As the capital and main port of Sri Lanka, Colombo is home to many attractions, which include three sets of foreign rulers—the Portuguese, the Dutch, and the British.

Start at the famous Buddhist temple, Kelaniya Raja Maha Vihara, where it is said that Buddha practiced some 2,000 years ago. Visitors can see the excellent carving of a reclining Buddha.

At the National Musum, which is set in an impressive colonial building, the country’s cultural heritage is offered up through exhibits that include half a million books, more than 4,000 archaic palm-leaf manuscripts, rock sculptures from ancient cities, bronze brassware, and weapons that were once used by Sri Lankan kings. There are also interesting paintings that represet ancient times and antique demon masks. Don’t miss the regalia of the Kandyan Kings, which dates to the 17th century.

The city’s oldest Dutch church, Wolvendaal Church, still boasts its original floor tiles from 1813. They were made from tombstones from the Dutch chuch in the Fort.

To the south of the city, at the Galle Face Green, you can see cannons that were used during colonial war times. And to the north of the city is the Fort District, named for the Dutch and Portugeuse forts that were built there. See the famous clock tower, the president’s residence, and several colonial buildings that date back to the days of the British Empire.