48 Hours in Colombo, Sri Lanka
This post was originally written in conjunction with Piliri Travel
Hailed for its tropical beaches and alluring landscapes, Sri Lanka is rooted in ancient heritage and spiritual serenity.
From bustling streets and beautiful temples to vibrant street food and mesmerising architecture, here’s everything you can explore with 48 hours in the country’s urban heart.
DAY ONE
MORNING: Hoppers and Cinnamon Gardens
Start your day in the city’s playground, Cinnamon Gardens, with breakfast at a restaurant that earned its place in the heart of locals well over 50 years ago, Raheema Hotel. While here, you’ll need to sample a quintessential Sri Lankan dish: hoppers, in all shapes and forms - string, plain or egg!
Afterwards, stroll through the district to learn about its spice-centric past. Gaze upon the bungalows housing families whose ancestors saw cinnamon plantations previously stretch over 250 acres of land; pay your respects at the prominent Dewatagaha Mosque; explore Bawa’s House, where the father of Asian architecture - Geoffrey Bawa - once lived; dive into a treasure trove of handwoven textiles at Barefoot or marvel at a legendary art collection housed within the confines of a romantic villa at the Sapumal Foundation.
LUNCH: A lavish affair
When you’re ready to escape the bustling urban streets, a touch of rustic Sri Lankan charm awaits at Nuga Gama. Set around a 200-year-old Banyan tree, dine on a lavish buffet of authentic Sri Lankan and Ceylonese cuisine made with locally-sourced ingredients. After a flavourful curry, end on a sweet note with a local delicacy: fresh buffalo curd and treacle - you won’t regret it.
AFTERNOON: Light, love and war
While many now flock to the stunning Gangaramaya and Seema Malaka Temples, take the time to visit a quieter alternative - and one that has existed for hundreds of years: the Old and New Katherisan Kovils. These kovils are dedicated to the Hindu God of Light, Love and War and feature stunningly colourful exteriors decorated with ornate carvings and sculptures.
DINNER: Uncover Sri Lankan gastronomy
Indulge in a truly gastronomical experience at Culinary Ceylon, where home-cooked food is served in a 7-course setting. With family recipes passed down from ancestors, dishes here feature diverse Sri Lankan flavours on a theatrical tasting menu that you won’t be able to resist.
Sleep: A townhouse for nobility
In the evening, unwind at the 11-suite luxury resort, Residence by Uga Escapes - a unique boutique hotel nestled between Park Street and Gangarama Temple. This stunning 180-year-old mansion will provide you with all the privacy and exclusivity you need, where you can take an evening dip in the outdoor pool or sip on a nightcap from the largest collection of whiskey in the city!
DAY TWO
MORNING: Spice, rice and everything nice
Explore one of the busiest places in Colombo before the intense heat of the day hits - Pettah. Renowned as the city’s market bazaar, dive into Old Moor Street - the hub of the spice, rice and tea trade; be mesmerised by the candy cane-like facade of the Jami Ul-Alfar Mosque; visit the exquisite Sivan Kovil; drift through the hot-spot that is the Floating Market and cast your eyes upon the remains of Kayman’s Gate - an old Portuguese fort - and be thankful there’s no longer a crocodile-infested moat! Don’t forget to tuck into some local short-eats for breakfast as you take in all the sights sounds and smells (good and bad) of this cultural melting pot.
LUNCH: A taste of Jaffna
Rub elbows with the locals at Mayura Hotel, a tiny hole-in-the-wall restaurant where there are no plates or cutlery. You’ll need to dine traditionally, off a banana leaf and with your hands. Try the fiery Jaffna-style crab curry and rice - it’s sure to satiate every single one of your senses.
AFTERNOON: 2,000 years of spirituality
Journey over to the outskirts of Colombo to Bellanwila Rajamaha Biharaya, a temple considered to be so sacred that any child who crosses the threshold is said to never fail in life (we choose to believe it works for adults too…) thanks to the powers of a 2,000 year old Bodhi tree. Beautiful murals dating back centuries will dance before your eyes, and the serene atmosphere will leave you feeling at ease after a chaotic morning in Pettah!
DINNER: A private beach and seafood galore
To round off the afternoon, take a walk along the golden mile of beaches - Mount Lavinia. Enjoy the warm ocean breeze and the sound of waves crashing against the sand. Head towards the Mount Lavinia Hotel for a more private affair, and to feast on fresh seafood from the Indian Ocean at Seafood Cove. Here, you select your fish, choose your preferred preparation and relax at a candle-lit table with the sand between your toes. P.S. Try the hot buttered cuttlefish, you’ll thank us later.