Colombo is Sri Lanka’s commercial capital. It is situated on the country’s west coast. With a population between 800,000 to one million (estimates vary), it is the country’s largest city and the most developed. The natural harbour at the Kelani River’s mouth was a magnet to successive traders and conquerors, first the Arab merchants, then the Portuguese, Dutch, and British imperialists.

It is a strange mix of old and modern, with a cluster of high-rise offices blocks and hotels dominating the city, red-tiled colonial era buildings, sprawling street markets, which are bursting with colorful silks and cottons, high-piled fruits and vegetables, and deliciously aromatic spices. Its bustling streets are home to places of worship that represent Sri Lanka’s multiethnic heritage. There are elegant Buddhist viharas (temples) right next to elaborate temples decorated with Hindu statuary and numerous mosques with minarets along Colombo’s streets. The city is home to approximately 400,000 commuters during the day, and almost empty at night. While there is an active nightlife in a variety of international standard hotels, bars, clubs, pubs, and dining venues, it is mostly restricted to the wealthy. Colombo Sri Lanka’s vibrant street markets, colonial-era buildings and museums, galleries, museums, churches, mosques, temples, and beautiful Viharamahadevi park make it an ideal place to explore by foot.

Things to do in Colombo

• National Museum
• Beautiful Colonial Buildings In The Fort Area
• Red Mosque
• Gangaramaya Temple
• Independence Memorial Hall
• Old Dutch Hospital
• Wandering The Streets Of Pettah
• Temple of Sri Kailawasanathan Swami Devasthanam Kovil
• Galle Face Green