Colombo or #koləmbə or Koḻumpu is the commercial capital and largest city of Sri Lanka. Colombo just south of the Kelani River is a metropolitan area with a population of nearly 6 million. The city a major tourist destination, and the only entry point into the country. Well connected by air, and sea with all major cities of the world It is located on the west coast of the island. It is adjacent to the Greater Colombo area which includes Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte, the legislative capital of Sri Lanka and Dehiwala-Mount Lavinia.
Colombo is often referred to as the capital since legislative capital is within the urban/suburban city limits of Colombo. The administrative capital of the Western Province, Colombo is a busy and vibrant city known for its modern life, colonial buildings monuments and vibrant nightlife.Colombo thanks to its large deep sea harbour and its strategic position along the East–West sea trade routes, is one one of the busiest port in the world and has been so since last 2,000 years with Indian, Greek, Persian, Roman, Arab and Chinese traders regularly visiting it. It was made the capital of Sri Lanka by British colonisers in 1815, which was retained when Sri lanka became independent in 1948.
In 1978, when administrative functions were moved to Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte, and Colombo was designated as the commercial capital of Sri Lanka.Colombo is home to a majority of Sri Lanka’s corporate offices, restaurants, and entertainment venues. Dome of the most prominent landmarks in Colombo includes Galle Face Green, Vihara Maha Devi Park, Ridgeway Golf Links, Viharamahadevi Park, Beira Lake, Colombo Racecourse, Planetarium, University of Colombo, Mount Lavinia beach, Dehiwala Zoological Garden, Nelum Pokuna Theatre, Colombo Lotus Tower and the National Museum.
Portuguese era started in Colombo around when the first explorers arrived in Sri Lanka in 1505. The Dutch era started in 1630s when the pushed out the Portuguese and British era started in 1815 they routed the Dutch. Historically, Colombo referred to the area around the Fort and Pettah Market which is known for the variety of products available as well as the Khan Clock Tower, a local landmark.
A picturesque town there are numerous places worth visiting in and around the city including Colombo fort, Galle Face Green, a great tourism destination. Known for its stunning beaches other places worth visiting include Gangaramaya Temple, St. Lucia’s Cathedral, Wolvendahl Church, Jami Ul-Alfar Mosque, Viharamahadevi Park formerly Victoria Park, National Museum of Colombo, Town Hall, Memorial Hall Square, Pettah Floating Market and Old Dutch Hospital and many British era buildings. The city being the economic hub is the head office of many corporate offices and handles majority of Sri Lanka’s foreign trade.
The city is also the largest educational centre with numerous schools and colleges. The city is also the premier medical hub with all major hospitals. the city is known for art and cultural hub of the country. Most popular festival in Colombo is Buddha Jayanti. Christmas, Eid Ul Fitr and Eid Ul Adha are other major festivals that are celebrated in Colombo. Colombo is home to several performing arts centres, where musical and theatrical performances are held such as Lionel Wendt Theatre, Elphinstone and Tower Hal that show western-style productions.
Navarangahala is first national theatre designed and built for Asian and local style musical and theatrical productions. Nelum Pokuna Mahinda Rajapaksa Theatre is a world-class theatre. Besides National Museum established in 1877 that houses crown jewels and throne of the last king of the king of Kandy, Sri Vikrama Rajasinha, there is also the Colombo Dutch Museum that details the Dutch colonial history of the country. Well connected by road, rail and air with all major cities of the island, Colombo is the starting hub to visit major tourist destinations across the nations including Mount Lavinia beach and Talangama Wetland.
The bustling city has seen numerous skyscrapers come up in recent years. It is a major shopping hub with numerous market and shopping mall selling everything from local to branded items. The Colombo Fort, Paradise Road, and the Pettah township meaning “the town outside the fort” are the other major hubs for commercial activity. Also worth visiting are Oriental bazaar, Cinnamon Gardens, and Beira Lake. Colombo is the commercial centre of the island; as such is home to numerous major manufacturing units that provide employment to people from the city as well as outside.
The city is a major sports hub and is the prime location for cricket and soccer. There are lot of things that can be done by adventure seekers in the city like going 9on a cycle ride or go on guided tour of historic buildings across the city. open to visitors all throughout the year, best time to visit is winter season and monsoon are avoided. The city is known for its vibrant nightlife with numerous places to party, discos and even casino where the youngsters can let their hair down to enjoy. There are numerous hotels, resorts, and lodges across the city that provide luxurious, mid-range and budget accommodation to tourist. the restaurants serve variety of traditional, Sinhalese, Chinese, Indian and International cuisine.
