Sightseeing in Colombo - what to see. Complete travel guide

Colombo is one of the largest ports of the Middle Asia. This city is full of unexpected contrasts and is very good for travellers who seek solitude rest. According to one of versions, the city got its name from Christopher Columbus. Today on the streets of Colombo you can see old buildings located near each other and modern business centers made of glass. The culture of the local people is an unforgettable mix of western and eastern traditions.

Old trading regions of Colombo feature wide choice of sights. Here you will find ancient churches and magnificently beautiful buildings. There are English, Portuguese, and Dutch districts on Colombo. Each district has its unforgettable national color. The choice of religious facilities in Colombo is also wide. Here you will find churches and temples referred to various religions. In Colombo are located numerous Buddhist monasteries, the largest and most famous are Gotami Vihara, Vajiramaya and Raja Maha Viharaya. The famous Hindu monasteries can be found nearby. The most famous ones are Pettah, Poonnambalam Vaneswaram, Kathiseran, Koch-chikade and others. The most beautiful mosques of Colombo are Jami-ul-Alfar and Memm Hamafi. Here are also located several Christian churches dedicated to St. Andrew, St. Peter and St. Lucia. Such a wide choice of sights always amazes visitors of this city. Another great thing is the location of these sights. The majority of places of interest in Colombo are located nearby.

You can get acquainted with the collections of an ancient art in Museum of Colombo. The halls of the museum hold exhibitions devoted to numerous precious exhibits. The most famous of them is the throne decorated with precious stones and gliding. If you come to Colombo in February, you will be able to participate in the annual holiday called Navam. For several days the city simply dives into the atmosphere of a holiday, so various parades and performances take place here. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

Viharamahadevi Park is a perfect place for walking and relaxing in the fresh air. Today, this park bears the name of the Senegalese queen. Originally it was named after the British Queen Victoria. The founder of this park was a wealthy English immigrant who missed his homeland and decided to create a chic park in English style. The historic park received its present name in 1958. It is popular not only among tourists, but also among locals. On the territory of the park there is a lake, where guests can ride a boat. There are equipped picnic areas and plenty of free space for active games.

One of the most beautiful architectural monuments in the city is the Presidential Palace. It was built in the 18th century and is still used for its intended purpose. In this majestic building with columns is the presidential residence. Near the majestic building is a beautiful square as well as several iconic monuments.

During a walk in the Park Talangama Wetlands, the natural beauty can be admired. Its main feature is the diversity of birds living in these places. Not only inquisitive tourists, but also ornithologists from different countries come to watch it. Currently, the reserve is under the protection of the state. Despite its huge importance, the entrance to its territory remains free.

Colombo has many outstanding Buddhist sites. Near the city center is the Kelaniya Raja Maha Vihara, which is considered to be an ideal example of Sinhalese architecture. The temple is a picturesque alley, on both sides of which grow tall trees. In its central part, there are beautiful fountains. The temple is notable not only for architectural style, but also for interior decoration. Inside its walls are adorned with skillful old frescoes, on which the most significant moments from the life of the Buddha are imprinted.

The unique religious object is the Catholic Cathedral of St. Lucia, which is the largest Catholic temple on the island. In the hall of the cathedral at a time can be up to 600 people. The main relic of the temple is the statue of Saint Lucia. It is associated with many interesting legends, according to which, only a touch of this statue can heal diseases.