Colombo Holidays

There’s no shortage of things to do on your Colombo trip. For starters, there’s the National Museum. Housed in a beautiful building, built in 1876, and surrounded by tranquil parkland, this place showcases exhibits and artifacts that tell the story of ancient Sri Lanka. You can also visit the Buddhist temple Gangaramaya to see an astonishing number of Buddhas, and even a relic of Buddha’s hair. Near the temple, in the heart of Colombo, is Beira Lake – a vast, green lake with the Simamalaka Shrine on an island at its centre.

Meanwhile, the Independence Memorial Hall plays tribute to Sri Lanka gaining its independence in 1948. The huge stone building is surrounded by lush, green gardens and has a fascinating museum. Finish a day of sightseeing in Colombo by tucking into Sri Lankan rice and curry while you watch the sun set at Galle Face Green.

The Fort neighbourhood was once a real fort, surrounded by sea and a moat. Nowadays, it’s a vibrant but compact area, perfect for exploring on foot. The Old Galle Buck Lighthouse, on Marine Drive, is a great starting point for your walk, as it offers a great view over Colombo’s shore and harbour. Stroll through downtown Fort area – also known as Colombo 1 – to marvel at colonial-era architectural masterpieces standing side-by-side with modern structures. 

The old Dutch Hospital is a great example of this and not to be missed. It dates back to the early 1600s and now houses some great cafes and restaurants – the perfect spot for lunch. Built in 1914, Central Point on Chatham Street was once the Central Bank, and remains the most impressive renovated building in the Fort area. Inside, look out for the spectacular chandelier, which is the tallest in Asia.

To experience the energy of Colombo, immerse yourself in the market stalls and shops of Pettah, one of Colombo’s oldest districts. When you tire of shopping, you can find sanctuary in the neighbourhood’s many churches and mosques. Jami-Ul-Alfar Mosque on the corner of 2nd Cross Street and Bankshall Street is a fascinating red and white brick building, dating back to 1909. And elegant Wolvendaal Church, built in 1749, is one of the most significant Dutch buildings in Sri Lanka. The church is so-named because early Dutch settlers mistook the jackals that roamed the area for wolves.

The Dutch Period Museum, at 95 Prince Street, also houses interesting colonial artifacts and has a peaceful courtyard outside. Spending time on Pettah’s crowded streets is exhilarating, but can be a little overwhelming – so take it as it comes and stop for as many cafe breaks as you need.

Though temperatures are a fairly consistent 27C-29°C all year round, many visitors choose to go on holiday to Colombo between January and March, since this is the dry season. You might still get the odd shower, but this is the coolest time of year in Colombo and the humidity is low, making it an ideal time for exploring on foot and sightseeing. This is also the best time to go if you’re planning to spend a lot of time in the ocean, as January to March is when the sea is at its calmest. Plus, you’re most likely to spot blue whales and sperm whales at this time of year.