Big excitements, little treasures. Explore Colombo.
The hub of all activity, you’ll never be at a loss for things to do in Colombo. The commercial capital of Sri Lanka, Colombo is a buzzing hotpot of cosmopolitan life. In this vibrant city, you will find stark contrasts. 21st century skyscrapers and colonial masterpieces stand side by side. Little old shops and make-shift stalls sit under the shadows of dazzling stores and sprawling shopping malls. In much the same way lifestyles and traditions, both old and new co-exist and continue, making Colombo a unique and exciting city.
Colombo has a long and colourful history. Its natural harbour was much sought after as early as the 5th century when ships from Rome, Arabia, and China traded with the kings of Lanka for food supplies, spices and jewels. The colonial powers who ruled thereafter, also left their legacies. The Portuguese, Dutch and English influences remain ingrained even to date. Today, grand colonial buildings are lovingly restored and popular as arcades or hotels, and period style homes revived as cafes, shops and guest houses. Sri Lankans comprise Sinhalese, Moors, Tamils, Burghers (Portuguese, Dutch and British descendants), Chinese, and Malay populations. So you’ll find food and festivals of every kind. Historical religious sites from Buddhist temples, Hindu shrines, churches, to mosques also abound in the city. The attractions of Colombo are diverse, with museums, art galleries, golf courses, gyms, spas and salons, bars, restaurants, night clubs, cafes and coffee shops to keep you busy. So it is well worth making time to unearth its charms.
