The three-wheeled tuk tuk is ever present on Colombo’s busy streets. Take advantage of its zippiness with Tuk Tuk Tours Sri Lanka, a whistlestop of classic Colombo landmarks from the ancient Hindu temple of Sri Kailawasanathan Swami Devasthanam Kovil – the city’s oldest and largest – to the lesser-known corners of town for  street food, teas and spices. Each private tour ends with a traditional meal featuring dishes such as kottu – chopped roti with curried chicken – and egg hoppers. Teamed with a glass of the country’s iconic Lion Lager, it’s a perfect introduction to the best of relaxed Sri Lankan cuisine

In the heart of the affluent Cinnamon Gardens neighbourhood, southeast of the city centre, Viharamahadevi Park is the place to head for an afternoon of relaxation. Best known for its gleaming 4.5-metre tall brass Buddha statue, Colombo’s largest park is also family friendly, with picturesque fountains, a casual cafe and onsite playground dotted across the 20-hectare grounds.

 A two-kilometre stretch of soft sands and cerulean waters, Mount Lavinia Beach is an ideal escape from the constant hum of downtown Colombo. Take the 25-minute drive south of the city and settle into a lounger at the historic Mount Lavinia Hotel’s poolside terrace for golden hour views of the Indian Ocean, best accompanied by a side of parippu wadai – crispy fried ground red lentils with a coconut and chilli chutney – and a classic cocktail. 

Tucked inside a tranquil tropical garden at Havelock Place Bungalow, Gini plates up classic Sri Lankan fare with a contemporary twist. Chef Surith Adhihetty and his team prepare everything on an open flame in the outdoor kitchen to really shine a spotlight on the hyperlocal ingredients sourced from nearby Kirinda and Negombo. Start with the crowd-pleasing grilled squid with lime aioli and coconut sambal and finish with the restaurant’s signature Cereal dessert – a confection of caramelised banana, ice cream and dulce du leche.

Dating back to 1908, the striking Jami Ul-Alfar Masjid is one of the oldest mosques in Colombo. Situated in the bustling shopping district of Pettah, this architectural wonder is defined by its vivid candy-striped minarets and ornate arabesque interiors. Visitors of all faiths are welcome between 9.30am and 5.30pm from Saturday to Monday, and on Fridays, from 3pm to 5.30pm. While entry is free, guests are required to keep their arms and legs covered (women should cover their hair, too) and must be accompanied by a guide during their visit. 

A 10-minute drive from the heart of the city and nestled beside the Indian Ocean, Galle Face Green Night Market is the go-to spot for some of the best street food in Colombo. At around 5pm, locals flock to the area for a spot of cricket beside the beach while vendors start rolling out their carts, peddling fresh fare before the sun sets dramatically in the background. Not sure what to order? Start with a classic kottu roti – a flavourful plate of shredded paratha mixed with vegetables, meat and spices. 

Perched on the summit of a small hill kissed by the Kelani River in the city’s east, the Buddhist Kelaniya Raja Maha Viharaya Temple is a place where time seems to stand still. Adorned with intricate sculptures and paintings illustrating scenes from The Buddha’s life, the architecture dates back over 2,500 years and is a 20-minute tuk tuk ride from downtown Colombo.

Ceylon tea is one of Sri Lanka’s most famous exports. In 1988, Dilmah emerged after its founder, Merrill J. Fernando, saw a gap in the market for locally grown, hand-picked and packaged tea. Since then, in addition to exporting its wares across the globe, Dilmah has also established a string of elegant t-Lounges dedicated to this iconic beverage. Pop into the branch in One Galle Face to indulge in Ceylon tea-infused snacks, desserts and drinks. Our pick? The ‘T-kitsch’, a potent black tea sweetened with condensed milk and ginger.

A 19th-century home featuring  Sri Lanka’s unique colonial-era architecture, Maniumpathy is a former mansion turned right-suite boutique hotel in Cinnamon Gardens. When you’re not kicking back in your tastefully decorated suite, wander through the property’s charming courtyard, enjoy high tea in the elegant Cigar Room, swim laps in the pool or enjoy authentic Sri Lankan and fusion fare at the alfresco Verandah Restaurant, which plates up dishes including fish tacos and homemade jaffna thali – rice served along with four types of curry. 

At almost 352-metres in height, the Lotus Tower on Beira Lake is the tallest self-supported structure in South Asia and offers panoramic views of the Colombo skyline. Visit the seventh floor observation deck at golden hour to watch the sun cast its warm light over the city before greeting the Indian Ocean. Then, head to the city’s only revolving restaurant, Blue Orbit, on the 27th floor for a buffet dinner (think butter chicken, dim sum and ultra-fresh shawarma) served with a side of 360-degree views.

Immerse yourself in the bustle of local culture and community at Pettah Market. A lively labyrinth awash with the scents of cinnamon, chai and samosas, Colombo’s biggest bazaar offers everything from fruits and spices to fabrics and jewellery. Don’t miss ambling down the dedicated textile street – even if you don’t leave with a shawl in hand,  the immense array of beautiful silks and embroidered pieces is a feast for the eyes.

Regarded as the country’s cultural capital, UNESCO World Heritage-listed Kandy, in the centre of the island, is a bustling city fringed by tea plantations, ancient temples and stately colonial buildings. While the seven-hour train ride from Kandy to Ella – a charming village in the mountains – regularly makes the shortlist for one of the world’s most spectacular rail journeys, you can get a taste of the experience on the much shorter two-and-a-half-hour one-way journey to Kandy from Colombo. As you move inland, you’ll traverse verdant paddy fields and swaying palm trees until you enter the sacred city, where the rolling highlands encircle a bird-rich lake.

If you have the time, consider escaping to one of Resplendent Ceylon’s Wild Coast Tented Lodge’s 28 suites, nestled beside Yala National Park, a 30-minute flight or 4-hour drive from Colombo. For each night you stay, you’ll have the opportunity to embark on an ethical safari within the nature reserve in the company of the property’s expert rangers – Yala is home to the world’s highest concentration of leopards as well as mugger crocodiles, elephants, monkeys and more. Each of the award-winning hotel’s rooms offer beachfront and jungle views, with most boasting their own plunge pools, copper bathtubs and sumptuous Persian rugs for a dash of decadence after a day in the wild.