For the chance to brush up on your history of Sri Lanka - and see some weird and wonderful sights - a trip to the National Museum of Colombo is a must. Manicured lawns dotted with huge banyan trees and the Italian-inspired facade makes this one of the country's most visually appealing cultural hubs, while inside all manner of ancient antiques, art and artefacts are waiting to be discovered.
As you explore the fascinating displays and carefully-curated galleries, the country’s colourful past will come alive. You’ll get to see some of Sri Lanka’s most important historic relics from ancient civilisations right up to the colonial era. Highlights include the jewel-encrusted throne from the old kings of Kandy and the baffling curiosities in the natural history collection (we’re talking two-headed goats). There’s a huge library too, housing a vast collection of publications from more than 100 years ago.
The National Museum of Colombo is one of the island’s most popular attractions - so popular in fact that the government have a whole department dedicated to it. If you’re a history or culture buff, or you’ve got some time to kill while staying in the capital, don’t miss the chance to take a glimpse into Sri Lanka’s rich heritage - we promise you won’t regret it.