4 Unmissable Hidden Gems of Colombo

I’m Sri Lankan and a city girl at heart. So I may be biased when I say that you can discover something new in every destination. Colombo, the capital city, is no exception. While most tourists skip the city in favour of more exciting locations, there are plenty of things to do. So here’s an introduction to some of the hidden gems of Colombo.

Don’t get me wrong – Colombo has plenty of attractions that tourists enjoy. Its cafes, hotels, entertainment centres, malls, casinos, bars, bistros, etc offer something that you can’t find elsewhere on the island. But, unlike towns like Ella, Galle or Arugam Bay, tourism isn’t one of its main bread and butter. Commerce is. You find a lot of company headquarters, administrative departments, government buildings (like the Old Parliament in Colombo. So you’ll run into more corporate types, harried office workers and interns more than anywhere else in Sri Lanka. That doesn’t mean there aren’t any off-the-beaten-path discoveries to be made. Take a chance on Colombo, and you’ll find the hidden gems that make the city so special.

The park near the Independence Square

Viharamahadevi Park, at the heart of Colombo 2, grabs a visitor’s attention immediately. It’s within easy distance from many attractions and is right next to major roadways. So visiting the park is easy. Probably because of this, it gets more attention.

But if you want an escape away from the bustle and the noise of traffic, head to the Independence Square. Of course, most visitors immediately focus on the beautiful Kandyan-style pavilion. However, one of the most peaceful hidden gems of Colombo lies next to the Independence Square Memorial Hall. The lush landscape of the park, with meticulous hedges, green lawn and colourful flowering plants and trees create an oasis in the city. There’s a network of walking paths that wind theough the park, taking you to the fountains, and sculptures within.

Gangaramaya and the Seema Malakaya

It’s difficult to lump Gangaramaya and its Seema Malakaya in with the other hidden gems of Colombo. But maybe that’s because for years I worked within easy distance of the two locations (and never bothered to visit). If you visit (as I did eventually), you’ll find why this is both one of the best kept secrets in Colombo AND one of its most trendiest places.

The two locations blend unique architecture with religious practices and a serene atmosphere. While it’s a Buddhist temple, Gangaramaya departs from the traditional Sri Lankan Buddhist architectural practices. Rather, the temple is a delightful mismash of religious architecture from various regions of Asia. It almost feels gimmicky, but the spirituality of the temple saves it from being yet another tourist trap. The old ola leaf manuscripts, sacred religious relics and an undefinable aura of peace marks this as a place of worship. The Seema Malakaya, located near the Beira Lake, on the other hand, is more similar to a typical Buddist building. But of course, it too has the unmistakable signs of being a place of worship at the heart of the city. Nevertheless, it is a place where visitors can meditate and contemplate. As a result, it has less ostentatiousness and is rather modest.

Pettah

Pettah is far from the glamour of the more tourist friendly areas of Colombo. It’s loud, crowded, chaotic and basically the ugly cousin of the famous super star. That said, it truly is one of the most underrated places in Colombo. A microcosm of the multicultural Colombo, it’s where you go to when you want to buy something without emptying your pockets.

As a result, you can buy anything from veggies to spices to clothing, to jewellery, accessories, electronics, stationary and even vehicle spare parts! The narrow streets of Pettah create the perfect nooks and crannies for street vendors to hawk their wares. If you want to try your hand at haggling, this is your place! Shopping is not the only thing Pettah offers. But it is one of the most popular activities you will engage in. And if you find that you are getting hangry, well, simply sample the many street food you can find in Pettah. The food, like most other aspects of the neighbourhood, is a reflection of the many cultures within Colombo.

Red Mosque

As long as you are in Pettah, check out the Red Mosque. If any location deserves the term ‘hidden place’, this would be it. When you are on a hunt for the best kept secrets of Colombo, you cannot miss out on this marvelous building. The Red Mosque or Jami Ul-Alfar Mosque can stop a visitor in their tracks. Set against the ordinary surroundings of Pettah, the red and white striped exterior and the soaring domed minarets and other Islamic architecture features tend to stand out.

The Red Mosque is more than an architectural landmark in Colombo. It also contains a piece of the city’s history. The mosque has stood in Pettah for centuries, its presence evidence of the Muslim community that came together to construct the mosque centuries ago.

Want to indulge in a Colombo city tour?

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