Do you want to learn about Colombo’s history over the ages? Colombo has a lot of historical sites, such as time-honored monuments, buildings, parks, and palaces, where you may learn about the city’s illustrious history. These historical landmarks & museums will lead you on a journey through Colombo’s rich past.
If you want to learn more about Colombo’s history, we recommend taking a superb guided tour covering critical historical landmarks. Check the closing and opening times so you can plan your time accordingly. Make sure to look over the entire list of historical locations in Colombo for a memorable vacation!
Listed below are some of the Popular Historical Attractions in Colombo, Sri Lanka:
1. Wolvendaal Parish Church
The Wolvendaal Church, built in the seventeenth century, is a reminder of the wealthy Dutch heritage. It is shaped like a Greek cross, and also the interiors have magnificent woodwork on seats, pulpits, and lecterns, among other things. It contains the ashes of five famous Dutch leaders. The story behind the Church’s name is based on a visit by the Dutch to the city. It was just a jungle with jackals wandering about. Because these people confused jackals for wolves, they called the area Wolvendaal, which translates to “wolf valley” in Dutch. The 300-year-old Church houses the rich history of the Dutch settlers who settled in Sri Lanka.
It is around 30 kilometers from International Airport Bandaranaike and is among Colombo’s most important historical sites. The Church’s Dutch style gives it a historic feel, and so many historians & architects come here for research. Also, the Church is open for business and regular prayer services after three centuries, and no admission costs exist. If you want to get to the Church, take a direct cab from the airport, and you will be there in an hour. You must visit the Holy Church between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m.
Location: Colombo
Highlights: Dutch colonial architecture, historical significance
Best Time to Visit: November to April
How to Reach:
- By Air: Bandaranaike International Airport (33 km)
- By Road: Accessible by taxi or tuk-tuk from central Colombo
Experience Tips:
- Entry Fee: Free (Donations are accepted)
- Visit Timing: Open from 9 AM to 5 PM.
- Activities: Explore the church’s architecture, learn about its history, and attend a service if possible.
- Travel Tips: Wear modest clothing and respect the sanctity of the church.
2. Colombo’s Independence Memorial Hall
This Independence Memorial Hall, which rises amid Independence Square, functions as an open pavilion. The hall where religious activities and yearly national holidays are observed was built to commemorate Sri Lanka’s freedom from British control. Tom Neville Wynne-Jones designed the beautiful structure, drawing influence from the Magul Maduwa, the Kingdom of Kandy’s royal audience hall. The hall is defended by a line of stone-carved lions, with pun-Kala potted plants in the corners. Inside its fabulous 10,000 sq., ft are gorgeous stone pillars elegantly sculpted with traditional Sri Lankan motifs.
There are two entrances inside the hall. Beyond them lies the Independence Memorial Museum, a dimly lighted, almost temple-like space that honors the various historical people who helped guide and shape Sri Lanka’s route to independence. A collection of elaborately crafted busts honors these individuals. Weapons, cellphones, & diaries are displayed in glass cases around them. There is also a chamber filled with beautiful palm-leaf parchments with the names of Sri Lankan civil war combatants written on them.
Location: Independence Square, Colombo
Highlights: National monument commemorating Sri Lanka’s independence
Best Time to Visit: November to April
How to Reach:
- By Air: Bandaranaike International Airport (35 km)
- By Road: Accessible by taxi, tuk-tuk, or bus from central Colombo
Experience Tips:
- Entry Fee: Rs. 10 and Rs. 250 if you want to take pictures.
- Visit Timing: Open 24/7.
- Activities: Stroll around the hall, visit the museum, and take photos.
- Travel Tips: Visit early morning or late afternoon to avoid the heat.
3. Vatadage Polonnaruwa
Polonnaruwa Vatadage is a beautifully preserved Vatadage in the famed Dalada Maluwa quadrangle of Polonnaruwa, a historic city of ruins. Vatadages are ordinary Buddhist buildings in Sri Lanka. These are round, stone, and brick structures with exquisite stone carvings and a wooden roof. They were constructed to safeguard stupas. There are now 10 Vatadages in Sri Lanka, the most popular being Polonnaruwa Vatadage.
This tower is created in the Buddulakara or bubble-shaped pattern and is an excellent example of a Sri Lankan Vatadage. Many stories surround the creation of this monument, although most historians believe it was erected in the 12th century by Parakramabahu I. The Vatadage was initially built to safeguard Buddha’s tooth relic and ten precepts. Buddhists believe that Buddha’s left canine survived his cremation, and the country has kept it as a valued property. This tooth, which inspired the creation of Polonnaruwa Vatadage, is presently housed in the Kandy Temple.
Location: Polonnaruwa
Highlights: Ancient circular relic house, intricate stone carvings
Best Time to Visit: December to March
How to Reach:
- By Air: Colombo Airport (210 km) followed by a taxi or bus
- By Road: Accessible by bus or taxi from Colombo or Kandy
Experience Tips:
- Entry Fee: 3,750 LKR
- Visit Timing: Open from 7 AM to 6 PM.
- Activities: Explore the ancient ruins, and study the detailed carvings and photography.
- Travel Tips: Wear comfortable shoes, carry water, and use sun protection.
4. Sigiriya
A visit to this location will let you see the 1600-year-old Sigiriya Fortress, which King Kasyapa erected. Two moats & three ramparts guard this vast enclosure. It was initially known as King Kasyapa’s private house. Sri Lanka is 165 kilometers away. This location is best visited early in the morning or late in the afternoon.
The Sigiriya Frescoes are breathtaking, personally painted by the monarch and showing heavenly nymphs all around the circle. And on top of these rocks, he constructed a white mansion that is the peak of beauty.
Location: Central Province
Highlights: Ancient rock fortress, UNESCO World Heritage Site
Best Time to Visit: January to April
How to Reach:
- By Air: Colombo Airport (160 km) followed by a taxi or bus
- By Road: Accessible by bus or taxi from Colombo, Kandy, or Dambulla
Experience Tips:
- Entry Fee: 10,963 LKR and onwards
- Visit Timing: Open from 7 AM to 5 PM.
- Activities: Climb to the top for panoramic views, explore frescoes, and visit the gardens.
- Travel Tips: Start early to avoid crowds, carry water, and wear sturdy shoes.
5. Temple of Gangaramaya
This Buddhist temple was built in the late 1800s. The temple serves as a place of prayer while also aiming to teach people about Buddhism. It’s also similar to a museum in that it displays various actual artifacts, such as jewelry, coins, and a vintage Rolls-Royce.
You may also see the temple’s most holy religious treasure, a lock of Buddha’s hair, and the sacred tree that inspired the temple’s construction. See the Gangaramaya Temple’s yearly colorful religious celebration, which includes a parade led by the temple’s elephant, during the February full moon (called “Poya”).
The temple complex is located in downtown Colombo, near Bere Lake.
Location: Colombo
Highlights: Mix of Sri Lankan, Thai, Indian, and Chinese architecture
Best Time to Visit: November to April
How to Reach:
- By Air: Bandaranaike International Airport (33 km)
- By Road: Accessible by taxi, tuk-tuk, or bus from central Colombo
Experience Tips:
- Entry Fee: Temple Entrance is free, but you must pay 100 LKR to visit the museum.
- Visit Timing: Open from 6 AM to 10 PM.
- Activities: Explore the temple complex, visit the museum, and attend a puja.
- Travel Tips: Wear modest clothing, remove shoes before entering, and respect religious customs.
6. Colombo University
Colombo University is a must-see destination for instructors and students wanting to study abroad. The oldest institution in the country, Colombo University, is on the list of important historical sites in Colombo due to its cultural variety. The country’s renowned institution is distinguished not just for its educational offerings but also for its architecture. The University was founded in 1921; however, the seeds were planted before 1870 with the establishment of Ceylon Medical School. The institution boasts the country’s oldest library, with over 400,000 books.
The institution has roughly 41 academic departments, but it began with only four. The Department of Computing was established in the University in 2002. The Colombo Planetarium is a must-see for children.
Location: Colombo
Highlights: Prestigious educational institution, colonial architecture
Best Time to Visit: November to April
How to Reach:
- By Air: Bandaranaike International Airport (35 km)
- By Road: Accessible by taxi, tuk-tuk, or bus from central Colombo
Experience Tips:
- Entry Fee: 20 LKR (for Colombo Planetarium)
- Visit Timing: Check visiting hours with the university.
- Activities: Explore the campus, visit the university museum, and attend public lectures or events.
- Travel Tips: Respect the academic environment, dress modestly, and check for visitor regulations.
7. The Truth Temple
The Sacred Tooth Relic temple, located near the Udawattakele Sanctuary, is among Sri Lanka’s most prominent sanctuaries. This shrine, also known as Dalada Maligawa, is located in the royal palace of the Kingdom of Kandy. The temple, which houses the mythical Budda tooth, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, albeit virtually little of the original temple, which was erected in 1600, remains.
The unique embellishment with the golden fence and spectacular Canadian architecture gives it a beautiful sight for tourists. Dedicated monks recite the Malwatte & Aegirine prayers three times a day, at dawn, noon, & sunset, at the inner temple.
Location: Anuradhapura
Highlights: Ancient Buddhist temple, historical significance
Best Time to Visit: December to March
How to Reach:
- By Air: Colombo Airport (200 km) followed by a taxi or bus
- By Road: Accessible by bus or taxi from Colombo or Kandy
Experience Tips:
- Entry Fee: No entry fee but for foreigners: 1500 LKR
- Visit Timing: Open from 6 AM to 6 PM.
- Activities: Explore the temple grounds, meditate, and participate in religious ceremonies.
- Travel Tips: Wear modest clothing, remove shoes before entering, and respect religious practices.
Read Also: 11 Temples in Colombo for Spiritual Journey
8. The Red Mosque
Visit the city’s spectacular Red Masjid, formally known as the Jami Ul-Alfar Mosque, when you’re in Pettah. It was constructed in the early twentieth century and stands out with its red and white stone minarets capped with onion- & pomegranate-shaped domes. They tower over the surrounding surroundings, and the crowns give the tower an almost Russian architectural feel. The style is known as “Indo-Saracenic”.
The mosque sits close to the harbor, and its contrasting white and red hues serve as a visual marker for approaching ships. It’s especially intriguing since the white and red bricks are stacked in various designs. Some swirls, spirals, and other places contain alternate hues that create a near-optical illusion.
Location: Pettah, Colombo
Highlights: Iconic red-and-white striped architecture, significant Islamic site
Best Time to Visit: November to April
How to Reach:
- By Air: Bandaranaike International Airport (33 km)
- By Road: Accessible by taxi, tuk-tuk, or bus from central Colombo
Experience Tips:
- Entry Fee: No entry fee
- Visit Timing: Open from 9 AM to 5 PM for non-Muslims.
- Activities: Admire the architecture, learn about Islamic culture, and take photographs.
- Travel Tips: Dress modestly, women should cover their heads, and respect prayer times.
9. Polonnaruwa Sacred City
Please enter the city of Polonnaruwa, its capital and a historic kingdom of Sri Lanka, to join the Golden Age. There are several old ruins of palaces, shrines, & stupas. Each of these ancient relics has a beautiful past of its own. Once you’ve arrived, you’ll be so engrossed in it that you won’t notice how quickly time passes.
You should not pass up the opportunity to view the statue of Parakramabahu I, who ruled during the golden period. The Lotus Pond, with its lotus-shaped petals erected on four layers, also provides a stunning vista that should not be missed.
Location: Polonnaruwa
Highlights: Ancient city ruins, UNESCO World Heritage Site
Best Time to Visit: December to March
How to Reach:
- By Air: Colombo Airport (210 km) followed by a taxi or bus
- By Road: Accessible by bus or taxi from Colombo or Kandy
Experience Tips:
- Entry Fee: 9,082 LKR
- Visit Timing: Open from 7 AM to 6 PM.
- Activities: Explore ancient temples, palaces, and stupas.
- Travel Tips: Wear comfortable shoes, carry water, and use sun protection.
10. Old Parliament Building
It may seem paradoxical that one of the city’s most popular tourist attractions is unavailable to the public. It is hardly unexpected, though, given that people are content with photographing its magnificent architecture. The structure was constructed in the 1930s in Neo-baroque architecture to house the Parliament, but its use changed in 1983 when the Parliament relocated to Sri Jayawardenapura Kotte.
Today, it houses the Presidential Secretariat and is the site of numerous significant governmental functions and events. On the grounds in front of the building are sculptures of several famous Sri Lankan leaders.
Location: Colombo
Highlights: Colonial architecture, historical significance
Best Time to Visit: November to April
How to Reach:
- By Air: Bandaranaike International Airport (33 km)
- By Road: Accessible by taxi, tuk-tuk, or bus from central Colombo
Experience Tips:
- Entry Fee: NA
- Visit Timing: External viewing only; interior access may be restricted.
- Activities: Admire the colonial architecture, take photographs, and stroll around the surrounding area.
- Travel Tips: Best viewed from the outside; check with local guides for any special access arrangements.
Conclusion
Sri Lanka is comparable to India in many aspects, and people naturally connect because of the centuries-old Ramayana legend. Colombo, the country’s capital and island metropolis, has its appeal and is a mingling of modernism and traditions, making it a must-see trip.
Many historical sites in Colombo give the economic hub a multicultural feel, but the decades of Dutch, Portuguese, & British rule have left their imprint. The architecture of the tourist sites is proof of the conquerors’ profound culture, but after decades of civil conflict and upheaval, it has finally become an independent country. We have listed Famous Historical Attractions in Colombo, Sri Lanka, above.
Explore Sri Lanka to learn more:
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- 10 Popular Sri Lanka Places to See in December
- 10 Places & Things To Do in Sri Lanka In August
- Sri Lanka’s 5 Most Famous Hill Stations to Visit
- 10 Most Famous Wildlife Places in Sri Lanka
- Sri Lanka Yoga Retreats and Wellness Center
- Top 9 Festivals Celebrated in Sri Lanka
FAQs
1. What are some famous historical places to visit in Colombo?
- Independence Memorial Hall: Built to commemorate Sri Lanka’s independence from British rule.
- Old Parliament Building: A colonial-era building now housing the Presidential Secretariat.
- Gangaramaya Temple: A mix of modern architecture and cultural heritage.
2. What is the most famous monument in Sri Lanka?
Sigiriya Rock Fortress: Also known as Lion Rock, it is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of Sri Lanka’s most famous landmarks.
3. What are some famous buildings in Colombo?
- Colombo Fort: A historical and commercial hub with colonial-era buildings.
- Jami Ul-Alfar Mosque: Known for its unique red and white candy-striped exterior.
- National Museum of Colombo: The largest museum in Sri Lanka, showcasing the country’s rich history.
4. What are some old buildings in Colombo?
- Wolvendaal Church: One of the oldest Protestant churches in Sri Lanka, built by the Dutch in 1749.
- Dutch Hospital: A colonial-era building now converted into a shopping and dining precinct.
- Galle Face Hotel: An iconic colonial-era hotel established in 1864.
5. What is Colombo famous for?
Colombo is famous for its blend of modern and colonial architecture, bustling markets, vibrant culture, and historical landmarks.
6. What are some must-see tourist attractions in Colombo?
- Pettah Market: A bustling marketplace known for its vibrant atmosphere and diverse goods.
- Viharamahadevi Park: The oldest and largest park in Colombo, located next to the National Museum.
- Beira Lake: A scenic lake in the heart of the city, ideal for leisurely boat rides.
7. What is the old name of Sri Lanka?
The old name of Sri Lanka was Ceylon during British colonial rule.
8. What are some famous monuments in Sri Lanka?
- Ruwanwelisaya: An ancient stupa in Anuradhapura.
- Temple of the Tooth: Located in Kandy, it houses the relic of the tooth of Buddha.
- Dambulla Cave Temple: A complex of cave temples with stunning Buddhist mural paintings.
9. What is the historical significance of the Old Parliament Building in Colombo?
The Old Parliament Building in Colombo was the seat of the Parliament of Sri Lanka from 1930 to 1983 and is a fine example of neoclassical architecture.
10. What are some ancient places to visit in Sri Lanka?
- Anuradhapura: One of the ancient capitals of Sri Lanka, famous for its well-preserved ruins.
- Polonnaruwa: Known for its ancient ruins and historical significance.
- Sigiriya: An ancient rock fortress with frescoes and gardens.
