Sightseeing Overview Colombo is a lively and exciting city where part of the joy is just wandering and watching life unfold on the streets. To the north of the city is the Fort District – so named because both the Dutch and the Portuguese built forts here. This is the main commercial district where many businesses are located. Amidst the modern buildings, this area also has a distinct colonial feel, with the famous clock tower, the president's residence and a smattering of colonial-era buildings, which hark back to the days of the British Empire. Near to here is the Pettah bazaar
district with a jumble of goods for sale: vegetables, meats, precious metal, jewelry, gemstones and all manner of flotsam and jetsam that makes up an Asian market. There are a number of Buddhist and Hindu temples in this area and also the Jumi-ul Alfar Jumma Mosque, which are all worth a visit. To the south of the city is Galle Face Green, a seafront where people from the city come to relax and play cricket, fly kites or just wander. More cerebral pursuits include the National Museum, which helps to put the country’s history into perspective, and the National Art Gallery. The best beaches are to the south of the city, with the closest being at Mt Lavina 10km (6 miles) away.
Tourist Information Sri Lanka Tourist Board 80 Galle Road Colombo Tel: (011) 2437 759. Website: www.srilankatourism.org
Key Attractions:
The Colombo National Museum Established in 1877, this is Colombo’s oldest museum, and has a vast collection of antiques and objects from all over the island. Wherever you are traveling to on the island, this will be a good place to get an idea of the local cultural heritage. Adjacent to the National Museum is the Natural History Museum which has a number of representations of the flora and fauna of Sri Lanka.
Cinnamon Gardens The most exclusive area of Colombo, this is a district of large houses set on shady streets, lined with jacaranda and frangipani. Home to many of the city’s most exclusive and trendy bars, shops and restaurants. A stroll round Cinnamon Gardens is a pleasant way to spend a few hours in the city. In the middle of Cinnamon Gardens is Viharamahdevi Park, the city's largest open space.
Colombo 7
Gangaramaya Temple Located on the waters of Beira Lake, adjacent to the so-called Slave Island, this Buddhist Temple dates back over 2,000 years. It is reached by crossing a wooden bridge. There is a holy bo tree under which the Lord Buddha is reputed to have preached. There are many historic Buddha images and frescoes.
61 Sri Jinarathana Road
Dehiwala Zoological Gardens Colombo zoo has a wide range of flora and fauna from all over the world, as well as a large collection of animals, birds, reptiles and fish from all over Sri Lanka. It includes a walk through aviary, and aquarium and a butterfly park. There are also elephant shows – a reminder of the place of the animal in Sri Lankan society.
Pettah Pettah is the main Bazaar district of the city. Situated next to the refined Fort district, it is an area of narrow cobbled streets and stalls and shops that spill out onto the streets in a riot of color, smells and noise. Particularly good for local produce, including gold, spices, music as well as ayurvedic medicines. There is also a sprawling and colorful vegetable and fish market.
Further Distractions:
Galle Face Green A seafront promenade and gardens that gets packed with lingering crowds and food stalls – especially at weekends. This is where the city comes to relax, and you will see kite flyers, cricket games and picnickers.
Dutch House Museum This colonial mansion dates back to the 17th century. Formerly the residence of Count August Carl Van Ranzow, it has now been restored as a museum of the Dutch occupation. Focusing on the home life of the colonialists, the exhibits include furniture and ceramics, and give a good idea of the lives of the Dutch at the time.
Prince Street, Pettah, Colombo 11 Tel: (011) 2448 466.
Mount Lavinia A quiet sandy beach (arguably the best and most popular) only 13km (8 miles) from the heart of the city. On the beach there are little bathing huts which can be hired for the day. Focal point of Mount Lavinia is the Mount Lavinia Hotel.
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