Colombo is the largest city and the financial and commercial capital of Sri Lanka. Colombo remains both the commercial and financial capital of Sri Lanka even after the administrative capital has been moved to Sri Jayewardenepura Kotte, a suburb east of the city. Colombo is a huge, sprawling city, which can be visited any time of year due to its tropical climate.Situated on the west coast of the island, just south of the Kelani River, Colombo is a principal port of the Indian Ocean. It has one of the largest artificial harbours in the world and handles the majority of Sri Lanka’s foreign trade. The city’s manufacturing industries are based on the processing of raw materials exported through the port. General engineering industries are connected with public utilities and with the sale, service, repair, and assembly of motor vehicles and other machinery; light manufacturers process food, drinks, and tobacco. Colombo’s important buildings include the Secretariat, the Town Hall, the Clock Tower, St. Lucia’s Cathedral, and the Galle Face Hotel and also the residences of the head of state and of the prime minister. Numerous factories are located on the city’s periphery. Colombo has numerous parks and playing fields. Among them are the Galle Face Green by the sea, the Vihara Maha Devi Park, and the Ridgeway Golf Links. Cricket and football (soccer and rugby) grounds are located throughout the city; tennis and track events are also popular. Sea bathing and surfing can be enjoyed at Mount Lavinia Beach, which is about 7 miles (11 km) south of the city. The National Zoological Gardens of Sri Lanka are located at nearby Dehiwala. In Colombo you will experience tradition blending with progressive values with English being spoken widely.

In Colombo you can see The National Museum of Colombo. Also known as the Sri Lanka National Museum, it is the largest museum in Colombo. Among its exhibits, it contains regalia of the 17th century Kandyan Kings.The Natural History Museum, this museum features Sri Lanka's floral and fauna in dioramas. The Dutch Period Museum, historical museum documenting Dutch colonial rule in Sri Lanka. Houses Dutch-inspired artifacts. Galleries like The Sapumal Foundation, once home to the late Harry Pieris. Visitors are able to see his studio and art materials that have been left undisturbed over the years and The Lionel Wendt Memorial Art Centre, which provides a multi-functional creative experience with exhibitions, art shows and stage events.

You can visit Galle Face Green Promenade at sundown for a spectacular view. Go to the Colombo Zoological Gardens; Colombo's zoo has a wide variety of animals, birds, and reptiles from all over the world. Casa Serena Art Gallery, designed to exhibit a diverse array of art, photography, sculpture, video installations and craft. Turtle Conservation Villa, a non-profit centre for the conservation of turtles along the coast just past Mount Lavinia Hotel. Cirque Lanka, more than 15 performers on stage, live music, drummers, traditional masks, acrobats, aerial acrobatics and fire effects.

You can also shop at The Pettah Market, this is the place to go for shopping for all kinds of things from fruits to clothes to electronics if you want to buy at wholesale prices. You have to bargain extensively and it is recommended that you take a local you trust along with you.

The most diverse array of bars, clubs and music venues can be found in Colombo, where seedy cattle market-style clubs are slowly being replaced by upmarket cocktail lounges, tapas bars and hip discos. For visitors looking for a more relaxed after-dinner experience, there are theatres in Colombo, cinemas showing films from the USA, ballet, concerts and theatre productions. All the hotels and resorts have bars and sometimes entertainment.

Most holidays start in the southwest part of the map of Sri Lanka; in Colombo. This city offers a view into the history of Sri Lanka; there are pre-colonial buildings, as well as colonial buildings from the times of the Dutch and the British. The modern skyscrapers show that the economic progress was not stunted by decolonisation. This port town has existed since the beginning of the era and became the capital of the country in 1815. In 1982, Sri Jayewardenapura Kotte (Kotte) was declared the new capital of Sri Lanka. These days, Colombo functions as the commercial capital of the country, while Kotte is the official, administrative capital, where the parliament is also situated.

Explore Old City Hall
The tourists can witness the age-worn trucks, vintage radio, age old typewriters and other municipal equipment by visiting the museum situated at the ground floor of this historical landmark. While cherishing the beauty of the artefacts treasured in this building, don’t forget to admire the architectural structures adorned with some fine wax figures.

Visiting the architectural building in May can be a great experience for history buffs as they’ll be able to explore and cherish the long history in extreme peace and solace.

Visit Beira Lake
Literally located in the heart of Colombos city centre, the Beira Lake stretches for about 1 mile and covers a good amount of about 160 acres of surface area. Once a reservoir and source of transport to trade goods within the country, Beira Lake today, is one of the most fascinating and fun places to visit in Colombo.

Diving In Gorgonian Gardens
Sri Lanka is a great tourist spot for adventure seekers. The clear waters make for great diving spots. It is one of the activities that attract tourists from all across the globe. Gorgonian Gardens in Colombo is an amazing dive site to watch coral reefs. It is no doubt one of the most unique things to do in Sri Lanka. If you are visiting Colombo, then we'd say that it is one of the must things to do in Sri Lanka.

White Water Rafting
One of the top water activities in Sri Lanka, White Water rafting offers a fun-packed experience. Kelani river is famous for white water rafting where you will get to raft through the rapids and minors of the water. If you are visiting Sri Lanka with friends or family, this is one thing you must do!

Scuba Diving
The warm water ensures the perfect time for a Scuba diving adventure in the month of May. The beautiful blue waters of Sri Lanka are adorned with a plethora of marine creatures. Scuba Diving is totally worth in Colombo, with a cool breeze adorning your face right before you jump in is beyond ultimate bliss. Best time to take up Scuba Diving in Sri Lanka is probably in this month May. If you are planning to head to the northeastern coast, May to October are the ideal months to take up some Scuba Diving. While for those in west and south-west coast, October to May is advisable time period and dictates the remaining seasons.