If you’re heading to Sri Lanka for the first time, chances are you searched for the top things to do in Colombo. Here are some unique experiences which one may not always find on typical travel guides!
Explore Pettah
A lively locale within easy reach for those staying at a Colombo City hotel, Pettah features a maze of streets lined with shops and pavement vendors. Chockfull of activity and crowds, this area offers great bargains on everything from clothing and mobile phones to fresh produce, sarees and more!
Sample Street Food at Galle Face Green
Located by the ocean, Galle Face Green is a hotspot for street food; within a 10 minute drive from Mandarina Colombo, this area is where one can sample; “isso wade” (deep-fried snack with prawns), “achcharu” (fruits mixed in a concoction of chilli powder, salt, sugar and vinegar) and “kottu roti” (chopped up godhamba roti mixed with spices, veggies, eggs and / or meats).
Take a Tuk-tuk Ride
Love them or hate them, the three-wheeled “tuk-tuk” is a permanent part of the city’s roadscape. A tuk-tuk ride can be quite thrilling (depending on the driver!) as it may involve weaving in and out of traffic. You can hail one on the road or use smartphone apps like PickMe and Uber; ensure they have a working meter.
Visit Religious Sites
Being a multicultural city, Colombo has several religious sites worth visiting. These include the Gangaramaya Buddhist Temple, the Sri Kailawasanathan Swami Devasthanam Kovil, the Jami-Ul-Alfar Mosque and the Wolvendaal Church.
