Colombo Sri Lanka, Western Province

Located on the southwestern coast of Sri Lanka, Colombo is a melting pot of cultural heritage and snazzy contemporary buildings, and has a vivid history as an important South Asian seaport. This capital city offers a glimpse into the workings of the contemporary country as well as pays homage to its past. With a wide array of activities and beautiful sights to see, Colombo is the perfect gate into this colorful, diverse country.

Historically, Colombo was just as bustling as it is today due to its prominent location along important East-West trade routes. Traders hailing from places as far as China and the Aegean Sea are said to have known and visited the port 2000 years ago. This vital settlement has since passed through many hands as Sri Lanka came under British, Dutch, and even Portuguese occupation.

Visitors traveling to Colombo today will find this fascinating alive and well in the historic Fort area as well as the Dutch Hospital Complex where you can find fine dining and shopping. Besides shopping and history, you will find that the surrounding scenery in Colombo is just as vibrant. Soft, gold-sand beaches line the coast of the city and offer visitors a nice place to unwind after the hubbub of downtown.

Once you’ve shopped and unwound to your heart's content then it’s time to head to the streets for some of Sri Lanka’s iconic street food. Delicious spices meld together in a cloud of pure bliss as you make your way from street stall to street stall sampling some of the more popular dishes like Kottu Roti and Kukul Mas Curry.

So, if you’re looking for a lively city perfect for dipping your toes into all aspects of Sri Lankan culture then the vibrant hub of Colombo is the place to go.