Colombo Port

Colombo in detail

Embrace the hustle and bustle of Sri Lanka’s capital, Colombo. This vibrant city has plenty to entertain its visitors, from the quality museums and parks to the majestic Buddhist temples and the nearby beach resort of Mount Lavinia.

Get your camera ready, and begin your trip by exploring the historic architecture of the city. See the Gallery Café which was once an office for the country’s most renowned architect Geoffrey Bawa, it’s now a sophisticated eatery and a lovely place for an afternoon coffee. For a must-see temple, head to the grand Kelaniya Raja Maha Vihara which was lovingly restored in the 18th and 19th centuries. To learn about Sri Lanka’s ancient background, take a trip to the fascinating National Museum located south of Viharamahadevi Park. Here you’ll find early art and carvings, colonial paraphernalia and the eerie antique demon masks.

How about sampling traditional Sri Lankan cuisine? Don’t forget to stop and refuel on your explorations. For dinner, enjoy the mix of curries called Koola’ya, or for something sweet try the Kavun deep-fried treacle cakes.