The latest addition to Colombo’s developing skyline is the Colombo Lotus Tower, which opened its doors to the public on 26 September 2022.
Situated in the South East region of the Island, Colombo is crowded, noisy, active, and dynamic, similar to other typical South Asian large cities, with a mix of modern life and colonial structures.
Let's take a look at what the latest attraction in Colombo has to offer!
Image Credit: Christoph Theisinger on Unsplash
The Lotus Tower is also referred to as the Colombo Lotus Tower and is known as “Nelum Kuluna” in Sinhala.
The tower is currently the tallest self-supported structure in South Asia. It is also the second tallest structure in South Asia after the guy-wire-supported INS Kattabomman in India. The tower is also the 11th tallest completed tower in Asia and it is also the 19th tallest tower in the world. It also proudly features the fastest elevator in South Asia.
It has grown to be one of Sri Lanka's top tourist destinations and is well-liked by visitors. The design of the tower represents the shape of a blossoming lotus. The lotus is a symbol of purity and is said to symbolize the flourishing development of the country.
The 350-meter-tall 17-story Lotus Tower, located in the heart of Colombo city, comprises a television tower, a hotel, a telecommunications museum, restaurants, an auditorium, an observation deck, a shopping mall, and a conference center. The tower is spread over an area of 30,600 sq meters. It gives a panoramic view of the entire city of Colombo.
Basement floor – Distribution room, diesel generator room, kitchen, refrigeration plant room, domestic water pool, and pump room
1st floor – Entrance hall, VIP lounges, and shopping area
2nd floor – Telecom museum, folk custom museum, exhibition hall, and visitor area
3rd floor – Meeting center and administration office of the tower
4th floor (Roof floor of the Tower Podium) – Water tank room and staircase
The Tower Body/ Tower Shaft is 200 meters in height and consists of 8 elevators and stairs to get you up the Lotus Tower. There are 3 high-speed elevators, 2 medium-speed elevators, and 3 slow-speed elevators.
1st floor – TV transmitter plant and control rooms
2nd floor – Radio transmitter plant and control rooms
3rd floor – Banquet hall
4th floor – Banquet hall with a capacity of accommodating 1000 guests
5th floor – Revolving restaurant
6th floor – VIP rooms
7th floor – Observation deck
8th floor – A/C outdoor plant room and elevator plant room
The Mast divides into four sections consisting of TV, FM, and other telecommunication antennas for television services, FM radio stations, and telecommunication service providers.
The colors of the lotus petals of the tower house change periodically. It consists of approximately 20,000 LED bulbs and is a beautiful sight to see especially at night. The tower’s color is planned to alternate between pink and light yellow with a smooth transition which is an effect achieved by coating the glass. During festive seasons the tower will have appropriate decorations displayed on it.
Image Credit: Wikipedia Commons
This tower is a must-see if you intend to travel to the beautiful island nation. It is visible throughout Colombo and its suburbs.
For the best weather, visit during the northeast monsoon season, including the driest months of December to March. There's also a shorter dry period in July and August.
Address:
D.R. Wijewardena Mawatha (McCallum Road) in Colombo 10
Tickets:
General Public: Rs. 500 or Rs. 2,000
Foreign Nationals: USD 20
