What to do in Colombo —
15 things to do

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Play cricket

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Quite often you can see Sri Lankan people playing on streets with materials on hand! Join the team and play cricket with Sri Lankan people!

Walk along the promenade

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Central promenade along Galle Face Green park is the place where locals have picnics, do sports and just hang out.

FREE0Galle Face Green promenade

Fly a kite

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Buy a kite at Galle Face Green promenade and fly it over the ocean.

0Galle Face Green promenade

See sunset

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Wherever you're on the island you can watch sun sink into the ocean. Lots of Lankans put off their routine to admire this beauty.

See the ceremony of the flag lowering

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They hoist the flag on Galle Face at 9am and lower it when the sun comes down - at 6pm sharp.

FREE0Galle Face Green promenade

Try achcharu

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Traditional street food that is actually fruit and vegetables pickled in vinegar and spices. It is usually served with fried rice.

See pelicans sitting on lamp posts

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While walking along the promenade, from time to time look at lamp posts - quite often you can see pelicans there.

FREE0Galle Face Green promenade

Try on a saree

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Traditional holiday outfit of Sri Lankan women. You can try it on for a small fee (100-200 rupees) in saree shops.

See Navam Perahera

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Annual fest with dancers, drummers and 50 dressed-up elephants - Lankans cherish their culture and traditions. In 2018 it's held on February, 13-14 at Gangaramaya Temple.

Try kottu

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Traditional dish is made from chopped roti flatbread, eggs, meat or fish. It is prepared on hot iron sheets, so cooking is a loud process. Kottu is served in restaurants and street stalls.

Try buffalo curd

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Traditional yogurt made of filtered and boiled buffalo milk. You can buy it in supermarkets throughout the city, but the curd in a clay pot from street vendors is more authentic.

Try battered shrimps

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Battered shrimps are well-liked snack among Sri Lankans. Every street vendor offers to try the food delicacy.

Try papadum

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Traditional fried thin crisps are made from flour, dhal and chick peas. They are served as a snack or with rice and curry in any cafe or vendor stall.

Drink king coconut juice

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A coconut stall vendor chops the husk, using his machete, he pokes a hole in the top and inserts a straw. After drinking slightly acidic juice, scoop out the sweet, custard-like flesh.

Try arrack

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Traditional drink that is made by distillation of fermented coconut milk (toddy) or palm syrup. It's 60-90 ABV and tastes like rum or whisky. You can order it in bars or restaurants or buy in special alcohol shop.

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