Lotus Tower (Colombo), Sri Lanka

The Lotus Tower, or Nelum Kuluna, is impossible to miss. At about 350 metres, it's the tallest tower in South Asia, and its purple and green lotus bud rises over Colombo beside Beira Lake. It was built as a telecommunications tower with Chinese funding, and it took years longer than planned. Since it opened to the public in 2022, it has become one of the city's most visited attractions.

What's inside

• The observation deck. A high-speed lift takes you up to the open-air deck inside the "petals", well over 200 metres above the ground. From here you get a full circle of views: the harbour and the Port City, the old Fort district, Beira Lake, and on clear days the hills inland.
• Restaurants and event spaces in the bud, including a revolving restaurant, which may need a reservation.
• Shops, food outlets and exhibition areas at the base, with occasional concerts and events in the grounds.

Tickets

Foreign visitors pay a higher ticket price than residents, and it is usually set in US dollars. There are normally different ticket types, including a faster option that skips the queue. Prices and options have changed several times, so check the tower's official website or ask your hotel for the current details. Bring your passport or a copy, as you may be asked for ID.

Best time to go

• Late afternoon into evening is the most rewarding time. Go up about an hour before sunset, watch the light change, and see the city's lights come on.
• Clear days matter. In hazy or rainy weather, the view shrinks, so look at the sky before you buy a ticket.
• Weekdays are much quieter. Weekend and holiday evenings can mean long queues for the lifts, both going up and coming down.

After dark, the tower itself is lit up in changing colours, and it's best seen from the lake or from Galle Face Green.

How long to allow

About 1 to 1.5 hours, and longer at busy times because of the lift queues.

Getting there

The tower is on D.R. Wijewardena Mawatha, about 10 minutes by tuk-tuk from Fort station or Galle Face. Security checks are carried out at the entrance. It fits easily into one day in Colombo, with Gangaramaya Temple and the Seema Malaka only a short ride away across the lake.