Discover These Must-Visit Hidden Gems You Can’t Afford to Miss On Your Colombo Adventure

Colombo is the capital of the Sri Lanka area and is perceived to be an approach to the island’s untamed beaches and beautiful sceneries. Unlike most travelers who only sightsee the city during their stay, there are still unaddressed gems that make it worth the visit. Whether it is its historical landmarks or in its small cafes, Colombo has managed to acquire some modernity and fashion without losing its ancient touch. 

It is a city that amazes and pleases those which take time to dig deeper than the surface. In fact, regardless of whether you like history, you are a foodie, or someone who just wants to relax during his vacation, the lesser-known places of Colombo are pretty much the world of a mix of culture, relaxation, and adventure.

Here are some of the places you should not leave out of your Colombo list –

1. The Old Dutch Hospital

The Old Dutch Hospital, which is situated in the middle of the Fort district of Colombo, is also a beautiful reminiscence of the colonial times of the city. It is a thoroughly renovated 17 th -century construction that constitutes a complex of fancy restaurants, cafes, and boutique shops. You can spend some time in this place and visit the courtyards, have a meal, or even get some souvenirs, which will be a thrilling experience.

2. Viharamahadevi Park

The biggest and oldest park in Colombo is the Viharamahadevi Park that borders the popular Town Hall. This green corner has tranquil walking paths, beautiful gardens and a small zoo too. The park is also beautiful beyond normal imagination in the flowering season when the trees are in full bloom and, therefore, is a wonderful place to enjoy a peaceful afternoon picnic or a peaceful walk. 

3. Barefoot Café

Barefoot Cafe is a kind of a secret on the Galle road which is a lovely place where one can sit in a gorgeous courtyard and savor the delicacies of organic food, freshly blended coffee and have an awesome time listening to jazz music on Sundays. After eating, it is possible to explore the items of the store collection of handwoven fabrics, artistic household products, and unusual gifts.

4. Independence Memorial Hall

Independence Memorial Hall is another historic monument that was built to mark the independence of Sri Lanka against British rule. It is a great work of colonial architecture which is adorned with elaborate carvings on the rocks and huge pillars. The park adjacent is also a calm place to rest and the locals can be seen relying on it as their exercise field. 

5. Pettah Market

Pettah Market is the hectic and disorderly maze of streets that provides a unique experience to have a real glimpse at the Colombo lifestyle. This busy bazaar is full of shops representing all products, even fresh produce and spices, electronics, and clothes. This market is overloaded with senses: its bright colors, their delicious aromas and the buzzing of activity. Besides, you should not forget to negotiate with the vendors and take away some of the original and one-of-a-kind souvenirs.

6. Seema Malaka Temple

Seema Malaka Temple, located on Beira Lake is a small but equally beautiful Buddhist structure as compared to the more popular counterpart, the Gangaramaya Temple. Another calm and serene place to meditate is Seema Malaka that was designed by renowned architect Geoffrey Bawa and is composed of floating pavilions, tranquil Buddha statues and stunning sceneries of the lake around it. 

7. Colombo’s Street Art

Colombo has a growing scene of street art and you, as an art lover, can not have left without seeing it. The city walls and the Slave Island in particular and the Pettah are painted in colorful paintings that depict the culture, history of Sri Lanka and contemporary issues that are happening in the present day. It is possible to have a self-guided tour and examine these works of art in color, which remains unnoticed by the multitude of visitors, but provides an alternative angle to the creative heartbeat of the city.