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Colombo
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Top 9 Best Things to Do in Colombo - 2024
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Updated Apr 2024
- 6.14.5/5181 Review
based on 1339 reviews"The museum is housed in a two storeys building. The galleries on the ground floor are arranged in a historical sequence starting from the prehistoric ages. The galleries on the upper floor are arranged on a thematic basis. Be prepared to spend a few hours in the museum if you are interested in the history of Sri Lanka as the museum houses a huge collection of artifacts. There are also many statues of Buddha. You can find one of the most well-preserved statues of Buddha from the fourth century in the lobby."Colombo.Cinnamon Gardens1.9km from downtownHighlights: The Colombo National Museum is a two-storey grand white building and the oldest museum in Sri Lanka. It was built in 1877 and a new building was built in 1980. Taking a walk here can give you a good understanding of Sri Lanka's culture and history, and it is a stop in Sri Lanka. The collections worth recommending in the museum are as follows: 1. There is a stone stele discovered in 1912 in the Zheng He Stele Museum, known as "Zheng He Stele", which was built by Zheng He, the eunuch of the Three Treasures of the Ming Dynasty, when he went to the West. The top is engraved with a relief sculpture of two dragons playing with a pearl and inscriptions in Chinese, Arabic and Tamil, mainly recording the purpose of Zheng He's visit to Sri Lanka. 2. There is also a Lion Throne shipped from Kandy in the Lion Throne Pavilion. The "Great History" records that Vijaya established the Sinhalese state and was the descendant of the lion (Siha), which is also the origin of the name Sihala for the Sinhalese. The Buddhist pilgrim (Fa-Hien) from China lived in Sri Lanka for two years around 411-413, and he called the country the "Lion Country" (Sinhala). Therefore, many artifacts related to lions can be seen in the ancient monuments of Sri Lanka. 3. There are more than 4,000 Bayeux books that record the ancient scriptures and Buddhist teachings of Sri Lanka in the Bayeux Library. The Bayeux book is a book carved from the leaves of the Bedoro tree in ancient times. It records the deeds, thoughts and scriptures of the saints. Later, people bound the words inscribed on the Bedoro leaves into a book. 4. Buddha statue and monk shoes When you walk into this premier cultural institution in Sri Lanka, a 9th century stone Buddha greets you with a mysterious smile. Among the precious cultural relics collected in the museum, there are many statues of Sakyamuni in stone and bronze, as well as many statues of Shiva in Hinduism. A pair of 9th century bronze monk shoes can also be seen. 5. There is also a magnificent crown worn by King Wimaladharma in 1693 in the Crown Pavilion. During the king's reign, he unsuccessfully attempted to regain control of the port and end the Dutch East India Company's trading franchise.Show Less - 5.44.5/5109 ReviewFree"Gala Face Beach 🏖️: Stunning views and serene waters! Must visit place in Srilanka"Colombo.Galle Face Beach1.8km from downtownHighlights: Galle Face Green Plaza is a scenic promenade in the heart of Colombo's financial and business district, stretching for half a kilometer along the coast of the Indian Ocean, a great place to watch the sunset. The surrounding business atmosphere is strong and the activities are rich. 1. Seaside scenery When you walk on this seaside avenue with the sea breeze and the sound of the waves, one side is the Indian Ocean seascape, and the other side is the modern city scenery of Colombo. In the evening, it is still a place to enjoy the sunset view. There is a slender beach under the seawall. Although it is not too clean, it is also a good place to play in the water. There is a viewing platform in the middle of the square, where you can get close contact with the sea. 2. There is a flag lowering ceremony at 6 o'clock every night in the surrounding activity square, which is very spectacular and worth seeing. In addition, there is a night market near the beach at night. You will see many barbecue stalls. Grilled fish is very surprising. All kinds of traditional Lankan food will also gather here. In addition, due to its close proximity to the Presidential Palace, the Independence Day military parade has also been held here in recent years. 3. The history of the square During the Dutch rule, it was used as a breakwater and a fortress. In 1859, the then Governor of British Ceylon opened this green space for a racecourse and golf course. Today, Galle Face Green has become a popular local leisure spot, where you can often see locals jogging, walking, kite flying, and even couples who are in love.Show Less
- 5.34.5/5228 ReviewFree"This is the site of Sri Lanka's independence ceremony on February 4, 1948, to commemorate Sri Lanka's independence from British colonial rule. The memorial hall is surrounded by no walls, airy and bright, suitable for the tropical climate of South Asia."Colombo.Cinnamon Gardens2.6km from downtownHighlights: Located on the east side of the University of Colombo, the square is an iconic cultural square and the place where Sri Lanka's independence ceremony on February 4, 1948 was held. Looking around here, the White House is faintly visible in the distance. Many young people rest and read here, which is a good place to find a comfortable and quiet place. 1. "Kandy Culture" Visit the Memorial Hall, you will see elephants, lions and patterns describing the history of Sri Lanka's Buddhism carved on the pillars. There are also 60 stone lions symbolizing the Sinhalese around the memorial hall. Each lion represents a king, reflecting the style of Kandy culture. 2. The Independence Hall in the center of the Independence Hall Square is built to imitate the hall where pilgrims were received during the Kandy Dynasty. The green lawn around the square reflects the Independence Memorial Hall, surrounded by stone lions, and there is a statue of D.S Senyonayake on the back of the Memorial Hall. 3. Shopping There is also a shopping center called Arcade. There are many brand stores in the European-style building. It is quite cost-effective when the products are discounted.Show Less
- 5.04.5/573 ReviewFreebased on 445 reviews"Jami ul Alfar Mosque: Vibrant Red Mosque, Colombo's Architectural Gem of Srilanka"Colombo.Fort1.6km from downtownHighlights: The Jami-Ul-Alfar Mosque, also known as the Red Mosque, is located near the Beta Market. 1. The striking red mosque was built in 1908 and is one of the landmarks of Colombo. It's a red and white brick building that stands out in the bustling Beta district. It is said that in the early 20th century, many sailors to Sri Lanka used it to identify whether it was the port of Colombo. 2. Features of mosques As a Buddhist country, most of Sri Lankan residents believe in Buddhism. Among the more than 2,000 mosques in the country, the red mosque can be said to be a very distinctive one. Different from the fresh and elegant white, blue and other light-colored mosques in other places, the red mosque adopts red and white, which has obvious Indian architectural color and influence.Show Less
- 4.94.5/5121 ReviewFreebased on 45 reviews"This Bandaranaike International Conference Center was built free of charge in China. It represents a landmark of China-Slovenia friendly relations in the local area. The Chinese Embassy is also opposite. The shape of the building is very similar to the Great Hall of the People. There are also statues of great people inside."Colombo.Cinnamon Garden3.1km from downtownHighlights: The Bandaranaike International Conference Building is located in the heart of Colombo's Beta District. The building is a project assisted by the Chinese government in Sri Lanka free of charge. Since its completion 30 years ago, it has played an important role in the social life of Sri Lanka. The internal facilities of the entire building are relatively complete, with a 16,000-square-foot conference hall, 400 telephone lines and a newly built library showing its momentum. The building adopts an octagonal plane, with 48 snow-white marble pillars forming a veranda, large overhanging eaves, and a latticed exterior wall. It is light and cheerful, full of tropical architectural style and local characteristics. It has been put into use for more than 30 years. play an important role. In 1964, China decided to build an international conference building for Sri Lanka free of charge. Completed in May 1973, completed and put into use for more than 30 years, it has played an important role in the social life of Sri Lanka. Its status is equivalent to the Great Hall of the People in China. It is known as "a symbol of Sri Lanka-China friendship and a pearl of Sri Lanka" . In contrast, the Chinese Embassy in Sri Lanka has an obvious political status. The two buildings complement each other, symbolizing the close unity of the Chinese and Sri Lankan people.Show Less
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FAQ
What are some Best Things to Do in Colombo?
Some Best Things to Do in Colombo include:Colombo National Museum|Galle Face Green|Independence Square|Jami Ul-Alfar Mosque|BMICH (Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall)
What are some highly-rated Best Things to Do in Colombo?
Some highly-rated Best Things to Do in Colombo include:Colombo National Museum:4.5|Galle Face Green:4.5|Independence Square:4.5|Jami Ul-Alfar Mosque:4.5|BMICH (Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall):4.5
At what locations in Colombo can Best Things to Do in Colombo be found?
The Best Things to Do in Colombo are mainly located in:Colombo National Museum:Colombo|Galle Face Green:Colombo|Independence Square:Colombo|Jami Ul-Alfar Mosque:Colombo|BMICH (Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall):Colombo
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