Need to escape the chaos of Colombo for a while? Look no further than Galle Face Green. A long ribbon of parkland stretching 500 metres along the coastline, this is where city dwellers and weary travellers come to take a much-needed breather from the hustle and bustle. Though the city’s incessant buzz is never far away, the sprawling lawns, sandy stretches and ocean breeze offer a refreshing respite from the busy, sun-baked streets.
Originally created by the Dutch for military arsenal, Galle Face Green has a feeling of nostalgia about it. Since the 19th century, the park been used for various recreational activities, from horse racing to golf. Nowadays, it’s a popular meeting point for loved-up couples, weekend picnickers and kite-flying kids. It’s also the go-to spot to sample Colombo’s street food, with an array of colourful stalls selling everything from fried seafood snacks to fresh fruit juices.
It’s not short of landmarks either. Galle Face Green promenade is overlooked by some of Sri Lanka’s most spectacular colonial hotels - the most notable of which has got to be Galle Face Hotel. This historic building is an attraction in itself - marvel at old royal cars in the museum, play a game of croquet on the lawn or sip cocktails by the sea-facing swimming pool.
Speak to any local or tourist who has visited Colombo and they’ll tell you the same thing: Galle Face Green is one of the city’s absolute must-visit attractions and we definitely recommend you take some time to visit during your spare time.