Colombo is the largest city as well as the commercial capital of Sri Lanka. It represents amazing correlation of colonial buildings and modern life. It is situated on the western coach of the island, bordering Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte, which is the capital city of Sri Lanka. The city population is estimated around 647,100. Colombo is a multi-ethnic, multi-cultural city, which is home to a number of famous landmarks that attract the attention of the tourists visiting Sri Lanka. In the following lines, we have enlisted some of the famous attractions of Colombo.
Tourist Attractions in Colombo
National Museum
National Museum is located in grand colonial building of Colombo. It consists of a vast 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 previous eras. Apart from this, the museum preserves a valuable collection of antique demon masks.
The Viharamahadevi Park
The Viharamahadevi Park is Colombo's largest park. It is situated next to the National Museum. The main features of the Viharamahadevi Park are flowering trees, water channels and fountains.
Galle Face Green
Galle Face Green is a remnant of the British era. The sea-facing place was used for horse racing, but now it is considered as the largest open space in Colombo as well as a popular picnic destination.
Pettah
Pettah is Colombo's leading bazaar district. It consists of most impeccable range of goods varying from 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.
Hindu Temples
There are a number of Hindu temples in Colombo, which are locally called Kovils. The most important Hindu temples are the Ganeshan, the Old Kathiresan and the New Kathiresan, along with the Shiva Subramania Swami temple on Slave Island and the Sri Muthumariamman temple.
The Fort
The Fort is a major commercial center of Sri Lanka and embraces major offices, big hotels, some of the better shops, airline offices, banks, main post office, immigration office, travel agents and restaurants. For the visitors, there are several destinations of tourist interests in the Fort.
Mount Lavinia
Mount Lavinia is a beach located just 12 km from Colombo. Since its establishment, Mount Lavinia has been one of the most attractive beaches in the Sri Lanka. In fact, it was famous even in colonial era.
Dehiwala Zoo
Dehiwala Zoo is spread over 11 acres of land. The zoo is best known for being home to a wide variety of species of exotic fauna. Elephant shows, which are organized every evening, are the highlights of the zoo.
Wolvendaal Church
Wolvendaal Church is an Old Dutch church in Colombo. Its main feature lies in the fact that its floor tiles are made by using tombstones from the Dutch church in the fort that were brought here in 1813.
