Things To Do
in Sri Jayewardenepura Kotte
Nestled within the Western Province, this city serves as the administrative capital of Sri Lanka, where the country's Parliament is located. Known for its rich history and vibrant culture, it blends modern urban development with ancient heritage sites, including beautiful temples and lush green spaces.
Despite its political significance, it maintains a serene atmosphere, offering a peaceful retreat amidst the bustling activities of the capital region.
- "Ayubowan" - Hello
- "Suba dawasak" - Good day
- "Aparada" - Sorry
- "Hondai" - Good
- "Bohoma istuti" - Thank you very much
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $20 - $100
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $5 - $15
- ☕ Coffee: $1 - $3
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $0.30 - $1
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $30 - $60
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $10 - $30
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to the Sri Jayewardenepura Kotte National Museum to learn about the area's history. Take a stroll through the beautiful gardens surrounding the museum.
Head to the nearby Kotte Raja Maha Viharaya to admire the ancient architecture and serene atmosphere. Interact with local monks if they are available for a more enriching experience.
Enjoy a leisurely dinner at a local restaurant, savoring traditional Sri Lankan cuisine. Take a night walk in the peaceful surroundings of the lake.
Begin your day with a refreshing walk in the beautiful Diyatha Uyana park, where you can enjoy the flora and possibly spot some wildlife. The open-air atmosphere is perfect for morning exercises.
Visit the nearby wetlands for bird watching and enjoy the diverse ecosystem. Pack a picnic to enjoy in the lush surroundings.
As the sun sets, take a boat ride on the lake to experience the picturesque scenery. Relish a light dinner at a lakeside café.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Home to the Parliament of Sri Lanka, making it an important political center.
- Rich in cultural heritage and historical significance.
- Developing urban infrastructure and amenities.
- Proximity to Colombo, providing easy access to the commercial capital.
- Pleasant climate with green spaces and parks.
- Traffic congestion can be a major issue due to proximity to Colombo.
- Limited public transport options compared to larger cities.
- Potential for political unrest given its status as a political hub.
- Higher cost of living compared to rural areas in Sri Lanka.
- Environmental concerns due to urban development and deforestation.
Best Activities in Sri Jayewardenepura Kotte
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Enjoy a leisurely stroll around the picturesque Diyatha Uyana, a scenic park and recreation area with waterfront paths, green spaces, and a vibrant market.
Explore the surroundings of the Parliament Grounds on a bicycle, taking in the lush greenery and peaceful atmosphere in this area.
Rent a boat and go boating on the serene Diyawanna Lake, admiring the natural beauty and birdlife around the lake.
Tours
Uncover the best of Sri Jayewardenepura Kotte with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Sri Jayewardenepura Kotte
Visit one of these nice places.
Offers a stunning view of the architecture and surroundings.
Provides opportunities for capturing nature and wildlife photographs.
A picturesque park with a lake, ideal for photography.
Food in Sri Jayewardenepura Kotte
Sri Jayewardenepura Kotte Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A popular street food, Kottu Roti comprises chopped flatbread mixed with vegetables, egg, and a choice of chicken, beef, or seafood. Visit Raja Bojun or Nuga Gama for an authentic taste.
Must-Try!
Sri Lankan hoppers are bowl-shaped pancakes made from rice flour and coconut milk. They are typically enjoyed with accompaniments such as dhal or sambal. Try them at Nuga Gama for a delightful experience.
Lamprais, a Dutch-influenced dish, is a flavorful combination of rice, meat, and sambols, all wrapped in a banana leaf and baked. Taste this unique dish at Upali's by Nawaloka.
Unique Experiences
Get to know Sri Jayewardenepura Kotte better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Head to the Good Market, a social enterprise showcasing a wide range of local produce, artisan goods, and delectable street food. It's a perfect place to experience the local food scene and support sustainable practices.
Explore the bustling Nugegoda Market to savor the vibrancy of Sri Lankan street food. Indulge in spicy snacks, tropical fruits, and an array of local delicacies.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
In Sri Jayewardenepura Kotte, it's important to show respect towards elders by using appropriate language and gestures, and by following traditional customs such as bowing or offering a respectful greeting.
When visiting religious sites or attending formal events, it's important to dress modestly and respectfully. This typically means covering shoulders and knees, and removing hats and shoes when entering temples or other religious spaces.
When visiting temples or other religious sites, it's important to follow specific etiquette, such as walking clockwise around religious monuments, refraining from public displays of affection, and showing reverence for sacred objects and rituals.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of Sri Jayewardenepura Kotte with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping in Sri Jayewardenepura Kotte
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is not mandatory in Sri Jayewardenepura Kotte, Sri Lanka, but it is appreciated for good service. In restaurants, a service charge may be included in the bill, so it's worth checking before leaving an additional tip. Tipping hotel staff, taxi drivers, and tour guides is also common.
Payment in Sri Jayewardenepura Kotte, Sri Lanka is predominantly done using Sri Lankan rupees (LKR). Major credit and debit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and larger stores, but it's always a good idea to carry some cash for smaller establishments and local markets. ATMs are readily available for withdrawing cash.
Top Things To Do
Engage in these activities to dive deeper into Sri Jayewardenepura Kotte.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Best time to visit due to dry and warm weather
Inter-monsoonal season with occasional showers, can still be a good time to visit
Wet season with higher chance of rainfall, may not be ideal for outdoor activities
Sri Jayewardenepura Kotte at Night
Hiking in Sri Jayewardenepura Kotte
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A peaceful urban wetland with walking paths and boardwalks, ideal for leisurely hikes and bird watching.
Spacious grounds surrounding the Sri Lanka Parliament, featuring walking trails and scenic views of the surrounding landscape.
A serene wetland area perfect for nature walks, bird watching, and enjoying the natural beauty of the region.
A historic forest reserve with trails through lush greenery, offering a chance to explore nature and spot various wildlife.
A historic Buddhist temple surrounded by peaceful grounds and walking paths, providing a cultural hiking experience.
Unforgettable Journeys
Delve deeper into Sri Jayewardenepura Kotte through these rare and unique activities.
Aiports
How to reach Sri Jayewardenepura Kotte by plane.
The main international airport serving Sri Lanka, located in Katunayake, around 35 kilometers from Sri Jayewardenepura Kotte.
An international airport located in Mattala, approximately 220 kilometers away from Sri Jayewardenepura Kotte.
Located in Thiruvananthapuram, India, this airport is about 600 kilometers from Sri Jayewardenepura Kotte.
Situated in Chennai, India, approximately 740 kilometers from Sri Jayewardenepura Kotte.
Located in Kochi, India, around 750 kilometers from Sri Jayewardenepura Kotte.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The largest ethnic group in Sri Jayewardenepura Kotte, comprising the majority of the population.
A significant ethnic minority in the area, primarily involved in various professions and businesses.
Another important demographic group contributing to the diverse cultural landscape of the city.
A small but notable community with mixed European and Sri Lankan ancestry, contributing to the region's heritage.
Includes various other small ethnic and immigrant groups making up the remaining population.
The Soul of Sri Jayewardenepura Kotte
Discover the essence of Sri Jayewardenepura Kotte through these truly unique experiences.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Cricket is one of the most popular sports in Sri Jayewardenepura Kotte, with many local clubs and schools participating in various leagues and tournaments.
Football has a significant following in Kotte, with both amateur and professional teams playing in local competitions and attracting many fans.
Badminton is widely played in schools and recreational centers in Kotte, with many tournaments held regularly.
Athletics is promoted through schools and local clubs, with events organized to encourage participation and talent development.
Basketball is gaining popularity among the youth in Kotte, with several courts available for practice and local competitions.
Volleyball is played in schools and community events, with a strong emphasis on team play and interaction.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Sri Jayewardenepura Kotte.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Many local eateries in Sri Jayewardenepura Kotte feature a variety of vegetarian and vegan options. Look for dishes like vegetable curries, coconut sambal, and kottu without meat to satisfy these dietary preferences.
While Sri Lankan cuisine heavily features rice, making it inherently gluten-free, it's advisable to inquire about specific ingredients and food preparation methods to ensure gluten-free dining experiences.
Cultural Immersions
Experience the heart and soul of Sri Jayewardenepura Kotte with these cultural adventures.
