Colombo, the metropolitan capital city of Sri Lanka, is known for its lush green parks and shady boulevards that will take you to the panoramic beaches. Known as the Green city of the East, the historical attractions in Colombodescribes the rocky history of the country which was invaded by many foreigners. Whether foreign invasions or civil unrest, the city never lost its charm and has always attracted tourists from diverse backgrounds. But the legacy of Dutch, British, and Portuguese rule has left a lasting imprint on the architect and lifestyle of the country. The name Colombo often tickles my mind, and I wonder it as a fusion of two names, or it has a history behind. After much research, two beliefs surfaced, once that it is derived from the work Kolam and second, it is a distorted version of Coconut Palm. Whatever the truth is, the historical attractions in Colombo, the economic and administrative capital of Sri Lanka, is a place one must visit once in a lifetime.

Vacationing in Colombo doesn’t come with a long list of dos and don’ts. It is a place where children can enjoy adventure sports; families can laze around in urban parks relishing local cuisines and lovebirds can create their romantic moments. Historical attractions in Colomboinclude magnificent forts, lush green parks, historical monuments, museums, mosques, cruise, and much more. So, if you are planning a holiday in Sri Lanka then these are the historical attractions in Colombothat you should not miss:

Spread across 50acres, Viharamahadevi Park was earlier known as the Victoria Park. It has an in-built zoo, waterfalls, walking trails that make it an ideal picnic spot. Located near the Museum of Colombo, it is one of the most visited historical attractions in Colombo, which was renamed as Viharamahadevi Park as a tribute to King Dutugemunu’s mother during his reign. As it is situated in the heart of the city, travelers won’t find it difficult to reach the place. The pristine aura of the luscious park makes one relax instantaneously. The beautiful coconut and fig trees create the whole picnic vibe. There is a library in the park for avid readers and the unruffled statue of Buddha.

Historical Attractions in Colombo Sri Lanka

The park has a rich history dating back to World War-II. The park hosted the British and Australian Army. It has been a cricket field from 1927-1995 and was occupied by the British Colonial Government. The land was donated by Captain Charles Henry de Soysa and was named Victoria Park after Queen Victoria. After independence from the British Rule in 1950, it was renamed and renovated. The park has many waterfalls, sitting areas, play areas for children, and peaceful zones for silent contemplation. It underwent significant maintenance and renovation when it was decided that 23^rd Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting will be held in Colombo. People from all walks of life can visit the park and spend some time away from the hustle-bustle of a busy life. Whether with family or friends, it is an ideal place for picnic and brunch.

The 12acre promenade is located in the heart of the business capital of Sri Lanka. It is one of the top historical attractions in Colombo. Coastline is a place where children and ladies can saunter, relax, and soak in the sun. The Governor Sir Henry George Ward ordered to build a 1m coastline for family getaways, and it was finally completed in 1859. But the place has a much deeper history. Where did the name Galle Face Green come from? Galle Face in Dutch means in front (Faas) of fortification facing Galle. The Dutch cleared the area to host cannons as a clear line of fire against the Portuguese invasion. Many stories talk about the origin of the land, but these two are the most famous.

It is also the place where the British Governor, Sir Henry first played Golf, and that’s how Colombo Golf Club first came into existence. The present-day Galle Face Green is a humungous stretch of land in between the majestic Galle Face Hotel and Ceylon International Hotel. The history is proving itself right, as people visit the outlandish urban park on the weekends and take in the fresh air while rejuvenating after a hectic week. It is open for both tourists and localities; children can play around, visit the Galle Face Green Fort, and if you are gourmet eater, then sumptuous meals at Galle Face Green Night Market is a treat you won’t forget. Adults can enjoy rugby, golf, and cricket, and the sunset at the shimmering coastline will prove to be a perfect end to a relaxing day.

Constructed in the 17^th century, The Wolvendaal Church is the reminiscence of the rich Dutch history. It is designed in the form of a Greek cross, and the interiors include exquisite woodwork on chairs, pulpits, lecterns, etc. It has graves of five prominent Dutch leaders. The anecdote that explains the name of the Church is when the Dutch visited the city. It was nothing but a forest land with jackals roaming freely. These people mistook jackals and wolves, thus named the place as Wolvendaal, which in Dutch means the Dale (valley) of wolves. The three-hundred-year-old church nestles the rich history of the Dutch people who made Sri Lanka their permanent abode.

It just 30km away from Bandaranaike International Airport and one of the prominent historical attractions in Colombo. The Dutch architecture of the church gives it a traditional vibe, and many historians and architects visit the place for research. Even after three centuries, the church is still operational, regular prayer meetings are hosted, and there are no entry fees. If you want to visit the church, then take a direct cab from the airport and will reach the place within one hour. If you are visiting Sri Lanka around Christmas, then visit the divine church for sure between 9 am - 4 pm.

While strolling down the streets of Pettah, onlookers get absorbed in the beauty of color shops selling artifacts, but the old business quarter is the home of Old Town Hall. Old Town Hall is the place where council meetings were held until 1924 since it was inaugurated in 1873. It is the masterpiece of JG Smither, the British Architect who also designed the complementing furniture for the place. It is the first civic building of Colombia that hosted municipal party meetings for half a century. The iron detailing and gothic structure of the building make it an iconic building of the era which was left to ruin after 1925 when the municipality shifted to present-day Town Hall.

In 1980, it was renovated under the authority of former President Premadasa, and thus it became one of the historical attractions in Colombo. The vibe of the place is gothic, and the visitors may feel shivers down the spine. The timeless building smells of history and dust when opened on the knock. The sole caretaker of the building will give a guided tour of the hall. The conference room of the building will creep the first-time visitors as they will see fifteen older men sitting in the conference room (take a look closer they are wax figures!). Apart from it, there are life-size figures, historians, politicians, butler, painters, etc. All in all, a must visit the place, if you want to go down the history and learn about the rich heritage of the country.

For the educators and students planning to study abroad, the University of Colombo is a must-visit location. With a motto, “Wisdom Enlightens,” the oldest university of the country, University of Colombo, is in the list of historical attractions in Colombobecause of its cultural diversity. The renowned university of the country is known not just for its education programs, but also because of its architect. The university was established in 1921, but the roots were laid in 1870 at the time of the foundation of Ceylon Medical School. The university has the oldest library in the country with approximately 4, 00,000 books. With around 41 academic departments formed in the university, it started with only four departments. In 2002, a new school was inaugurated in the University, the School of Computing. The Colombo Planetarium is a must-visit attraction for kids.

The world knows it as a miracle shrine open to all faiths. According to the popular beliefs, the 175 years old church fulfills wishes of every pilgrim, however small or weird it is. Many women visit the church with their teenage daughters to seek blessings of the St. Anthony and save them from the evil intentions. Many such folklores make it a popular church, which once was just a small hut of mud. As mentioned earlier, people of all faiths are welcome here, it is a church with many statues, and the whole of the vibe of the church is subcontinent. The architecture of the church is typical Roman-catholic, but you will find devotees from various regions and religions performing prayers. The reason behind it is the widespread belief that at St. Anthony’s shrine misery disappears, and wishes are granted. A trip to Sri Lanka is incomplete without visiting the shrine and paying homage to the Saint. Undoubtedly the most visited historical attractions in Colombo; you will experience serenity and divinity here. The church of solace was attacked recently, but it has not instilled fear in the minds of the devotees. Still, people come, pray, and rely on the divine to comfort their distressed heart.

Have you ever wondered how Sri Lanka got freedom from the British Rule? If you are a history buff traveling to Sri Lanka, then Independence Square and Memorial Hall should be in your bucket list. One of the most visited historical attractions in Colombo; it is a place where you will hear the valorous stories of the freedom fighters of the country, their sacrifices, and how they made self-rule possible. The foundation of independence was laid in Independence Square, which is situated in the Cinnamon Gardens. The place is the witness of the unity of several revolutionaries, politicians, and freedom fighters from diverse backgrounds who decided the fate of the British ruled Sri Lanka. And, the country got its independence on 4^th February 1948 from the shackles of the British Rule.

It is located towards the East of Colombo University and still has glimpses of Dutch and British architecture. It is designed in a way that replicates the Royal Meetings of the Kandy Dynasty. Right in front of the hall, is the statue of the first PM of Sri Lanka, D.S. Senanayake. Visitors can visit the memorial hall any time of the week except Sunday and Monday. The entry ticket costs LKR150 and is a sight for patriots. Whether you are a resident of the country or visitor, the memorial is a perfect site for patriots. One can bring his family here and give them an insight into the independence struggle. Admittedly, it is a place that fills you with pride and courage.

What makes it the most searched Dutch historical attractions in Colombo? The Colombo Dutch Museum has its fair share of history and then finally became a museum. The two-story building with its green oasis was once the accommodation of the Dutch governor Thomas Van Rhee. Located in the busy locality of Pettah, it holds close to its heart the Dutch Heritage, architecture, and ancient Sri Lanka during the Dutch rule. The beautiful building is simple, traditional, yet profound. In this building, the Dutch were signed under the governance of then-governor Thomas Van Rhee. The building has served multipurpose from being a house of the governor to hospital, police station, and even a post office. The museum was reconstructed after the fall of a wall, but it has survived the test of times. The present-day building popularly known as Colombo Dutch Museum has more than three hundred artifacts at the display, including coins, weapons, tools, figures, etc. One can take historic souvenirs from here and, along with it, witness the grandeur of the centuries-old architecture. It is located on Prince Street and is open from Tuesday to Saturday till 04:30 pm. The entry fee for travelers is 500INR and 250 extras for photography.

Undoubtedly, Colombo is the garden city of the East with all the above-mentioned urban parks in the metropolitan set-up, but commuting can be tedious in a foreign land. Covering historical attractions in Colombowithin a strict deadline can be challenging, but with proper planning, you can bell the cat. Ideally, one should opt for pick and drop facility from the airport while booking the travel package, but if you haven’t, then cabs are the best choice. In Colombo, there are various modes of transportation from public buses to three-wheeler to personal taxi, but from airport opt for a private taxi. While exploring the beach city, you can choose for strolling as it gives an impression of residents and is more fun. Otherwise, you can opt for a bus, which is a cheap mode of transportation ranging from 10-20INR per person. Taxis and three-wheelers are other modes of transportation, but it is essential to negotiate the price before-hand. Ideally, it should not cost more 100INR per Kilometer, but the ones waiting right outside the accommodation may charge more. For intercity transfer, there are fewer domestic flights as the cities are very far. You can opt for a bus or train but avoid during the Poya holidays as it can get crowded. Commuting in Colombo is not a hassle as the taxis can take to even remote villages, but you need to be a good negotiator.

Sri Lanka, in many ways, is similar to India, and needless to say, people connect because of centuries-old mythology of Ramayana. The capital and island city of the country, Colombo, has its charm and is a melange of modernism and traditions that makes it a must-visit destination. There are many historical attractions in Colombothat gives the business hub a multi-culture vibe, but the decades of invasion by the Dutch, Portuguese, and British Rule has left its mark. The architecture of the tourist attractions is the evidence of the profound culture of the invaders, yet after decades of civil war and unrest, finally, it has become an independent country. If you are confused about what to include or exclude from the itinerary, then get in touch with Trip.com and get a personalized travel plan. Here you can also check and compare the prices of flights; you may get weekend discounts or first-time booking discounts.

So, whether you are a world traveler looking for an island destination in Asia or planning a family or honeymoon getaway, don’t keep planning. Share your concerns with Trip.com and get the best deals to visit historical attractions in Colombo. Don’t wait for life to happen; make it happen.