Tour of the Capital city of Sri Lanka- Colombo City Tour

Sri Lanka is a country with thousands of years of rich history. This country has a very important cultural and religious history. It is also a very beautiful country in terms of nature. People of this country prefer hospitality. Therefore, the capital of Sri Lanka is a destination that a tourist should definitely walk freely. We recommend that a trip to Colombo is very important to know the history, philanthropy, lifestyle of urban Sri Lankans, religious environment, etc. in this country.

See the History of Sri Lanka - Colombo Museum Tour

This is the first place we recommend visiting after you enter Colombo.  Located 5 km from Colombo Fort railway station, the Colombo National Museum, also known as the National Museum of Sri Lanka, is one of the two museums in the city of Colombo. It is the largest museum in Sri Lanka and is among the must-sees as part of Sri Lanka tour packages.

The Colombo Museum, as it was called at the beginning, was established in 1877 CE by Sir William Henry Gregory, the then Governor of British Ceylon from 1872-1877. The Royal Asiatic Society (CB) was instrumental in bringing to the notice of Gregory in 1872 the need for a public museum with much difficulty the approval of the legislative council was obtained within a year. Designed by James G. Smither, the construction was completed in 1876 and the museum was opened to the public in the following year. Now, it was maintained by the Department of National Museum of the central government.

Built-in the Italian architectural style, the two stroyed museum has three main sections, including natural science, cultural galleries, and a gift shop. Ground floor galleries are arranged in historical sequence, and upper galleries thematically.

The ground floor takes you through the ancient history of Sri Lanka, in successive galleries from prehistory to the periods of ancient cities like Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa, and Kandy. The main attraction here is the crown jewel and throne of the last King of Kandy, which was returned by the British to the Sri Lankan people. The top floor has 13 galleries displaying paintings, weapons section where one can see the influences of ancient Greek Kopis and Indonesian Pistol grip daggers, textiles, pottery, coins, banners, art & craft, agriculture, and mask displays.

An old burner that used hydraulic principles and Sri Lankans producing steel in the iron age will surely make you praise the technology in the era. A large stone Buddha greets visitors with an enigmatic smile in the lobby.

The extensive National Museum Library has been operational since 1877 and was started seven years earlier in 1870 under the name the Government Oriental Library. It has numerous local publications printed over the last 133 years along with many manuscripts in palm leaf written in different languages years ago on varied topics like astrology and folklore. At present, it is the biggest legal depository in the country.

Also, the National Museum is home to a huge collection connected to the natural history of the island. The whole collection is on display in a different building in the same premises, known to all as the National Museum of Natural History, Colombo. Established in 1986, it is the only museum in the country displaying different forms of nature. The special feature is that plants and Animal specimens which are endemic to Sri Lanka, rare and threatened with extinction are displayed in this museum. There is a large collection of specimens such as Mammals, Birds, Reptiles, Insects, Fish, Amphibians of various kinds of Plants and Geological Rocks. Leopard of Punani and the skull of Megacerus giganteus (elk) are the specimens that create curiosity among the visitors.

The National Museum is open seven days a week and is closed on public holidays. Can be viewed between 09 am and 05 pm.

A wonderful Buddhist temple in the capital city of Sri Lanka - Gangaramaya

At a distance of 1.5 km from the National Museum and 5 km from Colombo Fort Railway Station, Gangaramaya is an ancient Buddhist temple located in Colombo. Situated near Bere Lake, it is one of the oldest Buddhist temples in Colombo and among the most important places to visit as part of Sri Lanka Packages.

Gangaramaya Temple was started by the famous scholar-monk Hikkaduwa Sri Sumangala Nayaka Thera in the late 19th century CE. After the Venerable Sri Sumangala, Sri Jinaratana Nayake Thera took on the administration of the temple and convert the little temple to an institute of international . It is much more than a temple in the conventional term, but a place of worship, a site of learning and a cultural center.

The Gangaramaya Temple is a unique blend of architectural styles from Sri Lanka, Thailand, Chinese and India. It is exceptionally beautiful with the Bere Lake on one side and statues & carvings paving the way inside. It features a Vihara, the main temple, Cetiya (which is a pagoda), Seema Malaka which is the assembly hall for monks, the Vihara Mandiraya, and the relic chamber where all the relics are stored. The main sanctuary has a huge Buddha statue while the ceilings portray his stories. The exterior of the temple is boldly decorated in elaborate designs and golden adornments.

The temple's most distinguishing feature is its treasure-trove museum that holds numerous colorful Buddha statues in different positions like sitting, standing, sleeping and meditating, made of metals like bronze and gold. The temple museum proudly houses the smallest Buddha statue on the island, carefully encased in a glass box, which visitors can view with a magnifying class. It also houses buddha's hair, colossal ivory tusks, ancient manuscripts, old paintings and gifts from devotees like expensive cars, watches, ornaments, and artifacts.

Gangaramaya Buddhist Temple has a replica of Boro budur temple of Central Java, complete with Buddha figures and stupas. There is an old bodhi, which was first planted as a Bo sapling brought from Maha Bodhiya in Anuradhapura. Besides, one can also visit Seema Malakaya, another temple opposite to the Gangaramaya Temple on the calm waters of Beira Lake. It is a suitable place for meditation and observing some moments in peace. It is part of the Gangaramaya Temple and is connected to the mainland via pontoon bridges.

The main religious event held here is the Nevam Perahara procession held on the poya day (full moon) every February. Hundreds of monks take part in the procession in which sacred relics are carried in a casket on the back of a highly decorated elephant.

This is a Buddhist temple. Be careful to wear clothes that cover your body below the knees and clothes that cover the shoulders. Locals get in for free, but foreigners will be charged a small fee.

Kelaniya Buddhist Temple is the largest ancient Rajamaha Vihara closest to Colombo

At a distance of 10 km from Colombo Fort Railway Station, Kelaniya Raja Maha Vihara is a Buddhist temple in Kelaniya near Colombo. Also known as Kelaniya Temple, it is one of the popular places of pilgrimage in Colombo and among the best places to visit as part of Sri Lanka Tour.

The temple is located on the bank of river Kelaniya and is an ancient archeological monument that was built in the 5th century BCE. The temple has a special significance and is considered to be one of the most sacred sites in Colombo. Legend has it that on the eighth year following enlightenment, Lord Buddha visited Kelaniya with 500 monks on the invitation of King Maniakkhiktha to preach the dhamma. A stupa was built on the place where the Buddha preached his sermon.

The original temple was destroyed by a lot of invaders but the temple had been reconstructed each time. The medieval temple was destroyed by the Portuguese in 1510 yet reconstructed by King Kirthi Sri Rajasingha in the year 1769. Spread over an area of about 10 acres, the temple is divided into four major sections known as Ran Pilima Ge means the Golden Buddha Image House, 'Raja Pilima Ge', also called as the King's Image House,' Aluth Vihara Ge' or the New Temple House and Oth Pilima Ge' or the Reclined Buddha Image House. The new temple was initiated in 1927 and completed in 1946 under the patronage of philanthropist Mrs. Helena Wijewardene.

There are various paintings, sculptures, and statues from the ancient period while the main attraction is the stupa that is 90 feet high and looks astounding. Its stupa is believed to have enshrined a throne studded with gems, on which Buddha sat and preached. The temple is also famous for its Kandyan era paintings and modern paintings done by the native artist Solias Mendis which depict important events in the life of the Buddha, the major events of the history of Buddhism in Sri Lanka and various Jataka tales.

The temple is largely visited by Buddhists from all over the world, especially during the Duruthu Maha Perehera which is held at the temple's hollow Dagoba every year in January. A large number of people also pilgrimage on Poya day ( full moon day of the month ) and conduct several religious programs here.

Colombo Red Mosque, one of the 10 most beautiful mosques in the world

At a distance of 1 km from Colombo Fort Railway Station, Jami-ul-Alfar Mosque is a historic mosque located in the Pettah district of Colombo, Sri Lanka. The mosque is one of the oldest mosques in Colombo and among the prime places to visit in Colombo as part of Sri Lanka Packages.

Jami-ul-Alfar Mosque, also known as Rathu Palliya in Sinhala, Samman Kottu Palli in Tamil and Red Mosque in English, is quite a sight in itself and also a big tourist attraction. It was built by the local Indian Muslim community, based in Pettah, in the year 1908 to fulfill their required five-times-daily prayer and Jummah on Fridays. The construction was completed in 1909 and originally it had the capacity for 1,500 worshippers although at the time only around 500 were attending prayers. However, the numbers grew swiftly and in 1975 the Haji Omar Trust took control of the surrounding properties and began the work of expanding the mosque. A new four storied wing was built in 2007, allowing the mosque to increase its capacity to 10,000.

The mosque represents the beautiful Indo-Saracenic style of architecture with pomegranate shaped domes. The design and construction were done by Habibu Labbe Saibu Labbe an unknown architect of the time. It is a distinctive red and white candy-striped two-storey building, with a clock tower, and is reminiscent of the Jamek Mosque in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. This is one of the 10 most beautiful mosques in the world. It is said that many sailors in the early 20th century used it as a landmark to approach the port.

It is noteworthy that the mosque is only open to men, and female visitors can only appreciate the beauty of the Islamic building from outside. Dress appropriately as this is a place of muslim worship.

Take a breath of nature in the city of Colombo Viharamahadevi Nature Park

At a distance of 4 km from Colombo Fort Railway Station, Viharamahadevi Park is a public park located near the National Museum in the city of Colombo, Sri Lanka.

Situated in front of the colonial-era Town Hall building, it is the oldest and the biggest park in Colombo and among the must include places in Sri Lanka Tour Packages.

Formerly called Victoria Park, the park was built on land donated to the Colombo city by Charles Henry de Soysa during the British rule of Sri Lanka. The park has a long history of being used for different purposes like during World War II it hosted the British Army and the 17th Brigade of the Australian Army. It was also used as a cricket ground by the first-class teams from 1927 to 1995 and even hosted a match between the touring English team in the 1930s. After Sri Lanka's Independence, the park was given its current name, Viharamahadevi Park after the mother of King Dutugemunu.

Maintained by the Colombo Municipal Council, this public park has many different varieties of trees which look extremely beautiful when they bloom during the spring season. There are lots of places to visit here like the aquarium, mini zoo, children's play zone, war memorial, and many more. It also has an open-air stadium that holds many concerts and public events. The beauty of the park is highlighted with a huge Buddha statue, which is accompanied by many water fountains.

Independence Square & Memorial Hall

At a distance of 6 km from Colombo Fort Railway Station, Independence Square is a historical landmark located right in the heart of Cinnamon Gardens in Colombo, Sri Lanka. It is one of the popular places of heritage in Colombo and among the prime places to visit during your Sri Lanka Trip.

Earlier known as Torrington Square, Independence Square is a site of historical consequence, natural beauty, and architectural significance. It takes its name from the Independence Memorial Hall built there to commemorate the independence of Sri Lanka from British rule in 1948. The exact location is where Prince Henry, the Duke of Gloucester, opened Sri Lanka's first parliament on a special podium, bringing an end to almost five centuries of colonial rule and marking the beginning of Sri Lanka's self-rule.

This Hall is based on the architecture of the Audience Hall (Magul Maduwa) located in Kandy. The columns and pillars are decorated with traditional Sri Lankan designs and statues of lions are placed around the building. In front of the memorial hall is a statue of the founding Prime Minister of Sri Lanka, D S Senanayake. In its basement is the Independence Memorial Museum. This was recently renovated and displays many statues of the national heroes, who contributed to the fight for freedom from the British.

In addition to the memorial hall itself, there is also a huge sprawling green lawn outside with lovely walking paths, cycling tracks, and benches. Close to the Square is the Arcade, a modern shopping mall housed in former colonial government buildings brightened with a fountain, covered ponds, and more statues of lions. Nowadays, the Independence Memorial Hall is mostly popular as a recreational venue for joggers, strolling couples, students from the nearby university and families looking for a refreshing reprieve from the urban mess of Colombo. There are no specific entry timings and entry is free. But, one needs to pay for museum entry.

National Zoological Garden Of Srilanka Dehiwal Colombo

At a distance of 13 km from Colombo Fort Railway Station, National Zoological Gardens of Sri Lanka is a zoo park situated in Dehiwala, a suburb of Colombo. It is one of the oldest zoological gardens in Asia and among the must-visit Colombo Tourist Places.

Also called Colombo Zoo or Dehiwala Zoo, the National Zoological Gardens of Sri Lanka was initially started by Mr. John Hagenbeck in the late 1920s as a private collection in 11 acres. The zoo was closed at the beginning of World War II. Later, the park was officially taken over by the Government of Sri Lanka on 1st July 1936 and was established as an independent public department in 1946.

Stretches over an area of almost 30 acres, the park is home to over 2,500 to 3,000 animals including 79 species of mammals, 31 species of reptiles and 89 species of birds. One can see lions, tigers, panthers, chimpanzees, horses, zebras, crocodiles, and many other animals. The aquarium in the zoo is the only one of its kind in Asia and displays over 500 varieties of aquatic life. Visitors will witness rare and fascinating species such as Arapaima - the largest freshwater fish in the world, Lung Fish- a fish that has real 'lungs' as of human beings, Polypterus - a living fossil, large catfishes, performing sea lions and penguins from the different parts of the world. The zoo also has a Walkthrough Aviary, Reptilian, and Butterfly Park. Along with the amazing variety of flora, it is also popular for its lush green landscaped gardens and dense tree cover.

One of the main highlights of the National Zoological Garden is the elephant show, which usually takes place by 5:15 PM. In which, the elephants are seen performing many tricks and antics like standing up on their hind legs or hopping on their foot. Recently, the zoo also opens up at night on weekends to allow visitors to observe nocturnal activities of the various animals. This thrilling and unique experience makes for a great family visit and is quite popular amongst locals also. During the night safari, one can also see the Sea Lion Performance which takes place by the sea lion pool around 7:45 PM.

There are many other places you can walk in Colombo. We will take you to gem museums, ancient buildings, street food places, urban beaches and more. For foreigners, there are many places you have not seen in the city of Colombo, where the people are very friendly. Blue Elephant we are waiting for you