Colombo Cruise Port Guide
Photos: T Chamika (CC0) · via Wikimedia Commons; Manula, Shehan Bandara, J.M.Senanayaka Bandara, Chandima Ekanayake, sujeewa nisantha lowe warnakulasooriya · via Google Maps
- Country:
- Sri Lanka
- Region:
- Asia & Far East
- Coordinates:
- 6.9267° N, 79.8606° E
About Colombo
Colombo is Sri Lanka's executive and judicial capital, located on the west coast of the island. As the country's most populous city and financial centre, it welcomes cruise visitors to a destination rich in culture and history. The Colombo metropolitan area has a population of 5.6 million, making it a vibrant hub for exploration.
The port offers convenient access to eight major attractions within easy reach. The Colombo Lotus Tower stands just 0.2 km from the terminal, while the stunning Gangaramaya Temple is 1.2 km away and highly rated by visitors. Other highlights include Galle Face Green and Viharamahadevi Park, both within 1.8 km, and the historic Independence Square at 2.6 km.
What to see near the port
Cultural landmarks dominate the area, with the Gangaramaya Temple and Seema Malakaya Temple offering insight into Buddhist heritage. History enthusiasts will appreciate the Independence Square and Colombo Lighthouse. For outdoor relaxation, Galle Face Green and Viharamahadevi Park provide green spaces in the heart of the city, while Crow Island Beach Park extends the experience further afield at 5.3 km.
Colombo serves as a gateway to wider Asia & Far East cruises, with nearby ports including Bangkok, Bali, and Hong Kong.
Colombo is Sri Lanka's executive and judicial capital, as well as the country's most populous city. It is also the financial centre of the island and a tourist destination. The Colombo metropolitan area is estimated to have a population of 5.6 million, and 752,993 within the municipal limits. It is located on the west coast of the island. It is also the administrative capital of the Western Province and the district capital of Colombo District.
Read more on Wikipedia (text CC BY-SA)
Things to do in Colombo on a port day
Top-rated sights within reach of the cruise terminal. Ratings, hours and reviews from Google — check opening times before you go.
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Photo: Ronn B Herat · via Google Maps City Park
Galle Face Green
4.5 (17,350) 1.8 km from port
Food stalls dot this popular waterfront destination with a long walkway, sandy beach & scenic views.
Near: Street Food Huts (90 m) · National Flag Post (125 m)
- Wheelchair-accessible entrance
- Good for children
- Dogs allowed
Opening hours
- Monday: Open 24 hours
- Tuesday: Open 24 hours
- Wednesday: Open 24 hours
- Thursday: Open 24 hours
- Friday: Open 24 hours
- Saturday: Open 24 hours
- Sunday: Open 24 hours
- 5 · “Galle Face Green is one of the best places in Colombo to relax and enjoy the ocean breeze. The atmosphere…” — Dilhan Perera
- 5 · “Beautiful place in Colombo to relax and enjoy the ocean view. The sunset here is amazing, and the lively atmosphere…” — sudheer reddy
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Photo: Nissanka Moore Rajapaksha · via Google Maps City Park
Viharamahadevi Park
4.4 (14,543) 1.4 km from port
Relaxed park with jogging trails, kids' play areas, space for picnics & activities like cycling.
Near: Viharamaha Devi Park Buddha Statue (72 m) · Colombo City Hall & Municipal Council (199 m)
- Wheelchair-accessible entrance
- Good for children
- Dogs allowed
Opening hours
- Monday: Open 24 hours
- Tuesday: Open 24 hours
- Wednesday: Open 24 hours
- Thursday: Open 24 hours
- Friday: Open 24 hours
- Saturday: Open 24 hours
- Sunday: Open 24 hours
- 5 · “Viharamahadevi Park is one of the best places in Colombo to relax and enjoy nature. The environment is very clean…” — Rifs
- 5 · “Viharamahadevi Park is one of the best places to relax in Colombo, both during the day and at night. The…” — Ishara Sandaruwan
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Photo: Nilupul Kawinda · via Google Maps Buddhist temple
Gangarama Temple
4.6 (14,030) 1.2 km from port
Historic Buddhist temple with a robust collection of artifacts & statues, plus vocational training.
Near: HRTECH Lanka Limited (134 m) · Moors Sports Club (160 m)
- Wheelchair-accessible entrance
- Toilets
Opening hours
- Monday: 6:00 am – 10:00 pm
- Tuesday: 6:00 am – 10:00 pm
- Wednesday: 6:00 am – 10:00 pm
- Thursday: 6:00 am – 10:00 pm
- Friday: 6:00 am – 10:00 pm
- Saturday: 6:00 am – 10:00 pm
- Sunday: 6:00 am – 10:00 pm
- 5 · “Gangaramaya Temple is one of the highlights of Colombo and is definitely worth visiting. I was lucky enough to be…” — dskwanders
- 5 · “Visiting Gangaramaya Temple was a peaceful and memorable experience. The temple is beautifully maintained, with stunning architecture, a rich collection…” — Sachini Rajapaksa
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Photo: Lasitha Peramuna · via Google Maps Tourist attraction
Colombo Lotus Tower
4.5 (12,528) 0.2 km from port
Near: Pixel Bloom (21 m) · Sri Lanka Post Headquarters (81 m)
- Wheelchair-accessible entrance
- Good for children
- Toilets
Opening hours
- Monday: 9:00 am – 9:00 pm
- Tuesday: 9:00 am – 9:00 pm
- Wednesday: 9:00 am – 9:00 pm
- Thursday: 9:00 am – 9:00 pm
- Friday: 9:00 am – 9:00 pm
- Saturday: 9:00 am – 9:00 pm
- Sunday: 9:00 am – 9:00 pm
- 5 · “Had a great experience visiting Lotus Tower. It is one of the most beautiful and iconic attractions in Colombo. The…” — kapil
- 5 · “Visiting the observation deck at the Lotus Tower offers a unique and memorable experience above the city of Colombo. From…” — Praveen D Adhikari
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Historical landmark
Independence Square
4.6 (10,911) 2.6 km from port
Square in front of Independence Memorial Hall featuring a fountain topped by a statue.
Near: Independence Memorial Museum (38 m) · Torrington Ground (59 m)
- Wheelchair-accessible entrance
- Good for children
Opening hours
- Monday: Open 24 hours
- Tuesday: Open 24 hours
- Wednesday: Open 24 hours
- Thursday: Open 24 hours
- Friday: Open 24 hours
- Saturday: Open 24 hours
- Sunday: Open 24 hours
- 5 · “Independence Square is a lovely and peaceful place to spend time in Colombo. I really appreciated how clean and well-maintained…” — Ali Altaf
- 5 · “Independence Square is a beautiful place to visit in Colombo, and the best part is that entry is completely free.…” — Piyush Bhanushali
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Park and Garden
Crow Island Beach Park
4.2 (3,376) 5.3 km from port
Near: Play Area 1 - Crow Island Beach (31 m) · Red Moon Restaurant (40 m)
- Wheelchair-accessible entrance
- Good for children
- Dogs allowed
Opening hours
- Monday: Open 24 hours
- Tuesday: Open 24 hours
- Wednesday: Open 24 hours
- Thursday: Open 24 hours
- Friday: Open 24 hours
- Saturday: Open 24 hours
- Sunday: Open 24 hours
- 4 · “A great spot for a solo date, a casual outing with friends or family, or even a romantic evening with…” — Sandupa Abeywardana
- 4 · “Crow Island Beach Park is a beautiful place with very good scenery and relaxing ocean views. The beach itself is…” — Phoebus ༄
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Buddhist temple
Seema Malakaya Temple
4.5 (2,447) 1.3 km from port
Serene Buddhist temple on floating platforms featuring numerous Buddha statues & airy shrines.
Near: Colombo City Centre Mall (75 m) · Colombo City Centre Residences (77 m)
- Toilets
Opening hours
- Monday: 6:00 am – 10:00 pm
- Tuesday: 6:00 am – 10:00 pm
- Wednesday: 6:00 am – 10:00 pm
- Thursday: 6:00 am – 10:00 pm
- Friday: 6:00 am – 10:00 pm
- Saturday: 6:00 am – 10:00 pm
- Sunday: 6:00 am – 10:00 pm
- 5 · “A striking visit in the heart of Colombo! This platform on Beira Lake offers a wonderful architectural contrast between the…” — Pascal Fernandez
- 5 · “A peaceful and beautifully designed temple set right on the lake, offering a calm escape. Its architecture, wooden platforms and…” — Kumar Saurav Mahato
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Historical landmark
Colombo Lighthouse
4.3 (806) 2.4 km from port
1950s lighthouse & Colombo port icon with a naval gun battery & a plaza offering views of the ocean.
Near: Light House Galley (37 m) · Hatton National Bank - City Office Branch (222 m)
- Good for children
Opening hours
- Monday: 9:00 am – 6:00 pm
- Tuesday: 9:00 am – 6:00 pm
- Wednesday: 9:00 am – 6:00 pm
- Thursday: 9:00 am – 6:00 pm
- Friday: 9:00 am – 6:00 pm
- Saturday: 9:00 am – 6:00 pm
- Sunday: 9:00 am – 6:00 pm
- 5 · “A iconic historic spot right in the heart of Colombo with stunning traditional Sri Lankan stone architecture. Great place to…” — Muneeb Tariq
- 5 · “I'm visited here in vesak holiday. In this place you can clearly observe Colombo Fort and also Colombo Fort Sambodhi…” — Sewmini Senadipathi
Map of Colombo and nearby attractions
Best time to visit Colombo
Cruises to Asia & Far East mostly sail november to March.
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Cruises calling at Colombo
Deals update daily — see all Asia & Far East cruises.
