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All Sri Lanka Colombo

The Atlas Obscura Guide To Colombo

9 Cool, Hidden, and Unusual Things to Do in Colombo, Sri Lanka

Updated August 7, 2026
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Unusual Attractions in Colombo

The fanciful Jami-Ul-Alfar Mosque dates from 1909

Colombo, Sri Lanka

Jami Ul-Alfar Masjid (Red Mosque)

This mesmerizing architectural wonder will take your breath away with its unusual color patterns.
Pettah Floating Market.

Colombo, Sri Lanka

Pettah Floating Market

Pettah's beautiful floating market was once a stinky canal in a sketchy industrial area.
Sri Lanka Planetarium

Colombo, Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka Planetarium

The first and only planetarium in Sri Lanka.
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Borella Kanatte General Cemetery

Colombo, Sri Lanka

Borella Kanatte General Cemetery

This Sri Lankan cemetery is the final resting place of sci-fi legend Sir Arthur C. Clarke.
Isipathanaramaya Temple

Colombo, Sri Lanka

Isipathanaramaya Temple

This peaceful sanctuary is one of the oldest Buddhist temples in Colombo.
Sambodhi Chaithya.

Colombo, Sri Lanka

Sambodhi Chaithya

This space rocket-like Buddhist stupa sits atop two giant arches and can be seen from out at sea.
Vintage Rolls,  but why is it in a temple?

Colombo, Sri Lanka

Gangaramaya Vihara Temple

Why is there a vintage Rolls Royce in this Buddhist temple?
See All 9 Things To Do in Colombo
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Explore Colombo, Sri Lanka

Buddhism 3
Architecture 3
Temples 2
Graveyards 1
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Canals 1
Planetariums 1
Science Fiction 1
Shops 1
Towers 1
Shrines 1
Architectural Oddities 1
Sacred Spaces 1
Pagodas 1
Markets 1
Mosques 1
History 1
Color 1
Graves 1

Colombo Leaderboard

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Recent Colombo Activity

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    r37117840

    has been to Old Colombo Dutch Hospital

  • M mcghokie profile photo

    mcghokie

    has been to Jami Ul-Alfar Masjid (Red Mosque)

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    mcghokie

    has been to Kayman’s Gate Bell Tower

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    mcghokie

    has been to Sambodhi Chaithya

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    has been to Borella Kanatte General Cemetery

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