If there’s one building that dominates the ever-changing skyline of Colombo, it’s the Lotus Tower. Standing at 350 metres, it’s the tallest self-supported structure in South Asia and the city’s single most spectacular sight - you’d struggle to miss it even on an overcast day. A journey to the top isn’t for the faint-hearted, but the spectacular panoramic views make it more than worthwhile.
Though yet to be completed, the tower’s unique architectural design resembles a lotus flower - an important symbol of purity in Sri Lankan culture. A striking sight to behold, the structure seems to rise majestically from the murky waters of Beira Lake (perhaps another nod to the lotus flower symbol?). The glass petals are illuminated by ever-changing coloured lights while the mast is rendered a vivid shade of green.
The Lotus Tower has various uses, including TV and radio broadcasting, but the main draw (at least for curious tourists like yourself) is the revolving restaurant and observation deck. There’s shops, food courts, museums, banquet halls and hotel suites inside too, and plans are also in place for even more shopping centres and a water park. Once complete, it’ll be Sri Lanka’s - if not Asia’s - most impressive man-made wonder.
