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Old Kathiresan Kovil

Colombo

Copyright: Nila Newsom/Shutterstock.com
DESTINATIONS sri lanka colombo Do & See Old Kathiresan Kovil

Old Kathiresan Kovil

These kovils or temples dedicated to the Hindu war god Murugan (Skanda) bring colour to Colombo’s back streets with their ornate exteriors of sculptured Hindu deities. Visit at night when priests perform the evening puja or prayers to the sound of drums.

Useful Information

  • Address: 239 Sea St, Colombo
  • Phone: +94 011 431 426
  • Opening House: Daily from 7am–10:30pm

Do & See

It would be difficult not to immerse yourself in the serenity of Buddhism, which is practised by the majority of Sri Lankans. Yet, Colombo is home to all religions as evidenced by temples, mosques, and churches sprouting amidst a jumble of Dutch and British-built buildings, a legacy of its colonial past.

Seema Malaka Buddhist Temple Copyright: e X p o s e/Shutterstock.com
Seema Malaka Buddhist Temple
Designed by Sri Lanka’s leading architect Geoffrey Bawa in the late 19th century. The Seema Malaka Buddhist Temple is a peaceful oasis in the middle of hectic Colombo. Come here for some meditation and rest and be amazed by this beautiful piece of architecture and …
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Pettah Market Copyright: Nazly Ahmed/Shutterstock.com
Pettah Market
Get a real sense of life in Colombo and experience the hustle and bustle of Sri Lanka's capital with a visit to the Pettah Market, also called Manning Market. At this busy open-air market, visitors can explore scores of shops selling everything under the sun, from fresh vegetables, spices and meats to clothing, electronics, …
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Colombo National Museum Copyright: 24278850/Pixabay
Colombo National Museum
At the Colombo National Museum, you can browse through a wealth of exhibits from prehistoric times to the colonial era. Look out for traditional fearsome masks said to be linked to magical …
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Dutch Hospital Copyright: sri lankan Rice and curry/Unsplash
Dutch Hospital
Dating back to the colonial era, the Dutch Hospital has served as a hospital for Dutch officers, a police station after the country's independence, and in 2011, it was converted into a shopping and dining complex. A nice place to hang out, grab a bite, and marvel at the beautifully preserved seventeenth-century colonial …
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City Tour Copyright: Matt Dany/Unsplash
City Tour
Enjoy the sights from the comfort of an open-deck, double-decker bus with live commentary–the only open-deck city sightseeing service in Colombo. Three different tours stop over the major sights of the city leaving from different pick-up points. Pick-ups: from Colombo city hotels en route. (for more information see the website …
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National Art Gallery Copyright: Yannis Papanastasopoulos/Unsplash
National Art Gallery
The paintings at the National Art Gallery reflect local themes and scenes, but this museum also features exhibitions that show contemporary artworks. There is no entrance fee to view this collection of works by Sri Lankan …
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Viharamahadevi Park Copyright: SurangaSL/Shutterstock.com
Viharamahadevi Park
A peaceful interlude can be found here from the cacophony of town with neat paths bordered by tropical vegetation. You can spot slumbering bats in mahogany and eucalyptus trees, bird life and monitor lizards on the lawns. There is also a playground for the kids and a golden Buddha …
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Dutch Museum Copyright: Min An/Pexels
Dutch Museum
This fine collonaded Dutch building with creaking floors and staircases contains exhibits from the Dutch colonial era. The interesting display of artefacts such as coins, clothing items, and furniture of that era will offer you a unique learning experience of the history of Sri …
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Galle Face Green Copyright: maxos_dim/Pixabay
Galle Face Green
Weekends bring kite-flyers, strolling families and impromptu cricket matches to this 5 ha ocean-fronted promenade, which stretches for 500 m along the coast. Enjoy a drink at the Galle Face Hotel at the southern end of this urban park or fill up on tasty snacks on the …
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Lionel Wendt Art Centre Copyright: Vidu Gunaratna/Shutterstock.com
Lionel Wendt Art Centre
Lionel Wendt Art Centre is a prestigious venue for the performing arts, especially music. It features a theatre and two galleries showing different exhibitions of contemporary art and …
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Old Kathiresan Kovil Copyright: Nila Newsom/Shutterstock.com
Old Kathiresan Kovil
These kovils or temples dedicated to the Hindu war god Murugan (Skanda) bring colour to Colombo’s back streets with their ornate exteriors of sculptured Hindu deities. Visit at night when priests perform the evening puja or prayers to the sound of …
Read more
Gangaramaya Temple Copyright: Nilanka Kariyawasam/Unsplash
Gangaramaya Temple
A must-see historic site in Colombo, this Buddhist Temple houses many treasures, from Buddha statues to ancient coins. One of the most popular tourist attractions in the commercial capital of Sri Lanka and a good place for …
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Kelaniya Raja Maha Viharaya Copyright: Woraitp/Shutterstock.com
Kelaniya Raja Maha Viharaya
Kelaniya Raja Maha Viharaya is one of the most important Buddhist temples in the country. Believed to be sanctified during Buddha's third visit to Sri Lanka, the original temple was destroyed on two different occasions by invaders from India, and later from Portugal. Restored in the 18th century by the Dutch, it contains historic …
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