The “Red Mosque” built over a century ago in 1908, is not only a historical land mark for its unmistakable Colours and architecture, but it is also one of the oldest mosques in Colombo. There’s also a belief that the mosque was used by sailors in the early 20th Century as a landmark.  Standing out due to its uniform contrast of red and white and bulbous domes the mosque is believed to have been designed to take the shape of a pomegranate – hence the colours red and white. Even though it could accommodate only 500 people initially, expansions are now going on, by the completion of which the mosque is expected to accommodate 10,000 people.

Loud, colourful and infinitely full of interesting and useful things, the pettah market is often a Sri Lankan’s go-to-place when they want to uncover the otherwise unsearchable at unbelievable prices. “If it’s there in Sri Lanka, it’s there in Pettah” is the unanimous Sri Lankan belief. Navigating the streets of pettah can be next to impossible for a first-timer, but upon the guidance of a local, you can find make it one of the most memorable shopping experiences of your life. If you are no slouch in bargaining and can keep smiling no matter what, you will walk away with some really cool goodies at ridiculous prices. Be sure not to miss out on the juicy fruits and the intolerably sweet, sweetmeats when you are there.

The “Gangarama Temple” which was built over 150 years ago, is one of the most intriguing religious places you will come across in the entire country. In addition to being a religious temple where Buddhists worship, the Gangarama Temple is also home to a unique collection of artifacts cutting across various cultures, geographic borders and periods of time. The place is deceptively large and the sheer volume and the variety of what it has to offer ranging from a statue of a Chinese Emperor more than 400 years old, to statues and artifacts and statues from Hindu mythology are only adding to the almost quirky charm of this temple.

Perched on the raised platforms emerging from the depths of the Beira Lake the “Seema Malaka” temple is just a stone’s throw from the “Gangarama Temple”. Designed by the legendary Geoffrey Bawa, the “Seema Malaka” temple was built in the 1970s. Certain rituals in Buddhism require distinct geographical characteristics of a temple and this place being surrounded on three sides by water and not touching the ground serves one such purpose called “the ordination” of monks. Surrounded by nothing but water, the calm felt under the bo tree is common to devotees and general visitors alike.

Fabled among the locals for its spectacular sunsets, delicious and spicy “isso wadey” (a street delicacy) and kites of all shapes and sizes, the Galle Face Green is the most frequented public space among Sri Lankans. You can find people from all walks of life rambling across the vast stretch of land which is no longer green. Vendors selling kites, beach balls and inflatable penguins are teeming the area and thus Galle Face is also quite popular among young children. Watching the sun set over the western horizon, painting a million hues of red, yellow and orange on the sky is truly a breathtaking spectacle. There are several street food stalls to be found in the area but it is the “Isso Wadey” that reigns supreme and is inextricably linked with “Galle Face”.