Things to do in Colombo

Activities to Do in Colombo

Colombo City Tour, Pray at Gangaramaya Temple, Explore Galle Face Green, Golf at the Royal Colombo Golf Club, Hike to Viharamahadevi Park, Try Your Luck at Casinos, Visit National Museum, Enjoy Thrilling Rides at Leisure World Water Park, Visit Beira Lake, Scenic Tour of Colombo in Air Plane, Worship at Sri Ponnambala Koneswaram Kovil, Scuba Diving and more.

There is literally a surfeit of things to do in Colombo, the bustling capital city of Sri Lanka with a characteristic cosmopolitan vibe that embraces you right away as you touch down its soil. Once a port city expediting trade and commerce with Asia, Colombo is the gateway to the picturesque tropical island nation. Whether for a family trip where you are accompanied by kids and elderly members or a solo trip, the city has something for everyone that makes them visit the place over and over again. Also, it is one of the sought-after tourist destinations where wildlife safaris, sightseeing, underwater voyages,s and nightlife activities- all can be experienced to the fullest even on a tight budget.

Despite being an idyllic holiday spot with coconut fringed sprawling beaches lulled by constant tropical sea breeze there is a wide range of activities to do in Colombo. Spending a laid-back evening on the Beira Lake or rambling through the massive chambers of the National Museum which houses the vestiges of the Anuradhapura Kingdom or shopping from the stalls of the bustling Pettah Market are some of the top attractions of the Colombo trip. 

Here are some of the best things to do in Colombo:

1. Pray at Gangaramaya Temple:

The temple is one of the most distinguished Buddhist temples in Sri Lanka and a specimen of historical importance which dates back to a century bygone. As you enter the main sanctorum, you will be spellbound to behold the colossal Buddha figure and the miniature paintings on the walls depicting various stories of Buddhism. 

The statue of Lord Buddha exudes characteristic brilliance and serenity that pervades the whole interior of the temple. Inside the temple premises, there is a museum where you can also see relics of architecture belonging to India, Myanmar, China and Thailand.

Location: Jinaratana Road, Colombo City

Timings:  5:30AM- 10PM

Also Checkout & Book: Sri Lanka Packages

2. Explore Galle Face Green:

Galle Face Green is a sprawling expanse of green settled between the Ceylon Intercontinental Hotel and Galle Face Green Hotel which is frequented by tourists and locals for fresh air walking sessions. The velvety green promenade of Galle Face Green was built in 1859 as to safeguard the place from Portuguese invasions.

Standing at the Galle Face Green beach, you can watch the stunning sunset across the vista and call it a day.

Location: 56, Colombo-Galle Main Road, Colombo

Timings: 9AM- 6PM

Must Book: Honeymoon Packages of Sri Lanka

3. Golf at the Royal Colombo Golf Club:

One of the lavish activities to do in Colombo is golfing at the Royal Colombo Golf Club which stands as a site of colonial heritage in Sri Lanka and a sporting establishment set up by the British for golf enthusiasts. 

Established in 1880, the Royal Golf Colombo Golf Club is the oldest golf club in Sri Lanka and a convivial place to unwind your weekend blues and breed new friendship. The open convivial ambiance of the golf club allures you to a sumptuous dinner or small gathering.

Location: Model Farm Road, Colombo

Timings: Club House remains open from 6AM-11PM and the admin office from 8AM-5PM

You May Also Like To Book: Sri Lanka Family Holiday Package

4. Try Your Luck At Casino:

Looking for some crazy fun-filled activities to do in Colombo trip if you are travelling with your chums? Try your luck at the adrenaline-charged casino games and enjoy live music performance by the Sri Lankan artists and DJs to buck up your energy level. 

Once you hit any of these casinos, don’t ever miss out the chance to pamper your taste buds with an array of gourmet seafood they serve. Some of the famous casinos at Colombo are Bally’s Casino, MGM Colombo, The Ritz Club and Stardust Casino. 

Location: Across the city

Timings: Most of the casinos remain open for 24x7 days.

5. Visit National Museum:

While preparing your itineraries for things to do in Colombo, a visit to the National Museum has to be in your bucket list for being one of the leading cultural institutions of the country. As soon as you enter the interior of the museum, you will be greeted by a smiling Buddha figurine which dates back to the 9th century. 

There are galleries that store relics, busts and artefacts, swords, palettes and other miscellanies belonging to the colonial era. You can enjoy your favourite cuppa in the cool and relaxing ambiance of the museum cafeteria once you have rambled through the different galleries of the museum.

Location: Albert Crescent, Colombo

Timings: 9 AM- 5 PM

6. Enjoy Thrilling Rides at Leisure World Water Park:

If you’re visiting Colombo with your family or friends and confused about what to do in Colombo, visiting this park is one of the best activities to do in Colombo. Leisure Water Park in Colombo has tons of water slides and amusement activities for you to have a blast with your friends and family.

The park also features many pools, rides and activities exclusively for kids and some exclusive for adults. The water rides here include Aqua Trail, Boomerang Slide, Kiddies Pool, Multi-Lane, Lazy River, Wave Pool, Thunder Cruise and much more- all absolutely safe to ride.

The amusement activities in the park include several thrill rides, family rides and kids rides for the entire family to have one hell of a time. 

Timings: 9 am to 5 pm

7. Visit Beira Lake:

If you are newly married and have not yet planned your honeymoon trip, Beira Lake can be your worthiest pick for an undisturbed honeymoon destination. It is the perfect destination where you can unwind yourself and feel the romantic vibe in tranquillity.

The lake covering an area of 65 hectares comprises of several islands housing villages and coconut plantations. The two most highlighted spots of the lake are the Seema Malaka Viharaya (a Buddhist temple) and Kaala Doowa (a gateway for romancing couples) that can be easily reached via boat.

Location: Colombo

Timings: 7AM -6PM

8. Scenic Tour of Colombo in Air Plane:

Sri Lanka the island nation is a perfect getaway for holidaymakers to explore its natural beauty to the fullest. Cinnamon Air Scenic Flights gives you the opportunity to get a bird’s eye view of the city and its adjoining areas in a 20 minutes’ flying session.

It is a blissful experience to watch the busy towns, emerald Indian Ocean, strips of flora, verdant hill ranges and historic buildings from a great height and create unforgettable memories of your trip. The flying trip starts from Water’s Edge at Colombo.

Timings: 1PM-5PM 

9. Stroll Independence Memorial Hall: 

The Independence Memorial Hall located in the Independence Square offers you an inspirational reprieve from the urban chaos of Colombo city. The hall which was built in 1948 as a commemoration of the country’s independence from British rule abounds relics and symbols testifying the island’s rich cultural and political history. 

The immaculate lawn of this historical building with its clean paved pathways is a great venue for unwinding your blues and take in a whiff of fresh breeze. You can rent a bicycle and take a stroll round the nook and corner of the Hall and behold its architectural marvels.

Location: Independence Avenue, Colombo 7

Timings: 10AM- 5PM

10. Stroll at Mount Lavinia Beach: 

The Mount Lavinia Beach is right at the southern outskirts of Colombo, Sri Lanka. The golden sand, turquoise blue waters and the scrumptious Tamil food available near the beach make visiting the beach one of the best activities to do in Colombo.

The beach also homes some of the most popular hotels and restaurants in the city. Being in close proximity to the city, the beach is crowded with locals during the weekends, but you can easily find it empty and quiet during the weekdays.

The beach is also known for the many vendors selling all sorts of things here like manioc chips, sour mangoes, swimsuits and much more. Spend a relaxing day under the sun at the beach and spend your evening indulging in the best seafood in town at the many restaurants at the shore

Timings: Open 24 hours