Attractions in Colombo

Dehiwala Zoo (National Zoological Gardens of Sri Lanka) is one of Asia's oldest zoos, home to over 3,000 animals across 30 hectares in southern Colombo. Highlights include the aquarium, reptile house, and butterfly garden.

The Khan Clock Tower, commonly called the Pettah Clock Tower, is a distinctive red-and-white striped landmark at the entrance to the Pettah bazaar district. Built in 1923, it stands as a symbol of Colombo's mercantile heritage.

The Jami Ul-Alfar Mosque — universally known as the Red Mosque — is Colombo's most photographed religious building. Its candy-striped red-and-white façade, built in an Indo-Saracenic style, has been a Pettah landmark since 1909.

St. Anthony's Shrine in Kochchikade is one of Sri Lanka's most popular Catholic churches, uniquely revered by Buddhists, Hindus, and Muslims alongside Catholics. The shrine draws enormous crowds on Tuesdays — the saint's dedicated day.

Gangaramaya Temple is one of Colombo's most important and visually eclectic Buddhist temples, located on the shores of Beira Lake. Founded in the late 19th century, it blends Sri Lankan, Thai, Indian, and Chinese architectural styles into a single, densely layered complex.

The Old Colombo Lighthouse is a squat, whitewashed colonial-era lighthouse tucked within the Fort district. Though no longer operational, it remains one of the oldest standing structures in the area.

Kelaniya Raja Maha Vihara is one of Sri Lanka's most sacred Buddhist temples, believed to have been visited by the Buddha during his third trip to the island. Located 11 km from central Colombo on the banks of the Kelani River, it draws pilgrims year-round.

Colombo Fort Railway Station is Sri Lanka's main railway terminus and the starting point for some of the world's most scenic train journeys. The bustling colonial-era station handles routes to Kandy, Galle, Ella, and the hill country.

Wolvendaal Church is one of the most important Dutch Reformed churches in Sri Lanka, built between 1749 and 1757. Its thick coral walls and wooden pews have survived over 270 years in the heart of Pettah.

Nelum Pokuna Mahinda Rajapaksa Theatre is Colombo's premier performing arts venue — a striking, lotus pond–inspired building designed to host opera, ballet, orchestral concerts, and drama. Its architecture alone merits a visit.

Independence Memorial Hall is a national monument in Cinnamon Gardens commemorating Sri Lanka's independence from British rule on 4 February 1948. The open-air columned hall stands in Independence Square, surrounded by gardens and a reflecting pool.

Seema Malaka is a tranquil meditation platform floating on Beira Lake, belonging to the Gangaramaya Temple. Designed by Sri Lanka's most celebrated architect, Geoffrey Bawa, its minimalist wooden pavilions and Buddha statues create one of Colombo's most photographed settings.

The Old Parliament Building is a stately neoclassical structure in Colombo Fort, originally home to Sri Lanka's legislature from 1930 until the parliament moved to Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte in 1983. It now functions as the Presidential Secretariat.

Sri Ponnambalam Vanesar Kovil is a remarkable Hindu temple built entirely of South Indian granite, shipped from India and assembled in Colombo in 1874. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, it is one of the finest examples of Dravidian temple architecture outside India.