If you find yourself in Colombo and are looking for ways to spend your time, especially on a budget, you might wonder what options are available. Recently, The Sunday Morning Brunch encountered a similar situation one morning, looking for activities to explore the city without breaking the bank. So, what can one do in Colombo when on a budget?
Brunch spoke to some residents of Colombo about what they usually did when they had some disposable time in the city.
Planetarium
Malshika Warnapura shared some of her favourite spots in Colombo, saying: “Back in the day, when we had some free time in between tuition classes, one place I really loved visiting was the Planetarium, especially since you don’t really have a lot of cash on hand when you are a teenager. Even recently, I took one of my friends from Bangladesh there.”
She continued: “The ticket is only Rs. 150, and for students, it’s actually Rs. 50. I believe it costs Rs. 250 per ticket for adults on weekends. The unfortunate thing about the Planetarium is that it closes at 4.30 p.m. and the show times are 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., with the latter reserved for schools and institutions from Tuesday to Friday. While such challenges exist, it is a great place to spend some time if these little bumps are sorted out.”
Malshika’s enthusiasm highlights how even budget-friendly attractions can offer meaningful experiences if you know where to look.
Colombo National Museum
In a similar vein, Dilshara Avishka recommended the Colombo National Museum. “The Colombo National Museum is a great place. I remember we used to go there a lot in the past and recently they have made some changes as well.
“The museum is constructed in a very orderly manner and the officers are super helpful. The museum ticket is only Rs. 100, but the issue is that it closes at 7 p.m., which is unfortunate. The animal museum (the National Museum of Natural History), which is arguably the cooler attraction, closes at 4 p.m.,” he explained.
He also reminisced about a notable attraction, saying: “The blue whale skeleton that was the biggest attraction back in the day has been moved to the animal exhibition, and you will miss it if you get there too late.”
Dilshara’s insights reflect the evolving landscape of Colombo’s attractions, emphasising both their accessibility and the importance of planning your visit to make the most of these cultural gems.
While we were exploring Colombo, the visit to the Colombo National Museum proved to be a truly enjoyable experience. Although we arrived slightly late, just before closing time, the officers were extremely helpful. They kindly kept some of the exhibitions open a little longer, allowing us to explore and fully appreciate the museum’s offerings.
This level of service enhanced our visit, highlighting the commitment of the staff to ensure that guests have a fulfilling experience, even during busy hours. The museum itself is a treasure trove of Sri Lankan history and culture, making it a worthwhile destination for anyone looking to understand the country’s rich heritage.
Viharamahadevi Park
Another suggestion for budget-friendly activities in Colombo is the Viharamahadevi Park.
Heshan Niluminda shared that he was a fan of taking strolls in the park. “Since the lights have been set up now, it is even nice at night,” he remarked.
Expressing his appreciation for the calmer atmosphere, he said: “Unlike Independence Square, not a lot of people actually go to Viharamahadevi Park to exercise. It is a lot calmer and there aren’t many people getting in your way when you just want to enjoy yourself and spend some time with someone.”
Heshan elaborated on his experiences, saying: “I like going to the park because a lot of the time we play cards and various board games. Because it is not a ticketed park, you can buy some food from the nearby cart, have a meal, and enjoy your time there.”
This blend of leisure and social interaction makes the Viharamahadevi Park an ideal spot for those looking to relax and engage in enjoyable activities without straining their budget.
Galle Face Green
Dinushi Halloluwa shared her personal preference for Galle Face due to the variety of activities available.
“Galle Face is a great place because you can have a little picnic thanks to the street food vendors. You can also fly kites, which is a really fun activity most people overlook,” she explained.
Dinushi highlighted the vibrant atmosphere, especially at night, saying: “When night falls, the vendors bring bubble machines and there are many light-up toys you can buy to play with, none of which are too expensive.”
Affordable options needed
While many of the individuals we spoke to shared their favourite budget-friendly spots in Colombo, they also expressed a desire for more affordable activities and spaces.
Heshan highlighted this gap in options, stating: “It would be great if there were more community access spaces such as a basketball court, a cricket ground, or perhaps more parks. They can charge a small entrance fee, but it should be a place that is a little smaller and more enclosed than the Viharamahadevi Park or Independence Square. There should be places where people can simply eat and drink, and even spots where they can walk in and have a quick drink.”
He emphasised the need for more gathering places, especially for young people: “I don’t know if this is asking for too much, but young people, especially university students or those who have just entered the workforce, have nowhere to go if they want to hang out. It’s boring to just stroll around a mall all day and sit in a mall food court.”
Heshan’s comments reflect a broader sentiment among Colombo’s youth, who seek vibrant and affordable spaces that encourage social interaction and community engagement.
A shortage of cultural spaces
Similarly, Malshika also expressed her desire for more engaging cultural spaces in Colombo, stating: “I wish there were more places like the Planetarium. There are some art galleries too, and while it is great that they exist and it doesn’t cost much to enter, surely we can have other similar attractions that showcase our culture? It could even be a great opportunity for local artists to shine. Moreover, easier and cheaper access to the cinema would mean a lot as well.”
Elaborating on her current options, she said: “I do often go to Punchi Theatre to watch a drama when I can and I can also go to the Lionel Wendt. But it is too expensive to watch a movie. I understand that the prices are high because of inflation and most services in Sri Lanka are nearly unaffordable.
“Given that we promote tourism, I don’t see any thoughtful efforts within the city of Colombo for hanging out or any must-visit attractions other than shopping spaces and restaurants. Where are the public spaces?” she questioned.
Malshika’s comments highlight the need for more affordable cultural activities and community spaces that enrich the city’s social fabric.
While Colombo offers a variety of budget-friendly attractions, there remains a pressing need for more diverse and accessible spaces that cater to the interests of its residents, especially the youth. By investing in more community-oriented venues and events, Colombo can enhance its appeal as a vibrant city for both locals and tourists alike.
As the city continues to develop, fostering an environment where affordable leisure activities thrive will be crucial for enriching the social landscape and promoting a sense of community among its inhabitants.