Attractions
Parks
Vihara Maha Devi Park was named after the mother of one of Sri Lanka ‘s greatest kings. The park is known for its flowering trees, which are a magical sight between March and early May. The well-lit park is open until 9 p.m.
Colombo
Sri Lanka’s capital is a city where ancient culture blends with modern Western influences. A 34 km long, palm-lined road leads from Katunayake International Airport (Colombo) to the city.
- Usprivateschoolsfinder: Offers description downloadable image of national flag for the country of Sri Lanka. Also includes prehistory and history of this nation.
Buddhist temples
Kelani Rajamaha Viharaya (10 km from the fort), Vajiraramaya in Bambalapitiya (6 km), Dipaduttaramaya in Kotahena (5 km) and Gotami Vihare in Borella (7 km). Also worth visiting are the Gangaramaya Bhikkhu Training Center, as well as Sima Malaka (3 km away at Sri Jinaratana Road 61), Purana Viharaya (Metharamaya, Lauries Road, Colombo 4) and Purana Viharaya in Hendala, on the Colombo-Negombo road on the way to the Pegasus Reef Hotel.
Hindu temple
In Kochikade Kotahena, Pettah and Bambalapitiya
(Colombo 4);
Sri Siva Subramania Swami Kovil (Colombo 11, walking distance from Sea Street).
East Coast and Jaffna
Trincomalee, 265 km from Colombo, is the ideal place for beach lovers. It has one of the best natural harbors in the world and excellent beaches. All water sports (including fishing) are possible.
Batticaloa (312 km from Colombo) is known for its old Dutch fort and the mysterious “Singing Fish” – from April to September you can hear a very distinctive, deep sound from the lagoon, the origin of which is not exactly known.
Kalkudah (32 km from Batticaloa) is protected by a reef and has a convenient location. The calm sea offers ideal bathing possibilities.
Passekudah near Kaludah offers a beautiful bay, clear water and safe bathing grounds.
Nilaveli, 18 km from Trincomalee, is a typical holiday resort with excellent beaches, all water sports are possible.
Arugam Bay is a picturesque bay 314 km from Colombo and 3 km from Potuvil with good surfing.
Jaffna, 396 km from Colombo, is the unofficial capital of the Tamil separatists. It was destroyed during the 1987 siege by Indian troops. The numerous beaches are picturesque; the most famous is Casuarina Beach. Travel to this area is currently not possible.
southwest coast
The best time for a holiday on the southwest coast is between November and April, on the east coast between April and September.
Located 11km from Colombo, Mount Lavinia is a welcoming seaside resort close to the commercial airport.
Beruwela (58 km from Colombo) offers good bathing opportunities all year round.
Bentota, 61 km from Colombo and nestled between the sea and a river, is a pretty resort town.
Hikkaduwa (99 km from Colombo) features a beautiful coral reef and beach.
Galle (115 km from Colombo) is known for its old Dutch fort, lace making, carving and jewel processing.
tangals (195 km from Colombo) has a bay where it is safe to swim all year round.
Negombo is located 37 km from Colombo near Katunayake International Airport. The place is Sri Lanka’s oldest and most famous fishing village. The beach separates the sea from the lagoon.
Pettah
Located 1 mile from the fort, Pettah is a busy bazaar.
More Attractions
The planetarium, the zoo and various museums and art galleries.
parliament building
Sri Jayawardenepura, Kotte.
cont
In today’s economic and financial center of the city, in the 16th-18th
Century Dutch and Portuguese garrisons stationed. The Clock Tower
is visible from afar.
mosques
Davatagaha Mosque (Union Place, Colombo 2); Afar Jumma Mosque (Pettah).
Shopping
Overview
Objects made of silver, brass, ceramics, wood and terracotta, as well as baskets made of cane, straw hats, reed mats, ebony elephants and drums. Shop opening hours: Mon-Fri 09.00-17.30, Sat 09.00-13.00. Many shops are also open on Saturday mornings.
Nightlife
Introduction
Some hotels in Colombo have restaurants with dance music. There are theatres, cinemas with American films, ballet performances and concerts.
Culinary
Overview
The specialty is a simple curry dish made with coconut milk, sliced onions, chillies, aromatic spices like cloves, nutmeg, cinnamon and saffron. Hoppers resemble half a toasted bun with a soft fried egg on top. Stringhoppers are steamed pasta made from rice flour, a little thinner than spaghetti. Jaggery, a type of caramel made from the sap of the kitul palm, is also delicious. Drinks: The national drink is tea, which is among the best in the world. Toddy (palm juice) is a popular drink. If this is fermented, you get arrack, which is available in different alcohol strengths. Alcohol is not served on the Poya holiday (every full moon).
Culture
Religion
Buddhism (69.1%); Hindu (7.1%), Christian (6.2%) and Muslim (7.6%) minorities.
Social Rules of Conduct
Clothing: Casual clothing is perfectly acceptable. When visiting religious sites, hats must be removed and shoes removed, shoulders and thighs should be covered. Men are only expected to wear a jacket and tie on special occasions. Tipping is at the discretion of the guest. Most hotel bills include a 10% tip. Taxi drivers expect 5%. Security checks are frequent after dark. You should definitely obey the officials and not provoke them. Likewise, caution is required when taking photographs; public buildings and military installations should not be photographed without express permission. It is advisable to carry your passport with you at all times.
Climate
Best travel time
Tropical climate, milder at high altitudes and near the coast. The monsoon brings heavy continuous rain from May to July and from December to January.
Country data
Phone prefix
+94
Area (sq km)
65610
Population
21,413,249 (Source: homosociety)
Population density (per square km)
335
Population statistics year
2020
Main emergency number
110
