Colombo is the commercial capital of Sri Lanka and a thriving economic centre. It is a great place to spend exploring for a couple of weeks. However, if all you have is a day in the country, Colombo is a must-visit. If you are trying to plan your day in Colombo, here are a few tips.
1. Hire a vehicle
Colombo has a pretty extensive public transportation system. You can get both buses and trains as well as tuk-tuks in any part of the city. However, buses and trains tend to be quite crowded and they can be a little unpredictable. Tuk-tuks, on the other hand, can be found at any point in time; however, the cost can vary based on what kind of taxi you take. For example, if you use the Uber app and are happy to travel on it, you can enjoy the local rates. If you choose to hail tuk-tuks on the road, you might be charged extra. So, the best and easiest way to enjoy the city is to hire a vehicle with a driver.
2. Cover the entire spectrum
The city, which houses hotels such as Mandarina Colombo, has a very broad and diverse spectrum of experiences to offer. For example, the heart of Colombo, which is called fort or pettah, has a whole section of small street shops and vendors as well as high-end pubs and eateries. Similarly, the best restaurants in Colombo are spread across a wide geographical area as well. You can get the best local food at some of the smallest street shops near the beach as well as at international food chains that are situated inside modern malls. Similarly, the shopping experience in Colombo is quite widespread with street vendors and large malls both offering great experiences.
3. Visit the cultural sites
Even though Colombo is primarily a metropolitan city, it is home to many cultural sites such as old Buddhist temples and churches. These are generally considered hidden gems because they aren’t at the forefront of the Colombo experience. So, it might be useful to consult a local on which sites are most worth visiting. As a multi-cultural country and city, you are bound to have a very interesting experience if you know where to look. There are several Hindu Kovils in the city as well.
4. Enjoy the urban nature
A little-known fact about Colombo is that is home to wonderful wildlife. Colombo is one of the few cities in the world to have been named as a Ramsar wetland city. This was in recognition of the incredible wetland system the city is built around. Several urban parks in the city can be visited. These parks are home to a large range of birds as well as mammals such as the Eurasian Otter and Fishing Cat. You can spend a few hours exploring the beauty of these parks and even take some great pictures if you visit at the right time of the day. Some parks offer guided tours on some days. If you are truly interested in nature, it might be good to sign-up for such an experience early on.
5. Finish with the nightlife
Once you’ve enjoyed the culture, nature, food, and shopping scene in Colombo, it is time to indulge in its nightlife. The party culture in Colombo has evolved quite a bit in the past few decades. Now there are plenty of pubs, clubs, and restaurants to choose from. Several rooftop locations can be a joy to visit in Colombo. These offer an incredible view of the city. You can enjoy live music, fantastic drinks, and delicious food. Most of these locations are also close to most hotels.
About the Creator
Amie Ginendra
Traveller | Writer | Foodie Lover | Blogger
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