Sri Lanka

Sightseeing

Most visitors spend only a short time in Colombo, usually at the beginning or end of their journey through Sri Lanka. The capital's frenetic traffic and chaotic energy can be overwhelming, making it less appealing as a long-term holiday base. However, Colombo does have its charms, and for those willing to explore, it offers a vibrant mix of colour, culture, and intriguing attractions. Highlights include the National Museum, the bustling Pettah Bazaar, and a number of beautiful temples. Visitors also enjoy strolling along the scenic Galle Face seafront and sampling the city's delicious local cuisine.

Colombo is home to a number of fascinating places of worship representing the country's rich religious diversity. The serene Seema Malaka Temple, set on the peaceful waters of Beira Lake, offers a welcome escape from the city's hustle and bustle. Another standout is the Isipathanaramaya Temple, a striking blend of sacred space and museum, known for its elaborate architecture and atmosphere of quiet reverence.

For Christian visitors and locals alike, St. Anthony's Church is a much-loved site of pilgrimage, where it's believed the saint responds to every prayer. The historic Dutch Wolvendaal Church, though weathered on the outside, holds centuries of history within its walls and features a collection of intriguing old Dutch gravestones.

Colombo's climate is hot and humid year-round, so lightweight clothing and sun protection are essential. While the city can be visited at any time, it's best to avoid the two main monsoon seasons, which run from May to August and again from October to January, when heavy rains can put a damper on outdoor activities.

Attractions

Colombo National Museum

Established in 1877, the Colombo National Museum is Sri Lanka's oldest and largest museum. Housed in an elegant white colonial building, it features a vast collection of artefacts, including the regalia of the last Kandyan kings and over 4,000 ancient palm leaf manuscripts. Though not world-class by global standards, it offers a compelling insight into the island's cultural and historical heritage. The adjacent Natural History Museum showcases Sri Lanka's flora and fauna. Photography is allowed with a permit, and there's a café and craft shop on-site, making the museum a worthwhile stop for culture and history enthusiasts.

Pettah

Colombo's Pettah district is a bustling bazaar where streets are packed with market stalls selling everything from fresh produce to gold and textiles. It's lively, chaotic, and not for the faint-hearted. Bargaining is essential, as tourists are often quoted inflated prices. A highlight is the Dutch Museum, a restored 17th-century mansion once home to Count August Carl Van Ranzow, now showcasing colonial-era artefacts. Nearby, the striking Jami Ul-Alfar Mosque, built in 1909, features red-and-white striped architecture and is one of the city's most iconic landmarks. Pettah is overwhelming but offers a vivid glimpse into Colombo's vibrant street life.

Dehiwala Zoological Garden

Colombo's zoo has a fine collection of animals, birds, reptiles and fish from all over the world but, in particular, showcases the fauna of the island. The complex includes an aquarium, displaying more than 500 varieties of aquatic life. There's also a walk-through aviary, reptile enclosure and butterfly park. One of the most popular attractions at the zoo is the daily elephant show, which takes place at about 5.15pm. Another favourite feature is the sea lion show, which is great fun for kids. Animals in the park include hippos, flamingos, kangaroos, lemurs, monkeys, orangutans, leopards, lions, otters, raccoons, rhinos, giraffes and tigers. The zoo has a good selection of animals and receives great reviews from some visitors, and also places an emphasis on animal conservation and welfare.

Adam's Peak

Rising 7,358 feet (2,243m), Adam's Peak (also known as Sri Pada) is one of Sri Lanka's most revered pilgrimage sites. At its summit lies a mysterious footprint-shaped impression, believed by Buddhists to be Buddha's, by Hindus to be Shiva's, and by Christians and Muslims to be Adam's or St. Thomas's. The climb, via what's said to be the world's longest stairway, is especially popular at night to catch the stunning sunrise. At dawn, the mountain casts a perfect triangular shadow over the landscape. The panoramic views of jungle-covered peaks and the spiritual atmosphere make it a truly unforgettable experience.

Trincomalee

Trincomalee (or Trinco), on Sri Lanka's northeast coast, is famed for its stunning natural harbour, which was long coveted by colonial powers. The Portuguese, Dutch, French, and British all held it at various times, and during WWII it served as a key British naval base. Today, it's home to the Sri Lankan Navy and a peaceful beach getaway. Just north of town, the soft white sands of Nilaveli and Uppuveli attract sunseekers and snorkellers alike. Cultural highlights include Fort Frederick, built by the Portuguese; Wellington House; and the sacred Koneswaram Temple at Swami Rock, perched dramatically above the sea.

Horton Plains National Park and World's End

Located in the central highlands of Sri Lanka, Horton Plains National Park contains some of Sri Lanka's highest mountains, covered in thick forest, misty lakes, and hidden waterfalls. The park is one of the only parks in Sri Lanka that allows guests to hike on their own on designated trails. The park is home to many animals, including Samabr Deer, wild boar, otter, leopard, macaques and many species of bird, and exploring the trails is very rewarding. The most popular tourist attraction in Horton Plains National Park is World's End, a sheer precipice with a 2,850-foot (870m) drop at the southern boundary of the park. From the top of the cliff, visitors have a spectacular view of the surrounding hills which extends as far as the Indian Ocean, dozens of miles away, on clear days. The hike to World's End is 6.2 miles (10km) and takes roughly three hours. Visitors should note that from 9am to 10am there is usually a thick blanket of mist over the valleys that totally obscures the view from the cliff, and the best time to see World's End is early in the morning. The path can be crowded on weekends, when large groups of tourists tend to scare away any wildlife in the area.