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Colombo is a busy and vibrant city with a mixture of modern life, colonial buildings and monuments. [9] It was made the capital of the island when Sri Lanka was ceded to the British Empire in 1815, [10] and its status as capital was retained when the nation became independent in 1948.
Top Things to Do in Colombo, Sri Lanka. Places to Visit in Colombo. Explore popular experiences. See what other travellers like to do, based on ratings and number of bookings. See All. Rail Tours (36) Cultural & Theme Tours (638) Food, Wine & Nightlife (60) Nature and Wildlife Tours (419) Sporting Events (171) Airport & Hotel Transfers (1,011)
- Lotus Tower. One of the coolest (and highest) places to visit in Colombo is also one of the city's newest things to do. The Colombo Lotus Tower is South Asia's tallest freestanding structure (368 meters/1,168 feet), and a trip to the top rewards visitors with unobstructed views across Colombo and the surrounding cityscape and sea.
- National Museum of Colombo. The National Museum of Colombo, also called the Sri Lanka National Museum, is the official museum of Sri Lanka and takes you on a journey over the thousands of years of Sri Lankan culture.
- Sri Lanka Planetarium. Sri Lanka's first (and only) planetarium can be a fascinating way to escape the hot sun. The Sri Lanka Planetarium is located at the University of Colombo.
- Viharamahadevi Park. This giant green space is Colombo's Central Park (and one of its only large open-space areas) and provides areas to relax and enjoy (or escape from) the sunshine.
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Jun 20, 2024 · Colombo, city, executive and judicial capital of Sri Lanka. Situated on the west coast of the island, just south of the Kelani River, Colombo is a principal port on the Indian Ocean. It has one of the largest artificial harbors in the world. Its oldest districts are known as the Fort and the Pettah.
- The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica
- Visit Galle Face Hotel. Colombo is a unique city because it’s had many influences throughout its history, so you’ll see a wide range of architecture everywhere you go.
- Explore the Galle Face. Right across the street from Galle Face Hotel, is the Galle Face Green. This huge ocean-side park stretches for 500 meters (1,600 feet) along the coastline.
- Day trip to Sigiriya. Sigiriya Rock is perhaps one of the most iconic spots in Sri Lanka. This giant rock, also known as Lion Rock, protrudes into the sky 180 meters (590 feet).
- See the Lotus Tower. Nearly everywhere you go in Colombo, you’ll see the Lotus Tower in the skyline. This vibrant pink and green tower looks like a lotus flower, and it stands like a beacon amongst all the other skyscrapers.
Discover Colombo, Sri Lanka's vibrant capital city, with Lonely Planet's tips on attractions, food, culture and more. Explore the historic landmarks, trendy cafes, bustling markets and scenic parks of Colombo.
Colombo is the gateway to Sri Lanka for most travelers—but don’t be tempted to simply pass through this diverse and interesting city.
