Why Visit Colombo for its Heritage, Music and Food
Responsible Tourism: We are Sri Lanka’s only Travel Partner endorsed by The Long Run - a community that ensures travel experiences have a positive impact. Our private trips restore. Each customized slow travel itinerary is driven by a purpose to help you explore the unusual and support several responsible tourism initiatives. Above all, we encourage a healthy respect for authentic local interactions.
There’s an old-Colombo with layers of history, trade and street food within its labyrinth of narrow historic streets, and a contrasting cosmopolitan-Colombo with a chic, stylish vibe of pubs, bars, fine dining, jazz, classical music and brunch spots - that can only be peeled off through an insider’s knowledge on what to do in this sea-side city of one of Asia’s top travel destinations.
Enjoy the city’s history on a Colombo Anthropology Walking Tour with an Ayu in the Wild insider for a look at how colonial heritage, religions and invasions influenced life and livelihoods, street food, markets, colourful bazaars, architecture and trade.
Feel the artistic side of the city on a Heritage Art Tour privately guided by an Ayu in the Wild expert, visiting the best rooms within the National Museum, historical Kelaniya Raja Maha Viharaya, an important Bhuddhist shine where Lord Buddha has visited, and other galleries and churches with significant Art.
Ask us to secure tickets to a classical music performance of the Symphony Orchestra of Colombo or a curated performance with a select ensemble from one of South Asias oldest orchestras ongoing since 1958.
Enjoy the legacy of indigenous dance at a performance of the Chitrasena Dance Company as the heirs of one of Sri Lanka’s doyens of dance – the late Chitrasena, continue the pioneering traditions of the dance company he founded in 1943, before Sri Lanka gained her independence from Britian.
Enjoy a workshop on designing batik with one of Colombo’ famous designers and artisans employing local women at her workshop where she stamps her exciting modernity to one of Sri Lanka’s oldest artisan craft..
Colombo is a metropolitan culinary capital with diverse cuisines - visit the Rooftop bars, upscale Colombo pubs with live music and fine dining spots ranging from the swanky Gallery Café, Tintagel, Rare Bar at Uga Residence, Capital Bar and Grill at the Shangri La Colombo and Ministry of Crab; to Nuga Gama for authentic local flavours, and a touch of Italy at locally owned Italian restaurants and pizzerias in Colombo that offer menus with a fusion of flavours.
Spend time understanding Sri Lanka’s legacy of visual and performing arts at the Lionel Wendt Theatre and The Harold Peiris Gallery.
Unwind with Jazz at the Sunday brunch of the Barefoot Café, or dinner time jazz entertainment at the five-star hotels around Colombo.
Enjoy shopping in Colombo for designer craft, homeware, crockery and stylish clothing in boutique concept stores such as Paradise Road, PR, Design Collective, Dutch Hospital Shopping Precincts and more.
Ask Ayu in the Wild for access to tee off at the Members only Royal Colombo Golf Club for a round of golf on the historic manicured greens established in 1896 and conferred the status of “Royal” in 1928, by His Majesty King George V. Prior bookings can be made by us at this exclusive club.
Cocktails and Street Food in Colombo at night – enjoy a privately guided street food tour at night after sundowners at the British period heritage hotel – Galle Face Hotel built in 1864.
To plan an itinerary with a visit to Colombo
Sri Lanka’s commercial capital is a city of stunning contrasts best explored with an insider. Speak with the Travel Designers of Ayu in the Wild for a bespoke trip to discover Colombo’s heritage with local experts and interesting personalities, the best brunch spots, restaurants, music and bars – ideal for a few nights either on arrival into Sri Lanka or just before departure.
Accommodation
Luxurious modern 5* hotels, colonial boutique mansions and heritage hotels, small Boutique Resorts, 4* resorts.
Perfect for
All travellers, families and those who love exploring cosmopolitan cities with a heritage and foodie-hotspots.
Customized
All experiences are only offered as part of tailor-made trips with Ayu in the Wild which are customized to the interests, ages, and for accessible travel requirements. Each bespoke itinerary ensures a positive impact on the location.
The above is just a quick glimpse into Colombo-the commercial capital of Sri Lanka. To experience these hotspots on your holiday, send us an enquiry. Ayu in the Wild is a 100% Sri Lankan owner-run boutique travel agency based in Sri Lanka, curating tailor made private trips that restore and regenerate, since 2012. Discover Sri Lanka with the island’s only Travel Partner of The Long Run - a membership community committed to holistic sustainability. Founders of @sustainabletravelsrilanka
