Wattala Wonder: A Dynamic 1-Day Itinerary

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by Harper

March 30, 2024 · 1 min read

Wattala 1 Day Itinerary

Embark on a whirlwind adventure through Wattala with a carefully curated 1-day itinerary that promises a blend of leisure, culture, and architectural marvels. Kick off your day with a refreshing hour at Galle Face Green, a city park that doubles as a golfer's paradise, nestled in the heart of Colombo. Next, dive into the rich tapestry of Sri Lanka's past with a 2-hour exploration of the Colombo National Museum, where history comes alive amidst an impressive collection of artifacts. Continue your journey through time at Independence Square & Independence Memorial Hall, spending an hour where the nation's freedom is celebrated. Conclude your day with a visit to the BMICH, a testament to modern architecture and a hub for international conferences. This 2-hour visit to the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall will not only impress with its design but also with its significance in global dialogue. This itinerary is designed to give you a taste of Wattala's diverse attractions, all within the span of a single day.

Top 6 Hotels in Wattala
TOP 1
China Manor Hotel & Restaurant
China Manor Hotel & Restaurant
hotelStar
3/5
52 reviews
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TOP 2
Fairway Colombo
Fairway Colombo
hotelStar
4/5
51 reviews
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TOP 3
Earl's Red Colombo
Earl's Red Colombo
hotelStar
3/5
2 reviews
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Jetwing Colombo Seven
Jetwing Colombo Seven
hotelStar
4/5
74 reviews
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Heina Nature Villa Colombo
Heina Nature Villa Colombo
hotelStar
2/5
1 review
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Metro Port City Hotel
Metro Port City Hotel
hotelStar
3/5
6 reviews
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Day 1: Exploring the Heart of Wattala from Green Spaces to Historic Places

1

Galle Face Green

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Kickstart your Wattala wanderlust at the Galle Face Green, an urban oasis where the city's heartbeat syncs with the rhythm of the waves. As the first stop of your day, this expansive green is perfect for a leisurely stroll or a quick round of golf, all with a refreshing sea breeze. Set against the backdrop of Colombo's skyline, Galle Face Green offers a serene escape, inviting you to soak in the vibrant atmosphere for about an hour before delving into the city's rich history.

Attraction Info

  • Colombo, Sri Lanka
  • Suggested tour duration: 1-2 hour
  • Open 24 hours

Recommended Nearby Restaurants

Ministry of Crab
Ministry of Crab
4.6/5 · 103 reviews
1.1 km from attraction
Nihonbashi
Nihonbashi
4.3/5 · 8 reviews
0.5 km from attraction
The Lagoon.
The Lagoon.
4.4/5 · 55 reviews
0.8 km from attraction
Raja Bojun
Raja Bojun
4.7/5 · 10 reviews
1.7 km from attraction
The Manhattan Fish Market Sri Lanka
The Manhattan Fish Market Sri Lanka
5/5 · 6 reviews
2.0 km from attraction
Sky Lounge
Sky Lounge
4.8/5 · 4 reviews
1.1 km from attraction
10 min,3.47 km
2

Colombo National Museum

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Next, immerse yourself in the cultural tapestry of Wattala at the Colombo National Museum. Just a stone's throw from the bustling city center, this museum is a treasure trove of Sri Lankan history, art, and heritage. Spend a couple of hours marveling at ancient artifacts and learning about the island's storied past. The museum's grand architecture and well-curated exhibits make it a must-visit for history buffs and curious minds alike.

Attraction Info

  • WV56+X9R, Sir Marcus Fernando Mawatha, Colombo 00700, Sri Lanka
  • Suggested tour duration: 2 hour
  • Open from 9:00am-7:00pm,Open from 9.00 am to 5.00 pm only public holidays

Recommended Nearby Restaurants

Ministry of Crab
Ministry of Crab
4.6/5 · 103 reviews
3.2 km from attraction
Raja Bojun
Raja Bojun
4.7/5 · 10 reviews
1.0 km from attraction
The Manhattan Fish Market Sri Lanka
The Manhattan Fish Market Sri Lanka
5/5 · 6 reviews
1.1 km from attraction
The Lagoon.
The Lagoon.
4.4/5 · 55 reviews
1.6 km from attraction
Nihonbashi
Nihonbashi
4.3/5 · 8 reviews
1.8 km from attraction
Sky Lounge
Sky Lounge
4.8/5 · 4 reviews
3.2 km from attraction
15 min,1.09 km
3

Independence Square

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Continue your journey through time at Independence Square & Independence Memorial Hall, a poignant reminder of Sri Lanka's struggle for freedom. This historical landmark, with its open spaces and stately architecture, provides a moment of reflection and a chance to appreciate the country's journey to independence. Dedicate an hour to explore the grounds, capture some memorable photos, and revel in the sense of national pride that permeates the air.

Attraction Info

  • 7 Independence Ave, Colombo 00700, Sri Lanka
  • Suggested tour duration: 1-2 hour
  • Open 24 hours
13 min,0.97 km
4

BMICH (Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall)

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Conclude your day with a visit to the BMICH (Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall), a shining example of modern architecture in Wattala. This iconic venue is not just a conference hall but a symbol of progress and international cooperation. With two hours to spare, you can admire its sleek design, explore the surrounding gardens, and perhaps catch a glimpse of an event in progress. The BMICH stands as a testament to the city's forward-thinking vision and is the perfect finale to your day's exploration.

Attraction Info

  • WV2F+M8H, Bauddhaloka Mawatha, Colombo 00700, Sri Lanka
  • Suggested tour duration: 2 hour
  • Open on Mon-Fri,9:00am-5:00pm
3.6/520 Reviews
3.6/520 Reviews
Cinnamon Garden
Colombo
|0.72km from BMICH (Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall)
0/50 Reviews
Colombo
|0.98km from BMICH (Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall)
0/50 Reviews
Colombo
|1.11km from BMICH (Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall)
0/50 Reviews
Colombo
|1.11km from BMICH (Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall)

Top Things to Do in Wattala-2024

TOP 1
Central Fish Market Complex-Peliyagoda
Central Fish Market Complex-Peliyagoda
4.3/5 · 106 review
Highlights:
Negombo is a famous fish village with two fish markets, one in the central city, near the vegetable market, and the other in the periphery. The fish market near the vegetable market is a good place to observe the daily life of Negombo residents, and it is also a material for humanistic photography. 1. Everyday Every day fishermen drive oruvas (outreach canoes) into the ocean in search of the fish Negombo is famous for. After the fishing is over, the silhouettes of the fishermen taking their boats back to the port constitute a moving picture. 2. Aquatic products Negombo is located at the northern end of the lagoon, so the things brought back by the fishermen may not all come from the sea. The lobsters and crabs in the lagoon are also famous.
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TOP 2
Colombo National Museum
Colombo National Museum
4.5/5 · 181 review
taCommentInfo-imageBased on 1,339 review
Highlights:
The Colombo National Museum is a two-storey grand white building and the oldest museum in Sri Lanka. It was built in 1877 and a new building was built in 1980. Taking a walk here can give you a good understanding of Sri Lanka's culture and history, and it is a stop in Sri Lanka. The collections worth recommending in the museum are as follows: 1. There is a stone stele discovered in 1912 in the Zheng He Stele Museum, known as "Zheng He Stele", which was built by Zheng He, the eunuch of the Three Treasures of the Ming Dynasty, when he went to the West. The top is engraved with a relief sculpture of two dragons playing with a pearl and inscriptions in Chinese, Arabic and Tamil, mainly recording the purpose of Zheng He's visit to Sri Lanka. 2. There is also a Lion Throne shipped from Kandy in the Lion Throne Pavilion. The "Great History" records that Vijaya established the Sinhalese state and was the descendant of the lion (Siha), which is also the origin of the name Sihala for the Sinhalese. The Buddhist pilgrim (Fa-Hien) from China lived in Sri Lanka for two years around 411-413, and he called the country the "Lion Country" (Sinhala). Therefore, many artifacts related to lions can be seen in the ancient monuments of Sri Lanka. 3. There are more than 4,000 Bayeux books that record the ancient scriptures and Buddhist teachings of Sri Lanka in the Bayeux Library. The Bayeux book is a book carved from the leaves of the Bedoro tree in ancient times. It records the deeds, thoughts and scriptures of the saints. Later, people bound the words inscribed on the Bedoro leaves into a book. 4. Buddha statue and monk shoes When you walk into this premier cultural institution in Sri Lanka, a 9th century stone Buddha greets you with a mysterious smile. Among the precious cultural relics collected in the museum, there are many statues of Sakyamuni in stone and bronze, as well as many statues of Shiva in Hinduism. A pair of 9th century bronze monk shoes can also be seen. 5. There is also a magnificent crown worn by King Wimaladharma in 1693 in the Crown Pavilion. During the king's reign, he unsuccessfully attempted to regain control of the port and end the Dutch East India Company's trading franchise.
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TOP 3
St. Mary's Church
St. Mary's Church
4.5/5 · 91 review
taCommentInfo-imageBased on 446 review
Highlights:
Negombo is the center of Catholicism in Sri Lanka, known as "Little Rome". Most of the residents believe in Roman Catholicism, so there are many churches, of which the larger and more luxurious is St. Mary's Church. The church was built in 1874, and it took 50 years in total. The overall decoration is solemn and elegant, and it is very particular. Details of the church From the outside, the appearance of the church is milky white, and there are three floors which are very holy. Inside the church, the dome is tall and there are solemn religious frescoes on the ceiling of the nave, which are highly ornamental. Sunlight poured in through the colorful glass windows, making the church extraordinarily sacred.
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TOP 4
Galle Face Green
Galle Face Green
4.5/5 · 109 review
Highlights:
Galle Face Green Plaza is a scenic promenade in the heart of Colombo's financial and business district, stretching for half a kilometer along the coast of the Indian Ocean, a great place to watch the sunset. The surrounding business atmosphere is strong and the activities are rich. 1. Seaside scenery When you walk on this seaside avenue with the sea breeze and the sound of the waves, one side is the Indian Ocean seascape, and the other side is the modern city scenery of Colombo. In the evening, it is still a place to enjoy the sunset view. There is a slender beach under the seawall. Although it is not too clean, it is also a good place to play in the water. There is a viewing platform in the middle of the square, where you can get close contact with the sea. 2. There is a flag lowering ceremony at 6 o'clock every night in the surrounding activity square, which is very spectacular and worth seeing. In addition, there is a night market near the beach at night. You will see many barbecue stalls. Grilled fish is very surprising. All kinds of traditional Lankan food will also gather here. In addition, due to its close proximity to the Presidential Palace, the Independence Day military parade has also been held here in recent years. 3. The history of the square During the Dutch rule, it was used as a breakwater and a fortress. In 1859, the then Governor of British Ceylon opened this green space for a racecourse and golf course. Today, Galle Face Green has become a popular local leisure spot, where you can often see locals jogging, walking, kite flying, and even couples who are in love.
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TOP 5
Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage
Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage
4.6/5 · 219 review
taCommentInfo-imageBased on 4,135 review
Highlights:
Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage is one of the largest elephant orphanages in the world and is currently one of the largest elephant rescue homes in the world. The Elephant Orphanage in Sri Lanka was built in 1975 by the Wildlife Department to take in those young elephants who are homeless, fall into pits or traps, and escape from the herd, especially those who are seriously injured. 1. Introduction to the park The Elephant Orphanage is located in Pinnawela, about 3 hours away from Colombo. The entire park is divided into two parts by the B199 highway. The east is the main park where the elephants usually live, and the west is where the elephants bathe every day by the MaOya River. In the main park, you can visit the elephant habitat and see how the baby elephants eat. When it is time to bathe, the elephant team will set off from the main park in a mighty way to bathe and play on the river beach in the west. The elephants are well cared for here. 2. Special souvenirs There are very special souvenirs such as elephant dung paper, buffalo leather products and so on. Now, paper products made from elephant dung are Sri Lanka's national gift, and some world-renowned politicians have also used these products. These souvenirs are very popular, and it is meaningful to give to relatives and friends or to keep as a souvenir.
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* All user reviews in this article have been translated by machine.

* The information above is subject to change at any time. For the latest information, please check the websites of hotels and attractions.

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Wattala 1 Day Itinerary