Colombo, which is the capital of Sri Lanka, is an ancient city known for its stunning natural beauty. It has got everything to make itself the best tourist attraction a traveller can ever imagine.
When To Go (December-March):
This tropical nation has been known to douse its citizens with some pretty heavy rain. Monsoon season hits at two different times on two different coasts (May-Sept for the south/west coast and Oct-Feb for the east/north coast), so planning around that can be tricky. Colombo can also get pretty humid, so we suggest traveling during December-March.
Disoveries – Embrace the Chaos:
Colombo is a big city, so get used to crowds and sensory overload. Especially in Pettah, one of the busiest districts. Most people are drawn to this part of the city for the open-air bazaar and the candy-cane colored Jami Ul-Alfar Mosque – both of which are worth a visit. While you’re in the area, make sure to also stop by Wolvendaal Church and the Colombo Dutch Museum for some incredible history.
Zen is a Three Letter Word:
After exploring the crazy bazaars, it’s time to quiet down. A visit to Beira Lake and the Seema Malaka temple seems in order. This quiet temple offers serene views of the city from afar, and you could spend a whole afternoon in this tranquil setting. If that’s not enough, sign up for an Ayurvedic spa treatment at Spa Ceylon before wandering over to Galle Face Green to watch the sunset with the locals along the narrow beach.
Where The Art Is:
Sri Lankan art and design is thriving in Colombo. Explore galleries like the Paradise Road Galleries and the Barefoot Gallery for a blend of art, design, and shopping. Another museum worth visiting is Geoffrey Bawa’s House ‘Number 11’. This meticulously designed home of a famous Sri Lankan architect will give you a taste of incredible local architecture and design.
On the Move:
Like they say, sometimes the best part of a destination is the journey, and that’s certainly true for the trains in Sri Lanka. The locomotives aren’t anything special themselves, but twenty minutes outside the city and you’re treated to a moving show of jaw-dropping natural scenery.
Feast Your Eyes:
Street food should be a given when you come to Sri Lanka, and you can’t miss some classic Sri Lankan dishes. First up is kottu roti. This dish is made of roti bread, fresh veggies, meat (optional), and some spicy curried gravy. If you aren’t sure what you’re craving, stop by the Dutch Hospital Precinct, which is now home to an array of restaurants like the famous Ministry of Crab seafood restaurant, along with several others. If you’d rather walk than sit, head to Galle Face and grab some isso wade to munch on while you wander and watch the sunset.
Where To Stay:
Finding a place to stay in Colombo is easy, and really comes down to your travel style. An abundance of hostels greet the backpackers who are there for an adventure, while hotels like Mövenpick and Cinnamon Red hotel offer delightful views from their infinity pools. But sometimes getting out of the city is your best bet, and finding a quiet villa, like the Aathma Colombo House, is the perfect fit.
Photo Credit: Getty
