style structures and new neighbourhoods. As history goes, Colombo Fort once served as the city’s main fort and also a walled city with administrative and military buildings, cinnamon storehouses and gardens, mills, residential buildings and more. The street is bustling with noisy vendors selling traditional items and witnesses a lot of tourist interest owing to its history and vicinity to the beautiful ocean. Some unique time-worn cafés and restaurants here offer delicious local delicacies and will transfer you to the Dutch era.
Opening hours: 6:00 am to 2:00 pm
Entry fee: INR 40/-
Distance from city centre: less than 3 kilometers
3. Wolvendaal Church, Colombo
Here is a majestic building dating back to the 17th century. The Dutch constructed this architectural masterpiece more than 300 years ago and even today the structure stands in all its original glory. The quiet and withdrawn atmosphere of the church is perfect for you to relax and meditate for some time. The age old graves in the vicinity remind of the Dutch officials and aristocrats who once called Sri Lanka their home. A quick visit to this church will remind you of the colonial past of the country and how it has now become a part of their heritage.
Opening hours: 8:30 am to 4:00 pm
Distance from city centre: 4.5 kilometers
4. Gangaramaya Temple
One of the highly revered worship place, the Gangaramaya Temple is one of the main tourist attractions in the city. With beautiful surroundings, this is an architectural masterpiece combining different heritage and construction styles. This Buddhist temple houses Buddha’s hair, elephant’s skin, various precious gems and other religious artifacts. The chanting of the monks is truly mesmerising and soothing to the spirit. Spend some time walking through the rows of Buddha statues, the open garden, the library and their education center. You would enjoy feeding the temple elephant or just sit in the temple soaking in the elevated spirituality.
Opening hours: 6:00 am to 10:00 pm
Entry fee: INR 118
Distance from city centre: 5.2 kilometers
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5. Asokaramaya Temple
Asokaramaya is a Buddhist temple, built during 1870s and situated in the town of Kalutara. The temple was built with the idea of providing a home to the disciples of Aluthgama Sangharatne from all over the world. The temple is decorated very beautifully with various intricate structures and lovely murals of Lord Buddha, adorning the walls of the temple. There is a hall where the sermons are preached, a drawing room, a bell tower and a Bodhi tree. There is a lot to explore in Asokaramaya temple. This is indeed one of the best places to visit near Sri Lanka airport.
Opening hours: 6:00 am to 10:00 pm
Entry fee: INR 118
Distance from city centre: 5.2 kilometers
5 Places To Visit Near Ratmalana International Airport
While you are here in Colombo, you can’t miss out on visiting places that are located at a close distance from Ratmalana International Airport. Some of the prominent places to visit near Ratmalana International Airport are:
1. Sri Lanka Air Force Museum
As the name suggests, Sri Lanka Air Force Museum reflects the significance of the Air Force department of the country. You’ll see various elements on display, including vehicles, old aircraft, weapons, uniforms, etc. You can also see the remains of a Japanese aircraft that was attacked during the WW-2.
Opening hours: 8:30 am to 4:30 pm (closed on Mondays)
Entry fee: INR 1070/- (for adults); INR 715/- (for children)
Distance from city centre: less than 16 kilometers
2. Mount Lavinia Beach
This is one of those places near the airport that you can visit right after your arrival or just before your departure for a relaxed and laid-back experience. This beach is admired all over the city of Colombo for its vibrant culture as well as nightlife. With its calming waters and golden sands, Mount Lavinia Beach will make your day!
Distance from city centre: 10 kilometers
3. Dehiwala Zoological Garden Sri Lanka
Established in the year 1936, this zoological garden is considered to be one of the best places to visit in Colombo for family with kids, as they’ll undergo a great learning experience. There are around 3,000 animals belonging to 350 species (as per 2005 survey). Dehiwala Zoological Garden Sri Lanka is known to be one of the oldest zoological gardens in the whole continent of Asia.
Opening hours: 8:30 am to 6:00 pm
Entry fee: INR 2,500 (for adults); INR 1,250
Distance from city centre: less than 9 kilometers
4. Dehiwala Beach
This is one of the best beaches in the city of Colombo. Located near the airport, you can add this beach to your itinerary for a relaxed experience. The beauty of this beach is worth witnessing. The palm trees and golden sands welcome make for an amazing scenery.
Distance from city centre: less than 10 kilometers
5. Chakkindaramaya Vihara
This is a Buddhist temple that is considered to be one of the best tourist places located at a close distance from the city of Colombo. This temple is considered to be one of the best places near the city where you can witness the cultural as well as traditional significance. Do visit the the temple if you want to make your Sri Lankan trip memorable.
How To Reach Colombo
There are three ways to reach the city of Colombo without any hassle.
By Air:
The nearest airport to Colombo is Bandaranaike International airport. It is located in Katunayake and located an hour away from the center of the city. There are many flights traveling to and from Colombo. You can also take a flight till Ratmalana International Airport, which is located at the stretch of Dehiwala-Mount Lavinia region.
By Road:
Colombo has a good network of buses. You can take a bus of Sri Lanka Transport Board from anywhere in the country and reach the city of Colombo. The main bus stand in Colombo is Central bus stand.
By Train:
It is quite easy and cheaper to travel to Colombo by train. Having a good rail network as well, it is connected to other cities. However, trains are usually crowded.
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These places to visit near Colombo are your perfect getaways while you are there. They will help you absorb the culture and have fun. Whether you are visiting with family or friends, Colombo has got your back. You don’t need to go anywhere else if you have information about these best places. So, what are you thinking about? Plan a trip to Sri Lanka with TravelTriangle , head to Colombo airport and enjoy to the fullest.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Colombo
What is Colombo famous for?
Colombo is famous for Gangaramaya temple which is an iconic place to visit.
Which is the best thing to buy in Colombo?
Some of the best things that you can buy in Colombo are Batik, gems, tea and more.
How many airports are there in Colombo airport?
There are 2 airports in the city of Colombo – Ratmalana Airport and Bandaranaike International Airport.
Is Colombo worth visiting?
Yes. You can visit the city of Colombo to witness the culture and different sights here and make the most of it.
Which is the best area to stay in Colombo?
The Kollupitiya neighbourhood is considered to be one of the best regions to plan your stay in the city of Colombo.
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