The True Essence of Colombo:Private Highlights & Hidden Gems in Colombo

Colombo is an often overlooked South Asian city, even though it is the economic hub and largest metropolis of Sri Lanka. It has a distinctly modern, metropolitan feel, due to its bustling business district, international luxury brands, and caffeine-infused urban energy. But this cosmopolitan city is merely the tip of the iceberg of all Colombo has to offer. The real treasure of this city lies beneath the surface, where many of its best-kept secrets and historical attractions lie waiting to be discovered.

So if you’re keen to explore the true essence of Colombo, we’ve gathered a list of private highlights and hidden gems in the city that will help you uncover its captivating culture and discover its beauty beyond the mainstream tourist map.

Visit the Historic Galle Face Green

Galle Face Green is one of the oldest public parks in Colombo, located in the heart of the city along the Indian Ocean. It’s a perfect spot for tourists to relax and unwind as well as experience firsthand a local Sri Lankan tradition. Every evening, visitors can enjoy a stunning sunset while watching fishermen fly kites over the water. A unique display of color, shapes and sizes that is best viewed from Galle Face Green.

Also, don’t miss out on seeing the old Dutch Civil Servants’ Club (DCSC), which is located directly opposite Galle Face Green. Erected in 1887 and classified as a historical monument by the Sri Lankan Department of Archaeology, this building was designed in a grand colonial style and was once used for elaborate parties for high ranking colonial officials. Today, it stands majestically as a reminder to times gone by.

Explore the Abandoned Town of Kalutara

The archaeological site of Kalutara, located near Colombo, was once one of the most important fortified cities in the whole of Sri Lanka during its heyday in the 16th century. But today, it lies in ruins, abandoned by its former inhabitants and left to be reclaimed by nature. The site still contains some of its ancient walls which were built out of stone and mud, giving it a unique and eerie atmosphere that you can explore with a guided tour.

You’ll also have the opportunity to discover some more unusual sights such as the submerged tombstones near Kalutara South, which are believed to be from an ancient cemetery. The eerie atmosphere makes it a great adventure for explorers and history buffs alike!

Take a Vipassana Meditation Course

If you’re looking to dig deeper into Colombo’s culture and experience something a bit different than your usual sightseeing tours, then why not take a Vipassana meditation course? Vipassana is an ancient practice of meditation which involves self-observation and introspection on how one reacts to sensations that arise in one’s life. During a Vipassana meditation course in Colombo, you will learn how to practice this type of meditation over several days in a serene and quiet environment away from the hustle and bustle of the city streets.

Experience true inner peace through this unique meditation practice while exploring another side of Colombo’s spiritual heritage. You can even take home with you your own set of tools to continue your mindfulness practice at home.

Go on a Colombo Street Food Tour

If you’re looking to experience the best of what Sri Lanka’s unique cuisine has to offer, then make sure to take a street food tour. This is the perfect way to taste some lesser-known dishes as well as sample some more widely known delicacies like kottu roti and street-side biryani. You’ll also be able to explore some of Colombo’s hidden gems like “Sri Lanka’s oldest jewellery store” or “the oldest standing Catholic Church in Colombo.”

Your guide will give you some great insights into local customs, history, culture and traditional food and spice varieties from across Sri Lanka’s Provinces. A great way to get off-the-beaten-track for any true foodie!

Go On Safari at Yala National Park

For those who are looking for an outdoor adventure that’s not too far from Colombo, Yala National Park is definitely worth considering. With a huge variety of animals such as Asian elephants, water buffaloes, leopards and spotted deer that roam freely within this vast parkland, you are sure to have an unforgettable experience here.

Yala National Park offers visitors the opportunity to go on a safari through various zones which each contain different species of animals so it’s best to book your safari ahead of time in order to get access to the best ones. For the benefit of wildlife conservation, safaris are allowed only on pre-determined tracks so do make sure to respect these boundaries during your visit.

Uncover Some Local Secrets at Gangarama Vihara Temple

Located near Beira Lake in Colombo and dating back to 1836, Gangarama Vihara Temple is often referred to as ‘Gangaramaya’. This Buddhist temple is renowned for its unique architecture which combines traditional Sinhala art with South Asian, Chinese and European styles.

The temple compound is home to many fascinating features such as an amazing sea shell museum, a replica of Lord Buddha’s footprint, sculptures depicting battles between gods and demons as well as two-storied pagodas which are guarded by mythical creatures. Plus, there are plenty of shrines and monasteries that can be explored here. An interesting cultural site worth visiting!

Take a Colourful Boat Ride Through Bajajaland

Bajajaland is an enchanting travel destination located close to Colombo that offers tourists fun activities including boating, camel rides and shopping from local bazaars. The main attraction here is the Bajajaland boat rides – you can hop onto a brightly-colored boat along with your guide and enjoy a leisurely tour through lagoons that are decorated with colourful lilies while learning interesting tidbits about Bajajaland’s culture, folklore and traditions.

You’ll also have the chance to explore local markets where you can buy souvenirs such as spices and Jewellery – don’t forget to take a few photos here so that you can have some amazing memories to take home!

Discover Hidden Gems at The Dutch Hospital

The Dutch Hospital is one of Colombo’s oldest buildings – once used as a military hospital during Dutch colonial rule from 1640 to 1796 – it now houses many boutique stores as well as cafés, restaurants and pubs where visitors can enjoy some scrumptious local cuisine along with cocktails or beers.

You’ll also find some hidden gems behind the old hospital walls – a number of ‘secret passageways’ which were once used by women during colonial times but now serve as secret shortcuts for locals – definitely worth exploring! Plus there’s even an exclusive rooftop bar for lounging with some epic views over the harbour.

Colombo is truly a captivating city with many special gems that are waiting to be discovered. With this list of private highlights & hidden gems in the city, you can discover its true essence beyond the mainstream tourist map. And if you’re keen on exploring Sri Lanka even further than Colombo, then make sure to book an activity through GetYourGuide so that you don’t miss out on anything!