Colombo, located on the west coast of the island, is the bustling capital of Sri Lanka. The convenient location on a peninsula has made the former fishing village an important trading port in South Asia over the years and decades. Since 1948 – after independence – Colombo has been the capital of the country and replaced Anuradhapura. Worth seeing are, for example, the government district, the district with the residences of the wealthy – called Cinnamon Gardens, the business center and also the colorful markets of the city.


Even beautiful old colonial buildings still shape the picture in some parts of the city. By the way, the tallest building on the island is also located in Colombo: the 152 m high World Trade Center Colombo. During an exploration tour, you can get to know the many facets of Colombo best. Otherwise, Colombo is well suited as a starting point to the many historical sights of the country.
After we had just come fresh from Dubai, we were suddenly thrown into a completely different world. Just luxury, pomp, glitter and superlatives – now noise, chaos, poverty, stench and simplicity. In our opinion, the area around Colombo is more for backpackers than package holidaymakers. Sri Lanka, the “tear of India”, is an island state located about 30 km from the city of Kanyakumari, which is located on the southeastern tip of India.
About 21 million people live here in Sri Lanka on an area of about 65,610 km2. From north to south it is just under 450 kilometers and from east to west only 225 kilometers. So the island is not as big as we thought it would be. By the way, until 1972 the island was called “Ceylon”, because of the export and cultivation of the tea Ceylon. But rubber, coffee and coconuts are also among the most important products.
Which country is Colombo from?
Is Sri Lanka a part of India?
Is Colombo a city or country?
Is Sri Lanka in India or Africa?