10 Days in Colombo: Discovering Ancient Marvels and Indulging in Authentic Delights

Kavindu Chathushka

7 Jan 2024

Embark on a thrilling 10-day journey through Colombo, where ancient marvels meet modern delights. Immerse yourself in the rich history at Dutch Museum and Sri Ponnambalawaneswarar Devastanam Kovil. Relax at Galle Face Beach and enjoy a scrumptious meal at Bavarian German Restaurant. Explore vibrant markets like Pettah Floating Market and Pettah Market. Visit iconic landmarks such as Gangaramaya Temple and Independence Square. Unwind at picturesque spots like Mount Lavinia Beach and Viharamahadevi Park. This blog is your ultimate guide to an unforgettable adventure in Colombo!

Trip to Colombo

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Viator

Day 1Unveiling Colombo's Heritage and Coastal Charms

$21

$ 1

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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$13

10 - 12 min

Directions

Buddhist temple complex offering a mix of Thai, Sri Lankan, Indian & Chinese architecture.

9:30 AM - 10:30 AM

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Free

8 - 10 min

Directions

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

11:00 AM - 1:00 PM

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Free

8 - 12 min

Directions

1:30 PM - 3:00 PM

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Day 2Serene Parks and Captivating Markets

$ 1

Tranquil green space featuring a lake with ducks & other bird species, plus swan-boat rentals.

8:00 AM - 9:00 AM

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Free

6 - 8 min

Directions

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

10 - 12 min

Directions

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

12:00 PM - 1:30 PM

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Free

13 - 16 min

Directions

2:00 PM - 3:30 PM

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Day 3Immersing in Cultural Splendors and Majestic Temples

$ 1

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

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

8:00 AM - 9:00 AM

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Free

6 - 8 min

Directions

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

9:30 AM - 11:30 AM

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Free

10 - 12 min

Directions

Gangarama Seema Malakaya, ගංගාරාම සීමා මාලකය.

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

12:00 PM - 1:00 PM

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Free

7 - 9 min

Directions

1:30 PM - 3:00 PM

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12 - 17 min

Directions

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

3:00 PM - 4:00 PM

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Free

Day 4Nature Escapes and Culinary Delights

$ 1

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

8:00 AM - 10:00 AM

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Free

16 - 20 min

Directions

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

10:30 AM - 11:30 AM

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Free

15 - 18 min

Directions

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

12:00 PM - 1:00 PM

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Free

13 - 16 min

Directions

1:30 PM - 3:00 PM

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Day 5Exploring Traditional Crafts and Sacred Temples

$ 1

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

8:00 AM - 11:00 AM

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Free

28 - 34 min

Directions

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

11:30 AM - 1:30 PM

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Free

23 - 28 min

Directions

2:00 PM - 3:30 PM

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Day 6Water Adventures and Urban Oasis

$19

$ 1

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

8:00 AM - 10:00 AM

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$13

35 - 42 min

Directions

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

10:30 AM - 12:00 PM

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Free

14 - 21 min

Directions

1:00 PM - 2:30 PM

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Day 7Spiritual Journeys and Artistic Pursuits

$ 1

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

8:00 AM - 10:00 AM

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Free

7 - 9 min

Directions

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

10:30 AM - 12:00 PM

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Free

19 - 23 min

Directions

12:30 PM - 2:00 PM

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15 - 18 min

Directions

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

2:00 PM - 4:00 PM

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Free

Day 8Sporting Thrills and Historical Insights

$71

$ 1

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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$50

45 - 54 min

Directions

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

11:30 AM - 1:00 PM

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$13

35 - 42 min

Directions

1:30 PM - 3:00 PM

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Day 9Fun-filled Entertainment and Healthy Eateries

$19

$ 1

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

8:00 AM - 11:00 AM

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$13

12 - 15 min

Directions

1:00 PM - 2:30 PM

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Day 10Beach Bliss and Wildlife Encounters

$27

$ 1

Scenic beach offering a stretch of sand, waves, lifeguards, hotels & nearby restaurants.

8:00 AM - 11:00 AM

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Free

11 - 14 min

Directions

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

11:30 AM - 2:30 PM

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$25

16 - 20 min

Directions

3:00 PM - 4:30 PM

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Budget breakdown: $188 In total

Activities & Food:$181

Transport:$7