The executive and judicial capital of Sri Lanka, Colombo, is one of the best places to visit in Colombo. It is a major port on the Indian Ocean and the heart of Sri Lankan business and foreign trade. Its original name was “Kolon Thota,” which the Portuguese changed to “Colombo” in 1505.
Many places still belong to the past, and it’s remembering the sweet memories. Most of the streets and buildings still have old names kept by the Portuguese, Dutch, and British. Many people travel to Colombo from different places to work and study. There are a lot of shopping malls, restaurants, hotels, schools, and business offices located in this city.
Places to Visit in Colombo
| Gangaramaya Temple | Beira Lake |
| Galle Face Green | Mount Lavinia Beach |
| Independence Square | Dehiwala Zoological Gardens |
| Viharamahadevi Park | Old Parliament Building |
| Colombo National Museum | Cathedral of St. Lucia. |
| Dutch Hospital | Pettah |
| One Galle Face Mall | Anthony’s Church |
| Gamgarama Sima Malaka | Floating Market—Pettah |
| Jami Ul-Alfar Mosque | Srilanka Planetarium |
| Colombo Lotus Tower | Sri Ponnambala Vasewarar Kovil |
| The Old Town Hall Building |
Gangaramaya Temple
It is one of the oldest Buddhist temples in Colombo. In the 19th century, founded by Scholar Bhikku Hikkaduwe Sri Sumangala Nayaka Thera. After the respected Sri Sumangala’s service, his student Devundera Sri Jintaratna Nayake continued and took the administration of the temple. Next, the Chief, the Ven. Devundara Keerthi Sri Sumangala Jinaratna Vacissara Thera made the Gangaramaya what it is today. It is a place of worship and a learning cultural center. Every year the Vesak festival is the largest and most colourful parade in this place.
Galle Face Green
Galle Face Green is half a Km from Colombo. It attracts many people with its beauty. It was established in 1859 by Sir Henry Ward, the Governor of British Ceylon.
It is a perfect place for relaxation and a favorite for families, children, and lovers. In the morning, most of the people go jogging and walking. In the evening and during the seasonal time, this place is filled with wonders. There will be a variety of activities for children, dance, music, and colorful and delicious foods that you can buy in the beach restaurants. There are luxury hotels near the beach like the Galle Face Hotel, The Shangi-La Colombo, The Kingsbury, Galadari Hotel, Taj Samudra Colombo, and Hilton Colombo within walking distance.
One Galle Face Mall
On November 8, 2019, this project was opened. It is Sri Lanka’s first internationally developed project. The property is owned by Shangi-La. It is a huge shopping mall, which has seven floors. PVR Cinemas, Food Court, Supermarket, entertainment and dining outlets, Odel, Keels Super, and more are included in this mall. Every day it is a rush place.
Independence Square
Sri Lanka’s national memorial is the Independence Memorial Hall. It is built to commemorate the independence of Sri Lanka. It is in the Cinnamon Gardens, Colombo.
Jami Ul-Alfar Mosque
The historic mosque was built in 1909, and it is in Pettah, Colombo. It is known as Colombo Red Mosque because it looks like a red and white stripes pattern. It is contracted by the local Indian Muslim community. Every Friday, they fulfill their five-time prayer with jummah prayer. Jani Ul-Alfar Masjid is an architectural wonder that will leave you in awe with its magnificent design. It is an attraction place for foreign visitors.
Colombo Lotus Tower
Lotus Tower is in Colombo. It is Sri Lanka’s symbolic landmark. It is the second-tallest tower in South Asia. It has four entrances and six floors. The museum and restaurant are on the ground floor, and two exhibition halls, a conference hall for 500 people, supermarkets, food courts, a 1000-seat auditorium, a ballroom, luxury hotel rooms, and an observation gallery are included in this Lotus Tower.
Cathedral of St. Lucia
The cathedral, named after and dedicated to Saint Lucy the Virgin and Martyr, is considered the oldest and largest church in Sri Lanka. A statue of the Madonna and child Jesus was brought to the parish in 1938 and called ‘Our Lady of Kotahena’. The statue is paraded through the streets every year in May.
Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith is the Roman Catholic Archbishop of Colombo, which covers Sri Lanka and the Maldives. The archdiocese includes St. Lucia’s church and major shrines like Our Lady of Lanka Basilica and St. Anthony’s Shrine.
Sri Ponnambalam Vaneswarar Kovil
It is a historical and famous temple in Sri Lanka. It was built by Ponnambalam Mudaliyar over one hundred years ago. This is a place for worship for Hindus in Colombo. His son Sri Ponnambalam Ramanathan followed ancient designs to create a beautiful and long-lasting temple dedicated to Lord Shiva.
Pettah
It is the famous and busiest market in Pettah, Colombo. It is located east of the city center and behind the Colombo port. In this market, you can get everything you need, like dresses, shoes, food, home needs, electronic items, toys, office needs, school needs, and many more. Have heard of floating markets? It is in Bastian Mawatha, Pettah. With simple decoration, the shops along the canal try to reflect the quiet, unique architecture and unobstructed water of the lake.
And more beautiful and amazing places are in Colombo you must visit. Not only the places but many beauties of Colombo, like traditional foods, festivals, and parties, so plan your trip and have a fantasy with Colombo Holidays.
