Colombo
Viharamahadevi Park (Have a Relaxing Picnic)
Between the plethora of fountains, playgrounds, and carefully manicured lawns this park attracts hundreds of visitors every day. The center of the park features a large gold Buddha Statue, paying homage to Sri Lanka's spiritual roots. On special occasions, elephants can be seen wandering through the courtyard waiting for their turn in the spotlight of the next cultural ceremony. The park is surrounded by restaurants and cafes, complimenting the calm and peaceful atmosphere of Viharamahdevi Park.
Gangaramaya Temple: Tap into the Spiritual Energy
It's hard to miss an opportunity to pay homage to the spiritual guru Buddha while traveling in Colombo. The Gangaramaya Temple is a healthy blend of modern architecture and true cultural spirit with an overarching message of meditation, self-reflection, and material non-attachment. But the Gangaramaya Temple is more than just a passive spiritual experience. Here you can get involved in one of many service projects aimed at helping the local community and strengthening interpersonal bonds in Colombo. Some of these opportunities open to the public include vocational training, "Tree Bank" ecological conservation efforts, and a Center of Indigenous Medicine.
Galle Face Green: Join the Throngs of Locals Along the Coastline
Located along Colombo's eastern
coastline, Galle Face Green has been used as a cultural gathering point and
urban park since it's inception by the Dutch in 1859. The narrow strip of beach
is ripe with sunbathers, swimmers, and sports enthusiasts who travel outside of
the city center for some fresh air and community spirit. There are also many
food carts selling Sri Lankan specialties like Isso vadei, a lentil paddy
topped with spicy prawns. If you're one for large open spaces and meandering
promenades, it's hard to beat a day out at Galle Face Green when traveling
around Colombo!
Mount Lavinia Beach: Enjoy the Best Beach in Colombo
With the humid tropical
temperatures in Sri Lanka, finding a place where you can cool down and relax is
a real treat. Just outside of the city center is the Mount Lavinia Beach,
famous with locals and tourists alike for it's close proximity to downtown and
many modern amenities. The area is known for its "golden mile" of
beaches, clubs, and restaurants catering to the energetic urban lifestyle of
Colombo. Travel tip: the beach can get very crowded on the weekends, however
the Mount Lavinia Hotel offers a private beach for a small fee which also
includes access to the pool and a buffet meal.
Hospital, police station, apothecary - this building has served many different purposes over the years. The Dutch Hospital is considered one of the oldest building in Colombo's history of Dutch-occupation with an estimated date of construction leading back to the 17th century. In 2011, this historic building was converted once more into a shopping center with dining opportunities, retaining it's original architecture while also modernizing it's purpose to suit the local community's needs.