Tour To Colombo

Colombo, the modern Sri Lankan capital, is the gateway to Sri Lanka. A quick glance at its massive glass & steel sky scrapers, dazzling shopping malls and large scale development on the oceanfront may give an impression of an upcoming modern city; however Colombo is a city steeped deep in history. Located on the western coast of Sri Lanka, Colombo has been a major seaport between Asia & Europe since the 5th century. An ethnic hotspot; with a mix-bag of Hindus, Muslims, Christians and Buddhists coexisting peacefully for centuries; Colombo has its fair share of honking tuk-tuks and Buddhist chants that reverberate in your soul.

Major attractions in Colombo

Gangaramaya Buddhist Temple
A seamless blend of modern architecture and traditional spirit of Buddhism, the structural design & embellishments of the Gangaramaya Temple are a combination of Indian, Thai, Sri Lankan and Chinese architecture. A huge complex divided into various parts and home to the Bodhi Tree & a sacred lock of Buddha’s hair; this temple is one of the most revered Buddhist shrines in Sri Lanka. The temple houses a museum, a library & an education hall and also serves as a seat of learning.

Viharamahadevi Park
Home to beautiful gardens, a charming aquarium, a mini zoo, a children’s play zone, a war memorial, and a lake with an adventurous suspension bridge over it, this public park is just ideal for a family picnics.

Beira Lake
Beira, built by the Portuguese in the 16th century as a moat to safeguard their interests, is now a beautiful & serene lake in the city of Colombo. Walk down the wooden boardwalk to beautiful temple sitting in the middle of the lake and soak in the history & culture of Sri Lanka.

National Zoological Gardens of Sri Lanka
The zoological gardens, also known as Dehiwala Zoo, are renowned for their exotic varieties of mammals, birds, fishes, reptiles, amphibians, butterflies and marine invertebrates.

Galle Face Green
A long stretch of green lawn next to the narrow beach & the sea promenade, Galle face Green is a perfect place to watch the sunset. Originally developed to ensure clear sight to the British cannons, this is now a leisure locale for activities like strolling, kite flying and playing football & cricket.

Other Attractions in Colombo

• Clock Tower cum Lighthouse.
• Old Dutch Hospital
• Colombo National Museum
• Colombo Dutch Museum
• Kelaniya Raja Maha Vihara
• Mount Lavinia Beach

Shopping in Colombo
Glitzy shopping malls & global labels are there for sure but the fun of shopping lies in the colorful maze of Pettah. Haggle with the shopkeepers for aromatic Ceylon tea, fragrant spices, precious & semi precious stones, traditional masks and pretty jewelry. Also, do visit the Old Dutch Hospital that has now been converted into a charming shopping complex.

Street foods of Colombo
The spicy flavors of Sri Lanka are reflected in the street foods of Colombo. Do be sure to get a taste of Isso Vadei- the prawn & lentil cake; Kothu- the spicy mix of chapatti pieces, vegetables & meat; hoppers & string hoppers with flavorful chutney and top it all with Saravita- a colorful coconut treat wrapped in beetle leaf.

Best Time to Visit Colombo
Colombo is best visited from December to March, which is the dry season and from July to September when it is pre monsoon time with some welcome showers downing the heat.

How to Reach Colombo
By Air- Bandaranaike International Airport in Colombo connects Colombo to all major cities in the world.
By Rail- Colombo is well-connected to all major cities in Sri Lanka by a rail network.
By Road- A good network of roads & highways connect Colombo to all parts of the country.