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9 Days in Colombo: A Journey of Cultural Delights

aditya goudia

aditya goudia

18 Jan 2024

Embark on a 9-day adventure in Colombo, exploring ancient marvels, vibrant markets, and serene parks. Immerse yourself in the rich culture and history of Sri Lanka's capital city while indulging in authentic cuisine and relaxing on beautiful beaches. Get ready for an unforgettable experience!

Trip to Colombo

Day 1Unveiling History at Independence Memorial Museum and National Art Gallery
+

$0

Independence Memorial Museum
Located within an iconic monument, this compact museum honors the heroes of Sri Lankan independence.
8:00 AM - 9:30 AM
•
Free
12 - 18 min

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Directions

National Art Gallery
Unassuming art gallery with classical paintings & contemporary pieces by local artists on display.
10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
•
Free
11 - 16 min

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Directions

Independence Square
Square in front of Independence Memorial Hall featuring a fountain topped by a statue.
No time set
•
Free
Day 2Discovering Dutch Heritage at the Museum and Finding Serenity at Sambodhi Chaithya
+

$38

·

$ 5

Dutch Museum
Former 17th-century governor's residence now a museum featuring artifacts from Dutch colonial rule.
8:00 AM - 9:00 AM
•
$38
10 - 12 min

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Directions

Sambodhi Chaithya
Buddhist temple complex offering a mix of Thai, Sri Lankan, Indian & Chinese architecture.
9:30 AM - 10:30 AM
•
Free
8 - 10 min

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Directions

Galle Face Beach
Indian Ocean beach in the heart of Colombo with a busy promenade & the popular Galle Face Green.
11:00 AM - 1:00 PM
•
Free
14 - 17 min

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Directions

Pettah Market
Unfussy covered marketplace with vendors selling fruits, vegetables & fashion accessories.
No time set
•
Free
6 - 8 min

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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
•
Free
13 - 16 min

~

Directions

Crow Island Beach Park
No time set
•
Free
Day 3Strolling Through Galle Face Green and Experiencing the Vibrant Pettah Floating Market
+

$0

·

$ 2

Galle Face Green
Food stalls dot this popular waterfront destination with a long walkway, sandy beach & scenic views.
8:00 AM - 10:00 AM
•
Free
10 - 12 min

~

Directions

Pettah Floating Market
Food, clothing, electronics & other goods sold from 90+ stalls, including some on built on boats.
10:30 AM - 12:00 PM
•
Free
8 - 10 min

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Directions

Gangaramaya Park
Tranquil green space featuring a lake with ducks & other bird species, plus swan-boat rentals.
No time set
•
Free
4 - 5 min

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Directions

Gangarama Seema Malakaya, ගංගාරාම සීමා මාලකය.
Serene Buddhist temple on floating platforms featuring numerous Buddha statues & airy shrines.
No time set
•
Free
14 - 21 min

~

Directions

Colombo Swimming Club
No time set
•
Free
Day 4Enjoying Nature at Viharamahadevi Park and Seeking Blessings at Gangaramaya Temple
+

$0

Viharamahadevi Park
Relaxed park with jogging trails, kids' play areas, space for picnics & activities like cycling.
8:00 AM - 9:30 AM
•
Free
13 - 20 min

~

Directions

Gangaramaya Temple
Historic Buddhist temple with a robust collection of artifacts & statues, plus vocational training.
10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
•
Free
Day 5Thrilling Adventures at Excel World Entertainment Park and Exploring Beddagana Wetland Park
+

$38

·

$ 1

Excel World Entertainment Park
Amusement park with rides, video games, bowling, a pool lounge & laser tag, plus a food court.
8:00 AM - 11:00 AM
•
$38
26 - 32 min

~

Directions

Beddagana Wetland Park
Peaceful natural area with walking paths through the wetlands & abundant bird life.
11:30 AM - 12:30 PM
•
Free
Day 6Relaxing on the Sandy Shores of Mount Lavinia Beach and Exploring the Biodiversity of Diyasaru Park
+

$0

·

$ 1

Mount Lavinia Beach
Scenic beach offering a stretch of sand, waves, lifeguards, hotels & nearby restaurants.
8:00 AM - 11:00 AM
•
Free
40 - 48 min

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Directions

Diyasaru Park
60-acre preserve offering footpaths & boardwalks past vibrant vegetation & wildlife.
11:30 AM - 12:30 PM
•
Free
Day 7Getting Up Close with Wildlife at Dehiwala Zoological Garden
+

$75

Dehiwala Zoological Garden
Large, long-running zoo with landscaped gardens & many species, plus an aquarium & butterfly garden.
8:00 AM - 11:00 AM
•
$75
Day 8Seeking Spiritual Enlightenment at Bellanwila Raja Maha Viharaya and Enjoying the Tranquility of Diyatha Uyana
+

$0

·

$ 1

Bellanwila Raja Maha Viharaya
Iconic temple with a bodhi tree grown from one of the 32 saplings from the sacred Anuradhapura tree.
8:00 AM - 10:00 AM
•
Free
27 - 33 min

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Directions

Diyatha Uyana
Landscaped waterfront park with a playground, colorful fountains, aquarium & open-air food court.
10:30 AM - 12:30 PM
•
Free
Day 9Immersing in Sacred History at Kelaniya Raja Maha Vihara and Splashing Fun at Water World Kelaniya
+

$38

·

$ 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
•
Free
13 - 16 min

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Directions

Water World Kelaniya
Aquatic park with underwater tunnels, tanks & ponds, plus exotic birds & educational programs.
10:30 AM - 12:30 PM
•
$38

Budget breakdown: $198 In total

Activities & Food:$188
Transport:$10