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Colombo, Sri Lanka

Colombo is a port city in the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka. This island country had formerly been known as Ceylon and Marco Polo called it the most beautiful island in the world. Colombo has existed for many centuries and it has attracted travellers from places such as Persia, Morocco and Cathay.

Today it is Sri Lanka’s commercial capital and it has many higher education institutions. And it has scenery, too: lagoons, beaches, and coconut plantations. Colombo has many parks, galleries, museums, and temples from different religions; it is a cosmopolitan city with plenty on offer.

Location

You’ll find Colombo on the west coast of Sri Lanka, which is in South Asia. The climate is well-suited to a range of activities; this makes it a great vacation destination.

Accommodation

Accommodation in Colombo caters to all types of budgets and there are many types of establishments to suit visitors' taste.

Budget – Colombo is an economical place and you should find many rest places in the lower price range. Backpacker and budget hotel establishments are close to the city centre or the palm-fringed beaches. They may also offer internet access that is free or very cheap.

Mid-Range – The establishments in the mid price range offer good value for money: add only a few dollars to the price of the budget establishments' rates and enjoy your vacation in relative comfort.

Luxury – Try a deluxe hotel if you are yearning for luxury and elegance; you’ll be spoilt for choice. Colombo hotels adhere to international standards in hospitality and service. They can advise you on travelling through Sri Lanka and must-see activities.

Attractions and Activities

Colombo’s history includes periods of colonisation. This makes for a rich architectural heritage; many buildings show the British, Dutch and Portuguese influence. View these buildings and learn more about the colonial periods that had shaped Colombo into the city it is today.

Attractions:

  • Colombo National Museum – Sir William Henry Gregory founded the museum in 1877. It has undergone various changes since then so that yet more of Colombo’s heritage could be displayed.
  • Mount Lavinia – The hotel is situated on the 'Golden Mile' of beach. What had been just a bungalow in the early 19th century had extended to a government rest house and more recently one of the most popular Sri Lankan hotels. It is also one of the best reminders of old Ceylon architecture.
  • Gangaramaya (Vihara) Buddhist Temple – This temple, that some believe to contain a relic bone of the Buddha, is one of the biggest Colombian Buddhist temples. It started out as a hermitage in 1890 and grew to become a temple (vihara) where monks worship and learn.
  • Independence Memorial Hall – This hall played host to the 1948 signing of independence from Great Britain. View the lion sculptures and punkala when you visit this symbol of indepencence.
Activities:

Make Colombo your base and get acquainted with the beaches, hiking trails, and nature reserves.

  • The Pinnawela Elephant Orphanage – This orphanage offers a home to about 3000 elephants, most of whom have lost their mothers or herds.
  • Viharamahadevi Park – This is the oldest and largest park in Colombo. It offers visitors the chance to relax in beautiful surroundings.
  • Excel World Entertainment Park – This entertainment park is mostly geared towards children but it is also popular with adults. The 4D Thriller ride is one of the more popular rides: it’s a 4-dimensional movie with the visitor as the hero.
  • Hiking tours – This might be one of the best ways to explore Colombo, whether you choose a half-day or a full-day hiking tour.


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