Colombo
In the 16th century, Portuguese christened the capital of Sri Lanka as ‘Colombo’. It has been inspired from Singhalese noun ‘Kolon thota’ which translates as "haven on the river Kelani". As the name suggests, this tropical city affirms to be the most thriving sea port since ages and proves to be a boon for seafarers across the world. Colombo extensively provides marine trading routes to the east and west of the world. This commercial capital is attracting eminent traders from the world for its prosperous pearls, precious stones, elegant elephants, pleasing peacocks, and aromatic spices.
It is a multi cultural city which offers amazingly surprising attractions to lure the tourists around the world. Some of the don’t- forget-to miss places are:
Kelaniya Raja Maha Vihara: This enigmatic place has the pious presence of the great Buddha. Buddha visited the place thrice before he hold the sight of this elegant site and made it a part of their shrines. It is not just a grand temple but it holds a strong historic and striking past. It has been said that the Indian invaders destroyed its origins. After which, in 16th century, the Portuguese restored the site. Later in the century it was again destroyed. Finally in the 18th century the Dutch restored it.
St Anthony s Church, Kochikade Colombo: The shrine is an elegant and intricate piece of art in the most spectacular form. The place holds a strong history behind its emergence which is best understood when one explores the site in person. This church seems at its best on every Tuesday as it is the day when one can experience an amalgamation of different people from diverse regions coming together to pray, sing and seek blessings of the almighty.
The National Museum of Colombo: It’s the most enigmatic museum of this tropical island which stands untouched since 1877. This is the largest museum of the nation which came into existence because of the British Governor Sir William Gregory. It holds the island’s spectacular past and showcases the best of what Sri Lanka comprises within its boundaries. The museum is available for the public from 09 am - 5.00 pm at every week Monday to Friday.
Mount Lavinia: This elegant piece of land in Colombo has an extensive stretch of "Golden Mile" which affirms to be the most alluring attraction of the city. The beach with a golden stretch amazes the onlookers with its enchanting scenarios. Sun bathe or sea bathe yourself in this amazing beach with a perfect backdrop of Mount Lavinia Hotel.
How to reach Colombo: The city is well connected to different regions by the bus routes and train routes. Apart from buses and trains autorikshaws and cabs are widely available for intra-city transportation. Bandaranaike International Airport is well connected to other parts of the world where tourists seek to explore this city. The airport is around 2km east of the Colombo–Negombo Road and proves to be the best way to travel long routes.
Best time to visit Colombo: August is the most appropriate time to explore this city as a major change in the weather is visible during the inter monsoon season i.e April to July and October to January. Therefore, avoid travelling to this city in the above mentioned months in order to save yourself from the rainfall.