Most Popular Places and Activities to Explore in Colombo:  

National Museum 

The national museum, one of Colombo’s precious historic buildings, was founded by the British governor of Sri Lanka and built-in 1876. It reports as the largest museum in the country and is surrounded by a lively, calming green park. The National Museum is a top tourist attraction offering significant knowledge about Sri Lanka’s history and an incredible learning experience. 

The museum houses nearly 10,000 exhibits ranging from religious and historical objects to local artifacts. Inside the museum, you’ll find statues exhibiting 

different stories about Sri Lanka’s ancient past. Further, you’ll also get to witness a few exotic items owned by Sri Lanka’s former royal family, including the king’s golden throne. The ground floor is reserved for historical findings, while the first floor is dedicated to artifacts and other amusements. 

Sri Lanka Planetarium 

Sri Lanka’s planetarium is another top-tourist destination, favored by several travellers. It is 100 feet tall, a 32-pillared building located inside the University of Colombo, and is a fascinating way to escape the sun. The public can access the planetarium through the independence square entrance. 

The planetarium was designed by the infamous Dr. Kulasinghe, who purposely wanted it to look like a lotus flower. No one is aware of the exact reason behind it, and it remains a mystery to date. The auditorium consists of almost 570 seats with the night sky and a doomed ceiling. It is an architecturally striking sight with greenery all around the museum. 

The shows and exhibits are hard-to-miss. The planetarium could be a fun and exciting visit for families and kids looking for something different from usual touristy activities. 

City tour on an open deck bus 

A city bus tour is a must during every vacation! Hop on to one of the most colorful, quirky, and fun open-deck buses in Sri Lanka and enjoy a thrilling city tour. Embarking on the city tour bus is one of the best ways to explore Colombo and discover its various wonders. 

It is a project by Sri Lanka Tourism and Ebert Silva Holidays. It is the only open deck city sightseeing service available in Colombo. If you are looking for an 

unparalleled experience with glimpses of Colombo’s ‘old and new, you must avail the city tour service. 

Tour packages include three main attractions, i.e., a glimpse of Colombo, heritage of Colombo, and Colombo at night. Each tour contains specific sightseeing and attraction visits reflecting on Colombo’s most famous places and overall culture. 

Mount Lavinia Beach 

The suburb of Colombo and Sri Lanka’s main beach resort town, Mount Lavinia, must be on your must-visit places for the following Indian Ocean holidays. Mount Lavinia houses several stunning hotels and can be an excellent alternative to living in the city. 

Mount Lavinia is approximately a 30-minute drive from downtown Colombo or a 15-minute train ride. The main area beach strip is known as the Golden Mile and is overloaded with tourist-focused businesses. You’ll find several excellent restaurants and relaxing areas along the beachfront promenade. Weekends are usually quite crowded with locals so try visiting during weekdays. 

However, you must note that the beach is not a protected bay; hence, the ways can be pretty harsh depending on weather conditions. Practicing caution while swimming and being careful of the weather would be best.

Gangaramaya Temple 

Gangaramaya temple was constructed in the late 19th century and is one of the oldest temples in Sri Lanka. It is not only a place to worship, but the temple also aims to educate visitors about Buddhism. Moreover, the temple partly acts as a museum showcasing several physical objects, including a vintage 

Rolls-Royce and highly valued jewels. 

The Gangaramaya temple is located in central Colombo, nearby Bere lake, and is easily accessible by taxi. There is a relic chamber inside the temple filled with relics of the Buddha, including a lock of hair. Further, visit the bodhiya, a replica of Borobudur, and Seema Malakaya. 

Galle Face Green 

The magnificent oceanfront park between Galle Road and the Indian Ocean is a famous getaway destination for many Sri Lankans. It is situated next to the Fort area, in the heart of Colombo. It is a 500-meter-long beach along with several vendors. 

Watch the sunset, eat your heart out at the night market, visit the Gale Face hotel, and don’t forget to take a trip to the iconic Galle Fort. Further, wade in the water, have a relaxing picnic at the beach, or go kite flying. Galle Face Green is a perfect spot for a short family or solo getaway. 

Although you can visit Colombo anytime of the year, December would be the ideal time to visit since the weather is a bit cooler and calmer. Winters will allow you to fully enjoy your holidays without having to worry much about the extreme heat.