Colombo is the largest city and commercial capital of Sri Lanka. Located on the west coast of the island. Colombo is a multi-ethnic, multi-cultural city. The population of Colombo is a mix of numerous ethnic groups, mainly Sinhalese, Moors and Tamils. There are also small communities of people with Chinese, Portuguese, Dutch, and Malay.

The Colombo National MuseumThis is Colombos oldest museum, and has a vast collection of antiques and objects from all over the island. Wherever you are traveling to on the island, this will be a good place to get an idea of the local cultural heritage. Adjacent to the National Museum is the Natural History Museum which has a number of representations of the flora and fauna of Sri Lanka. Cinnamon Gardens The most exclusive area of Colombo, this is a district of large houses set on shady streets, lined with jacaranda and frangipani. Home to many of the citys most exclusive and trendy bars, shops and restaurants. A stroll round Cinnamon Gardens is a pleasant way to spend a few hours in the city. In the middle of Cinnamon Gardens is Viharamahdevi Park, the city's largest open space. Gangaramaya Temple Located on the waters of Beira Lake, adjacent to the so-called Slave Island, this Buddhist Temple dates back over 2,000 years. It is reached by crossing a wooden bridge. There is a holy bo tree under which the Lord Buddha is reputed to have preached. There are many historic Buddha images and frescoes.

Modern shopping malls and specialty stores carry high quality goods at very affordable prices. If you are looking for an even greater bargain, without the surroundings, try your bargaining with the many street vendors and outdoor markets (such as in the Pettah area and across from the Fort Railway Station).Products that are worth buying in Sri Lanka include world famous Ceylon tea, clothing (many designer clothes are manufactured in Sri Lanka and you can buy them here for a fraction of the cost elsewhere) and jewelry including the Sri Lankan blue saphire.

While Colombo has always been the best place in Sri Lanka in terms of dining, the options haven't really been too inspiring. That has all changed, and new restaurants are opening on a monthly basis, offering a wider variety of cuisines. The most common foreign food to be found in Colombo was Chinese .Many of the restaurants offer some innovative fusion cooking, with western classics enhanced by using distinctive Sri Lankan flavours. One thing to definitely try is the various flavours of delicious ice cream, a number of them exotic and tasty tropical treats.

Colombo's weather stays evenly hot and humid throughout the year, with no distinct seasons apart from two rainy seasons. Heavy monsoon rains occur between May and August, and again between October and January.

Currency of Sri Lanka is Sri Lankan Rupee. One Sri Lankan Rupee consists of 100 cents. Coins come in the denomination 5, 10, 25 and 50 cents and Rs. 1, 2, 5 and 10. The higher value denominations are found as notes, namely Rs.10, 20, 50, 100, 200, 500 and 1000.Travelers Cheques and foreign currency can be exchanged at various commercial banks and hotels.