//
Colombo (Sinhala: කොළඹ, Tamil: கொழும்பு) is the largest city and commercial capital of Sri Lanka, and still perceived by many as the capital though the suburb of Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte is now the official capital. Just like any other big South Asian city, Colombo is congested, noisy, busy, and vibrant with a mixture of modern life and colonial architecture. It is the financial centre of the island and a popular tourist destination.
From the travel guide. Select a place for details, a map and what is nearby.
A Roman Catholic church with basilica status. The church is home to the venerated statue of Our Lady of Lanka.
The church plays an important role within the history of the Church Missionary Society on the island.
It was dedicated on 29 September 1887 and is a landmark in Kollupitiya, a suburb of Colombo, the commercial capital of Sri Lanka. A magnificent building of stone, mortar and wood.
It was founded in the late 19th century, and prospered during the colonial and post-colonial periods, it was a centre for the Scots element in Colombo, the capital city of what was then Ceylon.
The seat of the archbishop of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Colombo in Sri Lanka.
It is one of the oldest churches in Sri Lanka. Built by the Portuguese as a Roman Catholic church, and was known as Nossa Senhora dos Milagres
A Buddhist shrine, built with reinforced concrete.
One of the most important temples in Colombo. The temple's architecture is an eclectic mix of Sri Lankan, Thai, Indian and Chinese styles. And adjoining it just to the west is the Seema Malaka, another Buddhist temple complex that sits upon Beira Lake, along with Gangamaraya Park. Some urban and eccentric views of the surrounding skyline can be had from here, including looking back on the Altair Sri Lanka apartment tower that looks like one building falling on another.
Hindu temple in Colombo 10. Devoted to Shiva and Ganesh.
Located about 9 km away from Colombo, the Kelaniya Raja Maha Viharaya is one of the most significant Buddhist temples in Sri Lanka. The temple had been built more than 2,000 years ago and contains images of reclining and preaching Buddha along with frescoes depicting incidents from his life.
Dawatagaha Jumma Masjid
Mosque founded by C.W.W. Kannangara Mawatha.
It is beside the sea where Sea Street and St Anthony’s Mawatha meet.
This historic mosque is a popular tourist site. Jami-Ul-Alfar Mosque was built in 1909 by the Pettah Muslim community to fulfill their required five-times-daily prayer and Jummah on Fridays. It is one of the oldest mosques in Colombo.
It is the meeting place for the Masonic Lodges. It was built in 1901 during British rule and designed by E. Skinner, an associate of the Royal Institute of British Architects, and built by the Colombo Commercial Company. The building was built in neo-Georgian style mixed with elements of Eastern architecture.
One of the oldest churches built during the Dutch era in 1749. The interior is decorated with Dutch furniture with the wooden carved pews, chairs, pulpit and lecterns.
Department of National Museums. Also known as the Sri Lanka National Museum, it is the largest museum in Colombo. Among its exhibits, it contains regalia of the 17th-century Kandyan kings.
This museum features Sri Lanka's floral and fauna in dioramas.
Nice but very small museum documenting Dutch colonial rule in Sri Lanka. Houses Dutch-inspired artifacts.
(also Independence Commemoration Hall)
is a national monument in Sri Lanka built for commemoration of the independence of Sri Lanka from the British rule with the establishment of Dominion of Ceylon on 4 February 1948. It also houses the Independence Memorial Museum.
Established on 20 April 1982 at the Central Bank Head Office in Colombo Fort. The Central Bank Currency Museum traces the history of the usage of coins and notes in Sri Lanka since 3 BCE and has on display a large number of old coins and notes.
Colombo 7. The Sapumal Foundation was once home to the late Harry Pieris. Visitors are able to see his studio and art materials that have been left undisturbed over the years. This gallery also contains 200 paintings that follow the development of Sri Lankan art. Special art classes are also available at the gallery.
The Art Centre has exhibitions, art shows and stage events. Visitors also able to purchase various antiques as well as paintings and crafts by contemporary Sri Lankan artists.
The official residence in Colombo for the Indian High Commissioner in Sri Lanka. Built in 1926-27 for the Imperial Bank of India and taken over by the Government of India in 1956. It is a colonial style villa/bungalow, with large gardens along Thurstan Road. It is guarded by personnel from the Border Security Force.
Saifee Villa
A bungalow at 102, Thurstan Road in Colombo.
A mansion, owned by the Colombo Swimming Club.
A large bungalow. Owned by the Sri Lankan Government and houses the Lakshman Kadirgamar Institute of International Relations and Strategic Studies. It is in the Cinnamon Gardens a suburb of Colombo, it was built by D. Peiris.
Pradeepa Hall
A 19th-century large stately bungalow in Neoclassical style. It is in Mutwal north of Colombo on the coast where the mouth of the Kelani River used to be. It is now used as a reception hall for weddings.
Distinctive Colombo telecommunications tower that offers great views. At night, it is shining with the colours on the flower changing every few seconds.
Used to look out over the pretty coastline, but now it's hemmed in by the urban centre of Colombo to the east and the new Colombo International Financial City built from reclaimed land to the west, such that it looks like an anachronism if there ever was one.
Visit at sundown for a spectacular view. The ½-km-long promenade stretches between Galle Road and the Indian Ocean; it tends to attract children, teenagers, vendors, lovers, kite flyers, merrymakers, and families. Usually on Saturday and Sunday evenings, the land is filled with day-trippers, food vendors, and people picnicking which make it very crowded. It is also the largest open space in the city.
Dehiwala Zoological Garden
Colombo's zoo has a wide variety of animals, birds, and reptiles from all over the world. See lion show, every day 4-4:15PM; elephant show, every day 4:30-4:55PM.
formerly Victoria Park
It is the largest, oldest and most colourful park situated in the heart of Colombo, just opposite the colonial style Town Hall building.
A beautiful marshland, rich with natural biodiversity and a resting place for many types of birds. The vegetation is dominated by sedge and grasses including Rhyuchospora rubra and Panicum repens. Around 43 species of waterfowl live in the area. Most common among them are Indian Shag (Phalaerocorox fuscicollis), and the Blue breasted Banded Rail (Rallus striatus). If you are an enthusiastic bird watcher or an eco friend, then it is worthwhile to spend sometimes in the Attidiya bird sanctuary.
Established in 1965. English shows on the last Saturday of the month at 2PM.
About 16,000 m². The gardens have an amazing variety of trees.
In 2012 it was redeveloped as the Colombo Racecourse Sports Complex to become the first International rugby union ground in Sri Lanka to host all the national rugby union side's home matches.
Performing arts theatre.
It serves traditional Jaffna style rice and curries with excellent value for money crabs.
This cafe is a must for any cricket lover. The walls are covered in autographed memorabilia and photos with sports (usually cricket) being screened on all the TVs scattered throughout the rooms. They serve authentic Aussie cuisine and a wide variety of drinks. The bar is named after Donald Bradman.
Wonderful atmosphere in beautiful building - designed by famous Sri Lankan architect Geoffrey Bawa. Large food menu featuring many international dishes, decadent desserts and extensive cocktail menu.
This restaurant focuses primarily on seafood with colourful Sri Lankan flavours. The friendly, professional staff create an enjoyable dining experience.
One of the finest restaurants in the city. North Indian Cuisine, full of innovative dishes. Service is occasionally slow.
Serves Jaffna style cuisine which is difficult to find outside of Northern Sri Lanka
Serves excellent Chinese food and seafood dishes. Prices start at Rs 250. but some prices depend on weight (e.g. crabs). The service is very good.
Vegetarian-only Indian Restaurant in Downtown Colombo. Serves authentic Indian food at very good prices.
Vegetarian restaurant, serves South Indian cuisine.
There are three Nihonbashi outlets in Colombo. A sushi bar at Odel and an outlet at the Hilton Colombo Residence are the other two. The main restaurant is an airy and spacious restaurant with a blend of modern and traditional in design consisting of 8 private dining rooms also a dine-in wine room. Nihonbashi is owned and run by Tokyo-born Dharshan Munidasa, a self-taught chef.
Features an array of ethnic cuisine like Chinese, Japanese, Sri Lankan, and Italian served in an interactive fashion.
A Japanese restaurant with a sushi bar, tatami rooms and teppanyaki.
As the name suggests this restaurant is very British. It probably has the best ambiance of all, and the food is just great.
This is a fine dining restaurant on the rooftop level of the hotel. It offers panoramic views of the Galle Face marina. The food, mostly US-style grills and premium seafood, is excellent too.
Located at the Cinnamon Lakeside Hotel is an authentic Thai restaurant offering the usual favourites, such as Tom Yam and Chicken Pandan leaves.
The Ministry of Crab serves the best crabs in Sri Lanka. Crabs are priced by the size and a kilo of crab costs around Rs 6500. They also serve their house speciality sweet tea with soda. One of the most expensive restaurants in Colombo, but it is definitely worth it.
Beachside resort offering air-conditioned Deluxe and Premium rooms with balconies or terraces. Features an outdoor swimming pool, gym, tennis and squash courts, nature trail, children's play area, and on-site seafood restaurants and bars.
The 4-star city hotel featuring en-suite rooms and multi-room suites with air conditioning, hot showers, Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, kettles, and safety deposit boxes; some units include balconies. Amenities include a bistro, rooftop restaurant with an outdoor bar, meeting spaces, and guest laundry service.
This is a lovely home with a wonderful hostess, but they have only 3 rooms so prior reservation essential. In affluent Cinnamon Gardens neighbourhood which is 5km from Fort Station (20 minutes by car or 40 minutes by bus)
Cheery hostel with white exterior and a rooftop terrace that will give you a full view of Colombo. Has a library, games, shared kitchen, comfy beds, and clean bathrooms.
Hotel that is mostly up on the 4th floor of a building (with good viewsǃ). Strong wifi. Breakfast buffet is approx. Rs 370 additional.
5 minutes away from the ocean. Has an on-site restaurant and bar. Each room includes air-conditioning, 24-hour room service, and satellite television. Has two reception halls for those wishing to host a convention or wedding reception. Reservations are required.
All rooms are equipped with air-conditioning, a TV with cable channels and are wheelchair accessible. Also in the hotel is the 180 restaurant, a fitness centre with steam room and a business centre. The Clarion is a bit far from the central city: it will generally take at least 45 minutes to travel to the centre, with possible 30-minute delays from heavy traffic.
Has 446 rooms, including 23 suites. There are special executive level and handicap rooms. There are a variety of dining facilities in the hotel to suit different palates. Als has spa and fitness facilities.
This 3-star hotel offers its guests rooms with air-conditioning, cable/satellite TV, and a room safe. There is a restaurant and bar on site, with 24-hour room service.
chitru@sltnet.lk
This three-room guest house offers its visitors attached bathrooms, free internet services and laundry facilities. The staff at the guest house can also arrange island tours and airport pick-up.
Located between the city and the airport, has 50 air-conditioned rooms with either a balcony or a terrace. Has a restaurant and bar, as well as a jewellery and souvenir shop.
These sister hotels offer their guests comfortable rooms and friendly service. Each room is equipped with flat screen television with local and cable channels, 24-hour room service, in-room safes and internet connection. The hotels have one of the most famous restaurants in Sri Lanka, the Palmyrah, which serves authentic Sri Lankan cuisine. A popular dish is Iso Thel Dala, spicy prawns sautéed with onions and tomato. Two onsite bars.
This is a colonial heritage hotel dating back to early 1800s. It consists of 210 rooms inclusive of colonial, ocean view, and suites. The ocean view rooms are a bit dated. There are 6 restaurants and bars as well as facilities to host business events and weddings. The dinner and breakfast buffets are spectacular.
A famous, old fashioned colonial style grand hotel. Most rooms come with a view of the ocean or the Galle Face Green. The hotel also has a variety of restaurants on site to choose from, including: The 1864 and Verandah. Spa and butler services are also available for guests.
Decent rooms fitted with air-con, cable TV, etc. It is located in a prime location in the city close to all essential sight seeing spots. Some of its facilities and services are restaurant, and bar.
A boutique hotel, consisting of two restored colonial homes. Tastefully decorated using antique colonial furniture. Provides wireless Internet, pool, jacuzzi, restaurants.
Near major shopping centres and business establishments. Decked with colonial touches, like antique furniture and high ceilings. Rooms are equipped with Jacuzzi, DVD player and refrigerator.
Situated in Rosmead Place. Once a stately home to the political Bandaranaike family. The 10 elegant suites have high ceilings and timber floors. They open to a private courtyard, balcony, or separate lounge area. Each suite also has king-size beds with Egyptian cotton sheets, and a bathroom with a rain shower and bath.
Has 250 rooms, all with views of the city or Indian Ocean. Various onsite restaurants and cafes on site. 24-hour room service, fitness facilities and spa services.
Has a spa and meeting facilities.
A variety of rooms; they range from standards with views of the sea and pool to presidential suites with separate dining and dressing areas. Also equipped with a fitness centre, book shop and swimming pool. There are also a variety of restaurants ranging from casual in dress to fine dining.
As of Dec 2012, the rooms were quite tired and are in need of renovation. The price they ask does not reflect this. Despite this, the service is good and otherwise is a reasonable place to stay.
Has a wine cellar, a rooftop café, cloud café, spa, pool side dining options. The Scarlet restaurant offers European, Mediterranean and Asian food.
Luxury class hotel tower standing out among the mushrooming skyline of Colombo.
This handicraft shop has a wide range of good quality souvenirs and handmade items: clothes, bags and children toys, from some of the most beautifully-coloured fabric you've ever seen. While the biggest outlet is at Galle Road, there are smaller outlets at the Dutch Hospital and 41 Pedlar Street.
An up-market shopping mall. Though it is fairly small, it contains a food court on the basement floor.
Gift shop.
A non-profit organization run by the craftsman association of Sri Lanka with assistance from the government. Offers all handicrafts and gemstone jewellery. Unique metalware, wood carvings, silver jewellery, batik, textile products and other crafts.
Similar to Majestic City but smaller. You can find various items such as clothing, CDs and DVDs.
In Kollupitiya on Galle Road has a wide variety of clothing outlets, including a sub-branch of Odel, at very good prices, as well as various electrical goods and toy shops. It's pleasantly air-conditioned and includes a food court on the ground floor.
A stylish department store, with its very own Delifrance outlet, clothing, houseware, sporting goods, books and movies, as well as Delight – for sweet indulgences from chocolates to exotic nuts.
A shop with a small café in a British colonial style building where antiques, home décor items and art can be viewed or purchased.
Fruits to clothes to electronics at wholesale prices. You have to bargain extensively and it is recommended that you take a local you trust along with you. Even if you don't buy anything, Pettah, or Colombo 11 is an experience in itself being a very typical, loud and crowded oriental market place full of all sorts of odds, ends and junk. Each street in the market has its own speciality, for example, in 1st Cross Street you can find electrical items, 2nd Cross Street has jewellery and so on. In the Pettah Market area, some street vendors actively ask passers-by, foreigners and locals to view products they are selling though polite refusal is generally accepted.
A tranquil boutique dedicated to natural health, beauty, and wellness. Caveman Redux offers an extensive selection of essential oils, base oils, floral waters, plant extracts, dietary supplements, and raw natural ingredients for homemade skincare and wellness rituals.
By train
Colombo's Fort Station is the main hub of Sri Lankan Railways. All railway stations on the island are reachable directly from here.
By bus
The Sri Lanka Transport Board is the government-owned bus service. Buses are the principal mode of transport in the country.
By bus
Colombo has an extensive network of buses going around the city/region. Bus stops have no timetable or route map as such. Fares depend on the type of bus and distance.
By taxi
Taxis are safer and much more comfortable than tuk-tuks. There are 'Tata Nano' cars in service nowadays and the charges start from Rs 40 per kilometre with air-conditioning.
By ride hailing
By car
It is also possible for travelers to hire car with or without a driver. Many companies based in Colombo offer such services. Contact the Ceylon Taxi team for vehicle arrangements.
By train
Colombo has four commuter train lines: but only one of them are likely to be useful for travellers. This is the Coastal Line which connects Colombo Fort Station with Mount Lavinia Station and beyond.
Choose an airport to see hotels, stations, taxi ranks and car rental desks around it.
Colombo · International · RML
Loading places around the airport…
Articles and travel topics about Colombo and Sri Lanka.
ItinerariesThe ultimate 7-day Sri Lanka itinerary covering Sigiriya Lion Rock, the Kandy to Ella train, Yala leopard safaris, and Galle Fort colonial ramparts.
6 min read
Travel tipsComprehensive Sri Lanka travel budget breakdown covering hotel rates, private driver hire, scenic train fares, safari fees, and daily food costs.
6 min read
InspirationThe ultimate first-time Sri Lanka travel guide covering Sigiriya Lion Rock, Kandy temples, Ella tea plantations, Yala leopard safaris, and Galle Fort.
6 min read
ItinerariesThis is an itinerary for backpackers who are World Heritage Site enthusiasts, covering the eight World Heritage Sites in Sri Lanka.
Wikivoyage
Every section of the guide. Open one to read it in full.