Sri Jayawardenapura Kotte Travel Guide

Plan your trip to Sri Jayawardenapura Kotte with our comprehensive travel guide. Discover top attractions, hiking and biking routes, cultural experiences, food and drink recommendations, safety and health information, and more.


Introduction to Sri Jayawardenapura Kotte

Located in the Western Province of Sri Lanka, Sri Jayawardenapura Kotte is a vibrant city with a rich history and natural beauty. As the administrative capital of Sri Lanka, this city is a significant political and cultural center. From historical landmarks to stunning natural scenery and exciting outdoor activities, Sri Jayawardenapura Kotte offers travelers a diverse range of experiences to discover.

List of Places to Visit in Sri Jayawardenapura Kotte

There are countless attractions to explore in Sri Jayawardenapura Kotte. To help you plan your itinerary, we’ve divided our list of places to visit into two categories: culturally important attractions and natural attractions.

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Sri Jayewardenepura Kotte Museum: This museum showcases the rich history of Sri Jayawardenapura Kotte and its surrounding area. Exhibits include artifacts, photographs and documents related to the city.
  • Parliament of Sri Lanka: The parliament complex is a significant landmark in Sri Jayawardenapura Kotte. The building houses the country’s legislative body, making it a must-visit destination for political history buffs.
  • Kotte Rajamaha Viharaya: Built in the 16th century, Kotte Rajamaha Viharaya is one of the oldest and most important temples in Sri Lanka. The temple features vivid paintings and a stunning Buddha statue.

Natural Attractions of Sri Jayawardenapura Kotte: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Diyatha Uyana: Located at the heart of the city, Diyatha Uyana is a beautiful park that offers a wide range of outdoor activities. From jogging and cycling to boating and bird watching, there’s something for everyone here.
  • Beddagana Wetland Park: This natural reserve is a haven for bird lovers. The park features a large lake and diverse wildlife, making it a great destination for nature enthusiasts.
  • Thalawathugoda Biodiversity Park: This natural sanctuary is home to a range of flora and fauna species, including endemic birds, butterflies, and reptiles.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Sri Jayawardenapura Kotte

If you’re an outdoor enthusiast looking for a challenge, Sri Jayawardenapura Kotte has some excellent hiking and biking routes to explore. Some popular routes include:

  • The Diyatha Cycling Track: A 7-kilometer-long track that takes you through some of the city’s most scenic landscapes.
  • The Beddagana Trail: A 5-kilometer-long route that starts from Beddagana Wetland Park and takes you through the surrounding hills.
  • The Thalawathugoda Trail: A 3-kilometer-long route that starts from Thalawathugoda Biodiversity Park and takes you to the scenic Thalangama Lake.

Best Things to Do in Sri Jayawardenapura Kotte: Activities and Tours

In addition to exploring the city’s historical landmarks, there are plenty of other activities to keep you entertained in Sri Jayawardenapura Kotte. From cultural experiences to thrilling adventures, here are some of the best things to do when you visit:

  • Take a traditional Sri Lankan cooking class and learn how to prepare local dishes.
  • Visit a tea plantation and learn about the process of tea production.
  • Take a hot air balloon ride to see panoramic views of the city and its surroundings.

Week-Long Itinerary for Sri Jayawardenapura Kotte

If you have a week to explore the city, we recommend the following itinerary:

Day 1: Visit the Parliament of Sri Lanka, Kotte Rajamaha Viharaya and check out some of the city’s bustling markets. Day 2-3: Explore the city’s natural attractions, including Diyatha Uyana, Beddagana Wetland Park, and Thalawathugoda Biodiversity Park. Day 4: Take a cooking class and learn how to make traditional Sri Lankan dishes. Day 5: Visit the Sri Jayawardenapura Kotte Museum and learn about the city’s rich history. Day 6: Take a hot air balloon ride and enjoy panoramic views of the city and its surroundings. Day 7: Relax and enjoy the city’s food and drink scene.

Food and Drink Scene of Sri Jayawardenapura Kotte

No trip to Sri Jayawardenapura Kotte would be complete without sampling some of the city’s delicious food and drink. Here are some of the must-try dishes and local beverages:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Rice and Curry: A staple dish in Sri Lanka, rice and curry is a hearty and flavorful meal that includes rice, a variety of curries, and sides.
  • Kottu Roti: A popular street food made with chopped roti, vegetables, and meat (or eggs).
  • Hoppers: These bowl-shaped pancakes are made from fermented batter and are typically served with savory or sweet fillings.

Local Beverages

  • King Coconut: A refreshing drink made from the water of young coconuts.
  • Ceylon Tea: Sri Lanka is famous for its tea production, and a cup of Ceylon tea is a must-try when visiting Sri Jayawardenapura Kotte.
  • Toddy: A popular alcoholic drink made from the fermented sap of palm trees.

Where to Stay in Sri Jayawardenapura Kotte: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

There are plenty of accommodation options available in Sri Jayawardenapura Kotte, ranging from budget-friendly hostels to luxury hotels. Here are some of our top picks:

  • Cinnamon Lakeside Colombo: A luxury hotel located on the banks of the Beira Lake.
  • The Colombo Hostel: A budget-friendly hostel located in the heart of Colombo.
  • Omichie Guest House: A cozy guesthouse with a homely atmosphere and excellent service.

What to Buy in Sri Jayawardenapura Kotte: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

If you’re looking for souvenirs to bring back home, Sri Jayawardenapura Kotte has plenty of options to choose from. Here are some of the best local products to buy:

  • Tea: Ceylon tea is a popular souvenir to bring back from Sri Lanka.
  • Handicrafts: Sri Lanka is known for its handicrafts, including wooden carvings, handmade textiles, and clay pottery.
  • Spices: Sri Lanka is famous for its spice production, and you can find a range of local spices to bring back home, including cinnamon, cloves, and cardamom.

Local Culture and Customs of Sri Jayawardenapura Kotte

Sri Lanka has a rich cultural heritage, and it’s essential to respect local customs and traditions while visiting Sri Jayawardenapura Kotte. Here are some important things to keep in mind:

  • Dress modestly when visiting religious sites, and remove your shoes before entering.
  • Do not take photos of locals without their permission.
  • Avoid public displays of affection.

Best Time to Visit Sri Jayawardenapura Kotte

The best time to visit Sri Jayawardenapura Kotte is between December and April when the weather is dry and pleasant. May to September can be rainy, but this period also offers a lush and vibrant landscape.

Do’s and Don’ts of Sri Jayawardenapura Kotte

To make the most of your trip to Sri Jayawardenapura Kotte, here are some important dos and don’ts to keep in mind:

Do:

  • Try local food and drink.
  • Respect local customs and traditions.
  • Be respectful of religious sites and remove your shoes before entering.

Don’t:

  • Discriminate against local customs and traditions.
  • Take photos of locals without their permission.
  • Engage in public displays of affection.

Safety and Health

Sri Jayawardenapura Kotte is generally safe for travelers, but it’s always important to be aware of common travel dangers. Here’s what you need to know:

Safety in Sri Jayawardenapura Kotte

  • Be cautious of pickpockets, especially in crowded areas.
  • Do not walk alone at night and avoid traveling alone, especially for women.
  • Be cautious when using public transport.

Health in Sri Jayawardenapura Kotte

  • Drink bottled water to avoid waterborne illnesses.
  • Stay up to date with routine vaccinations.
  • Wear insect repellent to avoid mosquito-borne illnesses.

Getting to Sri Jayawardenapura Kotte: Transportation Options and Logistics

Sri Jayawardenapura Kotte is easily accessible via air, land, and sea. Here are some of the best ways to get to Sri Jayawardenapura Kotte:

Airports Near Sri Jayawardenapura Kotte

  • Bandaranaike International Airport: Located in Colombo, approximately 40 minutes’ drive from Sri Jayawardenapura Kotte.

Bus Stations Near Sri Jayawardenapura Kotte

  • Sri Lanka Central Transport Board: Located in the center of Sri Jayawardenapura Kotte.

Other Options

  • Taxis: Taxis are readily available throughout Sri Lanka and can be an affordable and convenient way to get around.
  • Trains: Sri Lanka has a well-connected train network, and trains are a great way to see the country’s stunning landscapes.

How to Get Around in Sri Jayawardenapura Kotte

Getting around Sri Jayawardenapura Kotte is relatively easy, thanks to its well-developed transport network. Some of the best ways to get around include:

  • Buses: The most common form of public transport in Sri Lanka, buses are an affordable way to get around Sri Jayawardenapura Kotte.
  • Taxis: Taxis are readily available throughout the city and can be a convenient way to get around, especially at night.
  • Tuk-tuks: These three-wheeled vehicles are a popular and affordable way to get around the city, especially for short trips.

Where to Go Next from Sri Jayawardenapura Kotte: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Sri Jayawardenapura Kotte is a great starting point for exploring Sri Lanka’s many attractions. Here are some nearby destinations and excursions to consider:

  • Colombo: Sri Lanka’s bustling capital city with a fascinating history and a thriving food and drink scene.
  • Kandy: A cultural and spiritual hub known for its stunning botanical gardens and impressive temple complex.
  • Galle: A fortified city located on Sri Lanka’s southern coast, Galle offers an excellent mix of history, culture, and natural beauty.

Conclusion

Sri Jayawardenapura Kotte is a vibrant and fascinating city that offers travelers a range of experiences and attractions to discover. From its stunning natural scenery to its rich cultural heritage and exciting outdoor adventures, there’s something for everyone here. We hope this travel guide has helped you plan your itinerary and make the most of your trip to Sri Jayawardenapura Kotte!

Nugegoda Railway Station Nugegoda Railway Station Nugegoda Street Nugegoda Street