You cannot holiday in Sri Lanka without staying one day at least in its capital city, Colombo. The city has so much character, style and colonial decadence it would be rude otherwise. And just to show you what you could be missing out on, our travel guide highlights the top most visited attractions in Colombo. We feel you must not miss out on it. With Sri Lanka being a neighbor to India you'd imagine there are shared familiarities between the two? Indeed, one such commonplace is the street markets.
They're crowded ― morning, noon and night, there's a never-ending trickle of people coming and going (sometimes a stampede) about their daily business of shopping and socializing (for gossip of course). Any regards, you've still to negotiate your way through the mass of human activity, and get out with your sanity intact. And that's something you must experience ― the street markets ― for their cultural value. Besides, you are tempted anyway to go for a stroll through the streets:
It was the Dutch who came, saw and conquered during the mid-1600's only to then be followed by the British. European influence is as majestic today, as it was centuries ago. The best attractions in Colombo can be seen in the architecture of many buildings in the city:
And then there are the mansions, many of which are now either privately owned or are luxury hotels. The best place to begin your sightseeing of the city ― or book a city bus open top tour ― is from the Colombo Fort area. It's where the Old Dutch Hospital was, and is now a busy shopping mall with trendy stores and restaurants.
Are you considering when to holiday in Sri Lanka? If so, you'll want to know a little more about the local weather. The best time to holiday on Sri Lanka is outside the monsoon season, which happens to be between October and April, the following year. Perfect for a winter escape in other words, but ideally try to plan for February, March or April because spring brings calmer waters. Not only that, in January its Sri Lanka's holidays ― you can expect large crowds of domestic (and Indian) tourists.
Peak season for Sri Lanka is from early December through to the end of April. Plan ahead and book your flights and hotel accommodation in advance, to a) avoid disappointment and b) pick up early bargains. Take note however, the east coast of the Island fairs better than the west side during the monsoon months (summer time), and holidaying then is usually cheaper. The capital city falls into the south and south-west of the country, however.
From May through until September you expect there to be rain in the south western region.
Most definitely, that is a resounding yes. Even if your itinerary plans take you out of the capital it's best to spend at least one full day and night in Colombo. Not only to experience the attractions and landmarks but to soak up the cafe culture, eat a meal out in a nice restaurant and enjoy a few drinks in one of the rooftop bars. As much a part of any holiday, it's strolling a city's streets, for the street food and shops. The city has many cafes with amazing coffee drinks.
And be sure to visit the Old Dutch Hospital Shopping Precinct, because there's really nice upmarket dining to be found there.
The best shopping when traveling around the world on any holiday of course is to buy local goods. What ever you do decide on buying, it's a sure bet it'll be warmly received as a gift by a close friend or family member. What you buy for yourself of course, will be a constant reminder of your time in that country, long afterwards. Some of the best goods you can buy when shopping in Colombo are the remarkable, beautifully crafted Porcelain Tableware. Tea as well, Sri Lanka is world famous for its tea, and you can't leave for home without stocking up on it.
Just like the Kampot black pepper you can buy when holidaying in Cambodia, it's world famous. You'd never pack your suitcase for home without buying a kilo, so treat yourself and buy the tea.
You will either love the markets, or hate them. Just like those in New Delhi, India, you'll feel contempt for them or a new found love and appreciation. Either way, the markets of Sri Lanka are akin to those on the streets of India's great cities. Don't expect paved (or even cobbled) walkways, signage or pristine, clean-cut shop facades. Don't expect hospitality in well-mannered assistants or understandable shoppers, either. But when you do trawl through a market, you gleam an insight into the life of normal people and it is raw and unedited.
When holidaying is such a country as Sri Lanka (or India for that matter) that's what you want to experience, isn't it? Because deep down in your consciousness somewhere, you know full well the country is still developing. You want to see everything, warts and all.
The Pettah Market is one of the busiest in the city and you'll find it stretched out over the city's Beira Lake. Other street markets we strongly urge you to seek out are Galle Face Green Night Market and Kala Pola Art Market.
Pro Tip #1: Don't go in alone if you are a woman, because you may invite unwanted attention. Just be wary of that fact. And if you are not alone, stay close together as it's very easy to be separated. Remember, children will not be able to hear you above the ambient noise.
Pro Tip #2: Visit during the afternoon, before evening arrives for it is far cooler and the light is somewhat more golden and subdued, creating a beautiful setting for romantic street walks.
If you are after exclusivity, then you'll be interested in booking into a hotel as close to the beach as possible. The strip of beach is on the city outskirts, and is hugely popular with the locals as much as passing foreigners on their holiday, and yet you are not feeling it's so crowded you can't breathe. It's a nice place to be therefore, for an early morning stroll before breakfast, or spending the evening by the beach looking out at the sea: perfect for total relaxation and gorgeous sunset views.
Imagine sitting out on your hotel room balcony watching the sunset from ultimate comfort? It is possible because there are a few beach front hotels in this residential suburb of Colombo. Just be careful about swimming on the beach though. Certain times of the year it isn't advisable to go swimming as the waves are too rough ― if you don't see any of the locals swimming then avoid swimming yourself.
The tower is significant because it's the one thing you see prominently jaunting out of the night skyline from many of the rooftop bars and restaurants. It's actually best seen late evening, or late as the silhouette of the tower is more beautiful. The shape is more like the flower the design represents, seen lit up in the night sky. Find a good rooftop bar and grab the best seat to enjoy the amazing views of the city. If you want you can go up the tower (during the day), tickets cost (for foreigners) from US$20 per person.
Aside from the grand views, the structure serves multiple purposes:
It's worth paying the top ticket price to get ahead of the queues, just to lunch in the restaurant and nothing more.
Many city tour itineraries include the Lotus Tower obviously, but also a journey to the old railway station. Even if you have no intention of a city tour, the chances are if you are on a budget (backpacking for example) you will make use of the trains anyway. It's a must to understand the timetables the station has because trains come and go all day long, with it being the main hub in Sri Lanka, more or less.
Hidden out of sight down a side street off the Pettah Market is this unassuming red and white colored building. But, just because most of the locals walk past it blindly it doesn't mean to say you must do the same. On closer inspection there is a mosque behind the early 1900's facade. Aged by a full century surely makes it interesting? It serves as a place of prayer and worship for Colombo's Muslim population obviously but peak inside into the vast hall. The tiled designs continue inside with visible patterns, still in the red and white, like how Blackpool Rock candy is.
One of the great opportunities when traveling, is to experience how other people live their life. Gain an insight into their everyday run of the mill routine, and frankly religion is important. You must step inside to see the expanse but be respectful and dress accordingly: cover legs and shoulders, and hair (a sun hat will suffice) as much as possible.
The zoo opens its doors as early as 08:30 hours, until early evening closing at 18:00 hours, 7 days a week. The Sri Lanka zoo ticket price is Rs 2500 Sri Lankan rupees per adult, which is roughly US$8. As a foreign tourist, Sri Lanka is very cheap for a quality holiday experience. If you've a large family, or extended family it makes sense to travel to Sri Lanka. India as well, of course. The zoo hosts over a dozen varieties of primates, there are enclosures for numerous bird species and even butterflies.
The exhibits are straightforward and adequate, which is great we felt because less noise and distraction for the animals: less stress, because animals are easily stressed too. Which is one reason we oppose traveling circuses and elephant rides, both leisure activities are unethical. A zoo may hold animals in captivity but they're not put to work, and they're afforded at least some freedom of movement aren't they? The animals are cared for as well, and many zoos have breeding programs to help ensure a species survives and thrives.
As well as the monkeys, there are many other animals to see, including:
Daily entertainment is in the form of various shows put on throughout the day. What you pay at the entrance for the zoo doesn't cover the cost of a show though, you must pay again to see the performances. That was one aspect of the zoo we neglected to partake in. If you're stuck for something to do, as a family attraction it isn't too bad and will easily take up a morning or afternoon of your time. Or you may prefer a tour of one of Sri Lanka's national parks? We can recommend Yala National Park, which is just a 5 hour drive from Colombo, with accommodation to suit most budgets.
The oldest Buddhist temple in Sri Lanka, it must be one of the most popular religious temples on the Island. That's because of how the temple and surroundings make you feel on approach, even before you're at the temple ― a sure sense of serenity envelops you. So, imagine for one moment (as a foreigner on holiday) if Buddhism were your faith, how'd that impact upon you? Knowing you could feel so at ease if the temple played little religious significant to you. A lot of domestic tourists from India march to the temple each year for such an amazing sensation they experience and why it's a top attraction.
The temple can be found close to the banks of Beira Lake, so there is just no excuse at all for not gravitating towards it. People from as far away as Thailand and China travel to Sri Lanka for this temple &hotbar; it's that important in Sir Lankan culture. Because the temple has some very unique architectural aspects that are quite beautiful. And because the temple acts as an institution as well, where you can come to learn and enhance many vocational skills.
Aside from that, what may actually interest you more so, is the annual Navam Perahera and Vesak Festival. The festival parade features elephants draped in traditional costume, with a fanfare of drummers, dancers and monks in attendance. The festival is part of Vesak, which is a major Buddhist holiday. You can enjoy this festival, to see thousands of lanterns pushed out to float on the lake, with the trees surrounding the lake adorned with glitzy lights and decorations.
A perfect atmosphere to enjoy even if, as we said, Buddhism isn't your particular faith. The Vesak festival in Sri Lanka is normally on the 5th of May each year, having resumed after the COVID disruption.
The park is easily identified by its huge Buddha statue in plain sight, even at distance. The park has many gardens, lakes and leisure areas suitable for picnicking and family activities. The park is well known in Colombo for numerous reasons:
If you can't make your way to Beira Lake, the chances are you'll want to come here instead for relaxation because the park is perfect for mindfulness and practicing yoga, going for a jog ― you get the general idea. Being on holiday is fun and exciting but it requires a certain amount of energy, and you can't stay fully charged constantly. In which case, come here for a few hours. The best time to visit Viharamahadevi Park is any time: it's open all year round and the entrance fee is minimal. A family of four can easily get in for a dollar or two, at most (we did say Sri Lanka is cheap).
This urbanized open park has amazing ocean views with breathtaking sunsets. Towards late afternoon, consider visiting the green to mingle with the locals as many other tourists do, waiting for the sun to sink into the horizon far beyond. Enjoy fresh fruit and cooked crab delicacies among other seafood delights, patiently waiting as you look on at the locals play their cricket. The atmosphere is one of relaxation and the mood very bubbly, jovial.
After sunset, the atmosphere changes to one of vibrance, music and boisterous as vendors busy themselves and you find yourself amused and entertained by live performances. It's really the perfect way to end your holiday, on a high.
One of the more enjoyable places to head to for quiet relaxation in what can be a bustling city. Our advice is to pack a picnic (there are plenty of local markets selling fresh fruits, and snacks) and spend a peaceful afternoon there. Afterwards you can complete your visit with a boating trip on the lake. If keeping fit is something you are enthusiastic about there are lots of paths you can jog on, if you prefer. Space enough too for practicing your yoga.
We've a separate travel guide actually, for Sri Lanka's top beaches. The Island has some amazing beaches, with affordable luxurious resorts close by. Colombo City is within easy traveling distance to many of them. For more guidance about which beaches are for you, read our guide (link below). We are positive you'll be as amazed by them as what we were on our first visit to Sri Lanka, the water is ideal for water-based activities and swimming.
What is so attractive of Colombo are the colonial period buildings that continue to be the focus of everyone's attention. With Sri Lanka being so close to India, you can't be faulted for thinking about the architecture of many of India's colonial period buildings too. But whilst there is a comparable likeness between both countries, those in Colombo have their own history and uniqueness to warrant some of your time.
If you have a genuine fascination about history and culture, then you'll find Colombo to your liking. The people are super friendly, the cuisine is delicious (of course) what you come across on the street and restaurants. One of the best breakfast snacks on the street is Biththara Appa, a small thin pancake made from batter with a sunny side up egg in the center, with a dressing. Tasty, and what else is really tasty is Ulundu Vada, a traditional Indian Tamil dish.
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