Hello everyone,
After a long break from actively sharing videos, I’ve started posting my videos from Asia 🙂 I believe this one is particularly interesting for those who will be visiting Sri Lanka for the first time. Additionally, I’m providing the link below for those who want to purchase Sri Lanka train tickets online. I’ve also shared the official link for the Sri Lanka Online Visa below.
Sri Lanka is currently facing some economic challenges, but its people have always been generous and kind. I traveled to Colombo and then proceeded to Jaffna, which is approximately 20 KM away from India. In my opinion, if you visit Sri Lanka, you might find the southern part more appealing.
If you’d like to join me on my journey, you can subscribe to my channel; http://youtube.com/yarkinguloglu?sub_confirmation=1
I’ve shared the places to visit in Sri Lanka on the map. You can reach all the attractions by following the map.
Google Map Link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/NuzXnbyfRP4XZWoC6
By the way, if you want to buy a train ticket: https://seatreservation.railway.gov.lk/mtktwebslr/
Sri Lanka Visa: https://eta.gov.lk/slvisa/ (Results are usually communicated to you within 4 minutes).
Colombo Places to Visit
Colombo is a bustling city, and it doesn’t have the kind of structure I prefer. Therefore, despite planning to stay for 2 days in Colombo, I ended up staying only for 1 day. The overall atmosphere is chaotic, but the people are equally warm and welcoming. Since I mostly used public transportation here, I could engage in frequent conversations with the locals.
Bus fares in Colombo can vary depending on the area you are traveling to, ranging from 50 Sri Lankan Rupees (15 cents) to 200 Sri Lankan Rupees (60 cents) on average for intra-city travel.
One of the best taxi applications you can use in Sri Lanka is Pick Me. Through this app, you can even summon a motorcycle taxi. I’ve provided the updated links for both Android and IOS below.
Pick Me OFficial Website : https://pickme.lk/
Pick Me Android Link : https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.pickme.passenger&hl=en
Pick Me IOS Link : https://apps.apple.com/us/app/pickme-sri-lanka/id1000163961
If you plan to rent a motorcycle here or anywhere in Asia, you should obtain an internationally valid license. Alternatively, when you arrive in Sri Lanka, you need to validate your license at the Automobile Association department in Colombo.
In Sri Lanka, you can ride without a license, but if the police stop you and you don’t have this document, you may need to pay a bribe. This happened to me only in Ahangama during the nighttime. If you have to give a bribe, an average of 1000 LKR – 2000 LKR = $3 – $6.2 should be sufficient.
Motorcycle rental prices are around 2000 LKR = $6.20 per day in the Kandy area, and around 1000 LKR – 1500 LKR = $3.10 – $4.60 in the Ahangama region.
If you want to explore Sri Lanka by renting a tuktuk and driving it yourself, you can rent one through https://tuktukrental.com/. I saw many people doing this🙂.
One-way flights to Sri Lanka with SalamAir via Sabiha Gökçen Airport can cost around $150. As you will be flying via Oman, you won’t need a transit visa.
Now, let me explain how I traveled in Sri Lanka:
The train system in Sri Lanka is great, with trains divided into three classes: 1st Class, 2nd Class, and 3rd Class. 1st Class has air conditioning, but the others don’t. The latter can be much cheaper, but when I say cheap, it can be a difference of $2-3. So, for a maximum of $10, you can travel to a destination about 7-8 hours away in 1st Class.
Colombo Travel Guide
- Lotus Tower
One of the most popular (and tallest) places to visit in Colombo. The Colombo Lotus Tower is the tallest standalone structure in South Asia (368 meters/1,168 feet). A trip to the top allows visitors to enjoy panoramic views of Colombo and the surrounding cityscape and the sea.
Location: Lotus Tower on Google Maps
- National Museum of Colombo
Also known as the Sri Lanka National Museum, it takes you on a journey through the culture of Sri Lanka spanning thousands of years. The museum exhibits a diverse range of media, including art, clothing, jewelry, coins, weapons, and handicrafts.
Location: National Museum on Google Maps
- Sri Lanka Planetarium
The first (and only) planetarium in Sri Lanka, located at the University of Colombo. It has a public entrance just across Independence Square. The large auditorium with a domed ceiling accommodates 570 seats, where the night sky and constellations are projected.
Location: Sri Lanka Planetarium on Google Maps
- Viharamahadevi Park
This vast green space is often referred to as Colombo’s Central Park and offers areas to relax and enjoy the sunshine. The park, named after one of the country’s former queens, is situated between the Colombo National Museum and the Town Hall.
The park features numerous fountains, a small zoo, the Cenotaph War Memorial (dedicated to Sri Lankan soldiers killed in both World Wars), and the Colombo Public Library. It also hosts a 15-meter tall bronze Buddha statue, the largest in the country.
Location: Viharamahadevi Park on Google Maps
- National Zoological Gardens of Sri Lanka
Known as Dehiwala Zoological Gardens, this large zoo is located in the Dehiwala area. The zoo focuses not only on showcasing animals in cages but also on education, conservation, and welfare. It is one of Asia’s oldest zoos.
Location: National Zoological Gardens on Google Maps
- Nelum Pokuna Mahinda Rajapaksa Theatre
This large, modern performing arts complex hosts a variety of music, dance, and cultural performances. Recently renamed after the country’s former president Mahinda Rajapaksa, the design is intentionally reminiscent of a lotus flower, with “Nelum Pokuna” meaning “lotus pond” in the local Sinhala language.
Location: Nelum Pokuna Theatre on Google Maps
- Mount Lavinia Beach
The main beach resort town in Sri Lanka is Mount Lavinia, known for its numerous hotels. It’s approximately a 30-minute drive (or a 15-minute train ride) from Colombo city center.
The main stretch of the beach, known as Golden Mile, is full of tourist-focused establishments and has an active nightlife scene. Mount Lavinia has become LGBTQ+ friendly, hosting the Pride-themed Kite Festival every June.
Location: Mount Lavinia Beach on Google Maps
- National Museum of Natural History
This museum showcases plants, insects, fish, amphibians, and animals, focusing on those unique to the country. Many rare animals displayed are facing the threat of extinction. In addition to plants, the museum exhibits a variety of rocks and minerals specific to the island.
Location: Natural History Museum on Google Maps
- Gangaramaya Temple
Built in the late 19th century, this Buddhist temple complex serves as a place of worship and aims to educate people about Buddhism. It resembles a museum as it displays physical items ranging from jewelry to coins and even a vintage Rolls-Royce.
You can also see a sacred relic of Buddha’s hair and the sacred tree around which the temple is built.
Location: Gangaramaya Temple on Google Maps
- Excel World Entertainment Park
If you’re visiting Colombo with children, this compact entertainment center might be a nice addition to your itinerary. Excel World Entertainment Park includes a shopping mall, several rides, a bowling alley, an arcade, and a dining area. It also features a cinema screening Western and Bollywood films.
Location: Excel World Entertainment Park on Google Maps
- Galle Face Green
This large park area along the ocean is a popular spot for many Sri Lankans to play on the beach. Located between Galle Road and the Indian Ocean, right in the heart of Colombo, next to the Fort area, it’s the city’s largest open space.
It features a 500-meter beachfront and a promenade filled with vendors. The area is not only popular for daytime activities but is also known for its nightlife; Saturday and Sunday nights are the best times to visit.
Location: Galle Face Green on Google Maps
- Colombo Dutch Museum
Colombo’s colonial history (having been a Portuguese, Dutch, and British colony at different times) has added much to its present culture. At the Colombo Dutch Museum, you can learn everything about the island’s Dutch influence and history.
The museum building was constructed in the late 17th century as the official residence of the Dutch governor. The collection highlights nearly 200 years of Dutch control over the coastal areas of the island from 1640 to 1796, as it served as an important stop for the Dutch East India Company’s western shipping routes.
Location: Colombo Dutch Museum on Google Maps
- Pettah Floating Market
Since 2000, the city’s former industrial area has transformed into a vibrant floating market with nearly 100 vendors. Located in the heart of Colombo, about a five-minute drive from Fort.
The floating market lines a canal with sidewalks and wooden boardwalks. Both sides of the canal are lined with shops, making it a fun area for shopping, strolling, and people-watching. Great street food is also available here. It also serves as a fruit and vegetable market. You can buy clothing, handicrafts, jewelry, and even electronic items like phones.
Location: Pettah Floating Market on Google Maps
- Red Mosque
While in the Pettah area, you can visit the Red Mosque, officially known as Jami Ul-Alfar Mosque, after exploring the Pettah market. Built in the early 20th century, it is quite remarkable with its red and white stone minarets shaped like onions and pomegranates. They rise above the area, giving the building an almost Russian architectural feel. The style is referred to as “Indo-Saracenic.”
Location: Red Mosque on Google Maps
- Kanatte General Cemetery
Cemeteries can be interesting places to visit as they permanently document local culture. Kanatte is the main cemetery of the city, opened in the mid-19th century. It has a fascinating mix of monuments representing all religions and beliefs. Each has its own section and unique architectural style.
The cemetery is also a popular place for science fiction enthusiasts to visit due to being the final resting place of iconic science fiction writer Arthur C. Clarke (2001: A Space Odyssey). Clarke was born here during the time when Sri Lanka was a British colony and later retired here.
Location: Kanatte General Cemetery on Google Maps
- Beira Lake
One of the most popular places in Colombo for picnicking, relaxation, boating, jogging, or running is Beira Lake. This man-made lake (not to be confused with its larger neighbor Beira Lake) is in the heart of the city despite being surrounded by many green areas.
The area is full of running tracks and is a great place for jogging and cycling. Swan boats are available for rent around the lake.
Location: Beira Lake on Google Maps
- National Railway Museum
For train enthusiasts and railway observers, this outdoor museum near Colombo’s main Maradana Train Station might be worth a visit. While there is a larger National Railway Museum in Kadugannawa near Kandy, this original museum in Colombo has a notable collection of carriages, railway vehicles, and locomotives, including many steam engines.
Location: National Railway Museum on Google Maps
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