Why is it worth visiting the National Museum in Colombo with your kids? 

Are you a history junkie? Love exploring the roots of the heritage of unknown places? Then a visit to the National Museum in Colombo might be your cup of tea! This grand monument houses countless artefacts and is a treasure trove of priceless artwork that tells stories of Sri Lanka’s rich legacy. Here is a look at why it is worth diving deep into the annals of the nation's origins with your family.  

Witness priceless artefacts, artwork and royal regalia 

Experience the royal history of Sri Lanka when you inspect one of the centrepieces of the museum, the 17th-century ivory throne. The crown jewels, including the gem-encrusted crown and ceremonial swords of the last king of the Kandyan Kingdom, King Sri Vikrama Rajasinha, are also displayed. There are many other notable artefacts, such as bronze and stone religious statues, palm leaf manuscripts sharing details about subjects like medicine, astrology, religion, and folklore, pottery items, antique weaponry and more, housed in this building. An incredible collection of traditional arts, such as ceremonial masks, is exhibited at the National Museum in Colombo. Observing these displays provides visitors with the ultimate way to trace Sri Lanka’s cultural evolution. 

Mr Nigel, The Throne of Kandyan Kings, CC BY-SA 2.0

Engage in an in-depth educational journey 

Get a glimpse into the essential context concerning the island’s heritage with a visit to the National Museum in Colombo. This is one destination which acts as a gateway to 2,500 years of civilisation, from the ancient kingdoms of Anuradhapura to the Kandyan era. You will be able to learn about human evolution in this nation through artefacts such as stone tools, burial urns and terracotta figurines which have been discovered in places like Batadombalena and Fa-Hen Caves. All these are designed to fascinate the young and old. Since there is so much to grasp, you might like to spend a whole day there taking in this vast sea of information. A property like The Kingsbury Hotel Colombo is around a 15-minute drive away from this site. Therefore, if you stay at such a place close by, you can even head there as soon as it opens at 9 am or engage in your explorations till the gates close at around 6 pm.

Experience nature outdoors 

Take a break from your historic quests and absorbing knowledge by relaxing in the serene, sweeping lawns at the museum property. A chance to unwind in the tropical gardens with giant Banyan trees that have been there for centuries provides you with an opportunity to connect with nature. Your kids can also stretch their legs a bit by strolling around this expansive open space. It is the perfect spot to take a break and also take some memorable photographs against the whitewashed building that has been standing there since 1877. Guests staying at a Colombo city hotel in Sri Lanka will find this a refreshing experience as it will allow you to enjoy some time amid a nature-filled setting set in the middle of the bustling city. 

Inspect the natural history museum close by

Located in the same complex, this site serves as a centralised hub to showcase the nation’s geological history and unique biodiversity. Constructed in 1986, it is dubbed the only museum in the nation that is solely dedicated to exhibiting and preserving Sri Lanka’s natural heritage. You get displays with more than 5000 specimens of mammals, reptiles, birds and plants. Get insights into endemic species and endangered plants and animals there. Some of the highlights available include Jurassic-period fossils and rock collections that have been unearthed from days of yore. Another noteworthy attraction to keep an eye out for is the infamous Punani leopard. This will be a truly amazing sight that your kids will find intriguing.