Colombo, the bustling capital city of Sri Lanka, maybe quite small but has a whole lot going for it. If you’re looking for mouthwateringly succulent food, breathtaking views, architectural masterpieces and a taste of authentic culture and history, Colombo ticks all the boxes; and the best part? you can complete a Colombo City Tour and some sightseeing in Colombo within a day or two!
To experience Colombo and all it has to offer, here are 7 things you must see and do:
1. A stroll on Galle Face Green
The Galle Face Green is a sea promenade situated between the coast and the Galle Road, overlooking the construction of the Colombo Port City and the Old Parliament Building. Famous for its breathtaking view of the Indian Ocean, gloriously red sunsets and succulent and tantalizing Sri Lankan Street food among many others, makes the Galle Face Green an experience not to be missed in Colombo. There’s no better way to wind down after a long day than to enjoy the cool breeze in your hair and take your tastebuds on a journey never to be forgotten with the classic and unique Street food which is guaranteed to electrify your palate and make you keep wanting to come back for more.
Photo Credits: Mihiri De Silva
2. A look back at Sri Lanka’s rich history at the National Museum in Colombo
The majestic building that houses the National Museum is indeed an architectural masterpiece. It was built in 1876 and founded by the British governor of Sri Lanka at the time. The museum holds artifacts belonging to many eras and periods of Sri Lanka and its rich history, and some of these rarities date back to the 5th century. The museum houses paintings, statues, exhibits and other intricate items belonging to the former Royal Family of Sri Lanka including the Golden Throne and Crown. The Museum also offers an insight into the colonial past of Sri Lanka through many artifacts, guns, masks and statues which are on display.
Photo Credits :Avish Khan
3. An affordable shopping spree at the Big Bazaar in Pettah
The Big Bazaar, Colombo’s most colourful Bazaar is surely a budget-shoppers’ paradise and is one of Colombo’s points of interest. The narrow cobble-stone streets of the Bazaar are filled with multitude of small shops and individual vendors grouped together clamouring for business. If you search well enough, there is nothing you can’t find at the bazaar; local spices, souvenir artifacts and memorabilia, traditional wear such as Sarees and Sarongs, fabrics, jewelry and much more at bargain-prices so you can shop to your hearts content.
Photo Credits :Jessica Hayha
4. An unforgettable dining experience at the Cloud9 Rooftop Lounge
This is the perfect place to unwind and relax while you soak up the view of the gloriously red sunsets and feast your tastebuds with some of Colombo’s best cuisine. The view from the Cloud9 Rooftop Lounge at The Ocean Hotel offers a sweet escapade to nature and its beauty from the busy and bustling streets of Colombo. Relish and gaze at the heavenly sunset while enjoying some exquisite and divine meals that Cloud9 has on offer.
5. Combined experience of history, culture and architecture at the Gangaramaya Temple
Gangaramaya Temple is one of the most visited temples in the city of Colombo, undoubtedly famous for its modern architecture and vivid cultural essence. The architecture is a broad-ranging collection of Sri Lankan, Indian, Thai and Chinese architecture. The temple includes a Museum of its own, a learning centre, a floating temple with a chaitya and an assembly hall and a series of Buddha statues which are elegant and delicate and look magical under the sunlight. The temple is both of religious, cultural and historic importance; from magnificent historic artifacts to abstract trinkets, the Temple is sure to treat your senses.
6. Indulge yourself in some delectable and flavourful seafood
The Lagoon Cinnamon Grand, would definitely take the prize for the best seafood experience you’ve ever had and overall one of the best places to eat in Colombo. The restaurant has been designed to be similar to a seafood market but with our abundant, 5-star atmosphere and ambience, delectably delicious food and top-notch service. What adds that extra flare to your experience at the Lagoon? You choose your seafood and how its prepared! Need we say more? Freshly caught seafood is displayed on a bed of ice and you can choose how its prepared from the 150+ choices provided to you.
Photo Credits :Sanjee Madurapperuma
7. Feast your eyes to the most picturesque views of the Sunset and Sunrise in Colombo
Watching the sunrise and sunset in Sri Lanka is an absolute must, but the construction, buildings and other disruptions tend to get in the way of that picture perfect view. However, here at Cinnamon Red Colombo, there are thankfully no such disruptions to the view of the city and beyond. The panoramic view from the infinity pool is breathtakingly enchanting. You can wind down and dip in to our special ozone pool cleaning technology which allows for minimal chlorine while indulging yourself to the picturesque view of the city scape as the brilliant sunrise or sunset as its backdrop.
Photo Credits :Submission from Cinnamon Photo Contest
Author- Shenella Fonseka
