Colombo
Possibly one of the best preserved commercial cities in the region, Colombo is a city of scintillating contrasts that converge into an amalgamation of memories each more distinct than the other. As Sri Lanka’s economic hub, all the major local and international corporations have their presence in the city and so do all the major designer and high street retailers, so be ready to indulge in some retail therapy.
Sightseeing opportunities are sparse, but visitors are advised to take in what does exist, as it provides a glimpse into how Colombo must have been in the time of ‘Ceylon’. The economic centre, although called Fort, has no structure answering to this description, but you can find exquisite architecture in some old buildings. These ancient structures stand out proudly amongst the other modern construction and are easy to spot. A stroll through nearly Pettah affords an insight into the mayhem of eastern bazaars where you will be amazed at the pace of activity here where traders are hard at work.
In contrast, the Gangaramaya Temple along the Beira Lake reflects the serenity of Buddhism, while the Kathiresan Kovil offers an insight into vibrant Hinduism. The recently refurbished National Museum is well maintained and houses some unique Sri Lankan objets d’art, while the Dutch Period Museum is well worth a visit too. In the surrounding area, the Dutch-built church, Wolvendaal Kerk, is an imposing structure. The Independence Memorial Hall makes for a good photo-op for tourists in the forefront of the grand edifice.
A walk along the Galle Face Green in the proximity of all the major Colombo five-star hotels is relaxing and there are numerous shopping outlets in the area. Sri Lanka is known for its gold, precious and semi precious jewellery and the city has a plethora of jewellery stores that delight. Large stores selling souvenirs, apparel, reed ware, statues, sculptures and other home ware abound in the city.
Colombo offers food lovers a wide variety of places to eat out at, catering to all budgets and offering delectable world cuisine, although at least one tryst with the hot and pungent Sri Lankan food is recommended - if only to let your taste buds experience the famous Ceylonese spices so coveted by colonial powers centuries ago.
An accessible beach close to Colombo is Mount Lavinia, the beautiful hotel formerly a British governor’s former residence, and offers a wonderful feeling of old world charm the minute you sweep into its elegant driveway and are ushered into the hotel by liveried doormen in colonial dress. Colombo is easy to fall in love with as it stimulates all your senses, its sights and sounds will reverberate in your heart forever.
