Colombo, Sri Lanka’s commercial capital, is its only true city. It lies one hour’s drive south of the Bandaranaike International Airport and stretches about 12 km along the coast from the Fort area in the north to its southern beach suburb of Mount Lavinia.
Colombo’s port was influential as early as the 5C when ships from Rome, Arabia, and China traded with Sinhalese kings for food supplies, spices and jewels.
Colombo has a scattering of pubs, nightclubs and hotel bars that come alive especially on Friday and Saturday nights and feature live bands or DJ music
Global warming has made weather patterns less reliable, but essentially the main south-west (“yala”) monsoon brings rain to the west (including Colombo) and south-west coasts and hill country largely between May and July
Colombo is a compact blend of old and new. A modern skyline is growing alongside colonial-period buildings and rudimentary shops. Ancient temples, Hindu Kovils, churches, and mosques are found in the heart of the city and the suburbs. Museums, art galleries, golf courses and gyms, spas and salons, bars, restaurants, night clubs and live music all add to Colombo’s appeal.
Attractions
- Lionel Wendt Art Centre
A major art centre and theatre in Colombo. It combines live theatre and art exhibition, with two exhibition galleries and a theatre with over 600 seats
- Arcade Independence Square
A shopping complex in the city of Colombo in Sri Lanka, housed in a group of renovated buildings including the former Jawatta Lunatic Asylum and the former Western Provincial Council Building.
- Galle Face Green
Galle Face is a 5 ha ocean-side urban park, which stretches for 500 m along the coast, in the heart of Colombo.
- Dutch Hospital
Old Dutch hospital, which is Colombo’s oldest building and now a shopping and dining ‘precinct’. Well-known names of Colombo’s retail, entertainment and catering sectors have set up shops.
- Independence Memorial Hall
A national monument in Sri Lanka built for commemoration of the independence of Sri Lanka
- Pettah Floating Market
- National Museum
A Built in 1877, is a treasure trover of articles depicting Sri Lanka’s cultural and historical past and present including regalia of the last king.
- Gangaramaya Temple
Gangaramaya Temple is one of the most important temples in Colombo, Sri Lanka, being a mix of modern architecture and cultural essence. The temple is known for having a young elephant, Ganga, chained at the back, unable to walk, has no elephant company, and sways sideways.