Cinnamon Gardens, Colombo Travel Guide

Explore Cinnamon Gardens in Colombo: A blend of history, culture, and tranquility in the heart of Sri Lanka's bustling capital.

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Cinnamon Gardens

Nestled in the heart of Colombo, Cinnamon Gardens is a lush and verdant neighborhood that offers a refreshing escape from the bustling city. Known for its tree-lined avenues and colonial-era bungalows, this area exudes a unique blend of historical charm and modern elegance. It's the ideal destination for those looking to explore the rich cultural tapestry of Sri Lanka while enjoying a serene and picturesque environment. Start your visit at the Viharamahadevi Park, Colombo's largest and oldest park, where you can stroll through beautifully manicured gardens and admire the majestic flowering trees. Nearby, you'll find the National Museum of Colombo, home to an impressive collection of artifacts that tell the story of Sri Lanka's diverse history. The neighborhood is also a hub for art enthusiasts, with several galleries showcasing contemporary Sri Lankan art. Cinnamon Gardens is not just about history and culture; it also offers a vibrant dining scene. From upscale restaurants to cozy cafes, you'll find a variety of culinary delights to satisfy your palate. Don’t miss the chance to enjoy a traditional Sri Lankan meal at one of the local eateries. The neighborhood's central location makes it a convenient base for exploring other parts of Colombo, but its peaceful ambiance will always welcome you back.

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Cinnamon Gardens.

Visit Viharamahadevi Park early in the morning to enjoy the tranquility and avoid the midday heat.
Allocate a few hours to explore the National Museum of Colombo; it's rich in history and artifacts.
Try local Sri Lankan cuisine at one of the neighborhood's traditional eateries for an authentic experience.
Wear comfortable walking shoes as the best way to explore the area is on foot.
Check out the local art galleries to get a sense of the contemporary art scene in Sri Lanka.

Explore Cinnamon Gardens: Things to Do, Places to Eat, Hotels & More

Handpicked recommendations for top attractions, local dining, accommodations, and more

Best attractions in Cinnamon Gardens

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Galle Face Green

Explore Galle Face Green, Colombo's expansive coastal park, combining scenic ocean views with vibrant local culture and recreational activities.

4.5

Viharamahadevi Park

Explore the beauty of Viharamahadevi Park in Colombo, a serene oasis offering lush landscapes, vibrant flowers, and cultural landmarks for a perfect day out.

4.4

Sri Lanka Planetarium

Discover the universe at the Sri Lanka Planetarium in Colombo, where science meets entertainment in an engaging astronomical experience.

4.3

Best landmarks in Cinnamon Gardens

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Viharamahadevi Park

Experience the lush beauty and cultural richness of Viharamahadevi Park, Colombo's serene escape for relaxation and exploration.

4.4

Independence Square

Explore the rich history and serene beauty of Independence Square, a pivotal landmark in Colombo symbolizing Sri Lanka's journey to freedom.

4.6

Colombo Lotus Tower

Experience panoramic views of Colombo from the iconic Lotus Tower, the tallest structure in South Asia, blending modernity with cultural significance.

4.4

Colombo National Museum

Explore the Colombo National Museum, a gateway to Sri Lanka's diverse history and culture, featuring artifacts from ancient times to the present.

4.4

Best restaurants in Cinnamon Gardens

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The Barnesbury

Experience exquisite dining at The Barnesbury in Colombo - where unique ambiance meets exceptional cuisine.

4.3

Mintage

Experience the vibrant culinary scene at Mintage in Colombo, where local flavors meet modern cuisine in an inviting atmosphere.

4.3

Maharaja Palace

Savor authentic Indian cuisine at Maharaja Palace in Colombo, where tradition meets taste in an exquisite dining experience.

4.1

ZEN Japanese Restaurant

Discover authentic Japanese cuisine in Colombo at ZEN Japanese Restaurant - where culinary art meets serene ambiance.

4.5

Best bars in Cinnamon Gardens

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KAVA Island Bar

Discover KAVA Island Bar in Colombo for a tropical grill experience, blending delicious cuisine with vibrant nightlife and a charming atmosphere.

4.4

The Love Bar at Flamingo House

Discover the vibrant nightlife at The Love Bar at Flamingo House, Colombo's premier bar and disco club, featuring exquisite cocktails and lively music.

4.1

Blackout Bar & Restaurant

Discover the vibrant flavors and relaxed ambiance of Blackout Bar & Restaurant in Colombo, perfect for unwinding after a day of exploration.

3.8

The Breeze Bar

Experience unrivaled views and exquisite flavors at The Breeze Bar, Colombo's top destination for relaxation and fine dining.

4.4

Best nightclubs in Cinnamon Gardens

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The Love Bar at Flamingo House

Discover the energetic nightlife at The Love Bar, a premier disco club in Colombo known for its vibrant atmosphere, excellent music, and creative cocktails.

4.1

Cleopatra Nightclub

Discover the energetic nightlife of Colombo at Cleopatra Nightclub, where music, dance, and unforgettable moments await.

3.2

W Lounge

Experience the vibrant nightlife of Colombo at W Lounge, where exquisite cocktails, live music, and an energetic atmosphere await every visitor.

3.8

Hollywood Colombo Indian Dancing Club

Dive into an unforgettable night of Bollywood music and dance at Hollywood Colombo Indian Dancing Club, the ultimate karaoke experience in Colombo.

3.8

Best shops in Cinnamon Gardens

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Arcade Independence Square

Explore the vibrant Arcade Independence Square, where shopping meets history in the heart of Colombo, Sri Lanka.

4.4

Cool Planet

Discover unique fashion and accessories at Cool Planet, Colombo's leading clothing store and shopping haven for stylish travelers.

4.2

Butter Boutique

Discover the exquisite flavors of Butter Boutique, a cake shop in Colombo, offering artisanal desserts and a cozy atmosphere perfect for sweet indulgence.

4.5

Lakpahana

Explore Lakpahana, Colombo's hidden gem for authentic Sri Lankan gifts, showcasing exquisite handicrafts and cultural treasures.

4.3

Explore Cinnamon Gardens on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots in Cinnamon Gardens, mapped for you.

Cinnamon Gardens Essentials

Cinnamon Gardens is centrally located in Colombo and can be easily accessed from various neighborhoods. If you are coming from the Colombo Fort area, you can take a tuk-tuk or taxi, which should take around 15 minutes. Public buses are also available, with several routes stopping in or near Cinnamon Gardens. For those arriving from the Bandaranaike International Airport, consider hiring a taxi or using a rideshare service, which will take approximately 35-45 minutes depending on traffic.
Cinnamon Gardens is best explored on foot or by bicycle, as many attractions are within walking distance. There are bicycle rental services available for those who prefer cycling. Public buses serve the area, and the Colombo Light Rail is expected to enhance connectivity in the future. Tuk-tuks are also a popular and convenient option for short trips within the neighborhood.
Cinnamon Gardens is generally considered a safe area for tourists. However, it is advisable to stay vigilant in crowded public spaces and avoid displaying valuables. Areas like the outskirts of Borella can experience higher crime rates, particularly at night. Always exercise caution when navigating less populated streets.
In case of an emergency, dial 119 for police assistance or 110 for fire services. The nearest hospitals are Lanka Hospitals and Nawaloka Hospital, both of which are well-equipped to handle emergencies. It is advisable to carry a copy of your travel insurance and any necessary medical information.
Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. Avoid wearing revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. Always remove your shoes before entering temples. Public Transport: Do be courteous and offer your seat to elderly passengers. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet with a friendly smile and a nod; handshakes are common among men. Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies and accept food offerings graciously. Don't refuse hospitality, as it is considered impolite.
To experience Cinnamon Gardens like a local, visit the local markets such as the Colombo Farmers' Market for fresh produce and artisanal goods. Engage with locals at cafes and parks, as they often share insights about the area's history and culture. Don't miss the beautiful Viharamahadevi Park for a leisurely stroll or a picnic. Try to visit during the evening when the area is lively with street food vendors and local musicians.

With Eve

Useful Local Phrases for Cinnamon Gardens

You don't need to speak the language perfectly. Even learning a few simple words can make conversations warmer—and locals usually appreciate the effort.

— Eve

6 phrase groups English + pronunciation

Here are the phrases I use most often in Cinnamon Gardens. Try a few—you'll be surprised how far they go! 😊
❤️

- Helloආයුබෝවන්
  [Ayubowan]
- Goodbyeසල්ලි
  [Salli]
- Yesඔව්
  [Owa]
- Noනෑ
  [Nae]
- Please/You're welcomeකරනවා/කියලා බලා
  [Karannava/Kiyala balaa]
- Thank youඔබට ස්තූතියි
  [Obata sthuthiyi]
- Excuse me/Sorryකරනවා/සමාධෝවී
  [Karannava/Samadawee]
- How are you?ඔයා කොහොමද?
  [Oya kohomada?]
- Fine. And you?හොඳම. ඔයා?
  [Hondama. Oya?]
- Do you speak English?ඔයා ඉංග්‍රීසි කතා කරනවාද?
  [Oya Ingirisi katha karannavada?]
- I don't understandමට දත්ත නොවනවා
  [Mata data nowanava]
- I'd like to see the menu, pleaseමනර් පාන්දු බලන්න
  [Manar pandu balanna]
- I don't eat meatමම මස් නෑම
  [Mama mas naem]
- Cheers!සුදු ආයුබෝවන්!
  [Sudu ayubowan]
- I would like to pay, pleaseමනර් ගෙවන්න
  [Manar gewanna]
- Help!උක්තළා!
  [Ukathla!]
- Go away!යන්න!
  [Yanna!]
- Call the Police!පොලිස් කළඹු!
  [Police kalabu!]
- Call a doctor!වෛර කළඹු!
  [Vaira kalabu!]
- I'm lostමම දම්වුලා
  [Mama damwula]
- I'm illමම අස්වර්ගොතේ
  [Mama aswaragotay]
- I'd like to buy...මනර් ... මිලදීගෙන එන්න
  [Manar ... miladigena enna]
- I'm just lookingමම ඇපක්ෂා කරමි
  [Mama apeksha karami]
- How much is it?එය කොහොමද?
  [Eya kohomada?]
- That's too expensiveඑය වේගයි
  [Eya wegai]
- Can you lower the price?මිල අහිතුනවාද?
  [Mila ahithunavada?]
- What time is it?දින කාලය කුලේ?
  [Dina kalaya kule?]
- It's one o'clockඑකට
  [Ekata]
- Half past (10)දහයි පැයක්
  [Dahayi payak]
- Morningඋදේම
  [Udema]
- Afternoonසවස
  [Sawasa]
- Eveningසහය
  [Sahaya]
- Yesterdayඊයේ
  [Iye]
- Todayඅද
  [Ada]
- Tomorrowහෙට
  [Heta]
- 1එක
  [Eka]
- 2දෙක
  [Deka]
- 3තුන
  [Thuna]
- 4හත්
  [Hath]
- 5පහ
  [Paha]
- 6හය
  [Haya]
- 7හත
  [Hatha]
- 8අශ්ව
  [Ashwa]
- 9නත්
  [Natha]
- 10දහ
  [Daha]
- Where's a/the...?...කොහොමද?
  [... Kohomada?]
- What's the address?ලිපිනය කුලේ?
  [Lipinaya kule?]
- Can you show me (on the map)?මගේත් පෙන්වන්න
  [Mage th penwanna]
- When's the next (bus)?ඊළඟ ... කාලය කුලේ?
  [Elaga ... kalaya kule?]
- A ticket (to ....)කාලසත්වයක් (... වෙත)
  [Kalasathwayak (... wetha)]

History of Cinnamon Gardens

Cinnamon Gardens, as its name suggests, was originally known for the flourishing cinnamon plantations that thrived in the area during the colonial period. Established by the Portuguese in the 16th century and later expanded by the Dutch and British, these plantations became significant for Sri Lanka's economy. The region's fertile soil and favorable climate made it an ideal location for cinnamon cultivation, which was highly sought after in international markets.
In the late 19th century, Cinnamon Gardens began its transformation from agricultural land to a residential area, particularly for the British elite and affluent locals. The construction of large colonial bungalows and spacious gardens took place during this time, reflecting the Victorian architectural style. This shift marked the beginning of Cinnamon Gardens as a prestigious neighborhood, attracting prominent figures in Sri Lankan society.
As the 20th century progressed, Cinnamon Gardens evolved into a cultural and educational hub of Colombo. The establishment of prominent institutions such as the Royal College, the Colombo Academy, and later, the University of Colombo, solidified the neighborhood's reputation as a center for learning and culture. The area became home to many influential artists, writers, and political figures, contributing to its rich cultural tapestry.
After Sri Lanka gained independence in 1948, Cinnamon Gardens continued to flourish as a desirable residential area. Development efforts introduced modern amenities while preserving the historical architecture. The neighborhood became known for its lush greenery, parks, and cultural institutions, such as the National Museum of Colombo, which resides nearby, showcasing the country's heritage and history.
Today, Cinnamon Gardens reflects a blend of historical elegance and modern urban life. The neighborhood maintains its status as one of Colombo's most affluent areas, with a mix of colonial-era homes and contemporary residences. The community continues to thrive culturally, hosting various art exhibitions, musical performances, and literary events, contributing to the vibrant cultural scene of Colombo.