The formerly Dutch colony of Colombo today forms the heart of Sri Lanka. The city is a perfect mix of the cosmopolitan and the traditional, with its beaches, temples, wildlife and heritage making it one of the most colourful Asian capital cities. The variety of experiences that Colombo has to offer makes it one of the most family friendly cities, as also the city which is perfect to tour with your kids. Here is a guide to exploring the wonders of Colombo as a family.
One of the most renowned landmarks in Sri Lanka, Lake Beira is a must visit spot if you wish to indulge in bird watching along with stunning views of the lakefront. It is a place that welcomes people of all ages, children can enjoy a picnic here, the adults can go for the famous boat rides while the elderly would not like to miss the Buddha Temple situated nearby. The Lake is huge and spread over an area of 160 hectares. It forms the heart of Colombo and houses a variety of fishes. The Lake is open from 6 am to 7 pm and can be reached easily by a bus or car.
This is a lovely oasis providing an escape from city life, with manicured lawns set around a lake and sprinkled with benches. Additionally, there is an aquarium within the premises, entry to which is free. There are a number of restaurants lined up on the edge of the space or you can also choose to bring your own food for a picnic.
If you decide to visit the place for a spot of Sunday brunch, using the pool for a swim comes free. There is a separate swimming area for adults and a jacuzzi for kids.
Opened to the public in 2022, Lotus Tower is the latest addition to the city’s skyline. It is 350 metres long and is considered to be a symbol of changing Sri Lanka. The tower serves as a multifunctional building, consisting of observation decks, a hotel and a shopping complex. Further there is a floor dedicated to entertainment, offering some of the best VR experiences in the country, a rotating restaurant, as well as museums.
The tower is open 365 days for 24 hours. Located in the city centre, it is accessible by bus and cars. It is the perfect opportunity for you to enjoy as a family while also catering to individual preferences. The entry is 200 LKR or 55 INR.
Opened in 1936, the Dehiwala Zoo is the oldest zoological garden in Asia which is located in the Mount Lavinia district. Spread over an area of 11 acres, it is home to around 3000 species of all kinds of flora and fauna. There is a sea lion show and an elephant performance every evening, which sounds like the perfect entertainment for young kids.
The zoo also boasts a butterfly garden which is adorned with small streams and shrubs and the garden exhibits various stages of their life. It is surely a magical and captivating place to experience with your family. The entry fee for Indians is INR 400 for children and INR 800 for adults and it is open from 8:30 am to 6 pm.