Located to the northeast of Colombo is the Kelaniya Raja MahaVihara, a venerated Sri Lankan Buddhist shrine considered second only to the temple of the Tooth in importance. Earlier shrines on this spot were destroyed by Indian invaders and later by the Portuguese colonialists; the present-day structure dates from around the 18^th and 19^th centuries.

A fairly plain dagobamarks the spot where the Buddha is said to have preached during one of his three visits to Sri Lanka, but this is upstaged by the elaborate image house. Made of yellow-orange colored stone, the eye-catching exterior boasts detailed decoration with ornate door knockers and pillars; look out for the elephants flanking the entrance. The interior is covered with paintings, the most striking of which are the 20^th century murals by SoliasMendis, a renowned artist, depicting the Buddha’s visits to Sri Lanka.

The three-shaded temple grounds are home to a large bo tree, an impressive bell tower, two large statues and a small museum. Raja MahaVihara is also the focus of the DurudhuPerahera festival.

A beachside suburb of Colombo, Mount Lavinia is said to have been named after Sri Thomas Maitland’s lover, a Portuguese- Sinhalese local dancer named Lovina. Maitland, who saved as Governor General of Ceylon from 1805- 11, established a residence in this area in 1806. Legend maintains that a tunnel connected the building to Lovina’s house so the lovers could meet in secret. The building was lived in and expanded by successive governors until it was converted into the Mount Lavinia Hotel in the late 19^th century.

The imposing Colonial hotel, poised on a small promontory, towers over the beach and attracts many visitors, especially foreigners, to Mount Lavinia. The hotel has maintained its old-world charm despite modernization. There are excellent views across the sea from here, which can be enjoyed over an evening drink.

Mount Lavinia is a good, laid-back alternative to the bustle of Colombo. The beach is decent but can get particularly busy at weekends and holidays, when locals decent for the day. The sea is not great for swimming, but it is possible to watch the fishermen preparing to cast their nets. There are also a number of beachside bars and restaurants. Visitors are advised to exercise caution when walking back to their hotel after dark.

Spread over 11 ha, Dehiwala Zoo is a popular attraction with locals. The animals housed here include elephants, jaguars, leopards, sloth bears, porcupines and monkeys. In addition, a rich diversity of birdlife can be seen in the attractive walk-in aviary. There is also a butterfly house brimming with 30 species. The afternoon display of elephant acrobatics is popular among locals, although many visitors will find this uncomfortable to watch.

Owning to the damage it suffered during the Civil War, the zoo has been undergoing extensive renovation. Although the enclosures for the big cats and bears are somewhat crammed, the zoo is better than a number of its Asian counterparts.

A short distance southeast of Colombo city centre are the Talangama Wetlands, made up of ponds, canals and paddy field. Home to over 100 species of bird, this diverse area of wetland offers some exciting birding opportunities. Among the permanent residents are water birds such as the purple swamphen, egrets, herons, water jacanas and kingfishers; and forest birds can also be seen year- round. During the migrant season from November to April waders such as the common sandpiper, redshanks, greenshanks and plovers use this wetland as a stopover on their journey to the South Coast. Apart from birds, numerous species of butterflies and dragonflies can also be seen here, as well as some small mammals, such as he endemic purple-faced leaf monkey.

An urban oasis, the wetlands are bordered by motorable roads and are easily accessible.

Located in a Colonial-era building dating from 1877, the Colombo National Museum was founded by Sir William Henry Gregory, the British Governor of Ceylon. The museum houses a plethora of interesting collections that provide a good introduction to the island’s temples and ancient cities. The most engaging galleries on the ground floor are 2 to 5, which feature exhibits from the Anuradhapura period through to the Kandyan era. The highlight here is the elaborate Kandyan throne, which was used by the last king of Kandy, Sri WickramaRajasinghe. Upstairs, there are several paintings, masks, coins, jewellery, puppets and a skeleton of a blue whale that washed ashore in 1984.

Part of the same complex as the Colombo National Museum, this museum is dated and dusty but those interested in the island’s diverse flora and fauna may find it appealing. There are various specimens in jars, including a pickled two-headed goat by the entrance, and informative display panels. Next door, the National Art Gallery comprises a large room displaying paintings by Sri Lankan artists in a range of styles. Notable among these are canvases by George Keyt. Temporary exhibitions are held in the room.

A large green space in the centre of Colombo, ViharaMahadevi Park is named after the mother of King Dutugemunu. It is a welcome shady spot with tropical trees as well as orchids and exotic plants. The park attracts a wide variety of birds and occasionally the odd elephant may be spotted here with its mahout (caretaker). The railings to the south of the park, along Green Path, display works of upcoming artists during the week and students’ works on Sundays. The white-domed Town Hall, dating back to 1927, overlooks the park to the northeast.

Reminiscent of the US White House, it is hard to miss. Further north is De Soysa, or Lipton Circus, one of Colombo’s major intersections, where the Odel store is located. Across the road from Odel is the impressive looking Devatagaha Mosque.

A short walk southeast from Beira Lake lies the Gangaramaya Temple, one of Colombo’s most important Buddhist shrines as well as the focus of the NavamPerahera festival. The temple was established during Sri Lanka’s 19^th century Buddhist revival, and comprises an usual mix of Minimalist and modern Indian architectural styles. The temple complex is made up of a group of buildings clustered around the main courtyard with a dagobaat the centre and a bo tree growing out of a raised platform. This is also where the temple elephant can be seen.

Located across the courtyard is the main image house – home to a large orange-robed Buddha in meditation pose, flanked by elephant tusks and surrounded by devotees. Although the statue is brightly colored and overpowering, the effect is nonetheless impressive. It is also worth looking around to appreciate the carvings on the walls and along the base of the image house.

The wooden pavilion opposite the image house is the library, where piles of antique ola-leaf manuscripts are flanked by Buddha statues from abroad. The upper floor can be accessed via the bo tree terrace, and a walk along the adjacent balcony affords a good overview of the complex. Just off the courtyard, the temple museum contains an extraordinary collection of gifts accumulated over the years – ranging from Buddha statues to cameras. The 1930s Mercedes Benz parked outside was also presented to the temple and is a popular photo opportunities.

Visitors must take their shoes off inside the temple. Note, however, that the floor here can get very hot from the sun, so it is advisable to bring a pair of socks.

Located in the heart of Colombo, the placid Beira Lake attracts a variety of water birds such as pelicans, egrets and cormorants. Visitors can hire a swan-shaped pedal boat to take a trip around the lake. On the southern side of Beira Lake site Seema Malaka, a meditation temple used as an inauguration hall for monks from the nearby Gangaramaya Temple. It was financed by a Muslim businessman who, having been ostracized by his community, dedicated to invest money in a Buddhist venture.

The temple was built to a design by Geoffrey Bawa and is made up of a series of three platforms that are connected to each other and to the shore by walkways.

A large, grassy strip of lawn with a promenade facing the Indian Ocean and the busy Galle Face Centre Road running behind it, Galle Face Green is a Colombo landmark. The Green was laid out in 1859 by Sir Henry Ward, who was the governor of British Ceylon from 1855 to 1860. There is a plaque commemorating him along the promenade. The lawn was formerly used by British colonials for horse racing. Nowadays, it is a communal space where locals gather when the heat of the sun has faded. Kite flying is a popular activity here during weekends and holidays.

The promenade makes for a pleasant stroll and many hawkers sell foods, kites and children’s toys along the seafront. However, scammers and con artists prey on tourists here, so it is advisable to always be on guard.