When traveling to Sri Lanka, the vast majority of visitors enter at the country’s Bandaranaike International Airport, just outside the capital, Colombo. And unlike other major world capitals like London, Paris and Hanoi, many travelers leave immediately and forget these 5 best things to see in Colombo!
When such incredible experiences await, like climbing the Sigiriya rock fortress or spotting elephants and leopards on safari in Yala National Park, it’s easy to understand.
Colombo doesn’t have the allure of some capital cities, and it’s true you don’t need to spend more than a day or two here. But there is plenty to see, and missing the capital out completely, or using it just for transit, is a mistake.
To prove my point, I’m going to show you five of the best things to see in Colombo.
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Galle Face Green
This ocean-facing green space is arguably the nicest spot in Colombo, where you can relax with a book or a picnic and watch the locals playing cricket and flying kites, accompanied by the crashing of the nearby waves against the shore.
Galle Face Green was originally laid out in 1859 by the British Governor Sir Henry Ward and was used as a space for elite sports, such as horse racing, golf and cricket. Over time it has evolved into a public park, popular with locals and tourists alike.
It’s a popular sunset spot and in the evening fills with local vendors selling street food and souvenirs.
Galle Face Green is also an important spot for anyone interested in Sri Lanka’s political history. Major anti-government demonstrations took place here in 2022, and it is often a focal point for protests and demonstrations in the city.
As a public, open-air attraction, entry is free and the park is open all day, every day. It’s well worth a stroll along the promenade in Colombo to check it out.
Gangaramaya Temple
Another of the 5 best things to see in Colombo is Gangaramaya Temple, one of the oldest in the city. If you’re going to visit any of the city’s temples, this is a good one to pick.
Founded in the late 19th century by scholar-monk Hikkaduwe Sri Sumangala Nayaka Thera on the shore of Beira Lake, it grew into a centre of learning and reform during a time of Buddhist revival in British Ceylon.
The temple architecture is interesting, a blend of Sri Lankan, Thai, Indian and Chinese styles, and there’s a fascinating museum that tourists can visit, home to a number of artefacts and other relics from around the world, including what is officially recognized as Sri Lanka’s smallest Buddha statue!
Visitors can also see the monks in their iconic orange robes, and can pay their respects at the inner shrine room, home to intricate carvings and statues.
There is a modest entrance fee to enter the temple, but it’s worth a visit for those looking to better understand the importance of Buddhism in Sri Lanka. Make sure to cover your shoulders and knees when visiting, as a mark of respect.
Independence Square
Sri Lanka only gained its independence from Britain in 1948, a chink in a chain of countries that hauled themselves out of the British Empire in the aftermath of the Second World War.
It was in the public square now referred to as Independence Square that Prince Henry, Duke of Gloucester, formally declared Ceylon’s independence on behalf of the British Crown.
The Independence Memorial Hall was completed a year later, and stands as a reminder of this momentous day in Sri Lanka’s history. It’s free to wander around the Memorial Hall, and visitors can see statues of important figures in the country’s journey to independence, including one of D.S. Senanayake, the first Prime Minister.
You will often find locals standing quietly in the Hall, it has become a place of contemplation and peace. And the adjacent park is a popular spot for joggers and picnics on a nice day.
You may have to ward off the odd snake charmer or monkey handler, but that’s part and parcel of being in Colombo!
Lotus Tower
A much more modern Colombo attraction than the others on this list is the Lotus Tower, which has quickly become one of the 5 best things to see in Colombo.
The tower is so named for the lotus flower, a symbol of purity and resilience in Sri Lanka. And it quite literally looks like one too, with a green stem and purple structure at the top housing observation decks, a revolving restaurant and entertainment facilities.
The tower is officially the tallest structure in South Asia, at 350 metres.
The project (like many of the near-empty modern shopping malls in the city) was financed by China, and the tower opened its doors in 2019. Officially, it’s a telecommunications tower but the observation deck at the top is where interest lies for visitors.
There is an entrance fee to ride to the summit, but the reward is the best view in Colombo, so it’s well worth it, especially on a clear day.
Jami Ul-Alfar (Red) Mosque
Instantly recognisable thanks to its striking red and white colour scheme, the Jami Ul-Alfar Mosque is one of Colombo’s oldest and most impressive religious buildings. Constructed in 1909 by the local Muslim minority community, it combines traditional Islamic styles with Gothic revival.
This standout style made it an instantly recognizable landmark for sailors arriving into port in Colombo during the 20th century. Jami Ul-Alfar is still a working mosque today and a symbol of Colombo’s multi-faith community.
As at Gangaramaya Temple, make sure to cover up when visiting as a sign of respect and note that although entry is free, it may be restricted during prayer times.
Conclusion: 5 Best Things to see in Columbo, Sri Lanka
So, whilst it’s true that spending any more than a couple of days in Colombo is overkill, it’s still a shame to miss out on the Sri Lankan capital completely.
There are lots of things to see in Colombo, it’s home to some seriously impressive landmarks and attractions that play an important role in the country’s culture and history. So make sure to include a day or two in Colombo as part of your Sri Lanka itinerary to visit the 5 best things to see in Colombo!
