Colombo Sri Lanka
– Things to Do in Colombo
– Itineraries & Tour Packages
– Private Car and Driver
– Hotels & Resorts
– Location Map of Colombo
– Tourist Attractions
The largest city and commercial capital of Sri Lanka is Colombo which is located in the western province adjacent to Sri Jayewardenepura Kotte (the capital city of Sri Lanka ) Colombo is a vibrant city with a mixture of modern life , colonial buildings and ruins.
Due to its very large harbor and its position along the East-West sea trade routes Colombo was very popular among ancient traders 2000 years ago.
Colombo houses a majority of the Sri Lanka’s corporate offices, restaurants and entertainment venues. Famous land marks in Colombo include the National Museum, World Trade Center , Vihara Maha Devi Park and the Galle Face Green.
Colombo 0 KM (0 Miles) From Colombo
Colombo Sri Lanka Things to Do and See
Colombo, Sri Lanka offers a vibrant mix of attractions: explore the historic Fort district, visit Gangaramaya Temple, shop at Pettah Market, relax at Galle Face Green, and enjoy local cuisine at bustling eateries.
Gangaramaya Temple
Gangaramaya Temple is one of Colombo’s most iconic Buddhist temples, blending architectural styles from Sri Lanka, Thailand, China, and India. Visitors can explore its museum, relic chamber, and serene grounds, often bustling with devotees and tourists alike.
Pettah Market
Pettah Market is a vibrant and bustling bazaar where you can immerse yourself in the sights, sounds, and smells of Colombo. Wander through narrow streets lined with shops selling spices, textiles, electronics, and local snacks. It’s a perfect place to experience the hustle and bustle of everyday life in Sri Lanka.
Galle Face Green
Galle Face Green is a popular seaside promenade in Colombo, ideal for a leisurely stroll, flying kites, or enjoying a picnic with views of the Indian Ocean. In the evenings, it transforms into a lively gathering spot for families and friends, offering beautiful sunsets and street food vendors.
National Museum of Colombo
The National Museum of Colombo houses a vast collection of artifacts and exhibits showcasing Sri Lanka’s cultural heritage, from ancient artifacts to colonial-era treasures. Highlights include the regalia of Sri Lankan kings, traditional masks, and a replica of the 9th-century Buddha statue from Polonnaruwa.
Independence Memorial Hall
Independence Memorial Hall is a national monument commemorating Sri Lanka’s independence from British rule in 1948. The hall’s architecture reflects Sri Lankan heritage, and its surrounding gardens are a peaceful retreat in the heart of the city.
Viharamahadevi Park
Viharamahadevi Park, formerly known as Victoria Park, is Colombo’s oldest and largest park. It offers lush greenery, jogging paths, and recreational spaces for families. The park is home to the iconic Viharamahadevi Statue and is a popular spot for relaxing and enjoying the outdoors.
Colombo Dutch Museum
The Colombo Dutch Museum is housed in a restored Dutch colonial mansion, showcasing artifacts and exhibits that highlight the Dutch colonial history in Sri Lanka. Visitors can explore period furniture, ceramics, coins, and other artifacts that provide insights into the island’s colonial past.
Shopping and Dining at Arcade Independence Square
Arcade Independence Square is a modern shopping and dining complex located in a renovated colonial building. It offers a blend of local and international brands, along with cafes and restaurants serving a variety of cuisines. It’s a great place to shop, dine, and unwind in a stylish setting.
Kelaniya Raja Maha Vihara
Located just outside Colombo, Kelaniya Raja Maha Vihara is an ancient Buddhist temple revered for its vibrant murals depicting the life of the Buddha. The temple’s architecture and serene surroundings make it a peaceful retreat for meditation and spiritual contemplation.
Colombo Nightlife
Colombo offers a vibrant nightlife scene with rooftop bars, nightclubs, and casinos catering to both locals and tourists. Enjoy live music, dance performances, and cocktails while soaking in the city’s energetic atmosphere after dark.
Beaches and Waterfront Activities
While Colombo itself is not known for its beaches, nearby coastal areas like Mount Lavinia offer sandy shores and beachside restaurants. Visitors can enjoy water sports, sunset cruises, and seafood dining experiences along the coast.
Colombo Sri Lanka Itineraries & Tour Packages
Discover Colombo’s highlights with tours covering the historic Fort district, vibrant markets in Pettah, cultural visits to Gangaramaya Temple, leisurely strolls along Galle Face Green, and culinary experiences showcasing diverse local flavors.
Book Private Car & Driver Guide
Book a private car and driver guide for a personalized Sri Lanka experience. Enjoy flexible itineraries, expert local knowledge, and comfortable travel. Explore top attractions at your own pace with convenience and ease, ensuring a memorable journey.
Top 5 Colombo Sri Lanka Hotels & Resorts – Accommodations
Experience luxury at Colombo’s top hotels: Shangri-La Colombo, offering waterfront views and upscale amenities; Cinnamon Grand Colombo, known for its central location and diverse dining options; and Taj Samudra, featuring elegant accommodations and panoramic ocean vistas.
1. Shangri-La Hotel, Colombo
Located in the heart of Colombo’s business district, Shangri-La Hotel offers luxurious rooms with stunning ocean views, multiple dining options, a spa, and a rooftop bar, providing a lavish and comfortable stay.
2. The Kingsbury Colombo
Situated along Galle Face Green with panoramic views of the Indian Ocean, The Kingsbury Colombo features elegant rooms, a rooftop infinity pool, multiple dining options, and easy access to Colombo’s attractions.
3. Cinnamon Grand Colombo
A landmark hotel in Colombo, Cinnamon Grand offers spacious rooms, a large outdoor pool, a spa, multiple restaurants serving diverse cuisines, and extensive conference and event facilities.
4. Hilton Colombo
Located in the heart of the city, Hilton Colombo offers modern rooms with city or ocean views, a rooftop pool, a fitness center, several dining options, and convenient access to shopping and entertainment areas.
5. Taj Samudra Colombo
Set amidst landscaped gardens overlooking the Indian Ocean, Taj Samudra Colombo offers luxurious accommodations, a large outdoor pool, a spa, multiple dining options, and a tranquil ambiance in the heart of the city.
These hotels and resorts in Colombo offer a range of luxurious amenities and excellent service, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable stay whether you’re visiting for business or leisure in Sri Lanka’s capital city.
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Location & Map of Colombo Sri Lanka
- PROVINCE: WESTERN PROVINCE
- DISTRICT: COLOMBO
- POPULAR FOR: CAPITAL OF SRI LANKA, GALLE FACE, COMMERCIAL CITY
- WEATHER: 31 °C
Colombo Sri Lanka Tourism Attractions
The name “Colombo“, first introduced by the Portuguese in 1505, is believed to be derived from the classical Sinhalese name Kolon thota, meaning “port on the river Kelani”. It has also been suggested that the name may be derived from the Sinhalese name Kola-amba-thota which means “Harbor with leafy mango trees”. However, it is also possible that the Portuguese named the city after Christopher Columbus.
Natural Harbor
Due to the fact that Colombo had a natural harbor of its own the Romans, Arabs and Chinese traders were well aware of its significance. Colombo’s geography is a mix of land and water. The city has many canals and, in the heart of the city is located a lake known as the Beira Lake. The lake has a historical significance for which it was used to defend the city by colonists
Geography and Climate
Colombo’s climate is fairly temperate all throughout the year averaging around 31 degrees. Colombo is a multi-ethnic, multi-cultural city. The population of Colombo is a mix of numerous ethnic groups, mainly Sinhalese, Moors and Tamils. There are also small communities of people with Chinese, Portuguese, Dutch, Malay and Indian origins living in the city, as well as numerous European expatriates. Colombo is the most populous city in Sri Lanka.
The Official Vision and Mission in Colombo is as follows:
Vision
“Colombo being a model city in Asia, a caring organization looking after interests of citizens and users with an efficient quality service for creation of safe, healthy and wealthy life”.
Mission
“Organization achieving excellence in providing citizen centered services to the public / customer, optimizing the use of available resources through a competent, motivated and dedicated team”.
Even thought the Parliament was moved to Kotte the Move was somehow incomplete with the remaining of the Presidents House, Presidential Secretariat, Prime Minister’s House, The Supreme Court of Sri Lanka, Including the Military, Naval, Air Force and The Police headquarters. Colombo is the home to the 2nd largest building in South-east Asia.
Sri Lanka Colombo always enchants tourist with its vibrancy and its own unique landmarks.
Colombo Photo Gallery
Explore the photo gallery of Colombo would showcase its bustling markets, colonial architecture, vibrant street life, and scenic coastal views, capturing the city’s dynamic culture and rich heritage in vivid detail.
Beautiful Colombo Video’s
A collection of beautiful videos of Colombo captures its bustling markets, colonial-era architecture, serene waterfronts, and vibrant cultural scenes. These visuals showcase the city’s blend of modernity and historical charm, highlighting its diverse attractions and lively atmosphere.