Colombo, although no longer the political and administrative capital of Sri Lanka, is the country’s economic centre. It is the island nation’s largest city and its main port. Located on this small country’s south-western coast, Colombo spreads out over the plains that border the sea, stretching along the coast for miles on its western side.

The city is a busy yet attractive metropolis. The traffic is frenetic along the roadways and people seem to move in swarms throughout the day and into the evening. While there are other spots in Sri Lanka that also interest tourists, such as beautiful beach resorts and nature preserves, this colourful and fascinating city provides one of the best introductions to the life and culture of this ethnically-diverse island nation.