When touring Sri Lanka, one would often be confronted with plenty of opportunities to go sightseeing but do keep in mind that the launchpad of all such outstanding escapes would be Colombo city.
Shopping
Photo By Dan Lundberg [CC BY-SA 2.0], via Wikimedia Commons
Truly a shopaholic's dream come true as you will be met with a number of appealing destinations, stores and corners, filled to the brim with a wide range of best buys, clothes, accessories and souvenirs of varying shapes and sizes.
Staying true to the sentiment of 'shop till you drop', Colombo arrives complete with absolutely everything under the sun and shoppers combing the city's streets are sure to encounter lavish department stores and fancy shopping malls selling world-renowned brands.
First up would be the Crescat Boulevard located in Colombo 3 where a fine balance of shopping stores and dining outlets are on offer. Pick and choose from the latest designer wear or unearth the bookworm in you by spending time paging through your favourite novel at the Vijitha Yapa Bookshop.
Though for a change of direction why not check out Majestic City and Unity Plaza? Both establishments afford 'Gadget Gurus a field day of exploring what's hot in the market in relation to mobile phones and laptops; the latter being the more favoured for all computer related accessories.
However, should you want to take on the bustling streets of Colombo then look no further than the Pettah market found in the Colombo Fort area. Known for its street stalls which sell a host of appealing knickknacks and souvenirs, one ought to master the fine art of bargaining ahead of a trip here as you would most certainly be called upon to do so.
Check out this comprehensive article on The Culture Trip
Enjoy a movie
Colombo and its suburbs house more than 20 movie cinemas that are known to show the latest blockbusters coming out of Hollywood and Bollywood. Going to movies while on holiday in Sri Lanka comes across as one of the more pleasing and engaging of pastimes that one could delight in with your best mates.
Should you be staying at one of the city hotels which include the Mount Lavinia Hotel, then preferably make inquiries from the concierge who will be more than happy to flood you with relevant information concerning making a booking online for movie tickets. Furthermore, a shopping spree through Colombo by morning and a movie in the afternoon will certainly be the way forward for you and a good way to mix and mingle with the locals as well.
Play Golf
Royal Golf Club Colombo | Photo By Anuradha Dullewe Wijeyeratne (Own work) [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons
Not to be outdone, Colombo too has a side to it which is perfect to rest, unwind and indulge in one of the world's most treasured and played sports. The Royal Colombo Golf Club is often frequented by those eager to try their hand at a round or two of golf while watching out for the odd waterhole and bunker en route to making a 'hole in one.'
Here, one could learn the ropes of the game or challenge some of the club's members to an intriguing game. Take things up a notch or two by purchasing the best-golfing apparel and equipment at the club's Pro Shop which opens its doors daily from 6 am to 7 pm.
Taste local delicacies
A Sri Lankan buffet | Photo Credit : Mount Lavinia Hotel
Rich in taste, oozing with flavour and bursting with variety! Such is the offering provided by the most sought-after of restaurants in Colombo that you are bound to stumble across during the escapades that will take you to almost all nooks and crannies in the city. The food scene is an integral part of what Colombo stands to offer intrepid travellers in their numbers.
From hot and spicy curries, juicy and succulent burgers to world-renowned fine dining spreads, Colombo serves an enticing helping of delicacies that you will surely not grow tired of anytime soon. Lovers of the 'Far East' must make their way towards Peach Valley, Chinese Dragon and Moon River for mouth-watering Chinese cuisine while those in the mood for fine German dishes should definitely check out The Bavarian which is near the Galle Face Green.
Though for a true taste of Arabia, look to the inviting and warm setting of Arabian Knights but not before reserving time and space for a visit to the Barracuda for scrumptious seafood by the ocean. Also, a series of fast food chains ranging from Burger King, KFC and McDonalds are easily accessible in the city of Colombo but be mindful of the fact that excess calories would only impede your progress and holiday in Sri Lanka.
Nightlife in Colombo
Photo by @thelankantraveler via Instagram
Night owls and party animals will find Colombo an excellent venue and an easy excuse to let go of life's mundane routines, kick back and herald in the weekends in grand style. From
nightclubs such as Rhythm and Blues and Silk to pubs such as Inn on the Green and Cheers, Colombo has certainly got you covered in no uncertain manner.
Therefore, your best bet for a thrilling night out in the nation's capital would be to begin at your favourite eatery and then make a beeline towards a nightclub of your choice where one may toast the night away, listening to DJs spinning the hottest tracks into the wee hours of the morning.
