From fantastic shopping and delicious food to wonderful sites and a buzzing nightlife, Colombo has everything you’d look for in a city. Thanks to its convenient location, many travellers choose Colombo as the ideal start and finish point for their Sri Lankan travel, especially because of the exciting opportunities for daytime excursions in and around Colombo. To top it all, just like other parts of Sri Lanka hotel booking in Colombo is super easy and comfortable. You can take your pick from a wide variety of quality villas, hotels, guesthouses and hostels located in the city.
The best way to cover Colombo and enjoy everything it offers is to hail a local tuktuk and get going for the day. Start with the Dutch Hospital Shopping Precinct – a lovely Old Dutch building converted into a shopping complex. Next, soak in the might of the Old Colombo Fort Clock Tower and the President’s House located just a kilometre away. From here, swing by Chatham Street, constantly buzzing with happening pubs, bars and restaurants for a quick break. Then, hop on a tuktuk and head to Pettah and make sure to spend some time on your feet here, navigating through the busy streets filled with shops and people. For a walk down memory lane, visit Wolvendaal Church, the oldest Dutch reformed church in the country and soak in the rich colonial history of Sri Lanka.
Next, head to Sri Kaileshwarm Kovil Temple and stroll around the beautiful compound, admiring the vibrancy of colourful murals and paintings. Being the central Hindu place of worship in the city, you’re guaranteed to feel closer to your spiritual side here. After this, visit Independence Square, the monumental site where Sri Lanka claimed independence from the British Colonial Empire back in 1948.
Towards the end of the day, visit Gangaramaya Temple, an architectural marvel and one of the most popular Buddhist temples in Colombo. Finish the excursion with a casual stroll along Galle Face Green to enjoy delectable Sri Lankan Food, from street vendors spread across the beach side.
If you want to catch a break from the hustle and bustle of the city and head out, make a short day trip to Mount Lavinia, located only ten kilometres south of the city. Commonly called the ‘Golden Mile’ of beaches, this exotic suburb is the ultimate destination to soak in some refreshing sea breeze and sun bathe to your heart’s content. If you’re staying at one of our hotels in Nugegoda, you’re just about 15 minutes away from a cool dip in the bright blue ocean and a relaxing day at this spectacular beach town.
Sri Lanka’s National Zoological Gardens are also located nearby and are luckily open all year round. Witness nature in all its glory, as the gardens are home to tigers, leopards and other mammals along with hundreds of bird species such as hawks and macaws.
