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Colombo is located on the southwest coast of Ceylon, bordering the Indian Ocean and bounded to the north by the Kelani River. As the gateway to and from Sri Lanka, it is known as the "Crossroads of the East." It is Sri Lanka's largest city and commercial center, a major Indian Ocean port, and a world-renowned artificial seaport.
My first visit to Colombo was to discover that, as a colonial city, it boasts centuries-old European-style architecture, inherited from the Dutch, British, and Portuguese. The diverse cultures coexist harmoniously, yet seamlessly blend together. The Fort and Pettah districts are must-sees for every visitor to downtown Colombo, and they are also the city's busiest areas, boasting many beautiful European-style buildings. Galle Face Green offers a great spot for ocean views, lined with shops, and imbued with an oriental charm.
Although Colombo is located close to the equator and has a tropical climate, the sea breeze keeps the weather pleasant, with high temperatures but no extreme heat. The average annual temperature is around 27°C, and the annual rainfall is 2,300 mm.
The best time to travel is summer and autumn
Colombo National Museum
The National Museum was established in 1877, with the new building completed in 1980. A statue of Sir William Henry Gregory, the British colonial governor who oversaw its construction, stands in front of the museum. The museum houses a collection of precious artifacts from various periods of Sri Lankan history, including stone and bronze statues, gemstones, weapons, paintings, weavings from the Kandyan dynasty, metalwork, folk handicrafts, and the armor of the last Kandyan king. Also on display are the Lion Throne brought from Kandy and Chinese porcelain unearthed from various locations. The Zheng He Stele, a monument to Zheng He's visit to Sri Lanka, is also on display.
Ganggalama Temple
Across the road from Gangaramaya Lake and the park, Gangaramaya Temple is a group of finely crafted buildings that combine the architectural features of Sri Lanka, Thailand, India and China. It houses a library, museum, dormitory and a three-story Buddhist college with a Bodhi tree in the courtyard.
The museum houses several tall Buddha statues and several huge ivory tusks, as well as Arhat relics, jewelry, pure gold and ivory ritual objects, and some Buddha statues from Japan, Myanmar, Thailand and other places. The Buddha statues are exquisitely carved, and being among them is shocking.
Red Mosque
This historic mosque near Colombo's Petal Market is a red and white brick building, also known as the Jami-Ul-Alfar Mosque. Completed in 1908, it is a landmark in Colombo. It is said that in the early 20th century, many sailors visiting Sri Lanka used it to identify the port of Colombo. It is worth noting that the mosque is open only to men; female visitors can only admire the beauty of this Islamic architecture from outside.
Colombo is the commercial capital and largest city of Sri Lanka. It has a rich colonial history under Portuguese, Dutch, and British rule, which influenced its architecture and culture. The city serves as the political, economic, and cultural hub of the country, blending modern urban life with historic landmarks.
Colombo is on the western coast of Sri Lanka, along the Indian Ocean. It is accessible via Bandaranaike International Airport (about 35 km away). Within the city, taxis, tuk-tuks, buses, and ride-sharing apps are common, while walking is feasible in some downtown areas.
Most attractions are open from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The best time to visit is from December to March, when the weather is dry and cooler.
Advance booking is generally not required for Colombo’s main attractions. For private tours or large groups, booking a few days ahead is recommended.
Exploring Colombo’s key attractions typically takes 1–2 full days, depending on interests in museums, markets, and temples.
Guided tours are available at major museums and some temples, primarily in English. Private tour operators may offer multilingual guides on request.
Start at Gangaramaya Temple → Colombo National Museum → Pettah Market → Independence Memorial Hall → Galle Face Green for sunset → explore Fort and Dutch Period Museum.
Colombo is moderately crowded year-round. Weekdays are less busy than weekends, and mornings are quieter at popular attractions.
Many attractions like the National Museum and Galle Face Green are accessible, but some temples have stairs, which may limit access for disabled visitors.
Cash (LKR) is commonly used in markets and street food stalls. Cards and mobile payments are accepted in major hotels, restaurants, and malls.
