Colombo

Colombo represents a mix of cultural history seeped in old-world mansions and modern edifices in the form of markets, malls, beachfront shacks and fine dining restaurants.

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Things To See & Do

Viharamahadevi Park

Viharamahadevi Park

Popular Urban Park
Centrally located, the colonial-era Viharamahadevi Park is the oldest public park in Colombo, and features a gold statute of Buddha along with fountains and a mini zoo.

1 hour

Suggested Time

Gangaramaya Temple

Gangaramaya Temple

Revered Buddhist Temple
Set up in the late 19th century, Gangaramaya Temple is a Buddhist temple that displays a unique blend of architecture inspired by Sri Lankan, Indian and Thai culture.

30 minutes

Suggested Time

Independence Memorial Hall

Independence Memorial Hall

Notable National Monument
Built in 1953 to commemorate the independence of Sri Lanka, the Independence Memorial Hall is a national monument where ceremonial and national celebrations are held.

1 hour

Suggested Time

National Museum of Colombo

National Museum of Colombo

Largest National Museum
Set up in 1877, the National Museum of Colombo boasts of Italian-style architecture, and houses collections that talk of Sri Lanka’s cultural heritage.

2 to 3 Hours

Suggested Time

Kapikaawatha Shivan Temple

Kapikaawatha Shivan Temple

Oldest Hindu Temple
Kapikaawatha Shivan Temple is the oldest Hindu temple in Colombo dating back to 1738. It affords traditional architecture with statutes of deities along with stone sculptures and carvings.

1 hour

Suggested Time

Fort Area

Fort Area

Bustling Commercial Hub
The Fort Area is seated in the central business district and the vicinity is peppered with colonial-era buildings of political importance along with commercial outlets.

1 to 2 hours

Suggested Time

Dutch Period Museum

Dutch Period Museum

Historic Dutch Museum
Dating back to 1796, the Dutch Period Museum displays artefacts that offer detailed insights into the history of Colombo when it was a Dutch colony.

2 hours

Suggested Time

Best Time To Visit Colombo

All year destination

  • JAN-MAR

    Peak Season

  • NOV-DEC

    Moderate Season

  • APR-OCT

    Off-season

  • What To Expect:Pleasant weather with minimum rainfalls.
  • Things You'll Love:Sightseeing and outdoor activities.

FESTIVALS AND EVENTS

Vesak PoyaMarch

Tamil New YearApril

DeepavaliOctober-November

Book Your Trip to Colombo

From

Stay in Colombo

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3 STAR HOTELS

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₹1,956

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Eco Chalets

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₹1,140

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Sithila Villa

Sithila Villa

Dehiwala Mount Lavinia, Mount Lavinia

5/5

₹2,030

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Saveira Colombo

Saveira Colombo

Havelock Town, Colombo

5/5

₹2,700

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₹13,794

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Aathma Colombo House

Aathma Colombo House

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₹7,609

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Ishq Colombo

Ishq Colombo

Bambalapitiya, Colombo

₹20,846

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De Saram House by Geoffrey Bawa

De Saram House by Geoffrey Bawa

Cinnamon Gardens, Colombo

4.5/5

₹12,929

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5 STAR HOTELS

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₹20,962

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Maniumpathy

Maniumpathy

Borella, Colombo

₹29,000

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Courtyard by Marriott Colombo

Courtyard by Marriott Colombo

Union Place, Colombo

4.7/5

₹9,705

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Paradise Road Tintagel Colombo

Paradise Road Tintagel Colombo

Cinnamon Gardens, Colombo

4.7/5

₹24,182

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Colombo The Famous Sri Lankan Tourist Destination


Popularly known as the ‘garden city of the West', Colombois said to be a planet in itself. Besides golden beaches, the city has stirring mountains and picturesque scenery. The significant places in Colombo cityinclude the Gangarmaya Temple and Viharamahadevi Park. Colombo currency is Sri Lanka Rupee (LKR).



Colombo Overview


Country

Sri Lanka

Tourist Places in Colombo

National Museum of Colombo, Gangaramaya Temple, Fort Area, Independence Memorial Hall, Dutch Period Museum

Best Time to Visit in Colombo

January to March

Restaurants in Colombo

Ballys Casino, Culture Colombo, t-Lounge by Dilmah, Ministry of Crab, Floor by O

Colombo is famous for

Beach, Heritage, Memorable Experiences, International, Relaxation, Food & Culture


Best Time to Visit Colombo


Due to the pleasant Colombo weather, the city remains a round-the-year tourist destination. The time from June to September is for monsoons. Despite that, the ideal time to visit is from November to December as the Colombo temperatureremains much cooler.


How to Reach the Places to Visit in Colombo


The best way to reach this city is via air since Bandaranaike Airport is the only international airport in the city. Situated in Katunayake, the airport is just an hour's drive from Colombo Sri Lanka. A good rail network connects to places like Talaimannar, Kankesanturai, Matara, Badulla, etc. You must note that the bus service is well-developed as it connects the Colombo airport to other places.


What are the Things to See and Do in Colombo


There are plenty of things to do in Colombo, including sightseeing, entertaining activities and adventurous excursions. If you want to spend a day relaxing, you can indulge in spa and yoga sessions. You can not only watch sunsets but also tour historical and cultural places in Colombo.


Places to Visit in Colombo


Gangaramaya Temple

Built in the 19th century, this temple is one of the top tourist places in Colombo. This Buddhist temple has unique architecture that displays different cultures and styles.


Viharamahadevi Park

It is the largest park in the city and also a popular picnic site. The park has a gold statue of Buddha and is decorated with fountains.


National Museum of Colombo

Set up in 1877, the museum is the pride of Sri Lanka. The place is home to different artefacts of several centuries and bears an Italian style of architecture.


Restaurants in Colombo


Culture Colombo

Famous as a trendy dining outlet, this place has the best Sri Lankan delicacies prepared in the home style. Interestingly, the ingredients used here are sourced locally.


Floor by O

If you are looking for a casual place to spend time with your friends, this is where you can go. The restaurant in Colombo renders laidback vibes and is ideal for experiencing Colombo nightlife.


Ce La Vi Near Colombo

This rooftop lounge and restaurant allows you to savour contemporary Asian food as well as innovative cocktails.


Beaches in Colombo


Crow Island Beach

Out Of all Colombo Sri Lanka beaches, this tourist spot tops the list. You can sit, chat and feel the breeze of the sea while you are here.


Wellawatte Beach

Tourists say that this beach is ideal for shooting short films, and it is true. Moreover, this Colombo beachis near the railway station and has good transport services.


Crow Island

Renovated recently, the Crow Island beach in the city is ideal for jogging and exercising. Also, you can get a splendid view of the ships from here.


Places to Stay in Colombo


The Kingsbury Colombo

One of the finest five-star hotels in the city, this place ensures that you enjoy a perfect stay. Don't forget to enjoy its largest dinner spread.


Galadari Hotel

Located in the heart of the city, this hotel has modern amenities and sophistication. Like the resorts in Colombo, it has a massage centre, sauna room, outdoor pool, etc.


Taj Samudra

With 300 rooms, Taj Samudra is the most elegant hotel in Colombo. You get to experience the enchanting view of the Indian Ocean.


Food to Try in Places to Visit in Colombo


Just like Colombo tourism, the cuisines found here are diverse in all ways. From rice and curry to string hoppers, the delicacies will not fail to surprise you. Some other popular food items are Ambul Thiyal, Kiribath, Watalappan, Isso Vadai, etc.


Things to Buy in the Places to Visit in Colombo


Colombo Centre

With some Colombian currency in your hand, set out for some shopping at this place. You can choose from a variety of items here.


Marino Mall

With renowned boutiques, this shopping complex is a favourite among tourists. You can pick from local and international brands.


Crescat Boulevard

The main attraction of this shopping mall is the international food court. It is located near the famous Cinnamon Grand Hotel.


Conclusion


Colombo is one of those tourist destinations which you can explore within a week. It is a place which has a mixed cultural history with a touch of modernity.

FAQs - Frequently Asked Questions about Colombo

What are the popular things to explore in Colombo?

The most loved tourist places to explore in Colombo are Viharamahadevi Park, Gangaramaya Temple and Independence Memorial Hall. You will have an amazing time exploring these places and come back home with a bag full of memories.

What are the things that you should not miss out on when you are in Colombo?

If you are a true traveller, you should definitely not miss out on Popular Urban Park, Revered Buddhist Temple, and Notable National Monument when you are in Colombo to make a funfilled vacay.

What are the activities you can explore during the peak season and moderate season in Colombo?

In the peak season months January, February and March you will experience pleasant weather with minimum rainfalls wherein around moderate season i.e. November and December you will enjoy pleasant temperatures along with humidity and unpredictable rainfalls. Whatever that suits your calendar, Colombo awaits you for a good time.

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