COLOMBO CITY TOUR

Colombo - City Overview

Colombo is Sri Lanka’s vibrant commercial capital and a key gateway for travelers exploring the island. With a history spanning over 2,000 years, the city grew as an important trading port used by Arab, Chinese, and Indian merchants before coming under Portuguese, Dutch, and British rule. These influences have shaped Colombo into a city rich in heritage, culture, and architectural charm.

Today, Colombo offers visitors a perfect blend of old and new. Modern skyscrapers stand alongside colonial-era buildings, bustling markets, and sacred religious sites. Travelers can enjoy scenic ocean views at Galle Face Green, explore cultural landmarks such as Gangaramaya Temple and the National Museum, or experience the lively atmosphere of Pettah’s markets. With its diverse dining options, shopping districts, and coastal charm, Colombo is an ideal starting point for any Sri Lankan journey.

Fun Facts  

• You can watch sunsets over the Indian Ocean right from the city at Galle Face Green

• Colombo has lots of trees, parks, and lakes - Viharamahadevi Park is the largest urban park in the country.

• You’ll find Buddhist temples, Hindu kovils, mosques, and churches all within a few streets of each other.

• The Old Colombo Lighthouse doubled as a clock tower and later became a prison lookout.

• British, Dutch, and Portuguese architecture still shapes parts of Colombo.

• Colombo is famous for its colourful tuk-tuks there are hundreds of thousands across the country!

• The Colombo Lotus Tower is the tallest self-supported structure in South Asia.

• From street-side kottu roti to fancy international restaurants, Colombo is one of the best places in Sri Lanka to eat.