Colombo is the largest city in Sri Lanka. This is a port city through which trade caravans from East to West passed for many centuries. TOP things to do in Colombo are located throughout its vast territory. They are presetned as an outlandish mixture of Western and Eastern cultures. Check our travel guide about best places to visit and things to do in Colombo, Sri Lanka in 2024; you’ll get up-to-date information about best what to see for first timers.
Colombo, Sri Lanka General Info
- City area: 37 square kilometers.
- Population: Colombo city – 753,000 people, Greater Colombo district – 5 million 648 thousand people.
- Book a day tour from Colombo with a visit to Sigiriya and Dambulla here .
- Average air t: in winter: during the day – +32, at night – +24; in summer : during the day – +29, at night – +26.6 degrees.
- Average sea t : in winter – +28 degrees, in summer – 27.5 degrees.
- Colombo, Sri Lanka on the map: link.
Things to Do in Colombo, Sri Lanka
Despite the large territory, almost all places to see can be easily reached on foot or by bus. Only in rare cases, you’ll have to take a tuk-tuk or a taxi.
You can explore Colombo on your own or with a group tour. Prices start from 35 USD per person. There are also many day tour options from Colombo to other Sri Lankan cities. For example, you can visit Galle city or one of the national parks and reserves in Sri-Lanka.
It is enough to spend 2-3 days in Colombo and explore its main tourist attractions. Colombo is usually the first city from which the acquaintance with the Sri Lanka begins, simply because most international flights arrive to its airport.
Gangaramaya Temple
The most famous Buddhist temple-museum in Colombo, that was completed in 19th century. On its territory there is a sanctuary, a museum complex with statues and sculptures, a library. The walls are decorated with frescoes that tell the story of Buddhism.
This temple is worth exploring not only inside but also outside. It was built on Beira lake, it’s an ideal place to enjoy the atmosphere of calm and tranquility.
Kelaniya Temple
Kelaniya Raja Maha Viharaya or simply Kelaniya temple is another place to visit in Colombo. Check its picturesque frescoes, two sanctuaries, a residence of monks, a place for prayers and park area. There is a legend that the Buddha himself visited this temple. Kelaniya temple is an active religious spot, visited by locals and foreign pilgrims.
Mount Lavinia Beach
If you are tired of crowded beaches for swimming in Sri Lanka, then don’t hesitate to visit this Mount Lavinia beach. It is located in the southern suburbs of the city and is Colombo must-visit. Gold sand is fine, many people come here for meditation and recharging.
The beach is also perfect to meet the sunset. You can also vsit Mount Sea Pal, a seafood restaurant located nearby, opens at 7pm. The price tag is usually lower than in Colombo.
Colombo National Museum
This museum is also known as Sri Lanka National museum, also one of the popular Colombo sights. It’s a place where you can learn a lot about cultural heritage of the country. When you’re tired from the heat, you can enjoy the coolness by walking through the museum, guided tours in English are available. Entrance fee is 125 rupees. Nearby, there is a nice park area you can explore as well.
Jami Ul-Alfar Mosque
This building of this mosque is simply beautiful and outstanding. Entrance is free, but you need to be dressed properly. The bright red facades of the mosque can be seen from afar.
