Colombo is the largest city and the commercial capital of Sri Lanka. With a population of about 5 million, it is situated on the west coast of the island nation. Colombo is considered a vibrant place which houses a beautiful mix of modern life which is accentuated by colonial ruins and buildings. Its nearness to the sea also means that it has a large harbour and has a strategic position on the east-west sea routes, a title it has held on for 2,000 years.
If you want to visit this unique city then we advise you to opt for the air route through the Bandaranaike Airport which allows both national and international flights. This makes securing Singapore to Colombo flights, Malaysia to Colombo flights, Dubai to Colombo flights and more such easy.
Now that the travel plans are set, you would surely love to read up on the main attractions- we have made a list for that:
National Museum
If you are a history buff and also love architecture then the National Museum is the place you must pay a visit to. This is the largest museum in Sri Lanka and was constructed in 1877, suffice to say that it really is a matter of pride of the island nation. Built in Italian architectural fashion, the museum houses some of the best collections of historical Kandyan dynasty rulers. It also contains rich palm leaf manuscripts in various languages like Telugu, Burmese, Tamil, Sinhala and more so.
Attidiya Bird Sanctuary
Want to take a break from all the traveling, people and crowds- then we recommend checking out this bird sanctuary located in Boralesgamuwa. It provides sanctuary to at the very least 50 different species of birds which are both migratory as well as local. You will also find butterflies, insects, water monitors and more in this biodiverse area. But we also recommend being fully covered as the place is also an active hub of mosquitoes.
St Anthony’s Church
One of the most frequented places in Sri Lanka, the church is flocked by devotees during major festivals and during Tuesdays. The religious believe that the place has produced miracles. Located in Kochchikade, the main altar houses a statue of St. Anthony that was brought from Goa. If you want to attend the services then know that the benediction services take place only in Sinhala, English, and Tamil.
Dehiwala Zoo
Also known as the National Zoological Gardens, it is situated at Anagarika Dharmapala Mawatha, Dehiwala and was built in 1936 with the aim of providing protection to a variety of birds and animals. Don’t miss out on the performances by chimpanzees, sea lions and elephants while visiting here. You can also bring family and kids along at dehiwala is known for exotic varieties of birds, mammals, fishes, amphibians, reptiles, butterflies and more.
Colombo is a city which lives in its own special culture- ones it has amalgamated as a result of its long trading history and the subsequent colonial one which has now mixed in with its vibrant local culture. It’s one city which houses many cultures and that alone makes it a must-see place.