Colombo

The famed Galle Face Green is located in the heart of Colombo and stretches for half a kilometer along the Western Coast of Sri Lanka. Best visited in the evening, it is an excellent look out to witness a splendid sunset and to sample some of Sri Lanka’s best street food. The “isso wadei” (prawn topped lentil patties) at Galle Face is a local staple and a definite must try.

Colombo’s biggest park once named the Victoria Park is now named after the legendary Viharamadevi. The park is a splash of green amidst the city scape of Colombo. An excellent location for a quiet picnic, visitors may pack a picnic basket and enjoy a quiet evening in the shade of the superb flowering trees of the park. Visitors may even see the odd snake charmer making his rounds.

Situated in the heart of Colombo, the Beira Lake is the ideal place to spend a cool evening. Visitors can visit the temple on the lake, cross the bridge to lovers’ island or even paddle across the lake in swan-boats. Surrounded by small kiosks, the lake is the perfect place to sip a tea or juice and people watch as the day slowly comes to a close.

The bustling Pettah bazaar is one of the most interesting places to spend a few hours. An intricate network of streets, narrow buildings and underground shops Pettah is the wholesaler’s hub of Sri Lanka. As you wander the streets of Pettah, you are sure to pass shops and stalls that seemingly sell everything for ridiculously cheap prices. Pettah is also one of the most ethnically diverse places in Sri Lanka, with large places of worship interspersed amidst the bustling shops. Visitors must stop by the magnificent red mosque, browse the many shops and streets and then stop by a “Bombay Sweet House” for a cooling faluda and samosa.

For the those looking to do some shopping the Colombo Racecourse is a great place to hang out and spend some quality time by browsing through the shops or enjoy a meal from few of the great in-house restaurants. The One Galle Face Mall situated just opposite the Gall Face Green is excellent for shopping and visitors will be spoilt for choice amidst the collection of designer and international brands. Those looking for more authentic Sri Lankan ware may visit Laksala, and pick some truly Sri Lanka batiks, devil masks and other souvenirs and keep sakes.

For science buffs, the planetarium presents educational and other astronomical shows including its most famous features such as the Night Sky, Mobile Planetarium, Science Exhibitions, Workshops and Seminars, and Astro Labs.

One of the most famous beaches in Colombo this is a favorite hangout of locals and a great spot for sea bathing. This strip also consists of several high-end restaurants with excellent sea food menu options. The casual visitor should also enjoy a “mango achcharu” (spicy sour mango) and a bag of manioc chips as you stroll along the beach.

A large 9th-century stone Buddha greets you with an enigmatic smile as you enter the National Museum. The Museum houses all manner of art, carvings, statues, sculptures and artefacts from Sri Lanka’s ancient past and colonial period.

If you are looking for a place to chill on a Friday night The Old Colombo Dutch Hospital is the place for you. Considered to be the oldest building in Colombo Fort, the Dutch Hospital now hosts a variety of restaurants and bars. Enjoy the fine dining that the restaurants offer and then step out for a drink along with live music. Park Street Mews is yet another fun and vibrant location to enjoy a chilled-out evening with a cocktail or a pint.