Colombo, Sri Lanka's dynamic capital, is the island's western seaboard stretching for 50 km and home to 3 million people. The city is sprawling with a mixture of scenic architecture, congested streets, serene Buddhist shrines, colonial churches, garishly multicoloured Hindu temples, a heady mix of local cafes and shops and surprisingly cosmopolitan culture. By offering extremes such as rustic beachside shacks, stunning hotels, colourful and charming local art with fragrant flavour tea, Colombo definitely makes one of Asia's favoured travel destinations.
Tourist attractions in Colombo
Colombo, with a rich and vast history of having been ruled by the Dutch, Portuguese, and British in succession has made it an incredible melting pot of various cultures. Thus, Colombo features several monuments that are worth a visit. Your itinerary should include Gangaramaya Temple, Viharamahadevi Park, Galle Face Green, National Museum of Colombo, Beira Lake, Independence Memorial Hall, Jami Ul-Alfar Mosque, Dutch Period Museum, Seema Malaka, Old Parliament Building, Paradise Road, World Trade Center, Pettah Floating Market and many more places.
Things to do in Colombo
While visiting Colombo, you can indulge in activities such as a walking tour of Colombo, explore historic Fort and Pettah districts, enjoy an authentic private cooking class, have a round of golf at the distinguished Royal Colombo Golf Club, have a ride in a tuk-tuk off the beaten track, go on a tea tasting tour, savour the fiery street food, drive in a vintage car through Colombo, shop till you drop at the Shopper's Haven, and enjoy a pleasant cycling city tour of Colombo in addition to Colombo's nightlife. Also on high recommendations are the wildlife tours of Attidiya Bird Sanctuary and Dehiwala Zoo for adventure seekers and wildlife lovers.
Airport in Colombo
Bandaranaike International Airport or Colombo International Airport serves as the primary airport of Sri Lanka. Colloquially known as Katunayake Airport, it is the top international airport of Sri Lanka. Serving 30 airlines, the airport currently handles an inflow of 9.25 million passengers every year. Colombo Airport functions both as a passenger and a cargo airport.
- Airport address: Bandaranaike International Airport, Canada Friendship Rd, Katunayake, Sri Lanka – 11450
- Airport IATA code: CMB