Travel to Sri Lanka and Discover Colombo’s Hidden Gems! If there’s one thing anyone who’s looking to travel to Sri Lanka should know, exploring Colombo is an infinitely rewarding experience. As a rapidly advancing cosmopolis, the city is a delightful mishmash of stunning high rises and malls, lush public parks, sacred sites of worship, and so much more. While many tourists arrive in Colombo simply as a pitstop to other travel hotspots, the city itself is the perfect place for a hassle-free and relaxing getaway. If you travel to Sri Lanka and are keen to explore Colombo to its fullest extent, our blog this week provides you with the city’s secret gems!

No.11 - A tour of Geoffrey Bawa’s private residence

  If you’re someone who appreciates good architecture and are a fan of classic antiques, a tour of No. 11, the home of a world-renowned architect Geoffrey Bawa, is a must. A property replete with stunning works of art, timeless antique ornaments and furniture, it’s difficult for anyone who finds themselves on this tour to not want to make their home here. With its sun-dappled nooks and crannies and open-air style architecture, the home is a fascinating look into the private life of one of the country’s most celebrated figures. If you’re looking to truly immerse yourself in this experience, guests are allowed to spend a night or two at the residence. Given the comfort and design of the home, this experience is one to remember, albeit at a significant cost.

A stroll around Beira Lake

  If you wander over to Colombo’s downtown commercial hub, the Beira Lake is a stunning landmark you can’t miss. Located in the middle of a ring of high rises, the site is one of historical importance due to its usage for a variety of activities under colonial rule. Presently, it not just hosts the floating Seema Malaka temple but is also the site of competitive inter-school regattas. If you wish to take in the sights, a stroll around the lake at dusk is an extremely rewarding experience. Witness the soft hues of the city lights reflected on the water as you unwind to the sights and sounds of Colombo.

A drink at the Love Bar

  If a night out is on your itinerary when you travel to Sri Lanka, a drink at the Love Bar is the perfect start or end to your night. Featuring funky flamingos and an interior that is both exotic and palatial, the Love Bar at Flamingo House is one of the best places to be on a Friday or Saturday night. If you’re not one for drinks, the food and interior alone are enough to enthral you for a couple of hours. If dancing is on the cards, the live DJs do justice with their array of club hits, ensuring no one leaves until the wee hours of the morning.

Isso Wade at Galle Face Green

  If you’re keen to try out local delicacies, having an isso wade at the edge of Galle Face Green is an experience you wouldn’t want to miss out on. A popular spot for families to unwind, the turf borders the Indian Ocean with a paved walkway replete with vendors selling sinfully good street food. Once you find yourself here, make sure you get yourself an isso wade. This is basically a deep-fried biscuit made of lentils, topped off with crispy prawns and seasoning. More than just its delicious taste, the delicacy is among the cheapest kind of food you can buy when you travel to Sri Lanka, costing only around LKR 50!

A visit to the Gangaramaya Temple

  If you’re looking for a touch of spirituality and culture on your tour of Colombo, a stop at the Gangaramaya temple is a must. Here, you can get a taste of the rich religious heritage of the country, as well as some stunning pictures of the statues and monuments inside this sacred shrine.

Visit the National Zoological Gardens of Sri Lanka

  At Sri Lanka’s premier zoo, witness a range of exciting wildlife on your trip here. From exciting displays by the resident seal to feeding time for elephants, there are a number of attractions awaiting eager visitors.

Keen to discover more of Colombo’s finest when you travel to Sri Lanka?

At Fernando Travels, we’ve got what it takes to give you the time of your life. Contact us today for everything you need when you travel to Sri Lanka.