Top Things to See
Many of the top sights in Colombo relate to the city’s history and ethnic and religious architectural heritage. You’ll find bustling shopping areas, interesting museums, Buddhist and Hindu temples, churches and mosques in all parts of the city. The Fort area, as well as Galle road and Pettah, all feature extensive shopping opportunities and are close to large parks and some of the most interesting historical sights.
Fort
During the European colonial period, a fort was built on a site that now bears the name of that structure. The building itself no longer exists, nor do some of the constructions that followed on the site – some having been severely damaged by separatist bombs. Today the area is a pleasant place for a stroll, being largely vehicle-free. You’ll find street vendors lining the way, and the interesting Clock Tower that was once a lighthouse. The Clock Tower marks the beginning of the busy port area and offers good views of the Sambodhi Chaitiya Temple.
Galle Road
Most of the activity and the things to do in Colombo are found along Galle road. The walk along Galle road is best done early in the morning or late in the afternoon, when the weather is cooler. The character of the road changes from one end to the other. At the Galle Face Green end you’ll see various embassies and upscale shopping centres. However, as you move on toward the centre of the stretch, a number of modern, shining high-rises blend with small shops and eateries. The traffic can be notoriously chaotic along this stretch, so be prepared for plenty of beeping and exhaust fumes.
 Kelaniya Raja Maha Vihara
This is the city’s most important temple, and the one to visit if you’re limited in time. Situated approximately four miles to the east of the Fort area, this temple complex is a well-known centre for Buddhist scholarship and worship. It’s said that the Lord Buddha delivered a sermon here over 2,000 years ago. The current temple structure dates from the 18th century. In the hollow of the dagoba you’ll see an impressive image of a reclining Buddha.
 Pettah
Colombo’s busiest market place is located in one of the oldest districts of the city, and is usually high on visitor’s lists of places to see. The area surrounding the market is ethnically diverse, lending to the variety of goods, handicrafts and souvenirs that you’ll find at the market. Items on offer here range from Ayurvedic medicines to jewellery. You’ll also come across a number of religious structures, the Dutch Period Museum and many stalls offering tasty local food.
 Viharamahadevi Park
Located in an upscale section of Colombo known as Cinnamon Gardens, this is the largest of the city’s parks, providing a much-appreciated retreat from the busy streets, heat and pollution of the city centre. The best time of year to visit the park is from March to May, when the park’s many trees are loaded with blossoms. The route that takes visitors through the park is known as the Green Path, and a stroll along it is a highlight. Another highlight is the old Town Hall building, found at the park’s northeastern edge.
 Wolvendaal Church
The church is one of the finest examples of Dutch architecture to be found in Colombo. It was constructed in 1749 in an area that was then considered rural, as it was outside the city walls. The form of the church is a Greek cross, and the interior is filled with examples of Dutch interior style from the 18th century including ornately-carved pews, chairs, a lectern and a pulpit. Five Dutch governors were re-buried here, after having been initially interred at an older church in the area.
Top Things to Do
 Buy handicrafts at Laksala. This is the place to head if you’re looking for quality local handicrafts. Laksala is operated by Sri Lanka Handicrafts Board, and the range of items on offer includes the best in quality and selection from around the country. Although Laksala has outlets in other cities as well, the flagship store here is by far the most interesting. A list of some of the offerings includes: fabrics, batik work, wall hangings, sarongs, coir rugs, lacquer-ware, brassware, silverware, terracotta pieces and jewellery including silver and gold inlaid with precious stones.
Explore Henerathgoda Botanical Garden. Anyone who enjoys gardening or appreciates nature will marvel at the work that’s gone into the development of the Henerathgoda Botanical Garden, and the range of the plant species represented here. Located approximately 18 miles from Colombo, on the road to Kandy, this is the site of the first cultivation of rubber trees in Asia.
Learn about local art at the Sapumal Foundation. Artwork on display at the foundation includes works by some of the finest artists in Sri Lanka. There’s a permanent collection of representative work from all parts of the nation spanning the past eight decades. An understanding of the culture through its art is the goal of the Sapumal Foundation.
Photograph Kelaniya Raja Maha Vihara. This important Buddhist temple complex is one of the most photographed sites in Sri Lanka. This is believed to be the location of a sermon delivered by the Buddha some 2,000 years ago. Onsite is a large carved reclining Buddha image. In January an annual perahera, a religious procession in which elephants feature, is held here.
 Tour a tea plantation. Located in the hills inland from Colombo, in the southern part of the country, there are many plantations open to visitors for tours and tea tasting. On an organised tour, you can visit a plantation, its picking areas and tea factory. Some of the world’s finest tea is grown and processed in Sri Lanka – known around the world as Ceylon tea.
Visit historic Sigiriya. Sigiriya is an important historical ruin of a city built on top of a rock, around 100 miles from Colombo. The climb to the top is strenuous, but there are stairs and ropes most of the way, and incredible views from the peak. An alternative to climbing is to take a hot-air balloon ride that’ll take you over Sigiriya and other ancient sites in the ‘cultural triangle.’
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