EXPERIENCE COLOMBO

If you have a little free time around the wedding, Colombo has plenty to experience without travelling far from the city.

Here are a few places and experiences we recommend for guests visiting Sri Lanka for the first time.

GALLE FACE GREEN

Take a walk along the oceanfront in the late afternoon and stay for sunset. Galle Face Green is one of Colombo’s most recognizable public spaces, with sea views, street food, kite flying and plenty of people watching. It is also right beside the area where many of our guests will be staying. GALLE FACE GREEN

GANGARAMAYA & SEEMA MALAKA

Visit Gangarama Temple for an introduction to Sri Lankan Buddhist culture, then continue to nearby Seema Malakaya Temple on Beira Lake.

The two offer very different experiences: Gangaramaya is richly detailed and filled with history, while Seema Malaka is smaller, quieter and set beautifully against the lake and Colombo skyline. GANGARAMAYA & SEEMA MALAKA

PETTAH

For a completely different side of Colombo, spend some time exploring Pettah Market.

Pettah is busy, colourful and wonderfully chaotic, with streets filled with markets, textiles, produce, spices and everyday city life. It is less about a single attraction and more about experiencing the energy of Colombo. PETTAH

COLOMBO NATIONAL MUSEUM

If you would like some context before exploring more of Sri Lanka, the Colombo National Museum is a great place to start.

Founded in 1877, the museum brings together art, archaeology and objects relating to Sri Lanka’s cultural and natural history. COLOMBO NATIONAL MUSEUM

INDEPENDENCE SQUARE

For a quieter side of the city, visit Independence Square and spend some time walking through the surrounding Cinnamon Gardens area.

The Independence Memorial Hall commemorates Sri Lanka’s independence and is surrounded by one of Colombo’s greener and more relaxed neighbourhoods. INDEPENDENCE SQUARE

COLOMBO FORT & THE DUTCH HOSPITAL

Spend a little time walking through Colombo Fort and the historic Dutch Hospital precinct.

The area combines some of Colombo’s colonial architecture with shops, restaurants and cafés, making it an easy place to explore at a relaxed pace. Sri Lanka Tourism includes the Dutch Hospital among its recommended Colombo attractions. COLOMBO FORT

EAT SOMETHING SRI LANKAN

Do not leave Colombo without trying some local food.

Look out for kottu roti, hoppers, string hoppers, rice and curry, short eats and fresh seafood. If you are not sure where to start, ask us. We will happily point you toward some of our favourites. Sri Lanka Tourism specifically highlights kottu and Colombo’s food scene as part of the city experience. FOOD SUGGESTIONS

WANT TO EXPLORE BEYOND COLOMBO?

Sri Lanka has so much more to see, from the South Coast and Galle to Kandy, the Hill Country, Sigiriya, wildlife parks and beaches around the island.

Rather than trying to turn this website into a complete Sri Lanka travel guide, please contact us if you are planning to travel outside Colombo.

Tell us how many days you have and the kind of trip you are interested in, and Tiara will be happy to share more personal recommendations and help point you in the right direction.

We would love for the wedding to be an excuse to experience a little more of Sri Lanka while you are here.