Colombo

Dutch Period Museum

One of the most fascinating destinations to visit in Colombo is the Dutch Period Museum, which is located right in the middle of the Pettah market. The museum’s distinctive building and the numerous personal items from numerous Dutch kings and queens make it popular with tourists interested in history and culture. The museum, which has two floors, was formerly the official residence of Thomas Van Rhee, the then-Dutch Governor of Sri Lanka.In 1977, the mansion was transformed into a public museum with assistance from the Dutch government.

Wolvendaal Church

The Wolvendaal Church was built in 1749 and is arguably Sri Lanka’s most well-known example of Dutch architecture. The name “Wolvendaal,” which in Dutch means “Dale of Wolves,” has a humorous past. The region was completely surrounded by wildness in the 19th century. The name Wolvendaal originated from the Dutch mistaking the jackals that were foraging for wolves.The church’s distinctive Greek cross shape is one of its many distinguishing features! Many tourists from around the world have been drawn in by the church’s distinctive architecture and rich history. It is one of the strangest spots in Colombo to visit.

Old Parliament Building

The Old Parliament Building in Colombo, one of Sri Lanka’s most significant government buildings, has elements of Neo-baroque architecture. Numerous tales that have their roots in politics and history contribute to the building’s renown. The structure was constructed in 1930 and designated as Sri Lanka’s Parliament in 1977.The Presidential Secretariat has been housed in the old structure since the Parliament of Sri Lanka was briefly relocated to the new location in Sri Jayawardenapura Kotte. There are also several bronze statues in the property’s garden. The Old Parliament Building is one of Colombo’s most intriguing tourist destinations if politics and history captivate you.

Old Dutch Hospital

The Old Dutch Hospital, which dates back to the 17th century, is one of Colombo’s oldest and best-preserved structures. It was constructed with the goal of provide medical assistance to Dutch East India Company employees. Although the structure has a variety of uses throughout the years, it is currently a shopping centre.

Even though the structure is home to a number of shops, Odels is one in particular that offers high-quality apparel and trinkets. Foodies are drawn to the building because of the variety of cafes and restaurants that thrive there. Old Dutch Hospital, which is situated in Galle Fort, continues to rank among Colombo’s most interesting sights.

Traditional Puppet Art Museum

Sri Lankan culture is intimately tied to puppet shows. Therefore, this museum plays a significant role in sustaining the island nation’s folk values and traditions even today. It is best to reserve your seats in advance because there is a significant demand for these performances. One of the best sites to visit in Colombo, this location is certain to provide tourists of all ages much joy and entertainment. To see the skill with which artisans control their vibrant and appealing puppets, one must visit the museum.

Highlights: This theatre often hosts puppet shows by local and international specialists to entertain the enormous crowds that come here.

Sri Lanka Planetarium

The Sri Lanka Planetarium has developed quite a following among local and foreign stargazers and astronomy lovers. It was established in 1965 and is the only planetarium in the nation. The planetarium’s distinctive, lotus-shaped construction is amazing. The planetarium has 570 seats facing an incredible 4D projection that takes you on an incredibly colourful and magnificent tour through the cosmos after a well-deserved restoration in the year 2014.

The planetarium, which is on the University of Colombo campus, occasionally offers free programmes on Sundays. This is one of the most interesting sites to visit in Colombo if you enjoy stargazing or are travelling with children.

Old Galle Buck Lighthouse

The renowned Old Galle Buck Lighthouse, located directly next to Galle Beach, is yet another fantastic location. The Old Galle Lighthouse is your best option if you want some quiet time without leaving the city too far behind. The lighthouse offers you clear, mind-blowing views of the seemingly limitless Indian Ocean, despite its quirky nature.

The greatest time to visit the lighthouse, which is located within the Sri Lankan Navy’s borders, is just after sunset, when the sky above the area of ocean below turns orange and pink. It goes without saying that this is the ideal location to see a sunset.

Colombo Port Maritime Museum

Located next to the Colombo Port, the Colombo Port Maritime Museum was built in the year 1676, inside a former Dutch prison. Having been renovated once, the museum is home to a variety of important historical artefacts, items, and information associated with Sri Lanka’s ports. In addition to information on the ports and maritime industry, it also houses sculptures of important historical characters, including King Vijaya. You can also find a number of models of the ships used by the country here. Not as popular as other attractions in Colombo, this is a must-visit for patrons of history, culture, and for those with a penchant for sailing

Bellagio Casino

The same company that owns MGM and Bally’s casinos also owns the fantastic Bellagio casino. The latter are more upscale and ornate, whereas Bellagio caters to the middle class, making it one of Colombo’s most popular casinos. Numerous tourists have named Bellagio as the best gambling establishment, and it offers a wide selection of games like poker, three-card poker, roulette, back-jack, slots, and many others.

Bellagio organises a lot of promotional activities and entertainment for guests during festivals.