Colombo

This capital city of Sri Lanka has emerged as one of the favourite tourist destinations. Colombo is a famous port city with a rich colonial heritage. A potpourri of races, religions and cultures, Colombo is an experience. This seaside city offers a plethora of exciting adventures, experiences and places to visit.
Colombo is a year-round destination and can be visited any time of the year. Apart from the heavy monsoons, which generally last between June and September, the weather is pleasant for most of the year.

Places to See
National Museum of Colombo
Established during 1877, the National Museum of Colombo is a treat for all the history enthusiasts. Those who have a keen eye for architecture must visit this museum. The museum showcases the work of renowned artists portraying the cultural heritage of the nation. Famed as the pride of Sri Lanka, the museum houses some of the best and personalized collections of the ancient Kandyan Dynasty rulers. The museum boasts intricate carvings, unique masks of demons, swords of the knights and various other art collections of local artists from the colonial era.

Gangaramaya Buddhist Temple
When in Colombo, the Gangaramaya Buddhist Temple is a must visit attraction. The temple is a sacred site, holding great significance for the travelers as well as the locals. An epitome of architectural brilliance, the temple is among the must visit attractions here.

Attidiya Bird Sanctuary
This bird sanctuary is the only place in Colombo that provides shelter to at least 50 different species of birds (both local and migratory). One can eye a large number of water monitors, butterflies, insects and other birds here.

Viharamahadevi Park
A must visit place in Colombo, the Viharamahadevi Park comprises of a zoo, waterfalls, picnic hotspots, walking trails etc. An interesting fact about the park is that it features a library, for the visitors to just sit and relax.

Beira Lake
The Beira Lake is situated in the heart of Colombo’s City Centre, and is one of the most interesting destinations to visit in Colombo. Travelers can also indulge in bird watching, boating, watching sunsets etc.

St. Lucia’s Cathedral
Another popular attraction of Colombo, the Cathedral is dedicated to the patron saint of St. Lucy. St. Lucia’s Cathedral is one of the oldest and the largest churches here with a tranquil feel, making it one of the best places to visit in Colombo.

Dehiwala Zoo
Also known as the National Zoological Gardens of Sri Lanka, Dehiwala Zoo was set up during the year 1936. The sole ambition of the Zoo was to provide ultimate protection to a wide range of wild animals and birds. The Zoo is one of the members of WAZA (World Association of Zoos and Aquariums). The place is famed for its exotic varieties of mammals, birds, fishes, reptiles, and marine life.

Dutch Period Museum
The Dutch Period Museum is one of the popular attractions of Colombo. The museum was once the official residing place of Thomas Van Rhee, the former Dutch Governor of Sri Lanka. The museum houses around 3000 personal collections of Dutch rulers who reigned over the place.

Old City Hall
Attracting architecture and history lovers, the Old City Hall is one of the best architectural marvels from the bygone British era. Entry to the hall is free of cost. The hall is a treasure island that contains old government equipment, transport machinery and other council chambers that were present during the earlier times.

Best time to visit
Colombo is a year-round destination and can be visited any time of the year. Apart from the heavy monsoons, which generally last between June and September, the weather is pleasant for most of the year.

How to reach
By Air - Bandaranaike International airport is the only international airport in Sri Lanka and is located in Katunayake, about an hour’s drive away from Colombo.
By Train - Colombo has a good rail network which connects it to other important places of interest including Matara, Badulla, Kankesanturai and Talaimannar.
By Road - There are a number of private pre-paid taxi services which offer services into the city. You could also book a private car.