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All Sri Lanka Colombo

The Atlas Obscura Guide To Colombo

8 Cool, Hidden, and Unusual Things to Do in Colombo, Sri Lanka

Updated October 5, 2018

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Unusual Attractions in Colombo

The fanciful Jami-Ul-Alfar Mosque dates from 1909

Colombo, Sri Lanka

Jami Ul-Alfar Masjid (Red Mosque)

This mesmerizing architectural wonder will take your breath away with its unusual color patterns.
Pettah Floating Market.

Colombo, Sri Lanka

Pettah Floating Market

Pettah's beautiful floating market was once a stinky canal in a sketchy industrial area.
Sri Lanka Planetarium

Colombo, Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka Planetarium

The first and only planetarium in Sri Lanka.
Borella Kanatte General Cemetery

Colombo, Sri Lanka

Borella Kanatte General Cemetery

This Sri Lankan cemetery is the final resting place of sci-fi legend Sir Arthur C. Clarke.
Isipathanaramaya Temple

Colombo, Sri Lanka

Isipathanaramaya Temple

This peaceful sanctuary is one of the oldest Buddhist temples in Colombo.
Vintage Rolls,  but why is it in a temple?

Colombo, Sri Lanka

Gangaramaya Vihara Temple

Why is there a vintage Rolls Royce in this Buddhist temple?
Sambodhi Chaithya.

Colombo, Sri Lanka

Sambodhi Chaithya

This space rocket-like Buddhist stupa sits atop two giant arches and can be seen from out at sea.
Kayman’s Gate Bell Tower in 2016

Colombo, Sri Lanka

Kayman’s Gate Bell Tower

A neglected bell tower in modern Colombo is a symbol of the city's colonial past.
In partnership with KAYAK

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Unforgettable Experiences Nearby

Explore Colombo, Sri Lanka

A
Buddhism 3
Temples 2
Architecture 2

Colombo Leaderboard

Places Added

  1. Tony Dunnell
    4
  2. Goksu
    1
  3. Dr Alan P Newman
    1
  4. Snjezana
    1
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Add an unusual place to Colombo.

Places Edited

  1. Dr Alan P Newman
    2
  2. Russ Arno
    1
  3. hrnick
    1
  4. ZoeSparks
    1
  5. Tony Dunnell
    1
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Places Visited

  1. patsyloo
    7
  2. jovanderlust
    7
  3. lakdiva
    7
  4. awesome
    6
  5. laksarichard
    5
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Visit a place in Colombo.

Recent Colombo Activity

  • Lee Scott

    updated Jami Ul-Alfar Masjid (Red Mosque)

    15 days ago
  • angeloaleksandrow

    wants to go to Pettah Floating Market

    7 days ago
  • angeloaleksandrow

    wants to go to Jami Ul-Alfar Masjid (Red Mosque)

    7 days ago
  • anitafriesen

    has been to Gangaramaya Vihara Temple

    6 days ago
  • grassboring

    has been to Jami Ul-Alfar Masjid (Red Mosque)

    5 days ago

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