Sri Lanka

Gangaramaya Temple is the most important Buddhist temple in Colombo and one of the most architecturally eclectic religious sites in South Asia, making it a highlight in any Colombo travel guide. This 19th century complex sits on the edge of Beira Lake and blends Sri Lankan, Thai, Indian, and Chinese Buddhist styles within a compact urban setting, making it one of the most unique places to visit in Colombo. The temple’s main shrine room features a 6.6 meter seated Buddha image, along with a relic chamber that is believed to hold a strand of Buddha’s hair. The on-site museum adds to its appeal as one of the top attractions in Colombo, displaying an unusual mix of Buddhist artifacts, vintage cars including a Rolls-Royce gifted in the 1950s, and even a stuffed elephant that served as the temple’s mascot for 39 years. Nearby, the Seema Malaka prayer pavilion located in the middle of Beira Lake and designed by Geoffrey Bawa in 1976 is part of the same temple complex but requires a separate visit, offering another peaceful experience for those planning things to do in Colombo.

Galle Face Green is a 5-hectare stretch of grass and beach along the Indian Ocean, located just south of the historic Fort district in Colombo. Originally laid out by the British in 1859 as a horse racing and military parade ground, it is now the city’s main outdoor gathering space and a must-see in any Colombo travel guide. It is also one of the top attractions in Colombo especially for travelers who want to experience local life in the evening. Every day, families gather here for kite flying, beach cricket, ice cream, and street food stalls selling the famous isso wade, or prawn fritters. At the northern end stands the colonnaded Old Parliament Building Colombo, now the Presidential Secretariat, along with the iconic Galle Face Hotel, built in 1864 and known as the oldest hotel east of Suez. Walking along the seawall promenade at sunset is one of the best experiences for visitors who want to visit Colombo, offering the city’s most reliable golden hour views. The best time to visit Colombo is during the dry season from December to March, when evenings at Galle Face Green are most enjoyable.