COLOMBO TRAVEL
GENERAL INFORMATION- Colombo is the capital of Srilanka .It is the largest and a port city, with a rich colonial heritage, on the Western coast.The city has mansions, lush gardens, fine dining options, shopping malls packed with expensive designer brands and also urban slums. Colombo is the commercial and business centre of Sri Lanka. Some of the finest structures built during the colonial times still preserved in one part of the City. Colombo is home to majority of Sri Lankan corporate and Government offices. Hotels of Colombo city is located centrally which will make the visitors more convenient. Electronic Visa (ETA) can be obtained prior to arrival Electronic Travel Authorisation System, Costs USD30, SAARC countries pay USD15. Visa is valid for two entries within a 30day period. If you move along the Gall road you can find shopping malls like Majestic City, Liberty Plaza and Crescat which are very popular among locals as well. ODEL and Arina are another shopping mall, which are very popular among tourists.
HISTORY- Located on the west coast of the island, the city was originally a small seaport. Due to its strategic location on the East-West sea trade routes used by Roman, Arab, Persians and Chinese trade sailing vessels over 2,000 years ago, Sri Lanka has always been a part of the world’s history. This small seaport with a natural harbour was introduced as "Colombo" by the Portuguese in 1505. Dutch and British also controlled Colombo. It became the capital of Sri Lanka when Sri Lanka was ceded to the British Empire in 1815 and witnessed the rule of three rulers- Portuguese, Dutch and British. However, the position of acting as the capital was retained after Sri Lanka gained independence on the 04th of February 1948.
AREA-37.30Km2
POPULATION-7,53,000(City)
TIME ZONE-UTC+5.30
AIRPORT-Bandaranaike International Airport (IATA code: CMB) located in the town of Katunayake, 35 km north of Colombo. It is the hub of Sri Lankan Airlines, the national carrier of Sri Lanka, and Mihin Lanka, the budget airline of Sri Lanka. The airport has three passenger terminals. Terminal 1 is the current International Terminal. The international airport is closer to Negombo than to Colombo, so if you're arriving late, it might be a better option to head to Negombo for the night stay. Star class hotels and budget guest houses are available. Ceylon tourist board (administered by the Government) has a chain of hotels.
CLIMATE-If you're heading to the west and south coasts and hill country, December to March is the best time to visit Sri Lanka. If you seeing the east coast, you'll get the best weather from April/May to September.
MONTH JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC
Av Max 31 31 31 32 31 30 30 30 30 30 30 30
AvLo 22 23 24 25 25 25 25 28 27 27 27 27
ATTRACTIONS AND SIGHTS at COLOMBO –
HISTORY- Located on the west coast of the island, the city was originally a small seaport. Due to its strategic location on the East-West sea trade routes used by Roman, Arab, Persians and Chinese trade sailing vessels over 2,000 years ago, Sri Lanka has always been a part of the world’s history. This small seaport with a natural harbour was introduced as "Colombo" by the Portuguese in 1505. Dutch and British also controlled Colombo. It became the capital of Sri Lanka when Sri Lanka was ceded to the British Empire in 1815 and witnessed the rule of three rulers- Portuguese, Dutch and British. However, the position of acting as the capital was retained after Sri Lanka gained independence on the 04th of February 1948.
AREA-37.30Km2
POPULATION-7,53,000(City)
TIME ZONE-UTC+5.30
AIRPORT-Bandaranaike International Airport (IATA code: CMB) located in the town of Katunayake, 35 km north of Colombo. It is the hub of Sri Lankan Airlines, the national carrier of Sri Lanka, and Mihin Lanka, the budget airline of Sri Lanka. The airport has three passenger terminals. Terminal 1 is the current International Terminal. The international airport is closer to Negombo than to Colombo, so if you're arriving late, it might be a better option to head to Negombo for the night stay. Star class hotels and budget guest houses are available. Ceylon tourist board (administered by the Government) has a chain of hotels.
CLIMATE-If you're heading to the west and south coasts and hill country, December to March is the best time to visit Sri Lanka. If you seeing the east coast, you'll get the best weather from April/May to September.
MONTH JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC
Av Max 31 31 31 32 31 30 30 30 30 30 30 30
AvLo 22 23 24 25 25 25 25 28 27 27 27 27
ATTRACTIONS AND SIGHTS at COLOMBO –
001-INDEPENDENCE SQUARE and INDEPENDENCE COMMEMORATION HALL -Independence Commemoration Hall located on Independence Square (formally Torrington Square) in Cinnamon Gardens, is a national monument in Sri Lanka. This was built long after independence was gained from the British rule on February 4, 1948.The structure is made of concrete, and bear columns similar to what is found in ancient Sri Lankan architecture and it was designed to resemble a Kandyan audience hall. Other than a momentum it is commonly used as a place to conduct annual national day celebrations and other significant national celebrations and cultural activities that mark national unity. Currently Independence Square and its surroundings is considered to be one of the most prestigious locations in Colombo are to be converted into an exclusive for cultural activities, recreation and academic and research excellence.
Near by-
i-Independence Memorial- Independence Memorial Museum in Colombo, Sri Lanka is located in the basement of the Independence Memorial Hall, Independence Square (formally Torrington Square) in the Cinnamon Gardens. The Museum has a series of busts, of patriots who were at the centre of the struggle for independence.
ii-D S Senanayke Statue- He was the first Prime Minister of Sri Lanka having emerged as the leader of the Sri Lankan independence movement. He is considered as the "Father of the Nation.
Near by-
i-Independence Memorial- Independence Memorial Museum in Colombo, Sri Lanka is located in the basement of the Independence Memorial Hall, Independence Square (formally Torrington Square) in the Cinnamon Gardens. The Museum has a series of busts, of patriots who were at the centre of the struggle for independence.
ii-D S Senanayke Statue- He was the first Prime Minister of Sri Lanka having emerged as the leader of the Sri Lankan independence movement. He is considered as the "Father of the Nation.
002-COLOMBO LIGHTHOUSE-The old Colombo light house was initially establishing in 1860 as a clock tower and the lantern was added in 1865 and transformed in to a light house. The original clock (made by the “Big Ben”) was replaced in 1913.The tower is located at the junction of Chatham Street and Janadhipathi Mawatha (formally known as Queens Road) in Colombo Fort. At present the light house is not operational, but functions as a clock tower. It is said that this cylindrical brick tower with lantern and gallery is the only lighthouse in the world which also tells the time in the middle of the busy road. When measuring distances from one city to another, instead of working out what is the center of Colombo the Lighthouse Clock Tower is used as the starting point.
Address- Chaithya Rd, Colombo 00100.
Address- Chaithya Rd, Colombo 00100.
003-NATIONAL MUSEUM SRI LANKA-The Colombo national museum is an Italian architecture colonial type mansion which was founded by the British governor of Ceylon at that time, Sir William Henry Gregory. This treasure house is the Sri Lanka’s most prestigious, oldest and largest museum. The museum is known to be the first public museum in Sri Lanka and has a vast collection of Antiques and many other Artefacts’ from all over the countryside. When the national museum was first opened to the public in 1st January 1877, it had a mere 800 items on display. Today that number has grown to over 100,000.
Open daily except Fridays from 9 AM to 5 PM.
Location- Located near the Nelum Pokuna Theatre in swanky Colombo 7.
Address- 854 Sir Marcus Fernando Mawatha, Colombo 07.
Open daily except Fridays from 9 AM to 5 PM.
Location- Located near the Nelum Pokuna Theatre in swanky Colombo 7.
Address- 854 Sir Marcus Fernando Mawatha, Colombo 07.
004-GANGARAMAYA TEMPLE-Gangaramaya Buddhist temple is a beautiful and vibrant temple with a history that dates back over 2,000 years. This temple was said to have been built in the 19th century. Located beside a Holy Bo Tree on the waters of Beira Lake, the temple is only accessible by crossing a wooden bridge. The temple has been in existence for over 120 years having being established by one of the most famous scholar monks, originally an institute of oriental learning for monks, now a State University – Sri Jayewardenapura University. According to historical records, the Lord Buddha is reputed to have preached under this Bo tree which is considered as a sampling of the Sri Maha Bodhi and is over 100 years old.
Location: The temple is located right on the Jinaratana Road in the heart of Colombo city.
Timings: The temple is open from 5.30AM to 10PM.
Price: Entry fee is LKR200 per adult.
Location: The temple is located right on the Jinaratana Road in the heart of Colombo city.
Timings: The temple is open from 5.30AM to 10PM.
Price: Entry fee is LKR200 per adult.
005-BEIRA LAKE-Beira Lake is located in the middle of Colombo. The island in the middle of the lake and the surrounding tree line make it a beautiful place. This lake was built by Portuguese and the lake was connected with many waterways. Portuguese used theses water ways as their transportation needs. The water level of the lake is 1-meter-high from the ocean. There are many wetland birds can be seen in this lake.
Location: Located quite close to the famous Gangaramaya Temple.
Price: Approximate price is 300 LKR however if you have paid for entry into the Gangaramaya temple, that will suffice here as well.
The Water Temple- There is another temple right in the middle of the lake – Seema Malaka Temple. This temple contains lots of Buddhist statues and a few Hindu idols.
Lovers' Island-The giant suspension bridge on the lake is hard to miss. Cross it to step onto a small island of well-paved floors, loads of trees and flowers, and a weird green dome-like thing in the middle.
Location: Located quite close to the famous Gangaramaya Temple.
Price: Approximate price is 300 LKR however if you have paid for entry into the Gangaramaya temple, that will suffice here as well.
The Water Temple- There is another temple right in the middle of the lake – Seema Malaka Temple. This temple contains lots of Buddhist statues and a few Hindu idols.
Lovers' Island-The giant suspension bridge on the lake is hard to miss. Cross it to step onto a small island of well-paved floors, loads of trees and flowers, and a weird green dome-like thing in the middle.
006-VIHARA MAHA DEVI PARK- Viharamahadevi Park or formally known as the Victoria Park, is the largest, oldest and most colourful park situated in the heart of Colombo (Cinnamon Gardens), just opposite the colonial style Town Hall building. The park was built during the British rule of Sri Lanka as Victoria Park and remained as Vihara Maha Devi Park. This is the most attractive greenery in Colombo and best visited from March to May before the monsoon when most of the flowers are in full bloom. The Viharamadevi park is located very close to the National Museum in Colombo. The best entrance is in the north of the park opposite the Town Hall building on a road called F.R.Senanayake Mawath. Near the gate as is a giant golden statue of a sitting Buddha who is facing the Town Hall. In the western end of the park you will find the public Library and Cenotaph War Memorial.
BATS in the Park- These bats are known as Indian Flying Fox Bats. They are defiantly gigantic. They have a wing span of up to 4-5 feet. That is huge and very scary. Located in Viharamahadevi Park . It normally feeds at night on fruit it finds on trees like mangoes and bananas. A bat colony can contain from 100 to 6,000 bats.
Address-Colombo 07, Sri Lanka
BATS in the Park- These bats are known as Indian Flying Fox Bats. They are defiantly gigantic. They have a wing span of up to 4-5 feet. That is huge and very scary. Located in Viharamahadevi Park . It normally feeds at night on fruit it finds on trees like mangoes and bananas. A bat colony can contain from 100 to 6,000 bats.
Address-Colombo 07, Sri Lanka
007-THE TOWN HALL-The Town Hall of Colombo is the headquarters of the Colombo Municipal Council and the office of the Mayor of Colombo. Built in front of the Viharamahadevi Park, Colombo, Sri Lanka, it is the meeting place for the elected municipal council. looks like the iconic US Capitol Building. A giant golden statue of a sitting Buddha facing the building has been placed opposite the main entrance in Viharamahadevi Park (Victoria Park). Construction was started in 1924. The British were still Colonial rulers of Ceylon. It was finished in 1927. This grand building was meant to be the venue of grand balls and state functions. It was to be the official residence of the Mayor of Colombo and the City Council. After independence it still kept this roll and provides office space for the Colombo Municipal Council administrative workers and elected councillors.
Address-Colombo 00700, Sri Lanka
Tip- One can combine a visit to see Colombo's Town hall with some shopping in the air conditioned ODEL department store behind the building by the Lipton Circus roundabout.
Address of ODEL-No.5 Alexandra Pl, Colombo 00700, Sri Lanka
Address-Colombo 00700, Sri Lanka
Tip- One can combine a visit to see Colombo's Town hall with some shopping in the air conditioned ODEL department store behind the building by the Lipton Circus roundabout.
Address of ODEL-No.5 Alexandra Pl, Colombo 00700, Sri Lanka
008-CARGILL'S DEPARTMENT STORE-The splendid Victorian grand mercantile red brick facade of Cargill's Department store, it was the British highland tea planters and colonial administrators building.
Address- 40 York St, Colombo, Sri Lanka
Address- 40 York St, Colombo, Sri Lanka
009-THE OLD CEYLON COLONIAL PARLIAMENT BUILDING-It is located at the south west corner of Colombo Fort facing the sea. For 53 years it housed Sri Lanka's parliament. In 1983 the legislature was moved to the new Sri Lankan parliament building at Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte.
Location-Lotus Road.
Location-Lotus Road.
009-THE COLOMBO RED AND WHITE MOSQUE/RED MASJID-Colombo Jami Ul Alfar Muslim Mosque in Pettah is known as the Colombo red and white Mosque. Red and white contrasting bricks have been used to create a variety of patterns on the flat outside walls or on the columns. It is very near the Dutch Museum and the Hindu temples of 1st Cross Street and Sea Street.
Address- 228 2nd Cross Street, Colombo 01100, Sri Lanka.
Address- 228 2nd Cross Street, Colombo 01100, Sri Lanka.
010-SHOPPING-
i-Pettah Bazaar- A bazaar with definite Middle Eastern flair. The shops in Main Street of Pettah mostly sell readymade garments. Pettah is an area of Colombo in Sri Lanka just north of the Colombo Fort Railway Station.
ii-Laksala-Laksala is the only State owned Gift & Souvenir Boutique.Here you can get a wide range of souvenirs and gifts that highlight Sri Lankan arts and crafts under a state owned brand name.
Lasala Address-No. 215, Bauddhaloka Mawatha, Thummulla, Colombo 7
i-Pettah Bazaar- A bazaar with definite Middle Eastern flair. The shops in Main Street of Pettah mostly sell readymade garments. Pettah is an area of Colombo in Sri Lanka just north of the Colombo Fort Railway Station.
ii-Laksala-Laksala is the only State owned Gift & Souvenir Boutique.Here you can get a wide range of souvenirs and gifts that highlight Sri Lankan arts and crafts under a state owned brand name.
Lasala Address-No. 215, Bauddhaloka Mawatha, Thummulla, Colombo 7
011-GALLE BUCK LIGHTHOUSE AND CEREMONIAL GUN PLATFORM-The Colombo Fort Galle Buck (rocky bay) Lighthouse has a ceremonial role to play in modern Sri Lanka. The Sri Lankan Navy has positioned a Naval gun battery at the base of the light house. It is here that gun salutes are fired. One independence day a 25 gun salute is fired. That is on 4th February each year. There is a beautiful view of the Pacific Ocean from the gun platform.
Location: In close vicinity to the famous sea face of Colombo, the Galle Face Green.
Location: In close vicinity to the famous sea face of Colombo, the Galle Face Green.
012-BALLY’S CASINO- Bally’s Casino is one of the largest and oldest casinos in Colombo City. It’s located close to the center of the city in close proximity to many hotels and the Fort Railway Station. Bally’s has musical performances of a wide variety every day. They also strive to make their weekends special with a number of alluring dance performances and other such entertainment.
013-COLOMBO FORT MARINE DRIVE, CHAITYA ROAD-The main coastal road that runs along the western side of what was Colombo's old fort is called Chaitya Road. It is sometimes called Marine Drive. It is a long road that ends at the Sri Lankan Navy base. The road is lined by a number of old ships cannons mounted on the pavement pointing out to sea. Chaitya Road is the President of Sri Lanka's official residence called Queen's House. The first grand house at this location was built by the Dutch and called Government House. Even after the British had captured Colombo the last Dutch Governor of Sri Lanka, was allowed to continue to stay in the house.
014-GALLE FACE GREEN-Immediately south of Fort is Galle Face Green. Galle Face Green is a magnificent place to witness a marvellous sun set over Sri Lanka. It was originally cleared by the Dutch to give the cannons of Fort a clear line of fire. Galle face green is the largest open space and the most elegant promenade located in Colombo city. This elegant seaside promenade is a ribbon strip of land between Galle Road and Indian Ocean, stretching out to one-and-a-half kilometres. It was mainly used as a horse racing course and partly as a golf course over 100 years ago during the time of Sir Henry Ward, the British Governor of Ceylon in 1859.Surrounded by the famous colonial styled Galle Face Hotel, known as Asia's Emerald on the Green since 1864, Ceylon Intercontinental Hotel, the Taj Samudra, and the old parliament building, the green frequently hosts numerous international & local concerts and Kite Festival.
Galle Face Hotel- The magnificent Galle Face Hotel, an architectural marvel from the colonial era. The hotel was established in 1864 and it has given residence to many great royalties such as Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh and as memory the first car owned by him is placed in the hotel museum.
Galle Face Hotel- The magnificent Galle Face Hotel, an architectural marvel from the colonial era. The hotel was established in 1864 and it has given residence to many great royalties such as Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh and as memory the first car owned by him is placed in the hotel museum.
015-MOUNT LAVINIA BEACH-It is famous for its "Golden Mile" of beach and Mount Lavinia Hotel. The mount beach is a shallow beach. This is one of the loveliest beach areas close to and being a mere 8 miles from the heart of the city of Colombo.
016-PINNAWALA ELEPHANT ORPHANAGE (day tour from Colombo) - Pinnawala is the most popular and accessible place to see large numbers of these lovable animals in a natural habitat. The Pinnawala Elephant orphanage is situated 90 kms from Colombo towards Candy (74kms from the Colombo Airport), in the hill country surrounded by panoramic locations. The government opened it in 1975 since many more baby elephants than usual had become separated from their herds that year. Pinnawala Elephant sanctuary offers shelter to destitute, orphaned elephants and is home to about 100 elephant orphans. Most orphans are accustomed to their curious human visitors are harmless. This destination covering an area of 25 acres of lush jungle. In 1978 the orphanage was taken over by the National Zoological Gardens from the Department of Wildlife. A captive breeding program was launched in 1982. Since the inception of the program over 20 elephants have been bred here. Each animal is also given around 76 kg of green matter a day and around 2 kg from a food bag containing rice bran and maize.
The Orphanage is open from 8.30am to 5.45pm and visitors can interact a little with the elephants during the regulated bathing and feeding times. The best of all sightings is that of baby elephants being fed from giant feeding bottles which is indeed an interesting sight.
MILK FEEDING-Daily at : 9.15am – 9.45am / 01.15pm-01.45pm.
ELEPHANT BATHING AT RIVER-Daily at : 10.00am – 12.00pm / 2.00pm – 4.00pm
FRUIT FEEDING-Daily at : 09.00am – 09.45am / 12.00pm – 1.45pm
Admission-
Foreign visitor ticket prices-Adult LKR 3000.00
SAARC visitor ticket prices-Adult LKR 800.00
Location-Pinnawala (Pinnawela) Elephant Orphanage is located in the village Pinnawala in the district of Kegalle at a distance of 90km from Colombo.
Reaching Pinnawala- Pinnawala (Pinnawela) Elephant Orphanage can be reached via the A1 Colombo – Kandy main road. A turn off at the 82 km post at Kegalle leads you to the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage.
http://nationalzoo.gov.lk/elephantorphanage/
The Orphanage is open from 8.30am to 5.45pm and visitors can interact a little with the elephants during the regulated bathing and feeding times. The best of all sightings is that of baby elephants being fed from giant feeding bottles which is indeed an interesting sight.
MILK FEEDING-Daily at : 9.15am – 9.45am / 01.15pm-01.45pm.
ELEPHANT BATHING AT RIVER-Daily at : 10.00am – 12.00pm / 2.00pm – 4.00pm
FRUIT FEEDING-Daily at : 09.00am – 09.45am / 12.00pm – 1.45pm
Admission-
Foreign visitor ticket prices-Adult LKR 3000.00
SAARC visitor ticket prices-Adult LKR 800.00
Location-Pinnawala (Pinnawela) Elephant Orphanage is located in the village Pinnawala in the district of Kegalle at a distance of 90km from Colombo.
Reaching Pinnawala- Pinnawala (Pinnawela) Elephant Orphanage can be reached via the A1 Colombo – Kandy main road. A turn off at the 82 km post at Kegalle leads you to the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage.
http://nationalzoo.gov.lk/elephantorphanage/
COLOMBO CITY TOUR-
BY - https://www.viator.com/tours/Colombo/Colombo-City-Day-Tour/d4619-13348P3
Price-from $40.00 USD
Picked up from your hotel in Colombo at 9am and then proceed to Kalaniya Temple. Later, you will visit Gall Face Green and Gangarama Temple, one of the most important Buddhist temples in Sri Lanka. After the Gangarama Temple, you will visit the harbour and fort areas of Colombo and the Independence Square located just a few minutes away from the Old Parliament building. Next you will have lunch (your expense), and then it is time to go shopping. Being a country where the economy relies heavily on the garment industry, Sri Lanka is known for manufacturing high quality clothes at affordable prices. Before the tour ends, you will be taken back to you hotel.
Presented by-V P Gupta
BY - https://www.viator.com/tours/Colombo/Colombo-City-Day-Tour/d4619-13348P3
Price-from $40.00 USD
Picked up from your hotel in Colombo at 9am and then proceed to Kalaniya Temple. Later, you will visit Gall Face Green and Gangarama Temple, one of the most important Buddhist temples in Sri Lanka. After the Gangarama Temple, you will visit the harbour and fort areas of Colombo and the Independence Square located just a few minutes away from the Old Parliament building. Next you will have lunch (your expense), and then it is time to go shopping. Being a country where the economy relies heavily on the garment industry, Sri Lanka is known for manufacturing high quality clothes at affordable prices. Before the tour ends, you will be taken back to you hotel.
Presented by-V P Gupta