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Colombo is the commercial capital and largest city of Sri Lanka. According to the Brookings Institution, Colombo metropolitan area has a population of 5.6 million, and 752,993 in the city proper. It is the financial centre of the island and a popular tourist destination. It is located on the west coast of the island and 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 Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte is within the urban area of, and a suburb of, Colombo. It is also the administrative capital of the Western Province and the district capital of Colombo District. Colombo is a busy and vibrant place with a mixture of modern life and colonial buildings and ruins. It was the legislative capital of Sri Lanka until 1982Due to its large harbour and its strategic position along the East-West sea trade routes, Colombo was known to ancient traders 2,000 years ago. It was made the capital of the island when Sri Lanka was ceded to the British Empire in 1815, and its status as capital was retained when the nation became independent in 1948. In 1978, when administrative functions were moved to Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte, Colombo was designated as the commercial capital of Sri Lanka..

Climate

Colombo features a tropical monsoon climate under the Köppen climate classification, falling just short of a tropical rainforest climate. Colombo's climate is fairly temperate all throughout the year. From March to April the average high temperature is around 31 °C (87.8 °F). The only major change in the Colombo weather occurs during the monsoon seasons from May to August and October to January. This is the time of year where heavy rains can be expected. Colombo sees little relative diurnal range of temperature, although this is more marked in the drier winter months, where minimum temperatures average 22 °C (71.6 °F). Rainfall in the city averages around 2,500 millimetres (98 in) a year.

History

In 1815 Colombo was proclaimed the capital of Ceylon. During the 1870s the breakwaters were built and Fort was created by flooding surrounding wetlands. Colombo was peacefully handed over when Sri Lanka achieved independence in 1948.

Places to visits

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  Gangaramaya Temple

  Popular Buddhist temple with an interesting blend of different architectures and cultures.

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  The Gangaramaya Temple is a very famous tourist attraction of Colombo. It was built first in the 19th century, and is a unique blend of blend of architectural styles from Sri Lanka, Thailand, Chinese and also Indian. These are seen in the features like the Vihara, which is the main temple, Cetiya which is a pagada, the Bodhitree, the Seema Malaka which is the assembly hall for monks, the Vihara Mandiraya, and the relic chamber where all the relics are stored. Today, the temple is one of Colombo's most famous places for Buddhist learning, and Buddhist worship, and factitively takes part in social welfare.

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  Museum of Colombo

  A museum taking you through the history of the country with it's collections on arts and humanities, natural sciences and documents.

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  The National Museum of Colombo is the largest museum in the country. Established back in 1877, the museum holds collections of utmost importance to Sri Lankan history and culture. The objects on display are very diverse. These include the crown jewels of the last King of Kandy, along with the throne. Regalia aside, regional archaeology, literature and other arts, along with collections of zoology, botany, geology and such natural sciences are included in the museum. Statues, inscriptions, and age old documents relating to the history of the country are showcased as well.

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  Kelaniya Raja Maha Vihara

  A Buddhist temple which is believed to have been visited by the Buddha on his third visit to the country, back in 500 BCE.

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  Located about 7 kilometres from Colombo, this historical temple is believed to have been hallowed during Buddha's visit. The temple, as you'd expect is grand. It's stupa is believed to have enshrined a throne, studded with gems, on which the Buddha sat and preached. It houses many paintings and sculptures, depicting various events from the life of the Buddha and also the Jataka tales. Much of the temple was destroyed during the Portuguese occupation of Colombo, but subsequently restored when the Dutch came. Every year in January, the Duruthu Maha Perehera is held at the temple, at the dagoba.

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  Galle Face Green

  A beautiful park, stretching half a kilometre along the coast of Colombo's business district.

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  This picturesque 5 hectare park was laid out by Sir Henry George Ward in 1859. It actually used to be quite bigger back then and was actually used for many different sports, like golf, cricket, horse riding and rugby. Today this beautiful promenade serves as a favourite picnic spot for couples and a fun day out for the kids and family. During the weekends, it becomes a hotspot for people looking to kick back after a tiring week, or just have a good time next to the sea.

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  Zoological Garden

  This sprawling zoological park in Dehiwala is home to more than 300 species of animals, and is a popular destination for locals and tourists alike.

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  The Colombo Zoo, as it is simply called, has been made to display a scenic landscape, with small forests, groves of trees, blooming flowers and water fountains. The zoo covers all sorts of animal life, including mammals, birds, fish, reptiles, amphibians, butterflies and marine amphibiates. They even entertain their visitors, with shows like the performances by elephants and sea lions. Other interactive activities include elephant and pony rides, and also an educational programme on chimpanzees. The zoo also has in it's basic principles the conservation of animals and their habitat and their right to be treated with care, and as such goes to great lengths to create habitats as natural to them as possible.

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  Beira Lake

  A great lake right at the heart of the city. It is a popular place to relax and a hotspot for couples!

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  The Beira Lake might not be the cleanest lake in the world, but it still serves as a popular attraction in the city of Colombo. You can spend your day out simply walking along the lake, which is a calming activity thanks to the cool breeze blowing around it. Or, take a boat ride! This is a favourite activity at the lake- taking a ride, peddling around in the swan boats. In the centre of the lake is a beautiful island, accessed by a suspended bridge. The island is a favourite place for couples looking for a romantic stroll, or some privacy in an ideal open setting. It's full of colourful flowers and lush lawns, make it a couples' favourite. Also on the lake is a Buddha temple, complete with prayer rooms, a library called the 'Treasury of Truth', a stupa and a Bodhi tree. It is surrounded by sculptures of the Buddha meditating, and the entire temple is impeccably maintained to welcome the many guests that visit every day.

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  Viharamahadevi Park

  This gorgeous park, located right next to the National Museum, is Colombo's biggest and oldest park.

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  The park is named so after the mother of King Dutugamunu. It was named Victoria Park during the colonial rule. Today, it serves as one of Colombo's most quaint locations. The garden is lined with flowering trees, a plethora of water fountains, and even a huge Buddha statue. Not just that, it also has a mini zoo, and a play area specially made for the children. It's benches are often occupied by loving couples, and it's gardens by families on picnics. What's more is that it even has an open air stadium, used for several events and concerts throughout the year.

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  Dutch Museum

  This historic two story museum displays objects and artefacts relating to the Dutch colonial rule.

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  Though the museum was established as late as 1982, the building was actually built back in the 1690s by Thomas van Rhee, who was then Governor, as his residence. It has had several uses since then, including being used as a hospital, a learning centre, an orphanage, residence of a British Count, a Police academy, and even a post office. So you can well imagine the extremely diverse activities that have taken place inside the walls of this structure. The building was restored after a wall fell, and opened in 1982 as a museum housing artefacts of the Dutch rule such as furniture, coins, ceramics, weapons and depicting many features of Dutch culture.

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  St.Lucia's Cathedral

  The seat of the Archbishop of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Colombo, this cathedral is one of Sri Lanka's finest, largest and oldest cathedrals.

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  This stunning cathedral was built with features from the Renaissance and Baroque styles, with massive white columns and statues that will take you to Europe, all in white. Inside too, it has imposing features and is maintained with utmost care. It has all the features of a stunning cathedral - huge statues, wooden carvings, intricate stained glass windows, and interestingly four massive bells, the largest 'Anthony Thomas' weighing around 2 tons. The cathedral is regularly used for service, and the sound of the choir resonating inside the structure is awe-inspiring.

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  Maritime Museum

  Housed in a 17th century Dutch prison, the Colombo Maritime Museum takes you through the coastal life of Sri Lanka.

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  Though it is not the most fanciest museum you'll ever visit, it will give you a perspective of the maritime history of Sri Lanka like no other place in Colombo. The museum was established in 2003, with exhibits showcasing the lives of the coastal fishermen and their tools, and also a model of a deep sea diver along with the accessories and tools of the field. The museum is not very big in size, and should not take you very long to visit.