Things that you must do when in Colombo

For almost everyone who visits Srilanka, Colombo is just a few hours’ halt, if anything, before heading to the pristine beaches along the west, the famous national parks, the cultural triangle, or the tea-country. However, if you do happen to spend a day or two in the capital city (and we recommend that you do!) these are some things that you absolutely shouldn’t miss.

Independence Square – A memorial to the Father of the nation, Rev. Senanayake, and a symbol of Srilanka’s independence, this is a peaceful and beautiful part of the city that you should visit. The park around and the beautiful roads invite you to walk around while the Independence Square itself makes for a nice picture.

At Independence Square

Sip a beer or coffee (if you have a cold like I did !) while you people-watch in the Dutch Hospital Area – Having been a hospital 300 years ago, and now converted to a shopping precinct, the Dutch Hospital area has some great restaurants including the Hilton’s Work in Progress (WIP), the Ministry of Crabs (for all you seafood lovers), and retail outlets like Barefoot and Laksala. Plonk yourself on one of the benches outside and sip your drink while you watch people rushing by.

Galle Face Green – This is a clichéd yet fun experience, and you should do it when in Colombo. Walk along the erstwhile golf course (not much green left here now), and you will automatically feel calmed by the waves of the Indian Ocean. You can also head to the Galle Face Hotel if you like for some great food.

Galle Face

Eat a Traditional Srilankan meal at Nuga Gama -  A trip anywhere isn’t complete without a taste of local food! The Cinnamon Grand’s restaurant Nuga Gama has been modeled after a Srilankan village, and serves some excellent local fare for dinner. The buffet has a superb spread of seafood, and even vegetarians like me have something to relish with all the delicious curries and crispy “hoppers”. So dig into some “pithu” or some “String hoppers” with curry while you’re there.

Hoppers at the Cafe on 5th Lane. The buffet at Nuga Gama has hoppers and much more!

Indulge in some retail therapy – Colombo’s great for shopping, and if you’re up for it, head to the House of Fashion or Barefoot (on Galle Road) for clothes or to Laksala for some Srilankan handicrafts. Barefoot has a great café in a frangipani garden, so if you’re tired you can always pop in for some sustenance before you hit the shops again.

At Barefoot cafe

Walk around the Colombo Fort Area – As you may have read in my post about our City Walk, there’s so much history here to interest you. Stop for tea and cake at the Grand Oriental Hotel’s Harbor Room.

Visit the Gangaramaya Temple – For a spiritual experience, visit this Buddhist temple. With its mix of Srilankan, Thai and other styles of architecture, the Gangaramaya Temple is not just a place of worship, but also one of learning. There is a huge collection of carved masterpieces in ivory, watches, statues and statuettes, and other odd items including even an X-ray machine, which have been gifted to the priest of the temple.

Gangaramaya Temple 

Bargain at Pettah – Pettah is one of the noisiest and busiest markets ever and if you like a good bargain, there are clothes, bags, electronics, fruits, veggies, spices and so many other knick knacks up for grabs here. I suck at bargaining and crowds intimidate me, so Pettah would never really be my cup of tea, but it is definitely worth a visit just to experience the myriad of colors, sounds and sights!

For a spot of history, visit the Dutch museum and Governor’s House.

At the erstwhile Dutch Governor's House

So the next time you’re in Colombo, even in transit, just take a day or maybe two to explore. You won’t regret it!