What is the Best Way to Explore Colombo?

Colombo is a vibrant, bustling city that’s full of interesting sights, delicious food, and unique stories. With so much to experience and explore, travelers can easily be overwhelmed. That’s why it’s important to have a plan in mind when visiting the city. To help make sure your time in Colombo is memorable, here are some of the best ways to explore the city.

Take a Tuk-Tuk

One of the best ways to get around and explore Colombo is by taking a tuk-tuk. Tuk-tuks are motorized three-wheeled vehicles that can be found on almost every street corner. This convenient mode of transportation is faster than walking and cheaper than taking a taxi. While it may not be very comfortable for long rides, it’s great for short distances. Plus, you’ll get to experience the city from a unique point of view. Just make sure you bargain for a fair price before hopping in.

Visit the Beira Lake

When it comes to exploring Colombo, Beira Lake is a must. This sprawling fresh-water lake is located in the heart of the city and is one of its most beloved landmarks. The lake is dotted with ancient temples, lush gardens, and plenty of wildlife making it an oasis within an otherwise crowded city. You can rent a boat or take a leisurely stroll along the shoreline to take in all the sights. Plus, the iconic Galle Face Hotel sits directly on its banks, so it’s worth stopping by for some traditional Sri Lankan fare afterwards.

Explore Galle Face Green

Galle Face Green is one of the oldest parks in Colombo and a beloved hotspot among locals and tourists alike. During the day, it’s full of people playing street games or having picnics with family and friends. At night, the open area transforms into an epic kite-flying venue. More traditional entertainment can be found close to the park too, like performances such as traditional drumming, shadow puppetry, and yo-yo tricks. The park itself is also full of interesting sights, like an old Dutch Church or a statue of the national hero. So be sure to set aside an afternoon or evening to truly experience this amazing public area.

Visit Local Markets

When in Colombo, be sure to spend some time exploring the local markets. There are several throughout the city and each one has unique items for sale. From fresh fruit and vegetables to authentic souvenirs, these markets are full of trinkets that you can’t find anywhere else. Many popular markets include Pettah Bazaar, Borella Market, and Street Market Dangolla. Each one has different merchandise, so it’s definitely worth taking the time to explore all three!

Take Part in Cultural Events

Colombo is full of life and offers plenty of cultural events throughout the year. In February or March alone, visitors can experience both Sinhala New Year and Tamil New Year in Colombo. During both festivities, locals celebrate by painting kolams (flower patterns) on their front porches or gathering with family and friends for special meals. In addition to religious events, Colombo also has its fair share of interesting festivals throughout the year. For example, there’s the Kandy Esala Perahera where local Buddhists parade elephants through the streets to honour deities. Or there’s the Savurum Kurullo Festival which celebrates local culture with traditional music, dance, and colorful costumes. These festivals are great opportunities for travelers to get an authentic cultural experience during their trip to Colombo.

Spend Time at the National Zoological Gardens

The National Zoological Gardens , also known as the Dehiwala Zoo, is a great place to spend an afternoon while in Colombo. It’s one of the oldest zoos in Asia and houses over 3,000 animals from around the world – including large cats, elephants, birds, reptiles, bears and more. In addition, there are also aquariums with exotic fish and tortoises you can view – as well as a butterfly park and snake house. The zoo also regularly hosts shows like elephant and sea lion feedings that are perfect for kids or anyone looking for a fun learning experience! You can get to the zoo via tuk-tuk or taxi and it’s open from 9am–6pm every day except Thurdays when it closes at noon for maintenance.

Conclusion

Colombo is full of interesting things to do and see – and this list is just a small taste of all that this vibrant city has to offer. Whether you’re looking for cultural events, historical sites or a unique experience with local wildlife – you’re guaranteed to find something that fits your interest in this culturally rich city! If you want to truly immerse yourself in all that Colombo has to offer, the best way is to create your own personal exploration plan – because no two experiences in Colombo will ever be the same!