Colombo is the capital and largest city of Sri Lanka. The main city has a mix of historic architecture and modern life that attracts a crowd of people.

Colombo has a tropical climate with hot and humid weather throughout the year. However, the ideal time to visit Colombo is during the northeast monsoon season, which is between November and April.

When in Colombo, in addition to the city, many surprises await you below the city’s pristine shores. In fact, Colombo is home to some of the most amazing dive sites that give you glimpses of an impressive array of marine life. Many species of fish and coral reefs found here are unique to this part of the Indian Ocean and have yet to be identified.

Diving enthusiasts will find Colombo particularly surprising, as the city is an extremely popular diving center. All the facilities are easily accessible and what makes it a diving paradise is that one will not come across dynamite fishing.

Besides diving, there are plenty of other activities to keep you busy. For starters, Pettah, Colombo’s colorful and bustling bazaar district, offers an exhilarating slice of Sri Lankan life. In Pettah, the bustling maze of criss-crossing streets is packed with markets selling an astonishing variety of produce with specialties on every street. The streets of Colombo come alive during the Vel festival which is celebrated in honor of Lord Sri Murugan. It is magnificent to see the streets of Colombo come alive with colorful processions.

Other travel ideas in Colombo:

• Lankans are not very popular as buyers of new books. It is said that they opt for second-hand books, which is why in the Zona del Fuerte you can find a multitude of second-hand bookstores. Bookstore rows can rightly be called a book lover’s paradise, both for variety and bargains.

• While the National Museum is popular with tourists, a trip to the lesser known Dutch Museum which was built during the 17th century is recommended.

• Independence Square in Colombo has a lot of historical importance. For the locals, it is an inherent part of their lives. It is a hive of activity with families strolling on the lawn, young children riding bikes while various fitness enthusiasts jog and walk.

• Although the shopping complexes are popular with locals who mill around and enjoy a meal outside, surprisingly not many shop there. Instead, they prefer Pettah, Nugegoda and Kiribathgoda, all nearby. Without a doubt, these places provide a different shopping experience, to say the least.

• For foodies, in addition to the other popular restaurants, Sizzle is a must see. It is located on Walukarama Road. Also, Pilawoos restaurant, which is the definition of street food for Lankans, is another restaurant that deserves a place on the list of food places to visit in Colombo.

• For those with an interest in art and local culture, the Barefoot Gallery Café is a must with a shop selling authentic handmade garments, a bookstore, an art gallery and a patio restaurant.

• While you are in Colombo, surely some words will keep going around. Two of them are “Kade” and “Pola”. These are, in a sense, words related to shopping. Kade refers to the makeshift shops found on street corners that have everything. Soft drinks, sweets and much more. And Pola are open markets organized on a certain day of the week. A typical Pola has many different types of fresh organic fruits and vegetables to choose from.

So while you are in Colombo, try the places and food that are recommended to all tourists. Also, try some of the activities you just read about and get the most out of your trip to the capital of the Emerald Isle. The best way to reach the vibrant city is through the airlines that offer low cost air tickets for your comfortable travel.