The Columbo Lotus Tower, also known as Nelum Kuluna is located in Sinhala. Known as one of the most popular tourist sites in Columbo, it stands at a height of 356 meters and is the tallest tower in South Asia, 11th tallest tower in Asia and 19th tallest tower in the world. The tower is viewable as far as 10 km from its site due to its height.
Many tourists flock to the Columbo Lotus Tower whenever they visit the town of Columbo as it is a major attraction site to many. The building serves as a transmission tower for television and radio. An approximate fifty television and radio broadcasters in addition to twenty telecommunication providers are accommodated in the tower.
The tower consists of four parts namely the Tower Base, Tower Stem, Tower House and Antenna Mast. The Tower Base forms the base part of the tower and it consists of more than 9 floors of the tower. It is located at an elevation of 215 meters to 260 meters. The base is designed in the form of a bud of a lotus flower and the petals of the base are decorated by lights of different colours. An outdoor space for events, VIP entrance for shopping, the shopping centre and basement with a banquet hall and restaurants are found at the base.
The Tower Stem is located below the Tower House and Tower Base. Different lifts that are used to carry passenger and goods are found there.
At the Tower House, there are many popular locations for adventure, fun and entertainment. These include the observation deck on the 7th floor, the Lotus Suite which offers an amazing view of the city, a revolving restaurant, banquet halls that could accommodate hundreds of guests and the transmission centre.
The Antenna Mast is the main spot of the tower and it is located at the top part of the tower. It was built for the purpose of telecommunication for television and radio networks. The main objective is to support television broadcasting shows, channels, radio broadcasting and as the main hub for telecommunication networks in Columbo and its surrounding cities.
The Columbo Lotus Tower holds various leisure activities. Places brimming with activities such as banquet halls, ballrooms, hotels, restaurants, muzeums and auditoriums are also found in the tower. At the top of the tower lies a restaurant that revolves and it provides a scenic view of the beautiful city. The restaurant completes a full rotation in every 90 minutes.
The tower’s observation deck provides an amazing and exceptional view of the city. It is also decorated beautifully and is a good place for pictures to be taken. Tourists could enjoy a spectacular view of the city of Columbo from an elevation of 280 meters.
The majestic tower attracts over a thousand tourists daily and is opened 24 hours daily. The interior of Columbo Lotus Tower is also well decorated whenever there are special festive celebrations such as Christmas and Diwali.