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When you first gaze upon it, Sri Lanka’s ocean city might seem strangely familiar. The cosmopolitan pizazz of the city is subtly offset by its colonial heritage. Colombo tourism offers you a melange of quaint cafes and posh restaurants, bustling local bazars and glitzy malls. In a city best explored on foot, you will find an abundance of delightful surprises.
From its food to its attractions, Sri Lanka’s capital is quite a happening holiday destination. Known for its beautiful beaches and a vibrant night life, your Colombo tour will be a whirlwind of things to do and places to visit. Colombo’s historical trail passes through its many museums while its culture can be found in its landmarks.
But Colombo tourism is not without its share of adventure. Go diving around Colombo and explore mysterious shipwrecks that have been lying undisturbed for centuries. So, before your next Colombo tour, make sure you have the low-down on this stylish tourist destination.
Colombo sits on the western coast of Sri Lanka. The city was named Colombo by the Portuguese. It is believed to have been derived from the Sinhala name Kolon thota, which means “port on the river Kelani.” At the city’s heart is the Beira Lake, which was a strategic defensive feature of the city during colonial times. The north and north-east sides of the city are bound by the Kelani River.
Colombo experiences a tropical monsoon climate, which means it rains all around the year and humidity is a constant presence. Colombo gets its rains from the southwest monsoon. Temperatures average between 22 to 31 °C. Pack light clothes and ample rain protection.
Language Spoken
Sinhala, Tamil and English
Currency used:
Sri Lankan Rupee
Buddhism is the biggest faith in Colombo. While Sinhala and Tamil are the main languages spoken, English is highly prevalent. Colombo tourism takes good care of its travellers. There are signboards in in English as well as local languages. You will rarely face linguistic barriers in the city.
Colombo’s colonial roots play a big part in the tourism here. The old structures, built by the rulers, still stand strong and are living lessons in history. But Colombo is also a holiday destination for the entire family. The Dehiwala Zoo and the Attidiya Bird Sanctuary are some of the best places to spend a fun-filled day when you’re travelling with children.
