Overview
Colombo is the commercial, financial, and administrative capital of Sri Lanka. Located on the southwestern coast, it is the country’s most populous city with over 800,000 residents in the city proper and over 5.6 million in the greater metropolitan area.
History
Colombo has a long history dating back to the 8th century when it was an important port city. It was ruled by various colonial powers, including the Portuguese, Dutch, and British, before Sri Lanka gained independence in 1948. During this time, Colombo grew into a major trading hub and administrative center.
Top Attractions
Some of the top attractions and things to do in Colombo include:
– Galle Face Green – A large seaside urban park popular for strolling, flying kites, and watching the sunset.
– Pettah Bazaar – A vibrant commercial district with crowded streets, markets, and shops.
– Old Parliament Building – A historic colonial-era building that now houses a museum.
– Gangaramaya Temple – One of Colombo’s most important Buddhist temples.
– Viharamahadevi Park – A large public garden and green space in the heart of the city.
– National Museum of Colombo – Exhibiting Sri Lankan art, artifacts, and natural history.
– Colombo Port – One of the busiest ports in South Asia, with container terminals and cruise ship docks.
Getting Around
Colombo has a well-developed public transportation system, including:
– Buses – An extensive network of public buses connecting different parts of the city.
– Trains – Commuter rail services linking Colombo to the suburbs and other cities.
– Tuk-tuks – Three-wheeled auto-rickshaw taxis that are ubiquitous in the city.
– Ride-sharing apps – Services like PickMe and Uber operate in Colombo.
Colombo is a major transportation hub, with the country’s main international airport located just outside the city. It serves as a gateway for most visitors to Sri Lanka.
