Carnival is a Sri Lankan institution, serving not great but cheap ice cream in an accessible and interesting location. The Carnival building is somewhat colonial edifice which has been popular for what feels like generations. The ice creams are honestly not great but they’re cheap and it’s still a fun place to hang out.
Part of Carnival’s appeal is that it’s patronized by all sorts and classes. There is ample parking but, being just near the Colpetty Junction, there are more people just getting off the bus. For families and couples and tourists alike it’s been serving passable ice cream forever.
For around Rs. 100 you can get a scoop and for over Rs. 200 you can get a range of sundaes and banana boats. The service is rather slow but not incompetent. Mostly it’s worth visiting just to hang out in this little oasis off the Galle Road where time seems to have stood still.