Colombo is considered as the commercial and cultural capital of Sri Lanka. The City is well-known as a tourist destination as it is the economic and administrative capital of the country. The city is a cradle of many civilizations. The most exciting fact about this great city is the diversity of its locals and cultures. The beauty of the city is highlighted even amidst the hustle and bustle of a lively city as a silver line in the dark cloud.
The city along with the country has been the center of attraction in Asia for its hidden treasures and natural beauty. As it was conquered by the Portuguese, Dutch and British colonists, the city boasts of many historical, archeological, ancient and cultural sights. It is a golden opportunity for tourists to explore the beauty of the city by visiting these monuments.
It is recommended to have a sound knowledge regarding the city especially famous spots, the rich multi-culture and the multi-religion before the tour. It will definitely help you to make the journey a memorable and to experience the true warmth of the people and this rich culture of the city.
Top 15 Sights in Colombo City
The Colombo city tour covers number of historical and cultural sites such as
1. Dutch Museum was built in the latter part of the 17th century and was the home to Count August Carl Van Ranzow. The history of the Dutch Colonial rule is stored in the Colombo Dutch Museum.
2. Old Parliament building which was built in the Neo-Baroque-style by British rulers and functioned as the country’s Legislative Council unitl 1983. The Old Parliament Building is situated in the Colombo Fort territory facing the sea. It was housed by the Presidential Secretariat of Sri Lanka. The building was functioning for 53 years until the new parliamentary complex was opened in 1983 at Sri Jayawardenpura.
3. Ancient religious places and receive a blessing from Hindu Kovil, Temple and Churches.
Gangaramaya Temple is one of the most important and fascinating temples situated on the Beira Lake in Colombo as well as in Sri Lanka. it is famous all over the country for its modern architecture and cultural essence. It was completed in the late 19th century.
Jami-Ul-Alfar is considered to be a historical mosque in Colombo as well as in Sri Lanka. Mosque being the one of the oldest mosque in Colombo has become a popular tourist site in the city. It is situated on Second Cross Street in Pettah.
Sri Kailasanathr Swami Devasthanam is the oldest Hindu Temple in Colombo. The temple which is dedicated to the gods Ganesha and Shive has been around for over two centuries. It is famous all over the country as the most beautiful temple in Colombo. It is located inMaradan in Colombo.
St. Anthony’s Shrine which is located at Kochchikade, Kotahen in Colombo is a Roman Catholic Church in the Archdiocese of Colombo. The church is dedicated to St. Anthony of Padua in which a tiny piece of St. Anthony’s tongue is preserved in a special reliquary
4. Fort Railway Station is considered to be the major rail hub in Colombo and in Sri Lanka. it is the main gateway to central Colombo and serves with many inter-city and commuter trains every day. It is the starting and terminal point of most intercity trains in the country.
5. Galle Face Green is one of the most popular and most visited spots for relaxation and to view the splendid view of sunset by both locals and tourist. It is a 12 acres ocean-side urban park along the coast, in the heart of Colombo. The Galle Face Green was initially used for a golf course and horse racing. Later it was used for rugby, cricket, polo, football and tennis
6. The DiyawannaOya (lake) which surrounds the Parliament Complex is a popular hotspot for lowland birds such as pelicans, kingfishers and cormorantsand gives splendid view for tourists. And nearby a local Buddhist temple is situated where devotees observe the sacred rituals.
7. Talangama wetland which is located just a few kilometres away from the city serve as a paradise for over hundreds of species such as birds, dragaonflies, butterflies and a few mammals. Tourists will be excited add more glamor to the journey when they witness some rare animals in city like this such as watercocks, bee-eaters, eagles, waders, the endemic Purple –faced leaf monkeys and lizards. Further, Attidiya Bird Sanctuary is absolutely a paradise for birds as well as nature lovers.
8. The Colombo Lighthouseis located at Galbokka point south of the port of Colombo in Colombo Fort and operated and maintained by the Sri Lankan Ports Authority
9. The National Museum of Natuaral history is located closer to the National Museum of Colombo. It covers the natural heritage of Sri Lanka. It is the only Museum that represents the natural history of Sri Lanka and was built on September 23, 1986. It exhibits rare plants and animal species and fossils etc.
10. ViharaMaha Devi Park is considered as the oldest and largest park of Colombo which was built by British colonial admistratrion. The park is located in Cinnamon Gardens, just in front of the colonial-era Town Hall in Sri Lanka. Initially it was named as Victoria Park after Queen Victoria but later after the independence it was named Queen Viharamahadevi, after the mother of king Dutugamunu. The statue of Queen Victoria is replaced by the statue of Buddha. It has a min zoo, a children’s park and artificial lake.
11. Independence Memorial Hall is a national monument which is located in the Cinnamon Gardens, Colombo. It was built in order to commemorate the independence of Sri Lanka from the British rule. The statue placed at the entrance is the statue of the first prime minister of the country Rt. Hon. Don Stephen Senanayake “The Father of the Nation”. Annual National Independence Day is celebrated at the Independence Square.
12. The Town Hall of Colombo which was built in 1921 is considered to be the headquarters of the Colombo Municipal Council and it consists of the office of the Mayor of Colombo, a public library and a public reception hall. It is located just in front of the Viharamahadevi Park, Colombo.
13. The Bamdaramaike Memorial International Conference Hall was built between 1970 and 1973 and was gifted by the Peopl’s Republic of China in memory of Solomon Ridgeway Dias Bandaranaike, Prime Minister.
14. The NelumPokuna Mahinda Rajapaksa Theatre or NelumPokuna which was built in 2011 is a performing arts centre in Colombo. The architecture of the establishment was inspired by the NelumPokuna (Lotus pond) built by the king Parakramabahu the Great in 12th century.
15. Colombo Lotus Tower famous as NelumKuluna built in 2019 is located in Colombo. It is the second tallest structure in South Asia after the guy-wire-supported INS Nattabomman in India. It is the 19th tallest tower with the height of 356 m (1,168ft) in the world.
The city is full of breathtaking sights and multiple tourists’ destinations which can be explored and enjoyed by tourists. The tasty of the street food is fantastic and if I try once you will be tempted to have it again and again. Local people are so friendly and ever-willing to help and assist you in whatever way possible. Do not forget to post for photos at important and historical places; take photographs of your epic journey.
NB: please bear in your mind that above all the historical and cultural places cannot be covered in a day tour. Thus, you have the opportunity to select 7 – 10 places according to your discretion and we promise to try our best in order to cater your choices. The locations and destinations can be changed basing on the transport mode that you choose to do the one-day tour. We provide both TukTuk and Taxis.
