Colombo, the capital of Sri Lanka, is the gateway to Sri Lanka. Having served as the Sri Lankan capital for a long time, the place has number of historically important places. Nature has showered scenic beauty on the place and with the modern times new means of entertainment have come in Colombo. All these combined Columbo makes a good place for passing your vacations. So pack your bags for the commercial and political heart of Sri Lanka is waiting for you. Tourist Attractions
Colombo has plethora of tourist attractions, both historical and modern. Colombo has been the Lankan capital for centuries and its has several places of interest associated with many rulers, both native and European. One of these is Fort area which was a seemingly impregnable structure in colonial times. However now only a clock tower and some colonial-era structures are left.
Other places of tourist interest in Colombo are:
Gangaramaya Temple: It is a prominent place of Buddhist worship. Traditionally it has also been a centre of learning. The temple has the features of a Vihara (temple), Cetiya (Pagada), Bodhitree, Vihara Mandiraya, Simamalaka and Relic Chamber. The temple premises also have a museum and a library.
Mount Lavinia: Mount Lavinia, located along the southern coastline, has always been loved by the sailors, tourists and the inhabitants of Colombo alike. It is considered to be one of the loveliest beach areas close to any big town in the world. It is just few miles away from the heart of Columbo. Colombo has plethora of tourist attractions, both historical and modern. Colombo has been the Lankan capital for centuries and its has several places of interest associated with many rulers, both native and European. One of these is Fort area which was a seemingly impregnable structure in colonial times. However now only a clock tower and some colonial-era structures are left.
Other places of tourist interest in Colombo are:
Gangaramaya Temple: It is a prominent place of Buddhist worship. Traditionally it has also been a centre of learning. The temple has the features of a Vihara (temple), Cetiya (Pagada), Bodhitree, Vihara Mandiraya, Simamalaka and Relic Chamber. The temple premises also have a museum and a library.
Wolvendaal Church: It is first church made by the Dutch, still in use. Tiles of the floor are made from tombstones from the Dutch church in the Fort. These were brought here in 1813.
Dutch Period Museum: It is an intriguing reminder of colonial times. In past it has served as town hall, a hospital, an orphanage, a police station, a post office, and a residence.
National Museum: It is the biggest museum in Sri Lanka. It has intriguing collection of antique porcelain, manuscripts, royal regalia, antique furniture, masks and other pieces.
Viharamadevi Park: Located close to National Museum, this is the largest park in Colombo. It is renowned for its flowering trees, water channels and fountains.
Kelaniya Raja Maha Vihara: This is an important Buddhist place of worship. Legend holds that Buddha preached 2000 years ago. It holds an excellent carving of a reclining Buddha. Annual perahera (religious procession) is taken out in January.
Dehiwala Zoo: Located 10km from Fort, Dehiwal Zoo or the Zoological Garden has good collection of beasts and birds. It has also got a nice impressive aviary and aquarium. Young members of families like it very much.
Excursions
Pinnawala Elephant OrphanageLocated 90km off Colombo on the road to Kandy in the hill country, Pinnewela Elephant Orphanage is home of a herd of about 60 elephants. This is a popular attraction, set up as a sanctuary covering 25 acres of lush jungle by the Sri Lankan Government in 1975. Motive behind its establishment is to nurture young elephants lost or abandoned by their groups. Baby elephants getting fed from giant feeding bottles is an interesting sight. Pachyderms are taken for their daily bath at noon.
Getting Around
The town has considerably good network of public transport. Buses and trains connect the city to the suburbs. Train fares are slightly lower than the bus. However getting a bus is much easier than to catch a train.
Apart from buses and trains, taxis and three-wheelers also can be hired. But you have to shell out more money for these. Before you start the trip it would be better to negotiate the hiring amount.
Dining
Colombo has plenty of places to eat, including all eating options from roadside stalls to sleek upmarket specialty restaurants. Luxury hotels in Colombo have good value-for-money buffets and coffee shops. All type of cuisine can be eaten in the spcciality restaurants of these hotels including indigenous, Indian, Italian, Chinese, French, Thai and American. Long array of stand-alone restaurants dot Colombo, serving good western food, Chinese dishes, and of course, the popular curry-and-rice Sri Lankan cuisine. Even if you are on a budget travel you would have plenty of options. If you are willing to sit out in the open on a wooden bench you would have wonderful experience of dining. In Galle several food stalls sell cheap yet delicious food.
Entertainment
You can pass your nights around the discos, casinos and nightclubs in hotels and other establishments. High-end hotels have regular cultural shows featuring traditional artistes. Several events are organised concerts by well-known groups or other entertainers. You can choose between theatre (Sinhala language) or movies (Sinhala, English or Indian). You can entertain yourself in lot of ways.
Shopping
Don't visit to Colombo for mall style shopping. Colombo offers wide range of handicrafts and other items on sale. Government-run 'Laksala' emporium is one of the best places to buy handicrafts like batik, lacquerware, handloom cloth, painted wooden masks etc. In addition, there are the Handloom Emporium, the Sri Lanka Handloom Emporium and the Sri Lanka Gem & Jewellery Exchange. Daily use chores -including some excellent spices, teas and fruit flavoured teas, spices, ceramics and clothing can be purchased at Liberty Plaza, Colombo's main shopping district. One can purchase plenty of imported goods in Colombo for it is a free trade zone.
How do I get there?
Colombo has Sri Lanka's only international airport Kattunayake. Almost all international tourists to Sri Lanka come via Colombo. From the airport, regular buses are available to Colombo city (every 15 to 30 minutes, not in night). The buses would carry you to one of the main stations of Colombo. For picking a cab, try the'fixed-price' ticket system taxi counter at the airport. That way you would not have to do bargaining.
Distance of Various Cities
| Kandy | 3 Km |
| Anuradhapura | 4 Km |
| Dambulla | 3 Km |
| Polonnaruva | 4 Km |
| Sigiriya | 4 Km |
Tourist Offices
Most important tourist office in Colombo is the Sri Lanka Tourist Board, the SLTB located at 78, Stuart Place. Tourist Police have an office near the main Post Office in the Fort to assist tourists in distress. Railway Tourist Office at the Fort Station also helps out the tourists.
When to Visit Colombo enjoys fairly temperate climate throughout the year. The weather has no extreme variations here. However it is better to avoid monsoons while visiting Sri Lanka. Rainy seasons fall in May-August or October-January.
Accommodation
Colombo has no dearth of places when it comes to accommodation. The town has string of hotels, inns, resorts and guest houses. A person with any budget can enjoy happily Colombo. Leading hotel chains have huge, glistening properties offering ultimate luxury accomodation. They would also provide wonderful beach fronts. Middle-end accommodation cater to more modest budgets. Smaller hotels offer comfortable accommodation with affordable rates.
What to Carry/Wear
Lightweight summer wear is the preferred form of clothig here. Women are expected to be decently dressed. Scanitly clad ladies would not be welcome in Sri Lankan society. If you are planning trekking or going up the hills carry few warm clothes for the evenings can be chilled here. During the monsoons you should never forget to take an umbrella or a raincoat. Medicines are readily available. However if you are suffering from any uncommon illness it would be better to bring your own supplies.
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Anuradhapura
Anuradhapura, most sacred town of Sri Lanka, can be termed the birthplace of Sinhala civilisation. It was the capital of Sri Lanka continuously from the 5th century BC to AD 1017. When many parts of the world were emerging from the stone age, Anuradhapura had already become an advanced civilisation. Merchants of the city traded all round the world, people had sophisticated systems of man-made lakes and canals and structure of the town was well-planned. The place has been marked by Ptolemy in his first ever map. Famous monk travellers Fa Hien and Buddha Ghosha of the 5th century have also mentioned Anuradhapura in their relics, testifying on its glory.Anuradhapura is one of the cities in the 'Cultural Cities' of Sri Lanka.
Places of Interest
Aukana Buddha
The colossal ido, 13 meter high, is carved out of solid granite. Harking back to the 5th century, to the reign of King Dathusena, it is an impressive relic from that age. The statue is known for its architectural accuracy. However, the brick enclosure around it has been built recently.
Thuparama Guard Stone
Considered to be the oldest dagoba in Sri Lanka, Thuparama Temple is believed to enshrine the collar bone relic of Lord Buddha. Similar Guard Stones are generally found in pairs at the entrance to temples, palaces and other venerated sites.
Isurumuniya Temple
Ruwanveli Saya
Among the stupas of Anuradhapura, Ruwanveli Seya is the most popular among the adherents of Buddhism. It had been once the the pride of the Great Emperor Dutugamunu. Erected in the 2nd century B.C. this dagoba is supposed to once have the perfect water bubble shape. Larger-than-life man idol is the most famous among the idols of Anuradhapura.
Mihintale
Temple of Mihintale holds considerable importance in the history of Sri Lanka. This is where Thero Mahinda, the son of Great Indian Emperor Ashoka introduced Buddhiism to the ruler of Sri Lanka Thissa. Theri Sangamitra, daughter of Ashoka, carried a off shoot of the holy Bo tree under whose shade Buddha had attained nirvana. The tree was planted in Anuradhapura.
Jethwana Monastery
Mahinda Thera who introduced Buddhism to Sri Lanka had been cremated at the place where the monastery complex stands today. Built by King Mahasena (276-303AD) the stupa at 120m high was the third tallest monument in the world at the time when Roman Empire disintegrated.
Abhayagiri Monastery
Abhayagiri is the largest monastery complex here. Built in the in the second century BC by King Valagamba it evolved as an institution of world fame by the first century AD. Buildings as well as a Buddhist temple are located in the monastery. The stupa is 108 metres tall. Once it was among the tallest brick structures in the world. Most acclaimed Buddhist sculpture is the Samadhi Idol, built in 3rd century AD.
Ritigala
This is another ancient Buddhist monastery at the foothill of 600m high Ritigala Rock. It is known for elegantly paved footpath, several elevated platforms, ruins of an old hospital and remains of a terraced pond.
Museum
Assemblage in the Folk Museums gives us the illustrations of the rural life in the province and how it has been developing from hundreds of years. Archaeological Museum, located near it, displays the excavations attained from Abhayagiri temple explorations.
Eight Places of Veneration Sri Maha Bodhi
An offshoot of the historical Bodhi tree under which Buddha became enlightened was planted in Anuradhapura in 288 BC. It is the oldest living human-planted tree in the world.
Abhayagiri Dagaba
This is one of the most sacred Buddhist pilgrimage towns and extensive ruins in the world.
Ruwanvelisaya
Ruwanwelisaya Stupa is considered a marvel for its architectural qualities.
Thuparamaya
Collarbone of Buddha is enshrined in the chetiya of Thuparamaya. It is the first dagaba built in Sri Lanka.
Lovamahapaya
Also known as Brazen Palace Lovamahapaya is a complex which was once a structure of its own class.
Jetavanaramaya
This is the largest stupa in Sri Lanka. It was the third largest structure in the ancient world.
Mirisaveti Stupa
It was built by King Dutugamunu after defeating King Elara. A legend associates it with the relics of Lord Buddha.
Lankarama
This is a stupa constructed by King Valagamba in an ancient place.
As a Great City
At its zenith Anuradhapura ranked beside Nineveh and Babylon in its colossal proportions. The town enclosed the area of 663 sq km. Glory of its shrines and public edifices was known all over the world. The town boasted one of the best and complex irrigations in the ancient world. The town hosts few very important structures associated with Buddhism.
Decline of the City
Continuous invasions by the dyansties of South India forced the inhabitants of Anurandhapura to abandon the city. Chola invasion in 1017 hit the economy hard. They also caused huge harm to the irrigation system of the city. The city fell into decay for nearly a thousand years. The town got some of its sheen back in 19th century.
In Hindu Mythology
Legend holds that Anuradhapura had been the capital of demon king Ravana of Hindu epic Ramayana. Before the epic battle, the town was burnt down by Rama's legendary devotee Hanuman.
Brief HistoryThe town originated as a settlement in the 6th century BC. King Pandukabhaya (437-367BC) made it his capitalk and christened it after the constellation 'Anuradha'. He also commenced the great irrigation works on which the town depended for its survival.
Distance from Major Towns
| Colombo | 206 Km |
| Kandy | 138 Km |
| Dambulla | 66 Km |
| Sigiriya | 80 Km |
How to Reach
Various modes of transport can be availed to reach Anuradhapura. One can take private car, luxurry coach, train, inter-island airplane (infrequent) and public bus transportation. Bus is the cheapest mode to travel to Anuradhapura.
From Colombo
Proceed on the route to Warakapola, and then north to Dambulla. Now take route A9 north till Galkulama and from the junction, move along route A13 to Anuradhapura.
From Kurunegala
Move on route A10 till you reach Padeniya. Turn right on highway A28. It would lead you to Anuradhapura.
From Kandy
Route A9 north would take you to Galkulama junction. Anuradhapura is not far from here.
Activities
Other than sightseeing you can indulge in various other activities. Large lakes were built in ancient days and strolling alongside these lakes is refreshing activity here. Youcan also cycle or hike amidst the impressive dry woods. Birdwatching is also a favoured activity here.
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Dambulla
Dambulla is best known for its wonderful cave temple complex dating back to 2nd century BC. Preserved diligently by Sri Lanka, Dambulla caves have been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. The cave complex is a conglomeration of five caves holding magnificent statues and elegant scriptures. Famous Iron Wood Forest and Rose Quartz Mountains add to the glory of Dambulla. -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cave Complex
Best preserved cave temple complex in Sri Lanka has highlighted Dambulla on the world tourist map. The rock inside which the temples are carved out towers 160m over the neighboring plains. The complex holds more than 80 documented caves. This is an impressive complex of 5 cave image houses containing more than 150 Buddha and other idols. Elegantly painted walls and ceilings add to impact of the place. The cave complex has the total of 153 Buddha idols, 3 statues of Sri Lankan monarchs and 4 idols of deities. The five caves have been built at the base of a 150 m high rock. The largest cave is 23m from its entrance to back and at the highest point it is 7m tall.
First Cave
First cave is locally called Devraja Lena or 'Cave of the Divine King'. The cave has towering presence of 14-meter Buddha statue, hewn out of rock.
Second Cave
Second cave, also the largest, is called Maharaja Lena or 'Cave of the Great Kings', for it hosts largest statues of King Vattagamani and King Nissanka Mala. The former monarch honored the monastery in 1st century BC while the latter gilded 50 statues in the 12th century.
Third Cave
Third cave is Maha Alut Vihara or 'Great New Monastery'. During the rule of King Kirti Sri Rajasinha (1747-1782), the famous Buddhist revivalist, acquired Kandy style ceiling and wall paintings.
Fourth and Fifth Caves
Fourth and fifth caves are not as big in size and lack in quality.
History
Dambulla cave complex harks back to 3rd and 2nd centuries BC. Even before the making of the complex it was well established as one of the largest monasteries in Sri Lanka. Credit of converting the caves into a temple in the 1st century BC goes to King Valagambahu. Forced to flee from Capital Anuradhapura by South indian invaders, he sought refuge. After capturing his capital again, he built a temple in the site of his refuge as his gratitude. The site was added to by several kings later. In the course of several centuries, the caves became a major religious centre.
Bird Watching
Dambulla is also known for bird watching. It hosts Iron Wood Forest and Rose Quartz Mountain.
Forest and the Mountain
Iron Wood Forest (Namal Uyana) and Rose Quarts Mountain are other attractions of Dambulla. Iron Wood Forest is considered the oldest garden in Sri Lanka. King Dappula declared the site a human sanctuary in 10th century AD. Hundreds of variety of plants were planted here. Rose Quartz mountain range, more than 500 million years old, are geologically important. The site has quartz deposits of white, rose and violet color.
Distance From Various Places
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Galle is located in southern coastline of Sri Lanka, 116km off the capital Colombo. Most prominent among the attractions of Galle is UNESCO designated World Heritage Site the Dutch Fort. Number of colonial buildings would give you sense as if you are in Dutchland. You can enjoy a nice evening on the beautiful beach of Unawatuna. Best time to visit Galle is from October through April
Cave Complex
Best preserved cave temple complex in Sri Lanka has highlighted Dambulla on the world tourist map. The rock inside which the temples are carved out towers 160m over the neighboring plains. The complex holds more than 80 documented caves. This is an impressive complex of 5 cave image houses containing more than 150 Buddha and other idols. Elegantly painted walls and ceilings add to impact of the place. The cave complex has the total of 153 Buddha idols, 3 statues of Sri Lankan monarchs and 4 idols of deities. The five caves have been built at the base of a 150 m high rock. The largest cave is 23m from its entrance to back and at the highest point it is 7m tall.
First Cave
First cave is locally called Devraja Lena or 'Cave of the Divine King'. The cave has towering presence of 14-meter Buddha statue, hewn out of rock.
Second Cave
Third Cave
Third cave is Maha Alut Vihara or 'Great New Monastery'. During the rule of King Kirti Sri Rajasinha (1747-1782), the famous Buddhist revivalist, acquired Kandy style ceiling and wall paintings.
Fourth and Fifth Caves
Fourth and fifth caves are not as big in size and lack in quality.
History
Dambulla cave complex harks back to 3rd and 2nd centuries BC. Even before the making of the complex it was well established as one of the largest monasteries in Sri Lanka. Credit of converting the caves into a temple in the 1st century BC goes to King Valagambahu. Forced to flee from Capital Anuradhapura by South indian invaders, he sought refuge. After capturing his capital again, he built a temple in the site of his refuge as his gratitude. The site was added to by several kings later. In the course of several centuries, the caves became a major religious centre.
Bird WatchingDambulla is also known for bird watching. It hosts Iron Wood Forest and Rose Quartz Mountain.
Forest and the Mountain
Iron Wood Forest (Namal Uyana) and Rose Quarts Mountain are other attractions of Dambulla. Iron Wood Forest is considered the oldest garden in Sri Lanka. King Dappula declared the site a human sanctuary in 10th century AD. Hundreds of variety of plants were planted here. Rose Quartz mountain range, more than 500 million years old, are geologically important. The site has quartz deposits of white, rose and violet color.
Distance From Various Places
| Colombo | 148 Km |
| Kandy | 72 Km |
| Anuradhapura | 66 Km |
| Sigiriya | 12 Km |
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Galle
Galle is located in southern coastline of Sri Lanka, 116km off the capital Colombo. Most prominent among the attractions of Galle is UNESCO designated World Heritage Site the Dutch Fort. Number of colonial buildings would give you sense as if you are in Dutchland. You can enjoy a nice evening on the beautiful beach of Unawatuna. Best time to visit Galle is from October through AprilDutch Fort
Portuguese made this fort to shield themselves from attacks of the Sri Lankan natives. However the Dutch captured this fort after they subjugated the Portuguese. They then improved the defence system of the fort, deepening and widening the moat, and strengthening the ramparts. The British who followed the Dutch left the Fort intact.for they shifted themselves to Colombo. The Dutch atmosphere in the fort still prevails.
The Churches
Groote Klerk, the oldest Protestant church in Sri Lanka, was built in Galle. The 'new' Dutch Church was constructed on Church Street in 1754. Several hatchments and engraved tombstones here were transferred from the old church. Old Dutch graveyard is located at the entrance to the market.
Ahangama / Midigama
The area is known for its unique method of silt fishing. It offers a very beautiful scenery which becomes extra beautiful during sunset. This is a popular surfing place.
Old Mansions
Dating from British times, those of these which still stand are a reminder of British mercantile prosperity. The best preserved of them, the Closenberg, with the P&O sunburst on its roof supports was the residence of the P&O agent Captain Bailey. Also worth visiting is the mansion on Leyn Baan Street in- side which is a museum. No fee is charged. The superbly sited Arm stage, on its last legs now, once inspired poetic hymns by Bishop Heber. The 300 year old New Orient Hotel on Church Road as the oldest hotel in Sri Lanka deserves a look for its ambience and antique furniture.
Koggala
A well-known local writer Martin Wikramasinghe was born here. Museum of Folk, Art & Culture is built in his honour at his old residence. The museum displays intriguing local folk items. Attires of folk dancers, sports items, household items and furniture and vast arena of the folk life of the early 20th century are also displayed. Koggala Lake is a popular destination for picnics and bird watching.
Excursions
Located 5 kms off the main town, Unawatuna Beach is pretty good place to pass some productive time.
How to Reach
Air: Land at Bhandarnaike Airport of Colombo. Then take a bux or taxi for Galle.
Sea: Galle is an international sea port with passenger vessels ferrying to and from various important ports across the world.
Moving Around
A good network of road and rail services links Galle to other parts of Sri Lanka. For visiting various places within Galle one can rely on taxis and cabs.
Accommodation
You need not worry accommodation services in Galle. Various types of accommodation catering to all kinds of budgets are located in Galle. Hotels, inns, guest houses, resorts, all kinds of accommodation are available in Galle.
Shopping
Lace making is a popular handicraft here. Brussels and the more contemporary Honiton type lace is available. This type of lace is handmade on pillows. Another popular local craft is gem polishing. Several jewellers shops are located here. Carved pieces of ebony are another option if lace and jewelery don't fascinate you. Without having a souvenir a visit to Galle is incomplete.
History
Before 1587 Sinhala monarchs ruled Galle. However the town was annexed by the Portuguese. They built the first fort here. Their capture of Point de GalIe was relatively short as it was won from them only 53 years later by the Dutch. During the battle between the two, Portuguese women and children had taken refuge in an underground vault. However all of them perished before one of the armies reached there because of congestion and lack of food and water. The victorious Dutch were later overrun by the British. Galle acquired independence in 1948.
Portuguese made this fort to shield themselves from attacks of the Sri Lankan natives. However the Dutch captured this fort after they subjugated the Portuguese. They then improved the defence system of the fort, deepening and widening the moat, and strengthening the ramparts. The British who followed the Dutch left the Fort intact.for they shifted themselves to Colombo. The Dutch atmosphere in the fort still prevails.
The Churches
Groote Klerk, the oldest Protestant church in Sri Lanka, was built in Galle. The 'new' Dutch Church was constructed on Church Street in 1754. Several hatchments and engraved tombstones here were transferred from the old church. Old Dutch graveyard is located at the entrance to the market.
Ahangama / Midigama
The area is known for its unique method of silt fishing. It offers a very beautiful scenery which becomes extra beautiful during sunset. This is a popular surfing place.
Old Mansions
Koggala
A well-known local writer Martin Wikramasinghe was born here. Museum of Folk, Art & Culture is built in his honour at his old residence. The museum displays intriguing local folk items. Attires of folk dancers, sports items, household items and furniture and vast arena of the folk life of the early 20th century are also displayed. Koggala Lake is a popular destination for picnics and bird watching.
Excursions
Located 5 kms off the main town, Unawatuna Beach is pretty good place to pass some productive time.
How to Reach
Air: Land at Bhandarnaike Airport of Colombo. Then take a bux or taxi for Galle.
Sea: Galle is an international sea port with passenger vessels ferrying to and from various important ports across the world.
Moving AroundA good network of road and rail services links Galle to other parts of Sri Lanka. For visiting various places within Galle one can rely on taxis and cabs.
Accommodation
You need not worry accommodation services in Galle. Various types of accommodation catering to all kinds of budgets are located in Galle. Hotels, inns, guest houses, resorts, all kinds of accommodation are available in Galle.
Shopping
Lace making is a popular handicraft here. Brussels and the more contemporary Honiton type lace is available. This type of lace is handmade on pillows. Another popular local craft is gem polishing. Several jewellers shops are located here. Carved pieces of ebony are another option if lace and jewelery don't fascinate you. Without having a souvenir a visit to Galle is incomplete.
History
Before 1587 Sinhala monarchs ruled Galle. However the town was annexed by the Portuguese. They built the first fort here. Their capture of Point de GalIe was relatively short as it was won from them only 53 years later by the Dutch. During the battle between the two, Portuguese women and children had taken refuge in an underground vault. However all of them perished before one of the armies reached there because of congestion and lack of food and water. The victorious Dutch were later overrun by the British. Galle acquired independence in 1948.
