If you’re wondering what to see and to do in Colombo, don’t be afraid to take a risk and explore this charming colonial city on a whim. You’ll end up soaking in its enchanting atmosphere and spotting local life at every turn.
You’ll also get a sense of the country’s history and culture. The National Museum is a must-visit when in Sri Lanka, and is a great way to learn more about the island’s rich heritage.
Lotus Tower
Lotus Tower (also known as Nelum Kuluna in Sinhala) is one of the biggest tourist attractions in Colombo and a must-visit landmark. It is the tallest skyscraper in Sri Lanka and it is known for its spectacular views of Colombo.
The tower was initially planned to be built in the suburb of Peliyagoda but the Government of Sri Lanka changed its location to a more commercial area in Colombo on the Beira Lake.
It is now visible from all over the city and its suburbs. The tower is used mainly for communication and observation purposes but it also offers many leisure activities including bars, restaurants, souvenir shops and other facilities.
It has six floors of retail and tourism offerings, including a museum, a food court, MICE facilities, an observation deck and one floor of luxury hotel rooms. It also has a revolving restaurant, which is visited by thousands of tourists every day. Besides that, there are several banquet halls in the tower which can accommodate up to 600-650 guests.
National Museum
If you’re a history buff, the National Museum is a must-visit in Colombo. It’s spread over two stories and contains an interesting collection of historic artifacts.
The museum was established in January 1877 by Sir William Henry Gregory, who was the British Governor of Ceylon at that time. It is now maintained by the Department of National Museums of the central government and is home to important collections including the throne and crown jewels of Kandy’s last kings.
The museum is well-organized and has an assortment of historical displays that span ancient, medieval, and colonial periods. It also includes a library and natural history collections. You’ll find prehistoric cave paintings, bronze age artifacts, and ornate gold thrones and crown jewels from Kandy.
Jami Ul-Alfar Mosque
A landmark in Pettah district, the Jami Ul-Alfar Mosque (Sinhala: ; Tamil: Samman Kottu Palli) is well-known among tourists for its decorative red and white candy-striped brick facade. Originally built in 1908, this dual-storied building is revered as one of Colombo's oldest mosques and is a must-see for visitors.
This temple-like structure was a mix of Indo-Islamic, Persian, Gothic revival and Neoclassical architecture. However, the unusual onion-shaped domes with pomegranate look-like hybrid structures and even stranger color patterns of red and white in swirling form makes it stand out from its conventional counterparts.
As a symbol of religious faith, the Jami Ul-Alfar mosque was established to serve Muslims in Sri Lanka who were primarily South Indian traders that settled in Galle and Colombo. A four-storey wing was added in 2007 to increase its capacity to 10,000, making it the largest congregational mosque in the country.
Nelum Pokuna Mahinda Rajapaksa Theatre
The Nelum Pokuna Mahinda Rajapaksa Theatre is a state-of-the-art performance center in Colombo, Sri Lanka. It is shaped as an eight-petaled lotus flower inspired by the 12th-century Nelum Pokuna (Lotus Pond) in Polonnaruwa.
- The building is a modern architecture-style performing arts centre designed to accommodate large scale theatrical productions. Located in the heart of Colombo, it is a great place to watch local and international artists perform.
- This stunning theatre is the city's favourite venue for concerts, theatre, and dance performances. It was officially opened in 2011 and has been the home of popular shows such as 'The Sound of Music' and 'Mama Mia'.
- The theatre is equipped with an auditorium with 1,288 seats, a library, and training facilities. It has two permanent theatres and the ability to convert its front steps into an additional open-air theatre on demand.
