Colombo is the largest city and the commercial capital of Sri Lanka. Most visitors begin their stay in here, as it is a mere 45 minutes drive from the Bandaranayake International Airport.

The city is large with a population of about one million. It is an ethnic hodgepodge of the diverse cultures, races and religions of Sri Lanka.

Although Colombo has a rich past, it is also a bustling, modernized metropolis that is governed by a strong western influence. There are high-rise buildings and noisy street bazaars, flashy sports cars and one-man trishaws, chic western fashions and the traditional sarong.

The Pettah bazaar is definitely a must-see for the avid shopper, the selection is not exclusively Sri Lankan, but the range is quite wide and the prices fair.

Other places of interest include the fascinating National Museum, the Independence Memorial Hall and the parliamentary complex at Kotte.

(Information obtained from Sri Lanka – Insight Guides, Apa Productions (HK) Ltd.)