Explore Colombo’s many faces in one vibrant journey — from sacred temples and historic landmarks to bustling markets, oceanfront greens, and modern icons. This city tour reveals the rhythm of Sri Lanka’s capital, where tradition, everyday life, and contemporary ambition meet.
As the capital city of Sri Lanka, Colombo holds the lifeblood of our island amidst a bustling array of cultural, shopping, and dining experiences.
At the heart of the city is the picturesque Beira Lake, which hosts the Seema Malaka and adjacent Gangaramaya Temples against the backdrop of Colombo’s rising futuristic skyline. A step back in time however, is best taken at the National Museum – a refurbished mansion of a colonial governor, which sits close to the lush Viharamahadevi Park as well as the historic Independence Square, Pettah Market, Lotus Tower, Red mosque, One Galle face Shopping Center, Old Parliament, Galle Face Hotel
1. Visit the Gangaramaya temple city
You will be visiting the Gangaramaya temple – one of the prominent temples in Colombo. The temple is renowned for having a handicapped elephant, Ganga living alone at the backyard of the temple. At the first impression, it doesn’t seem like a temple but reflects as a museum. This is due to antique vehicles displayed on the roadside of the temple.
When walking further, you will see statues standing near entrance, and large gatherings dressed in white arriving at the temple, bearing lotus flowers in hands. The atmosphere of the temple has a mixture of culture and modern architecture. Unlike most of the religious places, it has unique attractions like image house, Samadhi Buddha statue, a hall of 28 Buddhas, replica of the Buddhist temple in Borobudur, Indonesia, relic chamber and a museum.
2. Drive through Pettah
Next, you will pass by Pettah Fort, a colourful and busy marketplace famous for shopping and roadside shops. Travellers can witness congested roads, multi-cultural religious places, the Fort railway station, and so many to come. Drop by the shops in Pettah to find out some of the perfect deals of the day.
3. Galle Face Green
This is the most historical place in Colombo, an urban open-air ground facing the ocean. The ocean-front green lawn is a perfect spot for jogging, small gatherings, wandering, fly a kite and any sport of your interest. Be mindful; the place is crowded in the evening and ideal for gawking at the sunset.
4. Visit the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall
BMICH or the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall is an iconic landmark of Colombo and convention centre. The building was contributed from China in remembrance of Prime Minister Solomon Ridgeway Dias Bandaranaike.
5. Old Parliament building
Facing the sea, the old parliament building is located in Fort, Sri Lanka opposite Galle Face Green. The building was used as the country’s legislature for 53 years until it was moved to the new parliament complex in Sri Jayawardenapura in 1983.
6. Kelaniya raja maha viharaya
Kelaniya raja maha viharaya, also known as the Kelani temple is a famous Buddhist temple located a few miles away from the heart of the country. The temple is also famed for its figure of the reclining Lord Buddha and drawings which represents Buddha’s existence. The temple also hosts Duruthu Maha Perahera march every year in January. Many Buddhist believers arrive at the temple for daily rituals.
7. Kelaniya raja maha viharaya
Adding a new experience to the Sri Lankan landscape, the tallest self-supported structure in South Asia and the tallest skyscraper in the country, the Lotus Tower is the ultimate culmination of ingenuity and innovation. Raising towards Colombo’s skyline the Nelum Kuluna is an iconic landmark that reflects the spirit of a nation. Her resilience and her strength.
- Duration :
- 8h
