Situated along the Indian Ocean, Colombo is known for its coastline, colonial architecture, lively streets, and modern malls. Beyond the urban rush, parts of the city still showcase traditional villages, cottage industries, and fishing as a way of trade. There are many things to do in Colombo, Sri Lanka, covering different parts of the city and its surroundings.
Colombo belongs to the Western Province of Sri Lanka, located just south of Negombo and north of Mount Lavinia. On the map of Sri Lanka (MUST-DO THINGS IN SRI LANKA) which resembles a teardrop shape, Colombo sits at the upper-middle section of the west coast.
There are
endless activities in Colombo, from beaches and resorts to historical sites,
local cuisine, and more.
Beaches in
Colombo, Sri Lanka
Due to its
location along the Indian Ocean, there are a few beaches in Colombo. The
coastal stretch begins earlier in Galle and continues up to Colombo. Even a
simple walk along these shores offers a meaningful experience. These beaches
are also ideal spots for watching sunrise and sunset. Resorts facing the
beaches, or within a short walking distance, provide good access during early
mornings and late evenings for sunrise or sunset watching in Colombo.
Top Beaches in
Colombo, Sri Lanka
Mount Lavinia
Beach
Located about 12 km south of central Colombo, Mount Lavinia Beach is one of the
oldest and most recognized beaches in the city. Connected historically to the
colonial era, the Governor’s mansion was converted into the Mount Lavinia Hotel
overlooking the shore. The beach features a wide stretch of sand, food stalls,
local gatherings, and a lively atmosphere in the evenings.
Galle Face
Green
Facing the Indian Ocean, Galle Face Green is not a swimming beach but a large
open stretch along Colombo’s coastline. It dates back to the Dutch and British
periods when the space was used for military purposes and horse racing. Today,
it serves as a promenade and a landmark where the sea breeze and views of the
setting sun are part of Colombo’s daily life.
Crow Island
Beach
Situated north of Colombo near Mattakkuliya, Crow Island Beach occupies land
that was once covered with mangroves. Reclaimed and made accessible, it has
become a quieter coastal area. The water is not suitable for swimming, but it
offers a peaceful alternative to busier city beaches.
Wellawatte
Beach
Wellawatte Beach runs along Marine Drive and continues as part of Colombo’s
southern shoreline. Historically linked to textile trading communities, the
beach is smaller than Mount Lavinia but remains a notable part of the city’s
coast, with the railway line running parallel to the shore.
Dehiwala Beach
South of Wellawatte, Dehiwala Beach reflects the local fishing trade. With sand
stretches facing the Indian Ocean and a parallel coastal railway, it represents
the everyday life of Colombo’s coastal communities rather than serving as a
tourist-focused beach.
Tsunami
Honganji Vihara Memorial
A stop at the
Tsunami Honganji Vihara Memorial is worthwhile. A solemn reminder of the 2004
Indian Ocean tsunami, it honors the victims while acknowledging the resilience
of surviving families. This memorial reflects the impact of natural disasters
on human lives and encourages moments of quiet reflection.
Located near
Peraliya along the southern coastal line, it can be accessed by road from the
city center. Built to commemorate the lives lost, it also serves as a place for
remembrance and education.
Gangaramaya
Temple
Gangaramaya
Temple is one of the most famous Buddhist temples in Colombo. Located in
Borella along a busy street, it is a well-known landmark. The temple combines
modern design with traditional architecture, reflecting both historical and
contemporary Buddhist styles. Well-maintained and organized, it has a calm and
serene ambiance throughout its sections. Apart from the main shrine dedicated
to Lord Buddha, there are smaller shrines with statues of Hindu deities,
including Lord Vishnu and Lord Kataragama.
The temple also
includes a museum with religious artifacts, statues, and offerings collected
over many years. A highlight is the tiered display of Buddha statues, varying
in size and showing Buddha in different meditative positions. Gangaramaya
Temple hosts traditional Buddhist ceremonies and festivals throughout the year,
making it an important religious and cultural center in Colombo.
Beira Lake
One of the
highlights in Colombo is Beira Lake, which stretches through different parts of
the city, from the urban center to more rural areas. At first glance, it
resembles a lagoon. Knowing its history makes it more interesting: the lake was
originally created by the Portuguese in the 16th century as a defensive
waterway around their settlement. Over time, it was expanded and maintained by
the Dutch and British, shaping it into an important part of Colombo’s urban
landscape.
Beira Lake is a
historical landmark of Sri Lanka and adds calmness to the city. It supports
local activities such as fishing, small boating, and other water-based
activities, and it is linked to nearby cultural and religious sites. Providing
a peaceful contrast to the busy streets, Beira Lake brings a touch of nature
into the heart of Colombo.
Colombo City
Tour
A city tour
offers an easy way to see the highlights of Colombo, capturing both its
historical and modern sides. The route passes busy streets, colonial-era
buildings, street markets, restaurants, and the city skyline, giving a clear
sense of Colombo’s diverse character. With traffic and limited parking at some
sites, a city tour makes it easier to cover the main attractions efficiently.
10 Top Sites in Colombo, Sri Lanka
Independence
Memorial Hall
A landmark
honoring Sri Lanka’s independence, surrounded by gardens and statues.
Colombo
National Museum
The largest
museum in Sri Lanka, housing collections of art, artifacts, and cultural
treasures.
Old Parliament
Building
Colonial-era
architecture along the Beira Lake waterfront.
Viharamahadevi
Park
A spacious
public park with lush greenery, statues, and walking paths.
Colombo Lotus
Tower (view from outside)
Sri Lanka’s
tallest structure, visible across the city.
Pettah Market
A vibrant
open-air market where daily life unfolds among stalls and shops.
Dutch Hospital
Colombo
A historic
building now hosting restaurants and shops in a preserved colonial setting.
Seema Malaka
Temple
A tranquil
Buddhist temple built on Beira Lake, designed by Geoffrey Bawa.
Basilica of St.
Anthony, Kochchikade
A
Portuguese-era Catholic church, famous for its architecture and devotion.
Colombo Fort
The historic
old town area featuring colonial buildings and government offices.
