Things to do in Panadura

No. 4 of Night Attractions in Sri Lanka

Independence Square

Independence Square is located to the east of the University of Colombo, an iconic cultural square and the site where the Sri Lanka independence ceremony was held on February 4, 1948. Looking around here, the distant The White Palace is faintly visible. Many young people rest and read here, making it a great place to find comfort and quiet. Independence Square’s central Independence Memorial Hall was built in imitation of the audience hall used during the Kandy Dynasty. The green lawns surrounding the square set off the Independence Memorial Hall, which is surrounded by stone-carved lions, and there is a statue of D.S. Senanayake on the back of the memorial hall.

No. 1 of Best Things to Do in Colombo

Colombo National Museum

Colombo National Museum is the national museum of Sri Lanka. Opened in 1877, it houses tens of thousands of artifacts and is an ideal place to quickly understand the history of this island. The museum is housed in a two-story, Italian-style white building. With its arched colonnades and a large lawn in front, the white facade is very photogenic. The first floor is arranged chronologically, while the second floor is organized by theme, showcasing everything from prehistoric stone tools to the Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa periods, and finally the Kingdom of Kandy. The museum library also houses thousands of palm-leaf manuscripts, offering a window into the literary heritage of ancient Sri Lanka.

No. 1 of Family-friendly Attractions in Colombo

Colombo Dehiwala Zoological Gardens

The Colombo Zoo, also known as the Dehiwela Zoo, is located in South Colombo. It is Sri Lanka's national zoo and one of the largest zoos in the country. It houses over 3,000 animals from around the world, representing 350 species, with a predominance of tropical animals. The zoo is shaded by lush greenery and vibrant flowers. The zoo features an aquarium, a bird enclosure, a reptile house, a butterfly garden, and an elephant enclosure. The zoo's biggest difference from other zoos is the sheer variety of animals, including 110 species and over 1,000 birds. There are also hundreds of butterflies from over 30 species. 2. Butterfly Garden For butterfly enthusiasts, there's a dedicated butterfly garden. Through the glass windows, you can see the garden's shrubs and flowers. Colorful butterflies flutter among the blossoms, or rest among them, creating a truly captivating sight. 3. A Variety of Performances The zoo features elephant and seal performances, each open daily at 4:30 PM. The elephant show begins at 4:00 PM, while the seal show begins at 4:00 PM. Visitors can also ride elephants (unlike other zoos) or on horseback to see gorillas, African lions, Indian tigers, peacocks, and other exotic animals and aquatic life. This activity runs from 2:30 PM to 4:00 PM on weekends.

Pearl Bay

Are you ready to Spend a Whole Day in Another World? Pearl Bay, a David Pieris Group initiative, is Sri Lanka's First International Standard Leisure Park right here in Bandaragama. Pearl Bay comprises four zones which include SplashBay (European Standard Waterpark), SpeedBay (FIA-CIK certified 1.2Km karting track), TargetBay (5-lane Air Rifle Shooting Range) and YumBay (Cafe and Restaurant).

Piliyandala Clock Tower

Bellanwila Rajamaha Viharaya

SpeedBay Circuit, Bandaragama

No. 13 of Best Things to Do in Sri Lanka

Jami Ul-Alfar Mosque

Jami Ul-Alfar Mosque is located near Pettah Market. Construction began in 1908 and was completed the following year. Due to its striking red and white striped exterior walls, it is colloquially known by locals as the "Red Mosque" and is one of the most recognizable landmarks in Colombo. It is said that in the days before high-rise buildings emerged around the harbor, sailors entering the port often used it to identify the port of Colombo. The entire building is a two-story structure made of red and white bricks, with stripes, domes, minarets, and a clock tower stacked in layers. Stylistically, it belongs to the Indo-Saracenic style, blending Indian Islamic and indigenous Indian architectural traditions, with Gothic Revival and Neoclassical elements.

Diyatha Uyana Park

Diyatha Uyana Park is famous for its beautiful lakes and tree-lined walking trails. The park offers numerous recreational facilities, such as pavilions, dining areas, and a children's playground, making it an ideal place for relaxation.

No. 5 of Best Things to Do in Colombo

BMICH (Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall)

BMICH (Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall) is located in the heart of the Pettah district in Colombo. With its magnificent and spectacular architecture, it is one of the city's iconic landmarks. The building was a project provided as free aid by the government of China to Sri Lanka. Since its completion 30 years ago, it has played an important role in the social life of Sri Lanka. The entire building is well-equipped, with a 16,000-square-foot conference hall, 400 telephone lines, and a newly built library that showcase its grandeur. The building features an octagonal floor plan, an outer corridor composed of 48 snow-white marble columns, large overhanging eaves, and openwork lattice exterior walls. It is light and airy, rich in tropical architectural style and local characteristics. Since its completion and opening over 30 years ago, it has played an important role in the social life of Sri Lanka. In 1964, China decided to provide free aid to build an international conference hall for Sri Lanka. It was completed in May 1973. Since its completion and opening over 30 years ago, it has played an important role in the social life of Sri Lanka, with a status equivalent to that ofThe Great Hall of the Peoplein China. It is hailed as "a symbol of Sri Lanka-China friendship and a pearl of Sri Lanka." Opposite it stands the Embassy of China in Sri Lanka, highlighting its political significance. The two buildings complement each other, symbolizing the close unity between the people of China and Sri Lanka.