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Your gateway to Sri Lanka- Colombo is an enchanting travel destination with a perfect blend of cosmopolitan vibes and traditional values that welcomes you with open arms the moment you touch down its soil. Blessed with a rich tapestry of history, culture, and astounding landscapes, there is so much to soak in this picturesque town.
Encompassing an array of offering from abundant nature to urban parks, historical architecture to striking beaches, and authentic cuisines to exotic preparations, a trip to Colombo offers you an ultimate chance to dig into the goodness of the island nation like never before!
Whether you are seeking an escape in the midst of serene landscapes, a romantic stroll through lush environs, or some adrenaline-rush in the underwaters, there is an avalanche of attractions to keep you hooked in the capital of Sri Lanka.
Best Time To Visit Colombo
Albeit, Colombo can be visited throughout the year, the best time to be in the capital of Sri Lanka is in between the months of January and March. With a pleasant weather, it makes for an ideal time to indulge in the exploration of coastal areas and outdoor activities. However, if you are seeking a trip to Colombo on budget, and sudden downpours don’t seem to be a constraint to you, then monsoon season can also be a great time to get on an excursion to the commercial capital of the island nation.
4 Best Places To Visit In Colombo
Due to the colonization in the past by the Dutch, British, and Portuguese, the capital city of Sri Lanka is replete with a bevy of marvelous historical architectures and other attractions. Here’s a list of some of the best places that are must-visit on a vacation in Colombo.
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1. Galle Face Garden
Snuggled between the splendid Indian Ocean and the bustling Galle road, the beautiful verdant stretch of Galle Face Garden is one of the most sought-after attractions in the city. Popular amongst tourists and locals alike, this picturesque park sprawled over 5 hectares of area serves as favourite picnic spot. Head to this lush park on your next trip to Colombo, Sri Lanka, and indulge in some blissful moments with your loved ones. Lined with numerous vendors of toys and street food, this attraction receives a huge footfall during weekends.
Timings: Open 24 hours
Entry Fee: Free entry
Must Read: Colombo In August: Ultimate Guide For A Refreshing Tour During Monsoon
2. Gangaramaya Temple
Built in the 19th century, Gangaramaya Buddhist Temple is one of the most religious attractions in Colombo. Sit in the proximity to stunning Lake Beira, this temple offers you a chance to indulge in utmost serenity in the bustling capital of Sri Lanka. A perfect blend of diverse cultures and different architectural styles having elements of Thai, Indian, and Chinese apart from Sri Lankan designs, this edifice is a place to marvel at.
Timings: 5:30 AM to 10 PM
Entry Fee: LKR 200 per pax
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3. Beira Lake
Nestled in the heart of the capital city, Beira Lake is one of the most spectacular tourist hotspots to visit on a trip to Colombo. Whether you are seeking a soulful experience or an adventurous escape, here is an ultimate experience awaiting you! Popular amongst photographers and bird-watchers, this lake offers you a chance to partake in activities like: boat riding and others while a jaw-dropping sunset view gives a perfect backdrop.
Timings: Open 24 hours
Entry Fee: LKR 300 per pax (provided you haven’t paid for entry at Gangaramaya Temple)
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4. Seema Malaka
Nestled in the vicinity of Beira Lake, an island temple, called Seema Malaka makes for a perfect retreat option on this trip to Colombo from India. If you are seeking tranquility away from the bustling city, then the tropical vibes of this place decked with lush greenery can offer you the much-needed rejuvenating experience. Built with an aim to promote peace among people of every religion and culture, this attraction is one of the must-visit places for a peaceful excursion.
Timings: Open 24 hours
Entry Fee: No entry fee
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3 Best Things To Do In Colombo
Blessed with a host of natural sites, historical places, and being a habitat of a wide range of animal species, there is no dearth of things to do in the capital city of Sri Lanka. Take a sneak-peek at a few of the activities mentioned below that you must experience during your next tour to Colombo.
1. Sightseeing On An Open Deck Bus
When you are on an expedition to Colombo, there’s no way that you could give a miss to the open deck bus ride. The best way to explore the rich heritage of the capital of Sri Lanka is by embarking on an experiential city tour on this colorful open bus. Choose from three different kinds of tours in and around the city, including Heritage of Colombo, Glimpse of Colombo, and Colombo at Night, and get a chance to cover the best attractions in the most convenient way.
Timings: Glimpse of Colombo (4 PM to 6:30 PM) from Monday to Friday. On weekends Heritage of Colombo (8:30 AM to 12 PM) and Colombo at Night (4:30 PM to 7: 30 PM)
Price: Glimpse of Colombo tour costs 3600 LKR for adults and 1700 LKR for kids. Heritage of Colombo and Colombo at Night tours cost 4300 LKR and 2200 LKR for adults and kids respectively
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2. Dig Into Street Food
Boasting its culinary delights, as you dig into its gourmet platters full of flavors and spices, the city of Colombo will leave you with one of the best gastronomic experiences you would have ever had on any vacation. Amongst an array of street foods to gorge on, pittus and idiyappam apart from samosas at Pettah Railway Station and string hoppers at Galle Road are the must-have on this vacation.
Location: Roadside street-food vendors all across Colombo
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3. Scuba Diving
If you consider yourself an adventure aficcionado, then on this trip to Colombo, partaking in scuba diving can be your best bet. Blessed with a bevy of coral reef, exotic marine life, unique hulks, and rich flora, this city makes for one of the most sought-after travel destinations for adventure-junkies like you. There are some of the best diving spots, such as T. Sierra, Chief Dragon, and Pecheur Braton that you can count on.
Timings: Diving season starts from November and last till April
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4. Savor Orange Coconut
Drinking an orange coconut is the best way to cherish the authentic flavors of Colombo. Sweeter than the green coconuts, these bright orange coconuts not only quench your thirst but also leave you wanting for more. Abundantly found amongst the roadside food vendors, this nutritive beverage is a must-try traditional fruit on a tour to the island nation.
Location: Roadside and beachside beverage stalls
Price: LKR 115 (approx.)
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How To Reach Colombo
By Air: Housing the Colombo International Airport, the capital of Sri Lanka is well connected with the other parts of the world by air. Apart from that, Bandaranaike International Airport is another airport located about an hour drive away from there that can be used to reach Colombo. There are plenty of flights that operate between Colombo and some of the world’s major cities such as Delhi, Chennai, Mumbai, Dubai, Kuala Lumpur, and others. If you are planning a trip to Colombo from India, you can book flights like: Air India, Sri Lankan Airlines, Emirates, Jet Airways, and more, and then hire a taxi to reach downtown Colombo.
By Rail: Albeit, the railway line of Sri Lanka is not yet really developed, the capital city is connected with the rest of the island nation via the Fort Railway Line. Being a major hub of numerous intercity trains, the station can be found really crowded.
By Road: If you are planning to travel via roadways, then there is a wide network of buses that connect Colombo with the rest of the island nation. You can also hire a taxi to embark on a journey to the capital city while enjoying some scenic views en route.
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Offering a perfect blend of serenity, adventure, scrumptious cuisines, and breathtaking views, Colombo is meant to be explored once-in-a- lifetime by every fussy traveler. If you are a history buff, nature lover, foodie, or an adventure-junkie, there is no reason to procrastinate an escape to its majestic landscapes. All you need this comprehensive guide to know about the best places to visit and things to do on your next trip to Colombo, and have a blast!
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