Colombo

Sri Lanka

Explore Colombo, Sri Lanka

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Why Colombo?

Filled with Portuguese, Dutch & British colonial architecture

The capital of Sri Lanka, Colombo, is located on the west coast of the island, around 35 kilometres from the international airport. Colombo has a history as a port and was ruled by the Portuguese, Dutch and British. The architecture in the city reflects this with a fusion of modern and colonial-style buildings. The legacies of colonial Colombo's garden roots are still intact along its verdant boulevards. The ongoing restoration of the colonial architecture and the vibrant markets make it a great place to visit in its own right, rather than simply passing through.

Colombo skyline day lake sri lanka

Colombo Highlights

Here we have selected a few of the sights and experiences that you really should see on a visit to Colombo.

Colombo, Sri Lanka

Visit the National Museum

A large 9th-century stone Buddha greets you on the way in to the museum, and sets the scene for what's to follow. The galleries, some of which date back to 1877, are filled with art, carvings and statues from the country's ancient past, items from the colonial period, 19th-century reproductions of paintings of Sri Lanka by English artists and a collection of antique demon masks.

Colombo, Sri Lanka

Stroll along Galle Face Green

This famous park and seaside promenade is a popular meeting place for locals. Kite flyers, bubble blowers, families, courting couples, and streetfood sellers, can all be found on a wander through the park.

Colombo, Sri Lanka

Wander through the Federation of Self Employees Market

Stretching along 5th Cross St, this bustling must-see market is a hive of household goods and toys, interspersed with creative displays of fruit and veg.

Colombo, Sri Lanka

Marvel at the Geoffrey Bawa House

At the end of a quiet street sits the house where renowned architect Geoffrey Bawa lived from 1960 to 1970. The house combines his love for traditional local forms with his stark white architectural style. You can tour the small gardens as well as the interior with its custom furnishings.

A selection of tours to Colombo

  • Sigiriya Rock Sri Lanka
    Sri Lanka & The Maldives Group Tour Culture

    Sri Lanka Highlights

    This 12 day tour of Sri Lanka includes history, wildlife, tea and beaches

    View this package
  • coconut palm trees beach sri lanka
    Sri Lanka & The Maldives Tailor Made Beach

    Sri Lanka Tour & Beach

    Explore some of Sri Lanka's cultural and scenic highlights, including the Cultural Triangle, a tea plantation and a jeep safari, on this memorable 16 day tour.

    View this package
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