The beating heart of Sri Lanka's bustling capital
Colombo, the capital of Sri Lanka is located on the west coast of the island of the same name in the Indian Ocean south of India and is a dynamic port city that blends modernity, tradition and a rich colonial heritage. With its historical roots, fascinating colonial architecture and vibrant energy, Colombo offers a unique travel experience in a metropolis that is a crossroads of cultures, Flavors and landscapes that capture the imagination.
Colombo Copyright © Sisterscom.com / Depositphotos
There are several tourist attractions in the city of Colombo to visit such as the Light House Galley, the Lighthouse Clock Tower, the Colombo Fort area, Pettah, the Old Town Hall, the Jami Ul-Alfar Mosque, the Hindu and Buddhist Temples, the Independence Square, the Old Dutch Hospital (now home to shops, cafes and restaurants) or the Lotus Tower Road (in the shape of a lotus that houses a viewpoint and a rotating restaurant) but also the Mt Lavinia beach which is located in a quiet suburb of Colombo ideal for going to eat fish in one of the many restaurants.
In addition, the city allows you to enjoy a wide range of experiences: from tuktuk ride, to visiting Pettah Market, to tasting Kottu, golf games to Galle Face, the city's playground, offering something special for history lovers, cooking enthusiasts or urban explorers, leaving an indelible travel memory.
Colombo, Temple of Seema Malaka on Lake Beira Copyright © Sisterscom.com / Depositphotos
The 10 must-see attractions in Colombo are:
1. Galle Face Green
Colombo, Galle Face Green Copyright © Sisterscom.com / Depositphotos
Galle Face Green is a large waterfront park that stretches for about half a kilometer along the Ocean. This open space is the ideal place for evening walks, jogging and picnics with sunset views. In the evening, the park comes alive with local families, street vendors and kites soaring through the sky. Savor traditional street food such as 'isso wade', crispy lentil pancakes with shrimp, while taking in the views of the sea. Galle Face Green is also a popular meeting point during weekends and holidays, becoming a hub of cultural and social activities.
2. Gangaramaya Temple
Columbus, Gangaramaya Temple Copyright © Sisterscom.com / Depositphotos
One of the most important Buddhist temples in Colombo, the Gangaramaya is a complex that combines Sinhalese, Thai, Indian and Chinese architectural elements. The temple is famous for its rich collection of religious artifacts, gilded statues, and a museum that houses ancient relics. The Gangarama Vihara is decorated with wonderful brass works, stone carvings, and other Buddhist artworks. It is also a place of learning and houses a museum, complete with a residential hall. Every February, the temple hosts the spectacular Navam Perahera parade, with decorated elephants, traditional dancers, and drum players parading through the streets. A visit to Gangaramaya offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the spirituality and culture of the country.
3. Seema Malaka Temple
Columbus, Temple of Seema Malaka Copyright © Sisterscom.com / Depositphotos
Designed by renowned architect Geoffrey Bawa, Seema Malaka Temple sits on a floating platform in the distinctive Beira Lake. This tranquil place of worship is a peaceful oasis in the heart of the city of Colombo, where visitors can meditate and enjoy the serene view of the lake. The temple's elegant and minimalist structures create a unique atmosphere, harmoniously combining traditional and modern architecture.
4. Beira Lake
Colombo, Temple of Seema Malaka and the Pettah Floating Market Copyright © Sisterscom.com / Depositphotos
Lake Beira is a vast body of water that stretches into the center of Colombo, surrounded by modern skyscrapers and lush vegetation. The lake is ideal for a relaxing walk along its avenues or for a boat ride. Once part of a network of canals that connected Colombo to other coastal cities, today the lake is an important recreational area and a perfect place to take in the city's cityscape. The Pettah Floating Market is also held on the lake, where you can buy local products.
5. Columbus Fort
The Columbus Fort district with the old Parliament and tuk tuks Copyright © Sisterscom.com / Depositphotos
The Columbus Fort district is the historic heart of the city, where you will find colonial buildings but also modern commercial facilities. Here, you can explore landmarks such as the Old Parliament, the Clock Lighthouse , and the Dutch Hospital, which has now been transformed into a bustling shopping mall with restaurants and boutiques for shopping. Walking through its streets, you can feel the charm of a bygone era, when Colombo was an important Dutch and British trading port.
6. National Museum of Colombo
National Museum of Colombo Copyright © Sisterscom.com / Depositphotos
Founded in 1877, the National Museum of Colombo is the largest museum institution in Sri Lanka. It houses ancient paintings, sculptures, and sketches dating back to the fourth century BC, and an extensive collection of artifacts that tell the story of the island's history and culture, from ancient times through to the colonial era. Among the most important pieces are the crown and throne of the kings of Kandy, Buddhist statues dating back to the sixth century and precious ancient manuscripts. The museum's halls offer a fascinating journey through the country's rich cultural heritage.
7. Viharamahadevi Park
Viharamahadevi Park and Colombo City Hall Copyright © Sisterscom.com / Depositphotos
Viharamahadevi Park is the largest urban park in Colombo, located in front of the City Hall. Ideal for relaxing and enjoying some tranquility, the park is characterized by green lawns, ancient trees and a central lake. During the blooming season, jacarandas and frangipani paint the park in bright colors. It is the perfect place for walks, picnics or just to enjoy nature in the city.
8. Independence Memorial Hall
Independence Square in Colombo Copyright © Sisterscom.com / Depositphotos
Located on Independence Square in Colombo, the Independence Memorial Hall is a monument built to celebrate Sri Lanka's independence from British rule in 1948. The building, inspired by traditional Sri Lankan architecture, is surrounded by manicured gardens and houses a small museum documenting the country's struggle for independence. It is a symbolic place and a tribute to the courage of the Sri Lankan people.
9. Pettah Market
Colombo, Pettah Market and the tuk tuks Copyright © Sisterscom.com / Depositphotos
Pettah Market is the city's quintessential market district, a maze of narrow and crowded streets where you can find everything: aromatic spices, colorful fabrics, jewelry and handicrafts. Exploring Pettah means immersing yourself in the beating heart of Colombo, where every corner tells a story and every vendor offers an authentic experience. Don't miss the Dutch Museum, located in an old colonial building, which documents the city's Dutch history.
10. Shopping at the old Cargills Palace
Colombo, Cargills Palace Copyright © Sisterscom.com / Depositphotos
The Old Cargills Palace, in the heart of Colombo's commercial district, is an architectural icon that dates back to British colonial times. Built in 1906, the building is known for its red brick façade and Neoclassical style, making it one of the city's historic landmarks. Originally, the palace housed the Cargill department store, where luxury products imported from Europe could be found. Maintaining its period charm, today it has been converted into a commercial and cultural space with shops, cafes and restaurants inside, thus offering a mix of tradition and modernity.
Texts by Alisè Vitri - Avion Tourism Magazine
Photos and visuals for editorial use only: Copyright © Sisterscom.com / Depositphotos
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Discover Colombo starting from Milan Bergamo
From Milan Bergamo airport it is possible to reach the capital of Sri Lanka with a comfortable continuation flight made flydubai and from Air Arabia UAE a short stopover in the United Arab Emirates.
AIRPORT COMPANY | OUTBOUND | FLIGHT | RETURN FLIGHT |
---|---|---|---|
flydubai | DUBAI | Transit at the airport of 4h and 30min | 2h airport transit |
Air Arabia UAE | SHARJAH | 1h airport transit | 4h airport transit |
Check the flight schedule for Dubai and the flight schedule for Sharjah book your trip to discover Colombo with its mix of ancient and modern culture, including historic temples, colonial architecture, lively markets and the beauty of the waterfront overlooking the Indian Ocean.
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Where to stay in Colombo
Colombo Copyright © Sisterscom.com / Depositphotos
Colombo offers different and particular possibilities for accommodation between hotels, apartments, hostels or capsule hotels.
To find the ideal hotel and the best offers , you can search by stars but also by neighborhoods or places of interest.
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ACCOMMODATIONS
Hotels in the neighborhoods
PLACES OF INTEREST
Hotels in tourist areas
PLACES OF INTEREST
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TOURS AND EXCURSIONS IN COLOMBO
Colombo offers a wide range of excursions and tours that allow you to explore the city from different perspectives, making visiting an enjoyable and varied experience. A perfect way to start your discovery of the capital is a historical tour through the Fort district and Pettah Market, strolling through British and Dutch-style buildings, such as the iconic Cargills Palace and the Old Parliament, or get lost in the vibrant labyrinth of Pettah, where the streets are a riot of colors and scents, with stalls selling everything from spices to textiles to handcrafted jewelry.
For an immersion in spirituality, a visit to the temples of Columbus is a must. The Gangaramaya Temple, with its stunning fusion of architectural styles, and the Seema Malaka Temple, located on a floating platform in Lake Beira, offer a haven of peace and deep contact with the country's Buddhist traditions.
For those who want a more relaxing evening, a sunset cruise on Lake Beira is a must-do experience. Sailing on the placid waters of the lake while the sun dips into the horizon offers a unique view of the city. The cruise, often accompanied by a drink or an aperitif, is the perfect opportunity to admire Columbus from an unusual and evocative point of view.
Lovers of good food can instead venture out on a gastronomic tour that crosses the most authentic neighborhoods of the city. Taste the typical flavors of Sri Lanka: from the famous "kottu roti", a sort of stir-fry of bread and vegetables, to aromatic fish curries, passing through desserts such as "watalappam". Each dish tells a story, reflecting the encounter between different cultural influences that have shaped Sri Lankan cuisine.
Finally, for those who want to get out of the city and immerse themselves in the wild nature of Sri Lanka, an excursion to Wilpattu National Park, located a few hours' drive from Colombo, offers a varied fauna that includes leopards, elephants and sloth bears . A safari through the park's trails allows you to experience the thrill of spotting wild animals in their natural habitat, giving moments of pure wonder and adventure.
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Colombo City Tour by Tuk Tuk
Tuk Tuk in Colombo Copyright © Sisterscom.com / Depositphotos
Private tour with Tuk Tuk guide to discover the city of Colombo and its main tourist attractions such as: Clock Tower, Prison Cell of the Last King, Dutch Hospital, Old Town Hall, Pettah Keyman Gate, Red Mosque, Sri Ponnampalamleswar Temple, Wolfenden Lighthouse Church, Floating Market, Lotus Tower, Sri Kathirvelautha Temple, City Hall , Gangarama Temple, Victoria Park, National Museum, Independence Memorial Hall , Galle Face Green, Old Parliament. The tour can be done during the day but also in the evening. Duration 4 hours. Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and full refund. Info and booking of the tour.
Private food tour of Colombo by tuk tuk and a local guide (multilingual) to taste local specialties such as Sri Lankan coffee, tea, cinnamon tasting, Hoppers, Dosas with Vade, Pittus with sea curry, Kottu Rotti, Prawns vade with Rotti and buffalo curd or red banana. Tour specialties:Three types of hoppers with Sri Lankan coconut Sambol, Puttu with Sri Lankan seafood curry and Pettah Market with street food. Duration 4 hours. Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and full refund. Info and booking of the tour.
Guided jeep safari tour for a day to Wilpattu National Park from Colombo on the northwest coast of the Sri Lankan plain. The nature reserve, declared a National Park in 1938, is home to native wildlife, including elephants in their natural habitat, leopards, deer, wild boar, wild buffalo, sloths, mongooses, crocodiles, and peacocks. Duration 12 hours. Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and full refund. Info and booking of the tour.
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