City Heritage & Urban Trails

Gangaramaya Temple

Gangaramaya Temple, situated in Colombo, is a renowned Buddhist temple that serves as a center for worship, learning, and cultural events. Established in the late 19th century, the temple showcases a blend of Sri Lankan, Thai, Indian, and Chinese architectural styles. It houses a vast collection of Buddhist artifacts, statues, and a library, reflecting the rich heritage of Buddhism in the region.​

Galle Face Green Promenade

Galle Face Green is a 5-hectare ocean-side urban park stretching for 500 meters along the coast in the heart of Colombo. Initially laid out in 1859 by Governor Sir Henry George Ward, it was originally used for horse racing and as a golf course. Today, it serves as a popular destination for families, vendors, and kite flyers, offering a scenic view of the Indian Ocean.

Colombo Fort

Colombo Fort is the central business district of Colombo, serving as the financial hub of the city. It is home to the Colombo Stock Exchange and the World Trade Centre. Historically, it was a fortified area during the colonial periods of the Portuguese, Dutch, and British, with remnants of colonial architecture still visible today.

Manning Market

Manning Market, over a century old, is considered the oldest market and economic centre in Sri Lanka. It has been a bustling hub for trade, offering a variety of goods and produce, reflecting the vibrant commercial activity of Colombo.

Independence Memorial Hall

Independence Memorial Hall, located in Independence Square in Colombo, is a national monument built to commemorate Sri Lanka’s independence from British rule on 4 February 1948. The hall also houses the Independence Memorial Museum, preserving artifacts related to the country’s journey to independence. ​

Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall (BMICH)

The Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall (BMICH) is a convention center located in Colombo. Built between 1970 and 1973 as a gift from the People’s Republic of China in memory of Prime Minister Solomon Ridgeway Dias Bandaranaike, it serves as a venue for conferences, exhibitions, and cultural events.

Old Parliament House

The Old Parliament Building in Colombo now houses the Presidential Secretariat of Sri Lanka. Situated in the Colombo Fort area facing the sea, it served as the island’s legislature for 53 years until the new parliamentary complex was opened in 1983.

Colombo National Museum

Established on 1 January 1877 by Sir William Henry Gregory, the British Governor of Ceylon at the time, the Colombo National Museum is the largest museum in Sri Lanka. It houses a vast collection of artefacts, including ancient manuscripts, sculptures, and artworks, showcasing the island’s rich history and cultural heritage.

National Museum of Natural History

The National Museum of Natural History, established on 23 September 1986, is located within the same premises as the Colombo National Museum. It is the only museum in Sri Lanka dedicated solely to the country’s natural heritage, displaying specimens of endemic, rare, and threatened plant and animal species.

Hindu Temple at Slave Island

The Arulmihu Sivasubramania Swami Kovil, located in Slave Island, Colombo, is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Muruga (also known as God Kataragama). With a history spanning approximately 125 years, the temple is of great significance to both Hindu and Buddhist devotees.