Colombo is the beautiful capital of Sri Lanka, which is known as a stopover point for those passing through to the country’s beach destinations. However, the city has developed into a booming tourist spot and is worth visiting alone with glistening temples, colonial buildings, a mixture of lush countryside and bustling city life, modern shopping malls, boutique hotels, museums and art galleries. As well as contemporary appeal, Colombo also has a rich history which is worth learning all about. You can do so by visiting the Colombo Museum, which is the city’s largest museum with over 100,000 historic artifacts and objects, a stone Buddha statue upon entrance and an extensive library. Traveasy offers cheap air tickets from India to Colombo.

There are many stunning sightseeing landmarks in Colombo; the Jami Ul-Alfar Mosque is a highlight, featuring towering minarets, Indo-Saracenic style architecture, vibrant red and white brick patterns and pomegranate-shaped domes. The old Dutch Hospital Shopping Precinct is another must-visit landmark of Colombo which dates back to the 16th century and has been restored into a leisure complex with restaurants, cafes and shops set in charming colonial buildings. Then there’s the Buddhist Gangaramaya Temple, one of Colombo’s oldest temples which displays a sacred Bodhi tree, a lock of the Buddha’s hair and various other religious relics. Finally, a visit to Colombo is not complete without witnessing the stunning Kelaniya Raja Maha Vihara which is one of Sri Lanka’s most sacred sites, set within a 40 minute drive from the city centre.

Colombo boasts many beautiful green spaces which offer a serene retreat from the city bustle. Galle Face Green is a popular hotspot and oceanside park, stretching for 0.5km with many fun activities on offer including kite flying and horse riding. This public attraction is said to be the best spot to catch a Sri Lankan sunset. Another beautiful spot in Colombo is Viharamahadevi Park, which is dotted with an array of flowering tree species and scenic walking and cycling paths. Why not enjoy a day trip to the beach? Mount Lavinia Beach is situated less than a 45 minute drive from the city centre with a stretch of golden sands, swaying palms and calm, clear blue waters. It’s the perfect way to end your holiday!

Book India to Colombo flights now and discover this awe-inspiring city for yourself…