8 Cultural Gems of Colombo
You cannot avoid exploring Colombo (now Sri Jayewardenepura Kotte) if you are traveling to Sri Lanka by plane. You should treasure the delectable seafood cuisine, stunning culture, and kind hospitality of the natives.
Additionally, getting there is not too difficult. You can travel there and have a great time using Srilankan Airlines. There are too many things to see and discover once you get there. Holistic exploration is not possible if you are short on time. So, in this article, we will list the top attractions and things to do in Colombo.
Table of Contents
Exploring Colombo: Its Culture, Heritage, and Coastline
1. Colombo Port Maritime Museum
Colombo Port Maritime Museum is the ideal destination for those who love museums. The maritime museum, as its name would imply, features a variety of vintage and miniature models of submarines, boats, warships, and other nautical equipment. The Sri Lankan Navy’s development history is also kept in the museum, which adds to its interest.
2. Jami Ul-Alfar Mosque
It looks like something out of a fairyland, as the contrasting white and red stripes make it appear like a delicious candy house. However, do not let the sight deceive you, as it is made of concrete. Believer or non-believer, this mosque sure will be a significant highlight of your social media feed once you upload its photo after your visit. Furthermore, the architecture design team did an excellent job when they were planning the design and the appearance of the Jami Ul-Alfar Mosque. The indo-islamic architectural style inspires the architectural style used in creating this masterpiece building. Furthermore, there is a little hint of Islamic, Thai, and Indian architectural styles.
3. Attidiya Bird Sanctuary
Attidiya bird sanctuary is a perfect getaway spot for those who love to be in the abode of nature. This bird sanctuary attracts many exotic migratory birds yearly from the higher latitude zones. If you wish to visit this place and experience the diverse avian fauna, winter will be the right time. The winters in Sri Lanka have a comfortable temperature and help them escape the harsh winters in temperate zones.
4. Old Galle Buck Lighthouse
The Sri Lankan Navy complex is close to the Old Galle Buck Lighthouse. Both locals and visitors are welcome to visit the lighthouse, though. We firmly advise you to climb the stairs inside and reach the summit; it will be worthwhile. You will see the most incredible shoreline and a variety of picturesque vistas once you get to the meeting. But if you want the best view, climb it after 5 o’clock. You will witness the most stunning sunset of the day at this time, along with the sky’s shifting colors as the sun sets.
5. Arugam Bay Beach
The Arugam Bay beach offers a quiet spot to enjoy the ocean. It is located remote from the attention of the crowds and thronged mainly by the locals. You can come here if you purposefully avoid going to crowded places. Sit at the shore, enjoy the sun between your toes, and appreciate the natural beauty around you.
6. Seema Malaka
Seema Malaka is a unique temple that offers a serene way to pray to Lord Buddha. This Buddha temple is on an island, as the main temple is built within a lake. The entire surroundings of this temple are very calming and beautiful. Furthermore, the architecture of the temple is also worth the applause. It combines Thai, Chinese, Indian, and Sri Lankan architectural styles, giving it a unique view.
7. Colombo Dutch Museum
The complex of the Colombo Dutch Museum is in itself of historical importance. It was one of the residential compounds of the Dutch governor, and later, it became a museum. Though it is unrecognizable to the crowd, it will take you by surprise once spotted. The Pettah market sells vibrant decorative items, handlooms, and handicraft items in the adjoining regions. You can visit his market too after exploring the museum.
8. Laksala
The Laksala will last but not least, complete your visit to Colombo. Laksala has all the souvenirs you could want. This state-run gift shop sells a wide variety of handcrafted goods. Shawls, trinkets, hand-carved wooden sculptures, bamboo caps, and many other types of traditional artwork exist. Laksala will be the ideal option to do this if you love to bring back memories from your travels.
Wrapping Up
Let this list guide you to the best sightseeing opportunities when visiting Colombo. Rest assured that your Sri Lankan diary will rank among your most memorable ones.