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Views & landmarks

Colombo Lighthouse

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Colombo Lighthouse

Colombo Lighthouse

Located at Galbokka Point south of the Colombo Harbour along Marine Drive, this lighthouse serves as a navigational landmark. Travellers visit this spot to view the coastline and the activity of the port area while walking along the waterfront.

Getting There

The lighthouse is situated on the edge of the city centre. From the central business district, it is accessible via a short taxi or tuk-tuk ride along Marine Drive. The journey typically takes 10 to 15 minutes depending on traffic conditions.

Duration of Visit

Since the attraction is a landmark viewed from the exterior rather than a complex with interior galleries, most visitors spend between 30 and 60 minutes here to take photos and observe the sea views.

When to Visit

Late afternoon is a common time to visit to avoid the midday heat and to see the lighthouse as the light changes toward evening. The area can become crowded with locals and tourists during weekends and public holidays.

Nearby Attractions

Because of its location, the lighthouse can be combined with other nearby sites within walking distance:

  • Old Colombo Lighthouse: 0.3km
  • Currency Museum: 0.3km
  • Colombo Port Maritime Museum: 0.3km
  • World Trade Center: 0.5km

Updated September 8, 2026 · Edited by the World by City editors

Tickets & tours

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Stays near Colombo Lighthouse

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Good to visit alongside

Old Colombo Lighthouse

Views & landmarks

Old Colombo Lighthouse

A clock tower at the intersection of Chatham Street and Janadhipathi Mawatha in the Colombo Fort area. It once served as a lighthouse but no longer functions as one, remaining only as a clock tower today.

0.3 km away
Currency museum

Museums & galleries

Currency museum

A museum located in the Central Point Building in Colombo's Fort district, showcasing Sri Lanka's currency and economic history. Its central location makes it an easy, casual stop.

0.3 km away
Colombo Port Maritime Museum

Museums & galleries

Colombo Port Maritime Museum

A maritime museum near Colombo Port, run by the Sri Lanka Ports Authority. It's a good place to browse exhibits on ships and seafaring.

0.3 km away
World Trade Center

Views & landmarks

World Trade Center

A pair of 152-meter twin towers in downtown Colombo. Two 39-story towers rise side by side above a four-story commercial podium, making them a landmark of the city skyline.

0.5 km away
Khan Clock Tower

Views & landmarks

Khan Clock Tower

A clock tower built by the Bombay-based Khan family, regarded as an iconic landmark of Colombo. It stands at the entrance to Pettah Market, making it a convenient stop before or after browsing the market.

0.9 km away
Pettah

Shopping & districts

Pettah

A bustling commercial district east of Colombo's Fort area, known for the open-air Pettah Market. Densely packed with wholesale and retail shops, it has a lively, energetic atmosphere.

1.0 km away