Colombo, Sri Lanka Hotels and City Guide

Colombo - Attractions

Colombo Attractions

The weather conditions that prevail in Colombo are ideal for the leisure traveller, with many opportunities to 'catch a tan' or 'shop till you drop'. The large selection of five-star and four-star Colombo hotels cater to the whims and fancies of all their guests, including arranging tour buses for groups of tourists preferring to visit the many man-made Colombo attractions.

From Museums, art galleries and Libraries to shopping districts, parks and religious sites, Colombo features a real plethora of tourist attractions.

The Fort
Colombo 1

Once the fort of the European invaders, it's now the hub of all activity in Colombo. Many of the private corporate head offices, banking corporations and government organisations are located here. Some remnants of the Dutch and Portuguese invasions can also be seen.

Galle Face Green
Galle Road, Colombo 1

The sea breeze and sunshine of this sandy mini-beach area couple to bring a sense of serenity in this busy city. Originally cleared for the line of cannons during the Dutch rule, it's among the most frequented areas in Colombo.

Independence Memorial Hall
Independence Avenue, Colombo 7

The signing of the independence pact was done here, on the 4th of February 1948. Architectural designs, stone carvings, paintings and historical photography can be seen here.

Parliament Building
Sri Jayawardanapura, Kotte

Surrounded by the Diyawanna Lake and parklands, the parliament building is a design of world renowned Sri Lankan architect Geoffrey Bawa. Although the building itself is not accessible to the public, the surrounding park area is open at all times, with lots of space and food / vendor stalls.

Pettah
Colombo 11

Located on the outskirts of the fort, Pettah is the living bazaar of Colombo. Here, you'll find just about anything, in the small shops congested in every miniscule street. Each street is specialised in selling a particular type of goods - Keyzer Street for household goods, Prince Street for electrical items etc

Vihara Mahadevi Park

Originally known as Victoria Park and renamed after the mother of great King Dutugemunu, this is the largest urban park in Colombo. A carnival and playground for children is located on the western end of the park. Row upon row of shady, flowering trees can be seen in the period between March and May each year.

The Dehiwala Zoo
Dharmapala Mawatha, Dehiwela
Tel: +94 11 2712751

The only national zoological arena in Sri Lanka, animal species' from around the world can be seen here. The Aviary, Reptilian and Butterfly Park are specialised areas of the zoo. Daily performances by elephants are a must-see event.

Museums:

The National Museum
Sir Marcus Fernando Mawatha, Colombo 7
Tel: +94 11 269 4366 / 4767

Established in 1877, the best known collection of items, antiques and artwork depicting the local cultural heritage is available here. A puppetry and children's museum is also available inside the premises. Ancient books, palm leaf manuscripts, stone tablets, statues, coins, furniture and many other historic valuables are displayed.

The Dutch Period Museum
Prince Street, Colombo 11, Pettah
Tel: +94 11 244 8466

Formerly a mansion built during the Dutch rule, this museum was opened to the public in 1982. The architecture is of a colonial Dutch town house and the museum displays coins, costumes, weapons, furniture and ceramics of the Dutch era.

Libraries:

The British Council
49, Alfred House Gardens, Colombo 3
Tel: +94 11 258 0301

This library, used by many students of literature, arts, science and information technology, is a spring of resources. Borrowing books is only allowed for members. Research material can be obtained if it'll not be taken away from the premises.

National Library of Sri Lanka
14, Independence Avenue, Colombo 7
Tel: +94 11 269 8847 / 268 5199

A members-only and reference-only library, this holds a large collection of reading material on various subjects and fields.

Public Library
Marcus Fernando Mawatha, Colombo 7

The large collection of books on a variety of topics available here is accessible to library members and it's both a reference and lending library.

Art Galleries:

Eco House
294, Park Road, Colombo 5
Tel: +94 11 250 1303

Art work consisting of paintings, sketches, sculpture and other creative methods done by amateur artists are exhibited here.

Barefoot Gallery
706, Galle Road, Colombo 3
Tel: +94 11 2505559

The open space of the gallery is excellent for the variety of art and creative work featured in the interior. The gallery is used to stage plays, recitation and live music shows.

Lionel Wendt Memorial Art Centre
18, Guilford Crescent, Colombo 7
Tel: +94 11 269 5794

This centre is more than just a gallery for displaying creative art; it's the happening place for many of the antique sales, knickknack sales, stage shows, and exhibitions held in Colombo.

Hotels in Colombo, Sri Lanka