5 must-visit beautiful places in Colombo, Sri Lanka

Colombo, the capital of Sri Lanka, perfectly combines the wonderful island’s culture and history with modern tourist services and attractions. The city’s distinct Portuguese, Dutch and British colonial past further complicates the combination. Being the nation’s capital, Colombo is also home to several museums and tourist attractions that showcase the rich history of Sri Lanka.

Here are 5 must-visit beautiful places in Colombo, Sri Lanka

1. Gangaramaya Temple

One of the biggest and oldest Buddhist temple complexes in the city is Gangaramaya Temple, which is located in the center region of Colombo, close to Beira Lake. It was established in 1885 and consists of pagodas, courtyards and shrines. It is well renowned for its stunning lake temple (Seema Malaka), which sits on stone pillars above the waters and is reachable through a walkway.

2. Colombo National Museum

The Colombo National Museum, located in central Colombo, was founded in 1877 to showcase Sri Lanka’s history and cultural heritage. Also known as the Sri Lankan National Museum, it occupies an Italianate-style building from the 19th century and draws a large number of enthusiastic tourists who come to see its wide range of treasures.

3. Independence Square

Independence Square, located in the city’s 07 district and surrounded by palm-lined gardens, is one of Colombo’s most well-known landmarks. Independence Memorial Hall, a stone monument honouring Sri Lanka’s 1948 independence from Britain, is the centrepiece of the square.

4. Lotus Tower

Lotus Tower is one of the city’s newest attractions and one of the trendiest (and tallest) locations to visit in Colombo. At 368 meters (1,168 feet) tall, the Colombo Lotus Tower is the highest freestanding building in South Asia. A trip to the top offers tourists a 360-degree view of Colombo as well as the surrounding sea and cityscape.

5. National Zoological Gardens of Sri Lanka

The huge Colombo Zoo, previously known as the Dehiwala Zoological Gardens, is situated in the Dehiwala area. The zoo is more than simply a place to put animals in cages; it also promotes animal welfare and conservation education. It is one of the oldest zoos in Asia, with about 3,000 different species of animals of various shapes and sizes living there.