Colombo Day Trip From Hotels or Cruise Port

Dutch Hospital
Amongst the busy commercial trade zone of the Colombo Fort region in Sri Lanka are some of the oldest structures of the city. The Old Dutch Hospital with its tropical colonial-era architecture is one of them. The old structure; with its boxy pillars, red clay roof tiles and large central courtyards; was built in the late 17th century by the Dutch. They were influenced by the tropical requirements and the local building style in Ceylon at the time, as is evidenced by the design, which is quite different from European structures of the era. While the building may seem comparatively dull overall; it’s important to feel the echoes of its history while visiting.

Old Parliament
The Neo-Baroque-style building was built during the British colonial era to house the Legislative Council of Ceylon, and was an idea of Sir Henry McCallum. This was subsequently included in a proposal made by a committee to construct the new building for the Secretariat, Council Chamber and Government offices on reclaimed land at the northern end of Galle Face, which was approved by the Government in 1920. Austin Woodeson, chief architect of the Public Works Department of Ceylon, was tasked with the building's design; his initial estimate of 400,000 rupees for the scheme was later revised by the Public Works Advisory Board to 450,000.
The building was opened on 29 January 1930 by Governor Sir Herbert Stanley; a year later it was taken over by the State Council of Ceylon for its use, who were tenants of the building until 1947, when the House of Representatives was formed with the onset of self-rule.

Sivasubramania Swami Hindu Temple
Sivasubramania Swami Kovil hindu temple has a long history of about 125 years and was built to worship Lord Muruga, otherwise known as God Kataragama. This is of great importance to the Hindu people as well as the Buddhist people who are found travelling in great numbers to devoutly worship at the shrine of Kataragama on the south of the island.
The most outstanding sight is the tower known as raja gopuram. This tower was built in 1994 fully embellished with colourful statues of Hindu deities. It is also accompanied by two smaller towers and a clock house.
The construction of this tower was followed by a celebration called Kumbabishekam which is a traditional ceremony that is held after rehabilitation or a reconstruction of a temple

Gangaramaya Temple
Gangaramaya Temple is one of the most important temples in Colombo, Sri Lanka, being a mix of modern architecture and cultural essence. Located on the Beira Lake, it was completed in the late 19th century. The temple's architecture demonstrates an eclectic mix of Sri Lankan, Thai, Indian, and Chinese architecture.

National Colombo Museum
National Museum of Colombo, also known as the Sri Lanka National Museum is one of two museums in Colombo. It is the largest museum in Sri Lanka. It is maintained by the Department of National Museum of the central government. The museum holds contains a collections of much importance to Sri Lanka such as the regalia of the country, including the throne and crown of the Kandyan monarchs as well as many other exhibits telling the story of ancient Sri Lanka.

Galle Face Green
Finish your day with a leisurely stroll along the Galle Face Green mingling with the locals and enjoying the myriad street food choices available along the beach. after this drop to Cruise port or Hotel