A seemingly chaotic clash of colour and culture, the commercial capital of Sri Lanka is one place that has a little bit of everything for everyone. But there is a method to this “madness” and the city is in actual fact one that has a rich history and heritage not to mention lots of places to visit when you are out and about. Finding a place to stay is not hard either and there are many options to choose from when searching online for the best hotels in Sri Lanka.
If you are looking to get in some retail therapy while on holiday, then Colombo has lots to offer. Odel, House of Fashion and GFlock are popular fashion stores. Though when it comes to a place to shop for all your needs the Majestic City Mall is a great spot. Located within easy reach of Colombo Courtyard Boutique Hotel, this mall has everything from clothing to electronics. There is also a food court and movie complex here as well.
Those into culture should look to head to the Colombo National Museum where you can find out more on the island’s history. There are lots of fascinating exhibits that can be seen here including colonial era artefacts, paintings, carvings, old swords and other weapons and not forgetting some truly intriguing traditional demon masks.
The Beira Lake in Colombo is also a site that you should visit. This relatively quiet escape in the heart of the city is a great spot for an evening stroll. The main highlight here is the “Seema Malaka”, a site where one can get an insight into the religious heritage of Sri Lanka. Beside the still waters, you will find rows of statues of Lord Buddha, a Bo tree and even some statues of Hindu Gods.
End your day with a visit to Galle Face Green, ideally located beside a small stretch of shore. This popular open space can get chock full of crowds especially on weekends but is nevertheless a great place to soak up some local culture. Children flying kites, couples walking hand in hand and families having picnics, are amongst the many different things that can be seen here. Of course, don’t forget to try the yummy street food on offer be it “kottu roti” or the delicious deep fried prawn snack called “isso wade”.
