Highlighted as the commercial capital of Sri Lanka, the city of Colombo is one that brings together a blend of the island nation’s rich history and modern excitement. With each glance into the city’s rapidly shifting skyline, you can rest assured that you will be filled with a great sense of excitement and exuberance for what the city’s future holds.
Colombo, with its name derived from the old Sinhala word Kolamba, meaning harbour or port, is home to over 5.6 million people. This western coastal city is the seat of many of the country’s longstanding political institutions and commercial establishments, which makes Colombo the one place in the country you can be sure to find any item or activity you are looking for-from various cuisines (local and international), to fashion outlets, pubs and clubs, and much more!
This diversity of establishments and activities is bolstered by the various cultures and ethnic groups that reside within the city, which is home to a diverse group of ethnicitiesand religions that consists of a Sinhala-Buddhist, Tamil, Burgher, and Muslim population.
The city is also home to one of the country’s largest and busiest ports, given its strategic position along the East-West sea trade routes. As night falls, the skyline beholds a captivating sight with the sight of the twinkling lights of ships arriving and departing in the distance, making the night-time view of the city a breathtaking one!
Despite the metropolitan area’s fame, like most cities worldwide, Colombo’s reach extends beyond a single municipal authority and into the authority of multiple urban and municipal regions and councils. Unlike most parts of the country that mostly rely on agriculture or fishing industries that contribute moderately to the country’s national economy, Colombo’s metropolitan area alone contributes over 40% to the national GDP. The city’s economic success is drawn from its strong commercial and business presence – bolstered by a mix of the country’s own entrepreneurial excellence, longstanding small and medium enterprises, and growing multinational investment.
Following the conclusion of the country’s three-decade-long civil war, the city has seen rapid levels of development, highlighted by the recent uptick in high-rise luxury apartments and hotels. In a few years, world-renowned hospitality venues like Shangri-La, and architectural wonders like the iconic Altair Residences by famed architect Moshe Safdie have graced the city’s landscape. , with .more globally-renowned hospitality venues like the Grand Hyatt are to do the same in just a few years. This rapid growth will undeniably make Colombo one of the most prominent destinations in Asia and around the world, if not already, given the vast number of tourists that visit the country from many parts of the world.
What makes Colombo truly beautiful is its ability to transition from a bustling urban landscape dominated by towering skyscrapers to lush green landscapes that fill you with a sense of calm you’d expect in the countryside in just a matter of minutes. Now, you may be looking to visit Sri Lanka for a beach holiday or to check out the breathtaking hilltop views of the central hills. And you may be wondering if visiting Colombo is worth it. All we can say is that one day in Colombo will captivate your senses in ways that you never thought possible. So, keep reading our Colombo City Travel Guide for more interesting and region-specific information on the city!