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Colombo Sri Lanka

Colombo is a colorful multi-ethnic city of contrasts that is rapidly becoming a must-see destination for visitors from around the globe.
According to US broadcaster CNN, Sri Lanka’s cultural and commercial capital is the world’s fastest developing tourist city, with growth of 21% in 2015, while another six of the top ten are also in Asia.
A rich mix of land and water, Colombo city boasts a network of canals connected to the encircling Kelani river, which joins the sea just north of the city and which for centuries formed a vital commercial and defensive waterway.
It is from here that the historic Hamilton Canal, which recently benefited from a multi-million dollar facelift, runs north through a wetland nature reserve 35km to Negombo, a popular beach resort.
And for an authentic Colombo shopping experience, head south to Pettah, a vibrant and colorful district of small shops and road-side stalls selling everything from food to clothes to the latest sophisticated electronic equipment.
This could not be a greater contrast to the gentrification of the historic Fort area and adjoining Galle Face Green, a delightful ribbon of open space beside the Indian Ocean coast, and an increasingly popular destination for residents and tourists alike.
Other popular highlights of Colombo tour packages include the Gangaramaya Buddhist Temple, an eclectic mix of Sri Lankan, Thai, Indian, and Chinese architecture, Viharamahadevi Park, next to the National Museum of Colombo, and the the 65-hectare Beira Lake, a most distinctive of Colombo landmark that regularly hosts regattas, cultural events and theatrical entertainments.
For more than 2,000 years, Colombo’s natural harbor made it a magnet for Indian, Greek, Persian, Roman, Arab and Chinese spice traders who later made their homes in our paradise island and added so much to our rich cultural endowment.

Activities in Colombo


Cycling

If you prefer cycling but aren't so keen on struggling with uphill climbs, there are many interesting trails in the lowlands of Sri Lanka that take you through a beautiful landscape of tea, rubber and spice plantations or even the ancient capital of POLONNARUWA .

Kayaking & Canoeing

With 103 rivers and a wealth of swamps, lagoons and interconnected old canals, Sri Lanka provides no end of opportunities to try out Kayaking / canoeing, which are a different and relaxing mode of transportation. Sri Lanka 's famous KALU GANGA (aka Black River) flows from the heart of the

Helicopter Rides

Sri Lankan Expeditions facilitates bookings with the only Helicopter operator in Sri Lanka. In operation since 2003, our service provider operates a fleet of helicopter and fixed wing aircraft providing charter services to tourists, corporate clients and other visitors in the region.

Photography and Filming

Sri Lanka a breathtakingly beautiful island set in Indian ocean, where the sun shines 12 hours a day.Sri Lanka offers a wide variety of locations.We offer exotic and extraordinary locations that are normally inaccessible such as naturally beautiful settings, majestic hills, mist clad mount

Casinos and Gambling

Sri Lanka is a country in Central Asia with legal gambling. There are 2 cities with gambling facilities in Sri Lanka which have 11 legal gambling facilities available in total.The types of gambling available in Sri Lanka are: casinos.The largest gambling city in Sri Lanka is Colombo with 1

Shopping

Shopping in Sri Lanka can take many forms haggling with a handicraft-seller while sunbathing on the beach choosing fruit from the traditional village store, 'the kade' while side-stepping sacks of rice or checking out the bargain-priced latest international fashions (Sri Lanka is a major g

Night Life

From chic relaxing cocktail lounges, and modern international restaurants – to lively pubs, tapas bars and sports bars boasting snooker tables and large-screen TV’s, there’s something for everyone.

Walking

Sri Lanka’s hill country is a land of tea-laden hillsides, gurgling waterfalls, stirring mountains and clear hill-country air. Here, in temperatures akin to a beautiful English summer’s day, is wonderful walking country.

Swimming

Sri Lanka and its many lakes, rivers, and leisure centers are good for practicing all types of swimming activities. The numerous lakes and swimming pools offer a good chance for young and old alike to get fun and cool off.

City Tour

Explore our exotic city. We will let you have a feel and look around the city area in 4 hours on our half day city tour.

Attractions in Colombo


Kelaniya Raja Maha Vihara

Just outside Colombo is one of the mast sacred and historic Buddhist sites in the country, the Kelaniya Raja Maha Vihara or Kelaniya Temple.

Gangaramaya (Vihara) Buddhist Temple

Built on land reclaimed from Colombo city’s landmark Beira Lake, the Gangaramaya Temple complex includes the Simamalaka Shrine, designed by renowned Sri Lankan architect Geoffrey Bawa.

St.Anthony's Church Kochikade Colombo

They are taking no chances at St Anthony's Church Kochikade in Colombo: their statue of a saint revered throughout Sri Lanka is enclosed in a bullet-proof glass case.

Seema Malaka Temple

One of the most beautiful and tranquil attractions in Colombo, the Seema Malaka Temple stands on three linked man-made island platforms on Beira Lake accessible via a bridge-like walkway.

R. Premadasa Stadium

Known as the home of Sri Lankan cricket, the R. Premadasa International stadium in Colombo has hosted more than 100 one-day international matches since it inaugural contest between Sri Lanka and England in 1986.It is the largest stadium in Sri Lanka.

Sri Ponnambalam Vanesar Kovil

The architectural purity and spirituality of the sacred Sri Ponnambalam Vanesar Kovil Hindu temple in Colombo brings devotees from all over the country to pay their respects to Lord Shiva, its presiding deity.

St. Thomas Chapel

This historic place of Christian worship in Colombo is renowned for its amazing mural of the transfiguration, which was created by renowned Sri Lankan artist David Paynter.

Isipathanaramaya Buddhist Temple

Although Isipathanaramaya Temple was built in 1916, it is nevertheless one of the oldest in Colombo city, and is hailed as a place of peace, beauty, and contemplation.

Old Parliament Building

Sri Lankan architectural historian Ismeth Raheem described the Old Parliament Building in Colombo city, an imposing monument to Sri Lanka’s imperial past, as a "masterpiece in stone".

Wolvendaal Church

Of the many legacies of Dutch rule in Ceylon, the 18th Century Wolvendaal Church in Colombo combines much of the symbolic—and symbiotic—iconography of church and state.

All Saints Church

Colombo city is redolent with examples of its British, Portuguese and Dutch colonial past, a prime example of the latter being All Saints Church, perched atop what remains of the city’s old defensive wall.

Jami Ul-Alfar Mosque

One of the oldest mosques in Colombo city, the striking-looking Jami-Ul-Alfar was reputedly built at the request of Muslim shopkeepers in the bustling Pettah Bazaar to make it easier to attend Friday prayers.

Sri Sambodhi Viharaya

One of the most amazing sights in Colombo is the gleaming white Buddhist stupa built atop an arch just beside the Sri Lankan Navy base in the Fort area.

King Sri Wickrama Rajasinghe Prison Cell

The last (empty) packet of Gold Leaf cigarettes smoked on Sri Lankan soil by Ceylon’s last (allegedly tyrant) king is on display in this small but significant piece of Sri Lanka’s somewhat turbulent past.

Temple of Sri Kailawasanathan Swami Devasthanam Kovil

Magnificent paintings of gods and goddesses, and an amazing carving of an astrology chart, decorate the inner roof of what is believed to be the oldest and largest Hindu temple in Colombo.

Christ Church Galle Face

Christ Church, the main center of evangelical of worship in Colombo city for over a century, was built by the Church Missionary Society as an all-embracing ‘low church’ intended to be 'Evangelical in its worship, and musical in its setting’.

St. Andrew's Scots Kirk Church

This beautiful old Colombo church displays much of the austere Calvinism of 19th Century Scotland. Here, faith, not religious folderol, creates a calm and understated oasis of Christian observance. Opened for worship in 1842.

Old Town Hall

This charming and idiosyncratic building, tucked away in the heart of north Colombo’s bustling Pettah market, is regarded as something of a minor architectural masterpiece.

Sambodhi Chaithya

One of the most amazing sights in Colombo is the gleaming white Buddhist stupa built atop an arch just beside the Sri Lankan Navy base in the Fort area.

Colombo Fort Railway Station

Fort Railway Station, in the heart of Sri Lanka’s commercial capital of Colombo, was built by the British in 1917, and is strongly reminiscent of the celebrated Manchester Victoria station in the UK.

The Lighthouse

Sri Lanka’s seafaring tradition is a cornerstone of its history and culture, one that fostered its centuries-old trade in gems and spices throughout Asia, Arabia and the Far East. Today, the thousand of cargo ships that call at Colombo port every year from around the world.

Church of St. Michael & All Angels, Polwatte

When the original Colombo city church burned down in 1864 during a fireworks display to celebrate its dedication, it proved a blessing in disguise.

St Peter's Church

One of the oldest Colombo buildings, St Peter’s Church—known as the seafarers church, with the International Mission to Seafarers next door—is also one of the most beautiful and inspiring.

Viharamahadevi Park

This beautiful and historic green oasis—it was originally named Victoria Park by the British—is the oldest and biggest public open space in Colombo city.

Talangama Wetland

The 70 species of birds that live and breed on the Talangama Wetland are a testament to Sri Lanka’s determination to preserve its bio-diversity and promote eco-tourism throughout the island.

Beira Lake

This verdant oasis of green—including the algae-infused water—has many star attractions, including the Seema Malaka island temple, with its elegant Buddhit statues, and the aptly named Lovers’ Island.

National Zoological Gardens of Sri Lanka

The breeding and conservation programs at the National Zoological Gardens, better know as Colombo Zoo, are key parts of Sri Lanka’s commitment to developing and expanding eco-tourism on the island.

Colombo National Museum

TA national museum can be more than just the memory of a nation, a collection of artifacts of historic and cultural significance. It can also hold the legacy of a nation’s journey to statehood. Colombo National Museum is no exception.

J.R.Jayewardene Centre

Junius Richard Jayewardene, widely known as JR and scion of an illustrious Sri Lankan family, served as Prime Minister from 1977 to 1978 and as President from 1978 till 1989.

Dutch Period Museum

The history of 17th Century Dutch colonial rule in Sri Lanka is rich and varied, as is its celebrated contribution to a renowned architectural heritage, a style personified by the Colombo Dutch Museum.

Gem Museum

The Gem Museum in Colombo harks back to the 1920s, when Mohamed Mahmood, a young Muslim with a passion for precious stones, started what is now City of Gems, a fourth-generation family business.

Christ Church Mutwal

The new parish of Christ Church was carved out of the ancient parish of St Mary’s. In 1902 the church was considerably embellished by G. F. Bodley, and the cost was borne by Miss Trumper. A new sacristy was built and attached to the church by a 'cloister' passage, the organ was rebuilt under the west tower arch, the rood screen, the chapel screens, the statues of St James, St Paul, and King David were also added. The murals and the decoration of the roof were also done. There is a ring of eight bells.

Holiday Packages in Colombo


Sri Lanka Luxury Escape

Kandy | Koggala | Yala | Negombo | Sigiriya | Hatton

Some of the best high-end hotels on the island feature on our Sri Lanka Luxury Escape itinerary.

Sri Lanka Buddhist Pilgrim

Anuradhapura | Colombo | Polonnaruwa | Kandy | Negombo | Sigiriya

Staying at the appropriately named Heritage Hotel, you will be perfectly placed to explore history..

Classic Sri Lanka Tour

Kandy | Dambulla | Negombo | Nuwara Eliya

No visit to Sri Lanka would be complete without seeing the best of our renowned Cultural Triangle,..

Luxury in the Footsteps of Geoffrey Bawa

Colombo | Kandy | Galle | Dambulla | Bentota | Bandarawela

The Sri Lankan Architect Geoffrey Bawa is hailed as one of the most important Asian architects...

Luxury Island Tour

Colombo | Kandy | Galle | Yala | Negombo | Sigiriya | Nuwara Eliya

Cultural diversity is more than matched by the upscale hotels awaiting travellers on this tour.

Jewels of Sri Lanka

Colombo | Kandy | Kalutara | Yala | Nuwara Eliya | Sinharaja Forest | Habarana

One of Sri Lanka’s eight UNESCO World Heritage sites, the Golden Temple of Dambulla...

Journey of Sri Lanka

Colombo | Kandy | Dambulla | Bentota | Yala

Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage and Sigiriya Rock Fortress are two tour destinations most loved...

Play Golf in Ceylon

Colombo | Kandy | Negombo | Hatton | Nuwara Eliya

During the colonial era Golf was introduced to Sri Lanka by the British and then gained popularity..

Romantic Escape

Kandy | Bentota | Nuwara Eliya

Complete your Love Story…visit “the finest island of its size in all the world”

Sri Lanka Honeymoon

Colombo | Negombo | Sigiriya | Nuwara Eliya

Complete your Love Story…visit “the finest island of its size in all the world”

Colonial Experience

Anuradhapura | Colombo | Kandy | Negombo | Nuwara Eliya

This special tour will give you a change to look back at the high-end living and architectural...

Kandy Perehara with Sun, Sea and Sand

Colombo | Kandy | Kalkudah & Pasikudah | Negombo

Kandy and eastern Sri Lanka with its tropical landscapes, and beach beaches are the main attractions

Horse Riding Tour

Anuradhapura | Colombo | Kandy | Kalpitiya | Sigiriya | Nuwara Eliya

Horseback riding through the surf of a tropical beach as the setting sun kisses the Indian Ocean...

Gourmet in Style

Colombo | Kandy | Negombo | Sigiriya | Nuwara Eliya

Pledge Holidays ‘Gourmet In Style’ tour is a perfect opportunity for food lovers.

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