Colombo is the commercial capital of Sri Lanka. It is situated in the western region of the Island near to Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte, which is the capital city of Sri Lanka. Colombo is the largest city of the island and it is home to most of the corporate offices, restaurants and entertainment activities of Sri Lanka. Colombo was the major trading place frequented during the Portuguese era, the Dutch era and the British era. Colombo has a number of tourist attractions to boast of.
Tourist Attractions in Colombo
Dehiwala Zoo
Dehiwala Zoo is one of the favorite tourist destinations in Colombo. The special features of the Zoo include daily elephants' shows, special species of animals and birds, beautiful sights of lions, bears, tigers, rhinos, giraffes and gorillas, the Reptile House and 500 varieties of marine life at the Mini Medura.
Galle Face Green
Galle Face Green was started in 1859 for horse racing. It stretches one and a half kilometers to become largest open space in Colombo. Galle Face Green is considered as one of the favorite picnic spots in the island.
Hindu Temples
A number of Hindu Temples, known as Kovils in Colombo, are one of the major attractions in the city. Among the major city's Hindu temples are the New Kathiresan, the Ganeshan, the Old Kathiresan, the Shiva Subramania Swami temple and the Sri Muthumariamman temple.
Kelaniya Raja Maha Vihara
Among the famous Buddhist temples in Colombo is Kelaniya Raja Maha Vihara. It is based on the assumption that at this spot Buddha preached 2000 years ago. It also has a magnificent carving of a reclining Buddha.
Mount Lavinia
It is a beach located only 12 km from Colombo. Mount Lavinia was built in 1805 under the aegis of Sir Thomas Maitland as a Governor's House. The visitors come here to enjoy many attractive surroundings of the beach. It was a famous beach even during the colonial era.
National Museum
National Museum is the cultural heritage of the island. It has a great exhibition of a huge collection of half a million books, more than 4000 archaic palm leaf manuscripts, rock sculptures from the ancient cities, bronze brassware and royal weapons of Sri Lankan kings and attractive paintings of ancient times.
Pettah
Pettah is a leading bazaar district of the city. It holds an excellent collection of bright printed fabrics, suitings, undergarments, children wear, footwear and handbags to electrical goods, semi precious jewellery, watches, rare first edition books, cutlery and other household items. All basic needs of the people are fulfilled in Pettah.
The Fort
The Fort is the major commercial center of Sri Lanka. Once used as a fort during the Portuguese and Dutch eras, it has accommodated major offices, big hotels, well stocked shops, main post office, airline offices, banks, immigration office, travel agents and restaurants along with attractive places of tourist interest.
The Viharamahadevi Park
While visiting Colombo, one can visit the Viharamahadevi Park to enjoy its flowering trees, water channels and fountains. It is city's largest park, which is situated next to the National Museum.
Wolvendaal Church
Wolvendaal Church is one of the major tourist attractions in Colombo. It is an oldest Dutch church of the city. The main attraction of the church lies in its floor tiles that are constructed from tombstones (were brought in 1813), during the Dutch era.
