Let’s plan your journey
Colombo was well known to travellers and traders as far back as 2,000 years ago, thanks to its natural harbour. Since then, the constant interaction with different cultures never ceased and thanks to it, the city remains a fantastic multicultural experience for travellers to this day.
The centuries of colonisation and trading with multiple nations inevitably led to the creation of a wonderfully cosmopolitan metropolis. This mixing of cultures over time, has led to the culinary landscape in Colombo becoming a feature on its own. A rich variety of global cuisines as well as local regional specialities is available across the city, ranging from finger-licking-good street food to eclectic fine dining restaurants.
A beautifully lush-green half-kilometre long promenade, Galle Face Green is surrounded by hotels, malls and commercial buildings. It’s a great place to have a picnic, fly kites and catch the sunset. Many street food vendors can be found here at night, making it a popular place for families to hangout.
Green Path is a long street bordering the beautiful Viharamahadevi Park, and is a popular location for artists to display their works. The Colombo National Museum with its significant library and over 100,000 exhibits is also located here, as is the Nelum Pokuna Theater - a performing arts centre in Colombo.
The Independence Memorial Hall is a magnificent stone structure built to commemorate the independence of Sri Lanka from British rule. The nation’s only planetarium, housed in a lotus-shaped building, and the old Colombo Racecourse, reborn as a sports complex and shopping arcade, are also located close by.
Believed to be the site of Lord Buddha’s third and final visit to Sri Lanka, the temple is steeped in history. The original Stupa is said to have been constructed to enshrine a gem-studded throne that Lord Buddha had preached from, when he made his second visit to the island.
Built by the British and subsequently used to house the Australian 17th Brigade during World War II, the beautiful park is literally a breath of fresh air in the middle of a busy city. Facing the park is the neoclassical style Town Hall building, headquarters of the Colombo Municipal Council.
Although the original Colombo Fort is long gone, the area still fondly bears its name. The location encompasses the World Trade Center, Colombo harbour, the Stock Market and many other businesses. The curious Pettah Floating Market is located close by and is a popular hangout for locals and travellers.
The 18-hole Golf Club is located at the heart of the city. Being the second oldest club outside of Britain, it has a rich history and presents a tight and challenging course. A curious feature here is the Kelani Valley railway line that runs along the 6th fairway.
This museum covers the history of Dutch colonial rule in Sri Lanka. Over 200 years old, the two storey colonnaded building has had many roles over the years such as residence of the Governor of Dutch Ceylon, a teacher training college, an institute, an orphanage, a hospital, barracks and Post Office.
The Golden Mile as it is fondly known, is a mile long strip of beach bordered by hotels, taverns, cafes and restaurants. The swim-friendly waters, fresh seafood and fantastic sunsets make it a favourite for locals and travellers alike. The historic 200-year-old Mount Lavinia Beach Hotel is also located here.
The legislative capital of Sri Lanka houses the Diyasaru Park - a 60 acre urban wetland park with a variety of wetland ecosystems; Gothami Viharaya - a temple renowned for exquisite murals depicting the Buddha's life; and, the modernist Parliament Building of Sri Lanka, built on an island in the Diyawanna lake.
Thanks to its long multicultural history, the cuisine in Colombo is absolutely eclectic, making it a dream destination for foodies. From regional specialities to global cuisines, everything can be found within this city. The culinary establishments range from street food carts to pop-up stalls to cafes to fine dining restaurants.
Whether it's upscale malls, bustling bazaars or pavement vendors, Colombo has them all. Shopping in Colombo is a fantastic experience, with vendors ever ready to have a friendly chat even if you are just window shopping. From locally manufactured traditional goods to international products, you can find it all in this sprawling city.
A great escape for the traveller seeking a short holiday in Sri Lanka covering key Wildlife and Cultural highlights.
This Architecture tour will take you on a wonderful journey across the ages to discover some of Sri Lanka’s major architectural masterpieces, and along...
Your golf tour will lead to exciting encounters with wildlife, visits to historic attractions, discoveries of delicious cuisines and, of course, enjoyable rounds on...
Whether you are newlyweds or a couple rekindling their romance, this honeymoon holiday in Sri Lanka is the perfect getaway! Experience breath-taking locations, luxurious...
This train tour of Sri Lanka will take you on a wonderfully scenic journey to discover Sri Lanka’s beauty, and along the way you...
This Geoffrey Bawa discovery tour will take you on a journey of Bawa’s greatest works, and along the way you will have exciting encounters...
This photography holiday will take you on a wonderful journey to discover Sri Lanka’s beauty, and along the way you will have exciting encounters...
This art discovery tour will take you on a journey of discovery of Sri Lanka’s aesthetic aspects, and along the way you will have...
With this amazing holiday experience in Sri Lanka, you will cover most of the cultural, historical and entertaining highlights that Sri Lanka has to...
Colombo, a city with a soul, is the heart of Sri Lanka’s capital city. Experience its warmth and grandeur through a fascinating day tour...
Experience Colombo through its colourful, aromatic, multicultural cuisines on this 3-hour evening walking tour.
Explore the highlights of the bustling Colombo capital in a Second World War memorabilia jeep.
Engage in an exciting series of activities in the fishing town Negombo, famous for its golden sandy beaches and lagoon, located just a few...
Knock the wind out and go sailing in the sea off Colombo to spot dolphins.
Cycle through a city seasoned with new and old-world charm - from the 17th-century Dutch Museum and Neo-Baroque-style Parliament to getting a blessing from...
Situated at the heart of Colombo’s Central Business District and entertainment hub, Fairway Colombo is a 4-star modern hotel that blends accessibility with great...
Located right in the heart of Colombo tucked away close to the Beira Lake a lurid green waterway home to pelicans and the Seema...
Villa Escondite is well hidden from the tourist trails, located in Sri Jayewardenepura Kotte, Sri Lanka.
Located conveniently within the Colombo city limits Ellen’s Place combines classic and modern decor to deliver a serene, comfortable stay.
The country's oldest merchant organization, George Steuart & Co. Ltd, had its headquarters in the ancient "Steuart House," a colonial structure in Colombo 01,...
Located in the highly elite neighbourhoods of Colombo, Jetwing Colombo Seven stands tall as an epitome of urban luxury.
This iconic and colonial-style hotel was built in 1864. Since its beginnings the Galle Face Hotel has been part of Colombo’s heritage, catering to...
The 32-room upscale Colombo Courtyard is a stylish, contemporary, and environmentally friendly hotel that works well as an affordable option in Colombo for leisure...
Experience living in this former ancestral family home spanning over 100 years, discreetly tucked away in the heart of Colombo’s elite neighbourhood.
‘Ishq’ loosely means “Love ” in Arabic. This was originally the home of Hanif Yusoof and his family, the villa was born out of...
Tintagel is a stately 1930s heritage building, once home to the Bandaranaike family which gave Sri Lanka 2 prime ministers and a president, notably...
This Victorian townhouse once welcomed governors, maharajas, nobility, and the cream of Ceylon’s colonial society.
Experience living in this former ancestral family home spanning over 100 years, discreetly tucked away in the heart of Colombo’s elite neighbourhood.