A One-Day Walking Tour in Colombo: Discovering Sri Lanka's Unique Milk Tea 🫖

Compared to the sweltering southern islands, I found a quiet and radiant South Asian aesthetic in Colombo, the capital of Sri Lanka. This guide offers a perfectly planned one-day walking route, featuring stops at the red-and-white mosaic mosque, the Lotus Tower, and a colonial-style mall where you can enjoy the most recommended local milk tea—Tea Tang 🫖.

🕌 First Stop: Jami Ul-Alfar Mosque
This red-and-white striped mosque, built in 1909, looks like a candy house and is absolutely stunning. Its massive structure gives you the feeling of stepping into a fairytale! I took tons of photos here—it’s truly a visually striking landmark.

📍 Tip: Visit in the morning for the best lighting. Non-Muslims cannot enter the main hall, but the exterior is already breathtaking!

🛍️ Second Stop: One Galle Face Mall + Tea Tang Milk Tea Experience 🫖
This is the most luxurious mall in Colombo, perfect for browsing local brands and enjoying air conditioning. But the real surprise is the local milk tea brand hidden inside: Tea Tang!

🍵 I ordered the freshly brewed classic Sri Lankan Chai Milk Tea. The flavor is incredibly rich, and you can add various small toppings like pearls. I recommend going for a slightly sweet version—South Asians really love their sugar! 🐜

📦 You can also buy beautifully designed tin boxes as souvenirs (they look like premium chocolate containers). I bought two flavors to take home!

🏛️ Third Stop: Independence Square + Green Lawn Relaxation
Right next to the famous Independence Square is a large green space where locals come to picnic and jog. It’s a rare, relaxing spot in the city.

Grab a Tea Tang milk tea to-go and sit on the lawn to watch the sunset—it’s the perfect way to spend an afternoon.

🌸 Fourth Stop: Lotus Tower
The grand finale of the day! The Lotus Tower stands 350 meters tall and can be seen shining in the sunlight from afar. Take the elevator to the observation deck for panoramic views of Colombo and the Indian Ocean—sunset here is absolutely magical ✨.

📷 The exterior is also great for photos. Visit in the evening to catch both the sunset and the night view.

Final Thoughts
Colombo is often a one-day stopover for travelers in Sri Lanka. I recommend hiring a car for a more comfortable experience—it’ll make you fall in love with the city’s rhythm. Remember to stay hydrated during summer; the heat can be intense!