Colombo is Sri Lanka's boisterous commercial capital. The country's largest city is a dusty modern metropolis that sways chaotically to the rhythms and routines of Sri Lanka's rich cultural traditions. Situated on the western coast, the city was an important port during the British colonial days and the streets of the Fort area are dotted with colonial remnants. The Old Parliament Building is a prime example with it's neo-baroque styled façade, complete with imposing columns and a grand stone staircase.

Most of Colombo's colonial remnants have, sadly, been swallowed up by the city's insatiable appetite for movement, growth and development. Its history can still be explored through its quality museums, but the infectious enthusiasm for life today is what makes this city really special. Colombo marks the arrival point and the start of most Sri Lankan holidays and it can provide a full on attack on the senses, with local life sprawling unapologetically onto the streets.

Colombo is the gateway to Sri Lanka's historical interior and splendid ring of pristine beaches and sleepy seaside towns. So it's the perfect place to start a tailor made holiday of Sri Lanka, one of the most diverse and energetic countries in the Indian Ocean.