Dolphin watching in Sri Lanka

About

The Colombo National Museum is kind of a big deal.

The reason for that is it’s the oldest and largest museum in Sri Lanka by opening its doors way back in 1877.

Imagine that—over 140 years of stories! The building itself is pretty impressive too. 

Whereas it’s this grand, vintage-style structure with white columns and green gardens that are around is quite fascinating to look at. 

Moreover, once you are inside of the museum, you’ll find everything from ancient statues and royal artifacts to traditional masks and old coins.

In addition to that, what you can find is the Throne Room. 

It houses the throne of the last king of Kandy by completing the artifact with gold details. 

Trust us, it’s the kind of thing you can’t help but stare at for a while. 

Plus, there are also galleries dedicated to Buddhist art, natural history, and even weaponry.

As in swords, shields, cannons and so on.

Oh, and don’t miss the library. It’s got rare manuscripts and books that date back centuries.

Location

The museum is right in the heart of Colombo, which makes it quite easy to visit.

Whereas if you’re staying in the city, it’s probably just a short tuk-tuk ride away. 

As for the location, it’s located on Sir Marcus Fernando Mawatha, near Viharamahadevi Park. 

If you think about it, that’s another bonus where you can combine your museum trip with a walk through the park.

In fact, it’s a great way to relax your mind after thinking about all that history.

On the other hand, if you’re coming from outside of Colombo, don’t worry.

The museum is easy to find, and there are signs that point you in the right direction.

Plus, the area around the museum is pretty lively. 

As a matter of fact, you’ll find cafes, shops, and street food vendors nearby if you want to grab a bite before or after your visit.

Ticket Prices

Now, let’s talk about money. The good news is that it’s super affordable! 

Here’s the breakdown:

• For locals: Around Rs. 100-120 (yes, really).

• For tourists: Roughly $5-$6, depending on where you’re from.

Kids usually get in for free or at a discounted rate, which is awesome if you’re traveling with family. 

Note: Bring some cash, though, because they might not take cards.

Opening Time

The museum is open from 9 AM to 7 PM on regular days, and 9 AM to 5 PM on public holidays. 

Anyway, we recommend that it’s better if you could go earlier in the day. This is because it’s cooler, less crowded, and you’ll have more energy to explore during that time. 

Plus, you can spend the afternoon relaxing in the park or by grabbing your lunch nearby.

So, there you have it—the Colombo National Museum in a quick guide. 

It’s a fantastic way to spend a few hours, whether you’re a local or just passing through. 

Speaking of which, you’ll leave feeling like you’ve learned something new and meaningful about Sri Lanka’s past once you experience it.

Who knows? You might just fall in love with history—or at least appreciate how far we’ve come since swords and thrones were a thing.