population: 0.648 million

extension: 37.31 square kilometers

Museums

If you're in Colombo and interested in museums, I would recommend visiting the National Museum of Colombo. It is the largest museum in Sri Lanka and features a wide range of exhibits on the island's history, cultural heritage, and natural environment. Other museums in the area that may be of interest include the Dutch Period Museum and the Colombo National Museum of Natural History.

Food

Some of the most recommended, popular and typical dishes to eat in Colombo (Sri Lanka) according to local people are:

1. Rice and Curry - A staple dish consisting of boiled rice served with a variety of curries which can include meat, fish or vegetables.

2. Kottu Roti - A type of street food made with shredded roti bread, vegetables, eggs and/or meat, chopped up and stir-fried on a griddle with spices.

3. Hoppers (Appam) - A type of pancake made from fermented rice flour and coconut milk, usually eaten for breakfast or dinner with a side of curry or sambol (a spicy coconut chutney).

4. String Hoppers (Idiyappam) - A popular breakfast dish made from steamed rice noodles that are shaped into small nests and served with curry or grated coconut.

5. Lamprais - A Dutch-influenced Sri Lankan dish consisting of rice cooked with meat or vegetables, wrapped in banana leaves and baked until tender.

6. Watalappam - A traditional Sri Lankan dessert made from jaggery (palm sugar), coconut milk, spices and cashew nuts.

7. Pol Sambol - A spicy coconut relish made with fresh coconut, red onions, chili powder, lime juice, and Maldive fish (optional). It is commonly served as a condiment with rice and curry dishes.

8. Devilled Chicken - A spicy and tangy dish made by stir-frying chicken pieces with onions, peppers, tomatoes, and a blend of spices.

Activities

Some fun activities that locals enjoy in Colombo include visiting the Galle Face Green promenade, which is a popular spot for kite-flying and enjoying street food; taking a boat ride on Beira Lake; shopping at the Pettah Market, which is a bustling bazaar with a wide variety of goods; exploring the historic Fort area, which has many colonial-era buildings and museums; and trying out Sri Lankan cuisine at local restaurants and street vendors.