Explore Colombo
Colombo
The commercial capital of Sri Lanka; Colombo is a bustling city with a rich history, packed with a plethora of things to do and mesmerizing attractions from city temples to skyrise buildings, verdant parks and national monuments. The city is a potpourri of cultures, religions and races making it the most diverse on the island.
Key Attractions
Colombo, the vibrant capital of Sri Lanka, offers a unique blend of cultural heritage and modern attractions. The iconic Galle Face Green provides stunning oceanfront views and a lively atmosphere for evening strolls. Gangaramaya Temple, a blend of traditional and contemporary architecture, showcases the city's spiritual essence. Pettah Market is a bustling hub for local crafts, spices, and street food, ideal for a cultural dive. For history enthusiasts, the National Museum houses priceless artifacts reflecting Sri Lanka's rich past. Meanwhile, Independence Square combines colonial charm with serene gardens, perfect for leisure and reflection.
Galle Face Green
Galle Face Green is a ribbon of land that stretches for half a kilometre along the coast of the Indian Ocean in central Colombo, measuring up to an area of five hectares. In 1859, Sir Henry George Ward (then Governor of British Ceylon) gave instructions for a promenade to be constructed alongside the seashore, to allow for women and children to walk through as they wished.
Gangaramaya Temple
In the heart of Colombo, situated near the shore of Beira Lake, the Gangaramaya Temple is one of the oldest and most culturally significant temples of the city. Founded in the late 19th century by a famous scholarly monk named Hakkaduwe Sri Sumangala Nayaka Thera, the temple functions today not only as a site of worship, but also as an institute for learning and as a cultural centre.
Colombo National Museum
In the heart of Colombo, a mere stone’s throw away from the beautifully manicured lawns of Viharamahadevi Park, lies the Colombo National Museum. Home to over 100,000 exhibits within its Italian-styled walls, this iconic institution is currently the largest museum that can be found in Sri Lanka.
Colombo Lotus Tower
The Lotus Tower is a landmark skyscraper that holds the titles for the tallest self-supported structure in South Asia; the 11th-tallest completed tower in Asia; and the 19th-tallest tower in the world, as of 2019. Standing at 350 meters tall, the Colombo Lotus Tower was built to improve the transmission quality of television, radio and communication services in the city by acting as a single major transmissions hub.
Old Dutch Hospital
The Old Dutch Hospital is one of the oldest buildings in the Colombo Fort area, having been built somewhere in the late 17th century by the Dutch. It was constructed in order to manage the health and welfare of staff serving under the Dutch East India Company, and its location close to the sea was considered to be ideal for catering to Dutch sailors.
Independence Memorial Hall
The Independence Memorial Hall was subsequently built as a national monument that would commemorate the country gaining its freedom from the British, in the very location where the historic event occurred. The area around the Hall was renamed Independence Square, and today is a popular attraction for locals.