Situated squarely along the maritime routes connecting Europe, the Middle East and Asia, Colombo is an ancient colonial city whose vestiges are woven throughout its streets and buildings. While not Sri Lanka's administrative capital, it remains the country's most populous city. Moreover, as the sole entry and exit point to Sri Lanka, Colombo is an unavoidable stop for anyone wishing to discover this small island nation.

History

The history of Colombo spans several centuries. Legend has it the city was named in honor of the famous explorer Christopher Columbus.

Colombo experienced a tumultuous past marked by clashes between European colonial powers.

During antiquity, the city was heavily frequented by Arab, Roman and Chinese merchants, which attracted European interest. In 1505, the city fell under Portuguese rule until 1638. The local sovereign then struck an agreement with the Portuguese, granting them exclusive control over the cinnamon trade in exchange for protection against foreign invaders on the coast.

From 1638 to 1796, the Dutch took control of the city. Invited by Colombo's ruler to restore his authority against the Portuguese, the Dutch decided to seize complete control of the island before the British took over between 1796 and 1948. Numerous vestiges from this period remain, notably the forts and grand British mansions scattered throughout the city.

In 1948, the island regained independence and adopted its current name, "Sri Lanka." The succession of multiple ethnicities effectively contributed to shaping the city's history. Indeed, whether the Romans, Arabs and Chinese of antiquity, or more recently the Portuguese, Dutch and finally the British, each left their mark, giving Colombo the character it possesses today.

Today

Colombo is located in the southwestern region of Sri Lanka, along the Indian Ocean coastline. It is the largest city in the country, home to approximately 750,000 inhabitants according to a 2011 census. The name "Colombo" means "mango leaf" in Sinhalese, and until the late 19th century, the city was called the "garden city of the Orient." Colombo is the economic capital of Sri Lanka while its administrative capital is Sri Jayawardenapura Kotte. Indeed, its strategic position on the western coast made it a true hub for commerce, explaining its appeal to former European colonial powers.

Once a city of dreams, Colombo has become, thanks to the prosperity of its economic activities, a sprawling metropolis where pollution and cacophonous traffic congestion are omnipresent. Although cultural vestiges along shaded boulevards and in the historic Fort district remain intact, the city struggles to attract tourists who typically prefer to begin their Sri Lanka circuit in Negombo.

Nevertheless, Colombo offers a pleasant seaside stroll along the Galle Face Green promenade leading to Colombo Fort, the city's historic quarter. This former district houses numerous historic buildings including the Clock Tower, the President's House and the Cargills Main Store.

Climate

Colombo is characterized by temperate weather year-round. The best time to visit falls between December and April. During this period, the weather is pleasant with average temperatures not exceeding 30°C. Between May and August are the periods when heavy rains are quite frequent. Monsoon risks are elevated in May and June.

For getting around the city, you can choose between buses, taxis or even tuk-tuks. However, the best way to discover and appreciate all of Colombo's beauty remains walking.

By Air

Colombo is easily accessible via Bandaranaike International Airport, located 35 km north of the city center. Similarly, at the end of your stay, you'll need to return to Colombo to catch your flight, with connections readily available from everywhere in the country. The main carrier serving Colombo is SriLankan Airlines. Flight duration from Paris averages around 13 hours (no direct flights).

By Bus

Once there, reaching Colombo by bus is very straightforward. In nearly every city, you'll have no trouble finding a bus with Colombo as its final destination.

By Train

It's also possible to reach Colombo by train from the following cities: Kandy (approximately 3 hours), Galle (between 2 and 3 hours) and Jaffna (approximately 7 hours).