Colombo is the commercial capital of Sri Lanka and one of Asia’s fastest-growing cities.  It is a vibrant place with a mixture of modern life, colonial buildings, and ruins. Colombo’s large strategically positioned natural harbor was sought after by ancient traders over 2000 years ago as it was an important port on the ancient Silk Road map. It was made the capital of the island when Ceylon (as it was known) was ceded to the British Empire in 1815. Famous landmarks in Colombo include the Old Dutch Hospital Complex, Dutch Museum, Colombo National Museum, Galle Face Promenade, Old Parliament Building, Independence Square, Gangaramaya Temple, ancient Kelaniya Temple, and Viharamahadevi Park.

Colombo Harbor is one of the top 35 harbors in the World. Its strategic placement in the Indian Ocean as an important trading center on the ancient Silk Road meant that Arabian, Chinese, Indian and Persian merchants would use the port to trade spices, ivory and other loot. Colombo was also an important trading outpost for Dutch traders, who eventually settled in Sri Lanka and formed the ‘Burger’ minority ethnic group. 

Amidst the development and modernization of Colombo, the city has not lost its touch with its history, arts and vibrant architectural heritage. Highlights of Colombo include the Galle Face Promenade, which was built by the Sun loving British to enjoy relaxed mornings and evenings by the sea, Neo-Baroque-style Old Parliament – a beautiful building which housed the Island’s legislature for 53 years, Samodhi Chaithya – a Buddhist Temple approximately 11 stories high and overlooks the Colombo Harbor, Central Point – the Economic History Museum of the Island, Old Dutch Hospital – now converted into a shopping and dining complex also features the ‘Last King’s Jail Cell’, Colombo Dutch Museum – housing Dutch colonial history in Sri Lanka, Wolvendaal Church – built by Dutch Governor of Ceylon Gustaaf Willem van Imhoff in 1757, Gangaramaya Seema Malakaya – a peaceful temple built on the waters of the Gangaramaya Lake, Colombo National Museum – the house of the Island’s greatest historical treasures, Nelum Pokuna Theatre & Art Street – build in the shape of an open Sacred Lotus Flower, Independence Square and Arcade – the site on which the declaration of the Independence Ceylon (now called Sri Lanka) from the British Empire. Red Mosque or Red Masjid – known for its unique Red and White façade.

Also, a visit to the second tallest (350m) structure in South Asia “Lotus Tower”. It is the 11th tallest tower in Asia and the 19th tallest tower in the world. The tower has four entrances, with two being used as VIP (distinguished guests and state leaders) entrances. A telecommunications museum and restaurant are located on the ground floor. The tower podium consists of 6 floors. The first floor of the podium will accommodate a museum and two exhibition halls. The second floor will be utilized for several conference halls with seating space in excess of 500 people. Restaurants, supermarkets, and food courts will be situated on the third floor. A 1000-seat auditorium will be located on the fourth floor, which will also be used as a ballroom. The fifth floor will include luxury hotel rooms, large ballrooms, and the seventh floor will host an observation gallery. The landscaping is planned in the form of a large water park.

Lunch at local restaurant in Colombo