The sea-port capital of the island, commercial and administrative centre. Population one million. The city is of two parts and two distinct personalities are discernible – the "Pettah" which is a colourful bazaar and the older part of town, and the quieter Fort. Many evidence of the colonial occup    Read more...

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ation remain such as the Dutch belfry at Kayman’s (Crocodile’s) Gate; the Wolvendaal Dutch Church; old Dutch building in Hulftsdorf; St. Andrew’s Scots Kirk; the quaint clock tower in Chatham Street, older than Big Ben and formerly a lighthouse. Colombo’s Zoo, off Dehiwela, 7 miles away has a very fine collection of fauna and can claim the only daily elephant circus in the world. Five and a half miles away at Kelaniya is the historic Raja Maha Vihare, a Buddhist temple with a history going back to pre-Christian times and sanctified by a visit by the Buddha. Colombo has a good museum and Art Gallery.

Shopping can be very rewarding. The bazaar area is in Pettah, while most of the department stores and jewellery shops are in Fort. Many souvenir and handicraft shops are also available. Laksala, the Government handicraft department store, stocks a complete range of fine products. Nightclubs, theatres, cinemas and speciality restaurants can be found all over the city. Sports include golf, swimming, squash and tennis.

The city of Colombo was until recently Sri Lanka’s capital city. Colombo is still the nation’s financial hub, a diverse blend of colonial architecture and modern high rise buildings. Colombo is also the venue for the world famous ‘Tea Auction.

Gangarama Buddhist Temple, Wolfendall Kirk, Town Hall, Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall, Zoological Gardens and the new Parliamentary Complex are some attractions in Colombo. Colombo is considered a ` shoppers paradise’ with many shopping complexes selling garments of Sri Lankan origin and designer wear at bargain prices. The Royal Colombo Golf Club in close proximity to the city affords you an absorbing game of golf. Watch the sunset over the Indian Ocean from the verandah of the Galle Face Hotel whilst sipping a cup of Ceylon Tea. When dusk falls, Colombo comes alive where nightlife is at its best.

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