Colombo, Sri Lanka
Discover Colombo
Colombo has a history dating back over 2,000 when it was popular with ancient traders due to its strategic position along the east-west sea trade routes and its large harbour. It is the commercial capital of Sri Lanka with the capital city being Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte, located within Colombo itself.
Galle Face Green is a popular tourist and residential site located in the middle of the city with its historic Galle Face Hotel landmark on the southern end of the promenade. The Gangaramaya Temple is one of Colombo’s most important temples and has a unique blend of Chinese, Indian, Thai and Sri Lankan style architecture.
The Viharamahadevi Park (previously Victoria Park) is Colombo’s oldest and largest park, adjacent to the National Museum and the Town Hall and has a massive Buddha statue.
Colombo is also home to Sri Lanka’s only Planetarium, the golden sands of Mount Lavinia beach, the Dutch Museum and National Museum, and the Lotus Tower, a symbolic landmark of Sri Lanka.
The ancient Dutch and Portuguese centre, known as the ‘Fort,’ is an eclectic mix of modern offices and 19th-century streets filled with shops and hotels. Pettah is a bustling bazaar region filled with churches and mosques. For more upmarket shopping, try the boutiques of Kollupitiya and Bambalapitiya.
Things to do in Colombo
Some of the great things you can enjoy in Colombo include:
- Discover the Gangaramaya Temple with its blend of Chinese, Indian, Thai and Sri Lankan architecture.
- Explore the Jami-Ul-Alfar Mosque (the Red Mosque) with its distinctive red and white candy stripes.
- See the giant Buddha statue in Viharamahadevi Park
- Visit Sri Lanka’s only Planetarium
- Relax on the golden sands of Mount Lavinia beach
- Indulge in some retail therapy in the bazaars and boutiques.
The best way to see Colombo
If you would like to visit Colombo, why not take a look at one of our wonderful ATOL and ABTA protected holidays? Please remember all our private tours are designed to meet your exact requirements, and the tours mentioned are just examples to help inspire you.
Contact our travel experts on 01792 315499 or email info@aitholidays.com for more information.
