Colombo

Western Province

Sri Lanka’s vibrant, bustling capital city is an ideal start or end point on a tour of Sri Lanka. Boasting ancient temples, beautiful architecture from the European colonial periods, colourful markets and a wide range of shops selling international brands and traditional Sri Lankan crafts, and restaurants covering cuisine from across the globe, there is much to be explored here.

Colombo, Sri Lanka’s lively economic capital city, has grown expansively in recent years and is now a thriving metropolis. The areas around Colombo also saw a considerable improvement in infrastructure after the end of the civil war, particularly in terms of roads, helping to make Sri Lanka’s capital more accessible and attractive to tourists.

Things to do in Colombo

Visit the National Museum of Colombo

Colombo National Museum – Albert Crescent, Colombo 07. This was established in 1877. It is best known for the collection of antiques and objects d’art. Over 500,000 publications of Sri Lanka with more than 4,000 palm leaf manuscripts are found in the library of the Museum. Among the exhibits are the regalia of the King of Kandy; ancient and medieval jewelry; rare collection of traditional demon masks, wood and ivory carvings, an exquisite collection of Buddhist and Hindu bronzes, specially from Polonnaruwa Period, reproductions of temple frescoes, Chinaware including VOC plates of the Dutch period, antique furniture, numismatics from the earliest period to modern times, lacquered objects, stone sculpture and stone inscriptions.

Note : Museum is open on all 7 days , except on public holidays such as Full Moon Poya days, Sinhala & Tamil New Year Day, Thai Pongal, Ramazan, Christmas etc.

City tour of Colombo

Start off from the Seema Malakaya, a floating temple located just outside the heart of Colombo where you will learn much about the Buddhist philosophy which plays an intrinsic part in the daily life of most Sri Lankans. From there head to one of the most iconic kovils in the city, built purely out of granite as a tribute to God Shiva, and then to Kochchikade church, a place where devotees of all religions gather in search of solace. Then proceed through the bustling streets of Pettah, the maze that pumps life to all of Sri Lanka, where everything and anything you can possibly imagine can be found in any of the hundred shops you will encounter. Stop and enjoy a cup of tea if you wish, while taking in the details of the area and make sure to notice the stunning minaret of red and white amidst this explosion of color and chaos as you explore Pettah.

Gangaramaya Buddhist Temple visit

The Gangaramaya Buddhist temple is a beautiful and vibrant temple with a history that dates back over 2,000 years. This temple was said to have been built in the 19th century by a trader and ship owner named Don Bastion, who had played a leading role in reviving Buddhism. This Temple is famous for its imposing buildings, and is complete with a chetiya, bo tree, image house, Simamalaka, relic chamber containing the relics of the Buddha and Arahat Seevali, museum, library, pirivena, and residential, education and alms halls.
The Nawam Perahera, conducted by the Gangarama temple is a major tourist attraction. The perehara was initially started in 1979 and has been held uninterrupted in the month of February since then. This beautiful festival of arts has over 1,000 performers and over 100 elephants brought from different parts of the island is the highlight of the pageant.

Note:
You will need to cover your knees and shoulders and access the temple barefoot or with socks.

Paying homage to Kelaniya Raja Maha Temple

ne of the earliest Buddhist Dagobas, traditionally believed to be the site visited by the Buddha 2500 years ago. According to the Mahavamsa, the “paddy-heap” shaped dagoba at Kelaniya marks the spot where the Buddha, on the request of a Naga king Maniakkika, sat on a ”gem-studded throne” to preach the Dharma to his subjects and convert them. It is recorded that King Yatala Tissa of the 3rd Century B.C. had constructed the Temple and the Dagoba may dates to an earlier period.
An annual Perahera called “Duruthu Perahera” is held each year during the month of January for 3 days.

Note:
You will need to cover your knees and shoulders and access the temple barefoot or with socks.

“Number 11”

Geoffrey Bawa was a Sri Lankan architect who lived between 1919 and 2003, and one of the most influential and renowned architects in the region at the time. His works include the Sri Lankan Parliament Complex; the Seema Malakaya Meditation Centre; many hotels including the Lighthouse Hotel, Lunuganga Bawa Garden and the design of his own house on 33rd Lane in Colombo, known to locals simply as “Number 11” or the “Geoffrey Bawa House”.
The residence is considered a special architectural marvel which also houses art and artifacts from the collection of the Late Archt. Geoffrey Bawa. It is a three-story villa that was built over the span of more than a decade, and showcases classic Bawa features such as open courtyards and verandas from his principles of “tropical modernism”. In 1958, Bawa purchased the third house in an identical row of four and renovated it into a home with a bedroom, living room, kitchen and servant’s room. When the fourth house in the row was up for sale, he bought it to convert into his dining room and second living room. By 1969, he had acquired the last two houses in the row and added them to the design. Bawa lived at this house for forty years.

Note;
Visit Times Monday to Friday: 10.00am | 2.00pm | 3.30pm
Saturday: 11.00am | 4.00pm
Sunday: 11:00am only
Tour : duration 45 minutes, with prior appointments only

Experiences & Activities

Colombo by tuk tuk

Colombo by tuk tuk is about offering travelers the exhilarating experience of riding a tuk tuk within a safe environment, but with your own Colombo-savvy host accompanying you throughout. It is easily, the most fun way to have your own local friend and guide to show you around with their own stories and inherent knowledge of the city. As part of the standard itinerary, a list of ‘non-touristy’, rather rare and quirky recommendations will give you a current and honest sneak-peek into Colombo life.

Note: This approximately three hour ride will be available at 9am or 4pm.

The life and works of Geoffrey Bawa

Begin the experience at his residency, Number 11, the center-point of his city life, where you will hear many fascinating stories about his time here and see samples of the furniture he had designed for hotels. . Then make your way to Seema Malaka Temple of Beira Lake, one of the city’s most iconic cultural sites which appear to be floating serenely on top of the water. You will then make your way to Gallery Café, which was once Bawa’s studio and is now one of Colombo’s most coveted restaurants, for a drink and a chance to see the magnificence of his designs with your own eyes. In addition to his architectural designs, learn about Bawa’s personal life and the many risks he took to be an architect at the age of 38 although he was a qualified lawyer.

Note;
We can arrange for a local who is knowledgeable about Geoffrey Bawa and has taken a great interest in his works to guide and accompany you on these visits.
Number 11 and Gallery Café need prior appointments.

Colombo City Walks

Have your self an unforgettable experience with your host as you walk through the picturesque streets of Fort. The main focus however is that this walk takes you through numerous buildings that date back from 17th century to the 90’s that were erected mainly during the Dutch & British rule (but we are tremendously lucky to still have a few of Dutch Architecture to gaze upon). Nothing of the Portuguese rule remains, sadly. With the dawn of the post-conflict times, we see the tremendous effort being put into this area to refurbish and bring these buildings to their hay-day wondrous state.
With many years of experience, the host and his team has started to share the love and knowledge, and enabling guests to spend an evening in beautiful colonial Colombo, submerged in the beauty within the city. This is almost impossible to experience whizzing through in a vehicle. Walk through roads lined with several historic sites and delve into the memories of times gone by.

Note:
• Dress casually and comfortably for the weather with a good pair of footwear for walking.
• Meeting point – cement tables outside Colombo Fort Café / Ministry of Crab Restaurants within the Old Dutch Hospital Precinct in Fort.
• 2-3 hour walk
• Can be booked Private or with a group