Activities in Colombo
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Water's Edge Golf & Country Club
In Kotte on the eastern edge of Colombo, the Water's Edge Golf & Country Club has a modern 18-hole golf course. The lovely large pool here is open to the public and the relatively new 450-sq-m Aryana Spa offers a menu of Sri Lankan, Thai and Balinese treatments at very reasonable rates.
Visitors can use the pools at several top-end Colombo hotels for a fee. One of the nicest spots is the outdoor saltwater pool right by the seafront at Galle Face Hotel.
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Kanduboda Meditation Centre
Kanduboda Meditation Centre is a major centre for meditation instruction in the style of the late Mahasi Sayadaw. Accommodation and meals are offered free of charge, though donations are expected. Most meditators stay for an initial three-week training period, after which they can meditate on their own for as long as they like. White clothing (available on loan at no charge) must be worn. The Colombo-Pugoda bus 224 passes the centre.
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Royal Colombo Golf Club
Royal Colombo Golf has an 18-hole golf course at the Ridgeway Golf Links dating from 1879 – it was the third club in the British Empire to earn the ‘royal’ appellation. The links are in good condition. Call to reserve a tee time. Caddies are compulsory. Men must wear collars and decent shorts or trousers; for women, there’s a one-word dress code: decency.
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Adventure Asia
A Western-run outfit specialising in white-water rafting, kayaking, hot-air ballooning and bicycling tours. Its office is about 9km east of the city. The company also has an adventure base, 34km east of the city, where an all-inclusive package (accommodation, meals, rock climbing and kayaking) costs US$50 per day.
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Hash House Harriers
The Sri Lanka Hash House Harriers get together twice a week for a leisurely jog around the city (and piss-up). Runs are at 5.15pm on Monday and 5.30pm on Wednesday. Check the website for starting points.
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Sri Lanka Cricket
The top sport in Sri Lanka is, without a doubt, cricket. You can buy tickets for major games from Sri Lanka Cricket, at the office next to Sinhalese Sports Club.
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A Baur & Co Ltd
One of the few companies specialising in birdwatching tours. It’s not possible to visit the office (it’s in a security zone), so ring ahead for information.
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Galle Face Hotel Seafront
One of the nicest spots for a swim is the outdoor saltwater pool right by the seafront at Galle Face Hotel.
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Adventure Sports Lanka
Arranges outdoor activities including white-water rafting, kayaking, diving, mountain biking and walks.
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Alliance Française
Hosts seminars, and shows films at 3pm on Tuesday and 6pm on Wednesday. Has a library.
reviewed
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JF Tours & Travels, Bambalapitiya
Specialises in steam-train tours (groups only), and booking train tickets in general.
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Quickshaws Tours
Organises standard tours but specialises in personalised tours with a car and driver.
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Goethe Institut
Screens German films and puts on music concerts, seminars and more.
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