Colombo, Sri Lanka‘s bustling commercial hub, is located on the country’s west coast and the country’s the most developed city. Colombo is Diverse and vibrant, the city is the administrative and economic center of the country. Its natural harbor at the mouth of the Kelani River was a magnet for successive traders .
The history of the city itself dates to the 5th century. Colombo grew as a seaport for trade between Asia and the West. It was used by the Moors, Romans, Arabs, Persians, and Chinese ships for the island's much sought after cinnamon and gems.
The name 'Colombo' was first introduced by the Portuguese in 1505.
The city offers historical monuments, colonial architecture, beaches, and fine dining and shopping. Its architecture has been influenced by Portuguese, Dutch, and British colonization. The British influence is clearly visible in the buildings located in the Fort, an area where the larger business houses and the stock exchange are situated. Close by is Pettah, a bustling marketplace with each section of the bazaar selling its own specialty, ranging from food items to shoes to gold; wholesale markets are found here.
There are more mementoes of the British period, including the neo-Classical old parliament building, the Victorian-era President’s House (still often called ‘Queen’s House’), and the grandly mercantile brick facade of Cargill’s, a splendid 19th-century department store that has changed little since the 19th-century heyday of Sri Lanka‘s British tea planters.
Galle Face Green is where the locals gather on the weekend to enjoy the cool breeze from the Indian Ocean and a stroll along the promenade. Nearby are temples, mosques, and churches catering to the diverse population that enrich the culture of the city.
There is a lively nightlife at a number of International standard hotels, clubs, pubs and dining venues while it is limited mainly to the high end customer. During the day, Colombo’s colourful street markets, colonial-era buildings, museums and galleries, churches, mosques and temples, and the lovely Parks with beautiful trees, makes it a great place to explore on foot.
Colombo is your gateway to Sri Lanka. So, spend a day or two, and enjoy the blend of East and West.
Whether you'd like to stay within a historic building or site in Colombo, and upscale boutique hotel in the fort or a charming bed and breakfast, Colombo has a great variety of accommodation options. In the other hand Sri Lanka is known for its hospitality and friendliness, which will keep you smiling throughout your stay. You will find the best Hotels in Colombo here: Hotels in Colombo
Fort, which is located between the Colombo Harbor to the north and the murky urban lagoon of Beira Lake to the south, is known as the heart of Colombo. The Portuguese built and extended their fortress here during more than a century of conquest and resistance. It was taken over by the Dutch, and finally demolished by the British after they completed their conquest of the country in the mid 19th century. Today, the area is the city’s financial and commercial heart and houses Colombo’s main international hotels, as well as Sri Lanka’s seat of government.
The mid 19th century Clock Tower, at the comer of Janadhipathi Mawatha and Chatham Street, was originally a lighthouse and is now a handy landmark for the city centre area. Other landmarks include the President’s House and Presidential Gardens, a palatial neo-classical building which was originally the home of the British Governors and is now the residence of Sri Lanka’s president.
A major rail hub in the heart of the Business District, the Fort Railway Station is served by Sri Lanka Railways. Serving as a terminus for most intercity and commuter trains of the entire island, the venue is visited daily by thousands of commuters both local and foreign.
The present station was opened in 1917 and its architecture is somewhat slightly similar to the Manchester Victoria Station while it has been built on a land area which was reclaimed from the Beira Lake. The Station offers easy access to Colombo Fort and Pettah.
Located in Colombo Fort, facing the sea, the Old Parliament Building is a Neo-Baroque style edifice that was built during the British Colonial Era. The building housed the island’s legislature for 53 years since 1930 until the New Parliament was built in 1983. The Old Parliament Building is however a venue for many state functions that are held in Sri Lanka all year round. First adorned with the British Coat of Arms till 1948 when it was replaced by the Arms of the Dominion of Ceylon and once again replaced with the Arms of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka in 1972.
Built during the second half of the 17th century as the residence of Count August van Ranzow, the Dutch East India Company’s governor in Colombo, this attractive old building at 95 Prince Street is one of the few surviving remnants of Colombo’s Dutch colonial heritage. On the fringes of Pettah, it is surrounded by market stalls and antique shops. It’s rather chaotic collection includes coins, weapons, pottery, portraits and furniture from the period of Dutch rule, and also traces the descent of the dwindling ‘Burgher’ community.
At Sir Marcus Fernando Mawatha (also known as Albert Crescent), next to the Viharamahadevi Park, the National Museum was Sri Lanka’s first and was founded in 1877. Its collection spans several centuries and a range of cultures, from the Sinhala kingdoms through to the British era. Highlights include the royal trappings of the last Kings of Kandy. There are also some superb stone sculptures, as well as Hindu bronzes and wooden carvings, Sri Lankan and European furniture and ceramics, and (to Western eyes) a fine array of grotesque masks representing Buddhist demons and deities. The museum’s huge library of more than 500,000 books is primarily of interest to scholars, but its collection of 4000 palm leaf manuscripts – created by etching the lettering into the fibrous surface of the leaf – are on display for everyone to admire. A small Gallery of mid 19th century paintings and etchings shows Sri Lanka through the eyes of British artists.
Within the National Museum, on the first floor, is the Puppetry and Children’s Museum. Puppetry is a living part of Sri Lanka’s cultural heritage, and the museum displays traditional Sri Lankan figures and marionettes from all over the world, with regular weekend performances. It is open Saturday-Thursday, 09:00-17:00.
The history of the city itself dates to the 5th century. Colombo grew as a seaport for trade between Asia and the West. It was used by the Moors, Romans, Arabs, Persians, and Chinese ships for the island's much sought after cinnamon and gems.
The name 'Colombo' was first introduced by the Portuguese in 1505.
The city offers historical monuments, colonial architecture, beaches, and fine dining and shopping. Its architecture has been influenced by Portuguese, Dutch, and British colonization. The British influence is clearly visible in the buildings located in the Fort, an area where the larger business houses and the stock exchange are situated. Close by is Pettah, a bustling marketplace with each section of the bazaar selling its own specialty, ranging from food items to shoes to gold; wholesale markets are found here.
There are more mementoes of the British period, including the neo-Classical old parliament building, the Victorian-era President’s House (still often called ‘Queen’s House’), and the grandly mercantile brick facade of Cargill’s, a splendid 19th-century department store that has changed little since the 19th-century heyday of Sri Lanka‘s British tea planters.
Galle Face Green is where the locals gather on the weekend to enjoy the cool breeze from the Indian Ocean and a stroll along the promenade. Nearby are temples, mosques, and churches catering to the diverse population that enrich the culture of the city.
There is a lively nightlife at a number of International standard hotels, clubs, pubs and dining venues while it is limited mainly to the high end customer. During the day, Colombo’s colourful street markets, colonial-era buildings, museums and galleries, churches, mosques and temples, and the lovely Parks with beautiful trees, makes it a great place to explore on foot.
Colombo is your gateway to Sri Lanka. So, spend a day or two, and enjoy the blend of East and West.
Whether you'd like to stay within a historic building or site in Colombo, and upscale boutique hotel in the fort or a charming bed and breakfast, Colombo has a great variety of accommodation options. In the other hand Sri Lanka is known for its hospitality and friendliness, which will keep you smiling throughout your stay. You will find the best Hotels in Colombo here: Hotels in Colombo
Colombo Attractions
Colombo Fort
The mid 19th century Clock Tower, at the comer of Janadhipathi Mawatha and Chatham Street, was originally a lighthouse and is now a handy landmark for the city centre area. Other landmarks include the President’s House and Presidential Gardens, a palatial neo-classical building which was originally the home of the British Governors and is now the residence of Sri Lanka’s president.
Pettah Colombo
Immediately east of Fort (across the narrow canal that separates the outer harbor from the Beira Lake) is Pettah, a maze of streets and alleys piled and crammed with goods of every description, from colorful textiles, gold and silver, and colonial-era antiquities to the necessities of everyday life – spices, fruits and vegetables, reeking heaps of dried fish, paraffin, batteries, electrical goods, clothes and footwear. Whatever you are looking for, you’ll find it in Pettah – though shopping here, which can call for determined bargaining, is not for the faint of heart.
Among the most interesting streets for both sightseeing and shopping is Sea Street, in the northeast corner of Pettah, with its goldsmiths’ work-shops and the dramatically colorful Hindu Kathiresan and Old Kathiresan kovil (temples).
These are the starting points for the Vel festival, celebrating the marriage of the god Murugan (the top Tamil deity) to his queen Deivanai and concubine Valli Ammal, which is held each year in August. Not too far from these stand the Grand Mosque, the most important mosque for Sri Lanka’s Muslim population, on New Moor Street, whose very name reflects a long-standing heritage of contact with the Arab world, and the Jami Ul Alfar Mosque, at the corner of Bankshall Street and Second Cross Street. Built at the beginning of the 20th century, its decorative brick work, patterned in red and white, is conspicuous.
These are the starting points for the Vel festival, celebrating the marriage of the god Murugan (the top Tamil deity) to his queen Deivanai and concubine Valli Ammal, which is held each year in August. Not too far from these stand the Grand Mosque, the most important mosque for Sri Lanka’s Muslim population, on New Moor Street, whose very name reflects a long-standing heritage of contact with the Arab world, and the Jami Ul Alfar Mosque, at the corner of Bankshall Street and Second Cross Street. Built at the beginning of the 20th century, its decorative brick work, patterned in red and white, is conspicuous.
Colombo Rail way station
The present station was opened in 1917 and its architecture is somewhat slightly similar to the Manchester Victoria Station while it has been built on a land area which was reclaimed from the Beira Lake. The Station offers easy access to Colombo Fort and Pettah.
Galle Face Promenade
The Galle Face Green, which is immediately south of Fort, is a long, thin park facing the Indian Ocean which fills up with food stalls and locals on weekday and weekend evenings as it is a popular meeting place to relax. A narrow arm of Beira Lake separates this district from Slave Island, a peninsula where the Dutch imprisoned slaves from their Asian colonies. Galle Road, Colombo’s long seafront boulevard runs south from Galle Face Green, eventually becoming the main coastal road to Galle and the Deep South. It’s always crowded with traffic and short on charm, but as the city’s main thoroughfare it also has some of the best shopping malls and a number of important buildings, including the official residence of Sri Lanka’s premier, the US Embassy, the British High Commission and some of the city’s top five star hotels.
Old Parliament Building
Dutch Period Museum
National Museum
Within the National Museum, on the first floor, is the Puppetry and Children’s Museum. Puppetry is a living part of Sri Lanka’s cultural heritage, and the museum displays traditional Sri Lankan figures and marionettes from all over the world, with regular weekend performances. It is open Saturday-Thursday, 09:00-17:00.
National Art Gallery Colombo
National Art Gallery (Cultural Museum) Colombo
Located at 106 Ananda Kumaraswamy Mawatha, this Gallery which is on the edge of Viharannahadevi Park houses a rather humdrum assortment of portraits of Sri Lanka’s independence pioneers and heads of state.
The changing programme of shows by contemporary Sri Lankan artists is sometimes more interesting. Open 08:00-17:00 daily.
Housed in the same building as the National Art Gallery, this collection is a hit and miss affair with stuffed birds and animals displayed in cases showing their natural habitat, and sections dealing with Sri Lanka’s geology, climate, and plant life. The most striking display is of an elephant’s skeleton, and there are also displays which focus on some of the country’s ambitious hydro-electric and irrigation engineering schemes. Open 09:00-17:00 daily.
Located at 106 Ananda Kumaraswamy Mawatha, this Gallery which is on the edge of Viharannahadevi Park houses a rather humdrum assortment of portraits of Sri Lanka’s independence pioneers and heads of state.
The changing programme of shows by contemporary Sri Lankan artists is sometimes more interesting. Open 08:00-17:00 daily.
Natural History Museum
Viharamahadevi Park
Colombo's biggest park, Victoria Park, was laid out by the British in the 19th century in memory of Queen Victoria. In the 1950s it was renamed Viharamahadevi Park to honor the mother of King Dutugemunu.
The Viharamahadevi Park is notable for its flowering trees, which bloom in March, April, and early May. The park is also home to Bo, Ebony, Mahogany, and Sal and Lemon Eucalyptus trees. There is an enormous profusion of climbing plants and rare orchids.
From a Buddha statue, many fountains, flowers and even an amphitheatre that is used for various performances, the park is the ideal place for long evening walks.
Opposite the park, you can see Colombo's Town Hall, which overlooks the park from the northeast.
The Independence Memorial Hall, most commonly known as the Independence Square, is a National Monument in Sri Lanka. The structure was built in commemoration of the Independence of Sri Lanka from the British rule and to mark the ceremonial start of self rule with the opening of the first parliament on the 4th of February 1948. There is also a statue of the first prime minister of the country right in front of the structure. Many events including the Independence Day celebrations are held here annually.
Once the Old Auditor General’s Building, the Arcade – Independence Square is a well refurbished development project which has turned out to be a trendy shopping and entertainment venue. Strategically located, every nook and cranny of the Arcade tells its own story. From landscaped gardens to intricate wooden carvings, the touch of charm cannot be ignored. The centrepiece which is a sculpture of a pride of lions is considered as symbolic for Sri Lanka. The venue is ideal for entertainment, leisure, shopping and dining for the entire family while you can also enjoy a handful of global brands within. The movie theatres are state of the art while an array of dining options is available for friends and families to enjoy.
The BMICH is a well known convention centre that is located in Colombo and was built between the years 1970 – 73. A gift from the People’s Republic of China in memory of the Prime Minister of Ceylon from 1956 – 1959, Sir Solomon Ridgeway Dias Bandaranaike, the construction was carried out as a joint venture from both countries. With a total area of 16,000 sq ft, BMICH is always the venue chosen for high profile events and exhibitions including CHOGM (Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting 2013).
This theatre which was opened in December 2011 is a performing arts centre in Colombo, Sri Lanka. It’s perfect location in the city has made it an ideal venue for many International gatherings and functions since its establishment. The architecture of the structure has been inspired by the 12th Century Nelum Pokuna (Lotus Pond) which was built by King Parakramabahu the Great during the prosperous era when Polonnaruwa was once the capital.
The Royal Colombo Golf Club which is located in the heart of Colombo was established in 1880 and is currently the oldest Golf Club in the country. It is home to the Sri Lanka Golf Union and maintains strong ties with the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews in Scotland. Surrounded by residential areas and various businesses, the Golf Club consists of a scenic landscape and glimpses of rare species of flora and fauna along the course. Set within 96 acres of a former model farm, the Royal Colombo Golf Club consists of an extensive range of historic golf memorabilia and a club house for members and their families to relax.
Located amidst the calm waters of the Beira Lake, the Gangaramaya Temple complex is a vibrant venue located in the heart of the Business District. The complex consists of the Main Gangaramaya Buddhist Temple, the “Seema Malaka” which is an assembly hall for monks and also a vocational training institute. The temple is over 120 years old while now it has been converted to an institution of International significance. The temple and its surroundings are adorned with colourful lights during various ceremonial months while the annual Nawam Perahera conducted by the Gangaramaya is one of the most vibrant and colourful processions in the island.
With a history dating back to more than 2500 years, the Kelaniya Raja Maha Viharaya is located along the banks of the Kelani River approximately 6 miles from the Colombo Business District in a suburb by the name of Kelaniya.
According to the Mahavamsa records, Buddhists trust that Lord Buddha stopped at this particular site to preach and the gem studded throne that he sat on is believed to have been enshrined here.
The Kelaniya Raja Maha Viharaya is also famed for its numerous paintings that depict the important episodes of the life of Lord Buddha and also for its image of the reclining Buddha. Highlighting vibrant culture and religious devotion, the Duruthu Maha Perahera which is an energetic and colorful procession is held once a year during the full moon poya day of the month of January.
Located in Kotahena, a busy area of Colombo within walking distance of St. Anthony’s church, the Sri Ponnambalam Vanesar Kovil which dates back to the mid eighteen hundreds is a sacred Hindu Temple that has been made entirely of granite stone. The patterns of granite are a mesmerizing architectural pattern which provides its calm and peaceful ambience. You can see a myriad of devotees from all over the country gather at the temple to pay homage to the temple deity – Lord Shiva. Evening prayers are conducted along with instrumental music which sets the perfect mood for one to conduct religious rights. Cameras are not permitted within the temple.
Another relic of the Dutch period is this stone church on Wolvendaal Street, built in 1749. Worth looking at are the tombstones set into the floor, which were moved from a church within the Fort in 1813.
The dates on the tombs of several Dutch governors, whose bones were re interred here, reveal how risky life could have been for the Dutch conquerors: even during peacetime, the death toll from disease was high and many died after only a short stay in Colombo. Open during usual church hours.
Even though there are many churches that are found all over Sri Lanka that have come up to honour St. Anthony, the most popular church would be the one in Kochchikade – Colombo. This church attracts hundreds and thousands of devotees from all over from every religion and race to the heart of Colombo. With much effort after the dark days of Dutch persecution of the Catholics, a little chapel which was built of mud was enlarged in 1806. After a few years in 1822, some of the members of the congregation travelled to Goa and bought back a statue of St. Anthony which is up to date kept within the church’s premises. A small relic of the incorrupt tongue of St. Anthony is also enshrined. For many devotees with faith, this shrine is a place of miraculous powers.
Located along 2nd Cross Street in Pettah, the Jami Ul-Alfar Mosque is a historic site and a popular tourist destination in the city. Set in the midst of the city’s bazaar district, the mosque was built in 1909 and for many years was also considered as the landmark of Colombo by sailors approaching the port.
Decorated in red and white bricks, the mosque attracts many devotees to fulfill their daily prayers and Jummah on Friday’s.
Also referred as the Colombo Zoo or the Dehiwala Zoo, the National Zoological Gardens were founded in 1936. The zoo which claims to be one of the oldest zoos in Asia is open all year long and has a substantial collection of animals while it also includes an aquarium, walk through aviary, reptile house, butterfly garden and many enclosed areas. The zoo has also been designed incorporating beautiful landscaped gardens with colourful flowers, foliage and water fountains. There are animal performances such as elephant shows, educational programmes on chimps and also a sea lions performance. Souvenir shops are available for visitors to purchase various trinkets and memorabilia.
A spacious area which has become a meeting place for friends and families as well as casual business meetings, Excel World is a popular hangout within the city. You are guaranteed a night of fun with state of the art activities including a bowling alley, a laser gaming centre, pool / billiards, various gaming zones and even a number of corporate hangouts such as the Corporate lounge, and the Blue Room. With a multi-cuisine food court, Excel World also boasts of a Pizza World and the Keg which is a Pub and Restaurant that offers you good music, beers and pub dishes. The Dome is a unique place where kids and adults can enjoy a bit of snow which is not experienced in a tropical country like Sri Lanka.
The Water World Aquarium, located in Kelaniya on the banks of the Kelani River, is home to a diverse collection of over 500 varieties of fish which include fresh water, marine, and brackish water fauna and flora from eco-systems around the world. The Aquarium showcases the Arapaima (largest fresh water fish in the world), the Lung fish, the Electric Eel, and Fresh Water Sting Rays from the Amazon River. Another exciting feature is the man-made cave spanning over 800 feet which leads to the Shark Dome, home to several species of shark. Other attractions include a live dive show with sharks as well as a ‘touch pool’.
Recently, Water World added a Bird Park – home to birds from all over the world, including the Amazon Rain Forest in South America, Tropical Asia, Australia, and Africa. It also boasts of the largest collection of exotic parrots in the country.
Known as the oldest building in the Colombo Fort Area, the Dutch Hospital Complex dates back to the Dutch-Colonial era of Sri Lanka. After careful restoration, this heritage venue is now one of the most sought after shopping and dining precincts in Colombo. Talking about the history of the building, it was initially built by the Dutch as a hospital and was used for several purposes thereon. During the early 1980’s to the 90’s, the building was used as the Colombo Fort Police Station and suffered heavy damage from the bombing in 1996. The restoration of the Dutch Hospital Complex was completed by the year 2011 and is now a cheery place to hangout.
Operated and maintained by the Sri Lanka Ports Authority, the Colombo Lighthouse is located along the South of the Port of Colombo. The current structure was built in 1952 and opened by the first Prime Minister of Ceylon. The Lighthouse is built on a concrete base which is 12 metres high and consists of 4 statues of lions at its base. Also around the base of the lighthouse is a naval gun battery which is used by the Sri Lanka Navy for traditional gun salutes as of date. The total height of the Lighthouse is 29 meters while its characteristics include three white flashes every ten seconds.
Located in Colombo Fort, the Old Colombo Lighthouse or the Colombo Fort Clock Tower was a light house in Colombo. The structure is found at the junction of Chatham Street and Janadhipathi Mawatha (Queens Road). Originally a lighthouse and then demolished, the current clock tower was constructed in 1856-57.
Named during the Dutch Era, the Beira Lake has a history of over 100 years. The lake used to cover approximately 165 hectares but has been limited to a mere 65 hectares today. The location being the centre of the city and surrounded by buildings is assumed to have been the reason behind the reduction of the lake.
The Beira Lake was originally built before the city was colonized while it had been connected to many intricate canals which was an easy way to transport goods during the Colonial times when the Dutch and English ruled the island. The lake which consists of two distinct bodies of water is connected via a narrow canal. Home to the Colombo Rowing Club for over 140 years, the lake has a maximum length of 1 mile. The infamous green colour of the Beira Lake and the bad odour is a result of the pollution over the years as well as the algae that is present in the water. The bad smell is prominent during dry weather. However, there is a Beira Lake restoration project that was started to bring the lake back to its former glory.
Renamed as Ananda Coomaraswamy Mawatha in honour of a well known philosopher and writer, Green Path offers you access to the National Art Gallery and the Viharamahadevi Park. However, the road is mainly famous for its colourful and unique artwork that you will see stacked along the cobblestone pavements. There are numerous artists who are found selling their art along the road which offers art lovers a chance to ogle and purchase these wonderful masterpieces. There are various events held along Green Path such as Hawker Street and food promos where you can just walk about and purchase food and various handcrafts items.
Run by the Central Bank of Sri Lanka, the Economic History Museum is located in Chatham Street which is in the heart of the Business District.
This charming building which was the tallest during its time was built in 1914 and is now home to an interesting money museum. The prominent part of the building would be the circular tapering atrium which goes up to the height of the building. With wood work and exquisite paneling, this space has been restored wonderfully. The museum however consists of money that is currently under circulation and displays how money is printed.
Lakpahana which is located opposite the Colombo Racecourse is the largest crafts producer in the island and also acts as the marketing arm of the Sri Lankan Craftsmen and Artisans Association. Lakpahana also works towards providing employment to over 500 artisans through a number of craft centers located throughout the island. Dealing with business for over 40 years Lakpahana offers you a selection of over 15000 products including silver metal work, exquisite silver jewelry pieces, woodcarvings, brass and copper structures, masks, batiks, lacquer ware, pottery, hand embroidered linen, hand woven reed products, coconut shell products and many more. Be prepared to be awed by the local hand craft industry.
The only state owned Gift and Souvenir Boutique, Laksala operates through over 10 branches island-wide with the main being in Colombo.
Established under the National Crafts Council if you are shopping at Laksala, you are bound to come across an interesting range of items including packed tea and spices, clothes, fabrics and accessories, gem and jewelry, arts and crafts, leather and ceramics, candles, incenses and various food products that are relative to Sri Lanka. Categories are also broken down to beautifully unique hand looms, batiks, bath ware and accessories while the most interesting are the arts and crafts which offer a multitude of items.
Laksala
Colombo Racecourse
From a Buddha statue, many fountains, flowers and even an amphitheatre that is used for various performances, the park is the ideal place for long evening walks.
Opposite the park, you can see Colombo's Town Hall, which overlooks the park from the northeast.
Town Hall Colombo
The current headquarters of the Colombo Municipal Council and the office of the Mayor of Colombo, the Town Hall of Colombo is located in front of the Viharamahadevi Park. The foundation of the building was laid in 1924 while the building which displays a Neo-Classical style was completed in 1927. The building which stands tall in all its glory in the heart of the city is a pleasant sight and houses the administrative staff of the municipal council. The massive landscaped garden is used as a venue for many local events.
Independence Memoril Hall
The Arcade-Independence Square
Bandaranayake Memorial International Conference Hall(BMICH)
Nelum Pokuna Mahinda Rajapaksha Theatre
This theatre which was opened in December 2011 is a performing arts centre in Colombo, Sri Lanka. It’s perfect location in the city has made it an ideal venue for many International gatherings and functions since its establishment. The architecture of the structure has been inspired by the 12th Century Nelum Pokuna (Lotus Pond) which was built by King Parakramabahu the Great during the prosperous era when Polonnaruwa was once the capital.
Floating Market
Opened in 2014, the Pettah Floating Market was a part of the Urban Development Plan to make the Business District more attractive. Constructed as a series of pavilions, the floating market is located on the far end of a restored area of the Beira Lake between the Fort Railway station and the Pettah Bus stand. There are a number of stalls that sell various types of electronics, clothes, shoes, jewellery, short-eats, vegetables and fruits. The food court also sells a generous amount of food that is easy on the pocket. There are various places where one can sit and relax while the ambience is best during sunset due to the open air setting. Boat rides can be enjoyed during the weekend. The downside at times is the bad odour that is quite generic when it comes to the Beira Lake.
Royal Colombo Golf Club
Gangaramaya Buddhist Temple
Kelaniya Raja Maha Viharaya
According to the Mahavamsa records, Buddhists trust that Lord Buddha stopped at this particular site to preach and the gem studded throne that he sat on is believed to have been enshrined here.
The Kelaniya Raja Maha Viharaya is also famed for its numerous paintings that depict the important episodes of the life of Lord Buddha and also for its image of the reclining Buddha. Highlighting vibrant culture and religious devotion, the Duruthu Maha Perahera which is an energetic and colorful procession is held once a year during the full moon poya day of the month of January.
Sri Ponnambalam Vanesar Kovil
St. Lucia's Cathedral
Named and dedicated after the virgin and martyr St. Lucy, this cathedral is considered the largest and oldest parish cathedral in Sri Lanka. The facade of the cathedral is adorned with seven massive statues atop gigantic columns while the architectural style spells out Renaissance and Baroque. The main alter consists of a beautiful larger than life size statue of St. Lucy while there are exquisite stained glass windows that lights up brilliant colours when the sunlight is directed at them. There is a choir loft with a unique pipe organ and further up the narrow stairway is “Anthony Thomas”, the enormous bell that weighs 4300 lbs.
Wolvendaal Church
The dates on the tombs of several Dutch governors, whose bones were re interred here, reveal how risky life could have been for the Dutch conquerors: even during peacetime, the death toll from disease was high and many died after only a short stay in Colombo. Open during usual church hours.
St. Anthony's Church
Jami Ul-Alfar Mosque
Decorated in red and white bricks, the mosque attracts many devotees to fulfill their daily prayers and Jummah on Friday’s.
National Zoological Garden
Also referred as the Colombo Zoo or the Dehiwala Zoo, the National Zoological Gardens were founded in 1936. The zoo which claims to be one of the oldest zoos in Asia is open all year long and has a substantial collection of animals while it also includes an aquarium, walk through aviary, reptile house, butterfly garden and many enclosed areas. The zoo has also been designed incorporating beautiful landscaped gardens with colourful flowers, foliage and water fountains. There are animal performances such as elephant shows, educational programmes on chimps and also a sea lions performance. Souvenir shops are available for visitors to purchase various trinkets and memorabilia.
Excel World
The Water World
Recently, Water World added a Bird Park – home to birds from all over the world, including the Amazon Rain Forest in South America, Tropical Asia, Australia, and Africa. It also boasts of the largest collection of exotic parrots in the country.
Dutch Hospital Complex
The Colombo Lighthouse
Operated and maintained by the Sri Lanka Ports Authority, the Colombo Lighthouse is located along the South of the Port of Colombo. The current structure was built in 1952 and opened by the first Prime Minister of Ceylon. The Lighthouse is built on a concrete base which is 12 metres high and consists of 4 statues of lions at its base. Also around the base of the lighthouse is a naval gun battery which is used by the Sri Lanka Navy for traditional gun salutes as of date. The total height of the Lighthouse is 29 meters while its characteristics include three white flashes every ten seconds.
Old Colombo Lighthouse
Beira Lake
The Beira Lake was originally built before the city was colonized while it had been connected to many intricate canals which was an easy way to transport goods during the Colonial times when the Dutch and English ruled the island. The lake which consists of two distinct bodies of water is connected via a narrow canal. Home to the Colombo Rowing Club for over 140 years, the lake has a maximum length of 1 mile. The infamous green colour of the Beira Lake and the bad odour is a result of the pollution over the years as well as the algae that is present in the water. The bad smell is prominent during dry weather. However, there is a Beira Lake restoration project that was started to bring the lake back to its former glory.
Green Path
Economic History Museum
This charming building which was the tallest during its time was built in 1914 and is now home to an interesting money museum. The prominent part of the building would be the circular tapering atrium which goes up to the height of the building. With wood work and exquisite paneling, this space has been restored wonderfully. The museum however consists of money that is currently under circulation and displays how money is printed.
Lakpahana
Laksala
Established under the National Crafts Council if you are shopping at Laksala, you are bound to come across an interesting range of items including packed tea and spices, clothes, fabrics and accessories, gem and jewelry, arts and crafts, leather and ceramics, candles, incenses and various food products that are relative to Sri Lanka. Categories are also broken down to beautifully unique hand looms, batiks, bath ware and accessories while the most interesting are the arts and crafts which offer a multitude of items.
Laksala
Colombo Racecourse
Initially a harness racecourse, the Colombo Racecourse was used as a temporary airfield during the Second World War. The year 2012 saw the development of the Colombo Racecourse Sports Complex which was the first International Rugby Union ground in Sri Lanka to host National Rugby Union sides home matches. However, again in the year 2014 the ground underwent major renovation which consisted of installation of floodlights and conversion of a part of the grandstand into a shopping and dining complex. Tourists and locals can walk about and shop from various boutiques and enjoy a variety of cuisines.Colombo Racecourse
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