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10 Days in Colombo: A Journey of Culture and Adventure

Shivaraj Radder

1 Jan 2024

0

Embark on a 10-day adventure in Colombo, Sri Lanka's vibrant capital. Immerse yourself in the rich history and culture as you explore ancient temples, visit fascinating museums, and indulge in the city's natural beauty. Get ready for an unforgettable experience filled with excitement and discovery.

Trip to Colombo

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Viator

Day 1Unveiling the Dutch Legacy

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$13

·

$ 1

Dutch Museum

Former 17th-century governor's residence now a museum featuring artifacts from Dutch colonial rule.

8:00 AM - 9:00 AM

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$6

6 - 8 min

~

Directions

Old Parliament Building

Completed in 1930, this neo-Baroque structure now houses the national Presidential Secretariat.

9:30 AM - 10:30 AM

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$6

8 - 10 min

~

Directions

Gangaramaya Temple

Historic Buddhist temple with a robust collection of artifacts & statues, plus vocational training.

11:00 AM - 1:00 PM

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Free

7 - 9 min

~

Directions

Independence Square

Square in front of Independence Memorial Hall featuring a fountain topped by a statue.

No time set

•

Free

Day 2Serenity by the Sea

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$0

·

$ 1

Gangarama Seema Malakaya, ගංගාරාම සීමා මාලකය.

Serene Buddhist temple on floating platforms featuring numerous Buddha statues & airy shrines.

8:00 AM - 9:00 AM

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Free

7 - 9 min

~

Directions

Galle Face Green

Food stalls dot this popular waterfront destination with a long walkway, sandy beach & scenic views.

9:30 AM - 11:30 AM

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Free

4 - 5 min

~

Directions

The Central Point - Economic History Museum

Exhibits on the economy & currency of Sri Lanka, with a collection of ancient & foreign coins.

12:00 PM - 1:30 PM

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Free

23 - 34 min

~

Directions

Galle Face Beach

Indian Ocean beach in the heart of Colombo with a busy promenade & the popular Galle Face Green.

No time set

•

Free

13 - 16 min

~

Directions

St. Anthony's Shrine, Kochchikade

Roman Catholic 19th-century church known for a shrine containing part of St. Anthony's tongue.

No time set

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Free

33 - 40 min

~

Directions

Beddagana Wetland Park

Peaceful natural area with walking paths through the wetlands & abundant bird life.

No time set

•

Free

30 - 36 min

~

Directions

Pettah Market

Unfussy covered marketplace with vendors selling fruits, vegetables & fashion accessories.

No time set

•

Free

Day 3Art, Markets, and Spiritual Splendor

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$7

·

$ 1

Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art Sri Lanka

8:00 AM - 9:30 AM

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$6

13 - 16 min

~

Directions

Pettah Floating Market

Food, clothing, electronics & other goods sold from 90+ stalls, including some on built on boats.

10:00 AM - 11:30 AM

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Free

11 - 14 min

~

Directions

Sri Ponnambalawaneswarar Devastanam Kovil, Kotahena, ஸ்ரீ பொன்னம்பலவனேஸ்வரம் கோவில். கொட்டாஞ்சேனை ශ්‍රී පොන්නම්බලවානේස්වරර් දේවස්ථානය, කොටහේන

Historic stone Hindu temple with intricate carvings, sculptures & colorful shrines.

12:00 PM - 1:00 PM

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Free

Day 4Wildlife Encounters and Traditional Delights

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$13

Dehiwala Zoological Garden

Large, long-running zoo with landscaped gardens & many species, plus an aquarium & butterfly garden.

8:00 AM - 11:00 AM

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$13

12 - 18 min

~

Directions

Traditional Puppet Art Museum

Artful center offering exhibits of traditional Sri Lankan string puppets, plus performances.

11:30 AM - 12:30 PM

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Free

Day 5Aviation Marvels and Celestial Wonders

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$9

·

$ 1

Sri Lanka Air Force Museum

Operational air base of the Sri Lanka Air Force with history exhibits, vintage aircraft & equipment.

8:00 AM - 9:30 AM

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$6

20 - 24 min

~

Directions

Bellanwila Raja Maha Viharaya

Iconic temple with a bodhi tree grown from one of the 32 saplings from the sacred Anuradhapura tree.

10:00 AM - 12:00 PM

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Free

27 - 33 min

~

Directions

Sri Lanka Planetarium

A 500-seat planetarium theater, open since 1965 & offering night camps, workshops & an IT lab.

12:30 PM - 1:30 PM

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$3

Day 6Nature's Oasis and Artistic Inspiration

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$0

·

$ 1

Diyasaru Park

60-acre preserve offering footpaths & boardwalks past vibrant vegetation & wildlife.

8:00 AM - 9:00 AM

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Free

13 - 16 min

~

Directions

Diyatha Uyana

Landscaped waterfront park with a playground, colorful fountains, aquarium & open-air food court.

9:30 AM - 11:30 AM

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Free

18 - 22 min

~

Directions

Saskia Fernando Gallery

Large, bright contemporary gallery with 2 rooms championing the Sri Lankan art scene.

12:00 PM - 1:00 PM

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Free

Day 7A Journey to the Past and Artistic Present

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$0

·

$ 1

Ape Gama

Living heritage museum & events venue with rustic village houses & handicrafts on sale.

8:00 AM - 11:00 AM

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Free

20 - 24 min

~

Directions

National Art Gallery

Unassuming art gallery with classical paintings & contemporary pieces by local artists on display.

11:30 AM - 1:00 PM

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Free

Day 8Sacred Temples and Aquatic Adventures

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$7

·

$ 1

Kelaniya Raja Maha Vihara

Sacred, historic temple said to be visited by the Buddha with paintings by a renowned artist.

8:00 AM - 10:00 AM

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Free

13 - 16 min

~

Directions

Water World Kelaniya

Aquatic park with underwater tunnels, tanks & ponds, plus exotic birds & educational programs.

10:30 AM - 12:30 PM

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$6

Day 9Relaxation in the Urban Greenery

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$0

Viharamahadevi Park

Relaxed park with jogging trails, kids' play areas, space for picnics & activities like cycling.

8:00 AM - 9:30 AM

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Free

16 - 23 min

~

Directions

Lionel Wendt Art Centre

Cultural venue featuring a theater for drama & musicals, an art exhibition area & a basic cafeteria.

10:00 AM - 11:30 AM

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Free

Day 10Golfing and Thrilling Entertainment

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$32

·

$ 1

Royal Colombo Golf Club

Classy, members-only 18-hole course dating from 1879, plus a restaurant & a fitness center.

8:00 AM - 11:00 AM

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$25

16 - 20 min

~

Directions

Excel World Entertainment Park

Amusement park with rides, video games, bowling, a pool lounge & laser tag, plus a food court.

11:30 AM - 2:30 PM

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$6

Budget breakdown: $81 In total

Activities & Food:$78

Transport:$3