Things to do in Colombo

Colombo is Sri Lanka’s most modern, vibrant and culturally diverse city.   Although the city has extensively changed its outlook from what it was centuries ago, it is still abundant with places that reveal its magnificent history. Sri Lanka was once under the rule of the Portuguese, the Dutch and the British. Prior to foreign rule, the country boasts a history of 25-chronicled centuries. This remarkable history is also evident in Colombo, which is Sri Lanka’s current business capital.

A great starting point to discover this great city is the Kelaniya Raja Maha Vihara where Lord Buddha practiced nearly 2000 years ago.  To get an in depth knowledge of Sri Lanka’s and Colombo’s history the best place to go is the National Museum, which is housed in a remarkable colonial building.  This museum displays 4,000 archaic palm-leaf manuscripts, sculptures, half a million books and even weapons used by Sri Lankan Kings.  Other places of historical interest in Colombo include the Wolvendaal Church, Fort District, clock tower, the president’s house and much more.

Apart from discovering the history of the country in Colombo, the city is also a great place to shop.  Travellers can enjoy a unique shopping experience at Pettah, which can be found next to the Fort area of Colombo. In this part of the city, there are numerous street stalls selling, clothes, shoes, accessories, jewellery, household items and even electronic equipments.  Colombo is also a great place to shop for tea since Sri Lanka is one of the famous tea producers of the world.  There are also upscale shopping arcades with convenient facilities, such as supermarket, bakery, theatre, food court, clothing stores for ladies and gents, children’s stores and all other retail stores all located within one central location.   

Colombo is also a vibrant and thrilling place to be by night with many dining venues, bars, pubs, casinos and nightclubs open all night long.

There are more than 20 cinemas located in and around the city showing movies in English, Sinhala, Hindi and Tamil. Colombo ensures that its visitors both local and foreign do not get board, since there so much to do and see in this incredible city.