The legacies of regal Colombo are still all that much in place along its frequently shady roads. Fort the midst of widespread historic restoration while Pettah overflows with business sectors and widespread trade. Indeed traffic-stoped up Galle Rd is getting spiffier, while the seafront advantages from new streets that are impelling Hotel development. Colombo’s cosmopolitan side supports smart bistros, intriguing stores, museums and galleries. Shocks abound in its old quarters. Without much of a stretch You can spend several days investigating this energetic city and a visit here is a phenomenal begin to your Sri Lankan adventures
As far back as the fifth century, Colombo served as an port for trade between Asia and the West. during the eighth century Arab dealers settled close to the port, and in 1505 the Portuguese arrived. By the mid-seventeenth century the Dutch had taken control, developing cinnamon in the region now known as Cinnamon Gardens, yet it wasn’t until the British arrived that the town turned into a city. In 1815 Colombo was announced the capital of Ceylon. During the 1870s the jetties were constructed and Fort was made by flooding surrounding wetlands. Colombo was gently given over when Sri Lanka attained independence in 1948.
COLOMBO’S MAIN NEIGHBOURHOODS
ZONE SUBURB
Col 1 – Fort The revitalised centre of the city, historic and chic
Col 2 – Slave Island Not an island at all (though it really was used for keeping slaves in the Dutch colonial era); some of Colombo’s oldest areas are here, including Union Pl
Col 3 – Kollupitiya The dense commercial heart of the city, with countless shops, hotels and businesses along Galle Rd
Col 4 – Bambalapitiya An extension of Col 3
Col 5 – Havelock Town Gentrifying southern extension of Col 4 includes trendy Stratford Ave
Col 6- Wellawatta More commercial sprawl south along Galle Rd. Inland, Pamankade is a newly stylish enclave
Col 7 – National Museum, Viharamahadevi Park, old colonial mansions and trendy shops
Col 8 – Borella The quieter eastern extension of Cinnamon Gardens
Col 11 – Pettah Old quarter just east of Fort, with thriving markets
Col 13 – Kotahena Alongside the port north
Tour in COLOMBO within 2 days…
Begin at the clamoring markets of Pettah, taking time to visit little Hindu temples and the Dutch Period Museum. Head west to Fort and stop to admire the restoration of colonial gems like the Old Dutch Hospital. Have a superb local lunch at a Restaurant. In the evening visit the Enormous Buddhist Gangaramaya Temple and wander down to Viharamahadevi Park. Later, take a walk around the oceanfront with Sri Lankan families at Galle Face Green as the sun sets and appreciate a nibble from a vendor.
Get a kotthu (a rotti hacked and fried with a mixed bag of ingredients) in a roadside hotel before tackling the amazing National Museum. A while later, make a go at shopping at the numerous amazing stores and boutiques in verdant Cinnamon Gardens and Kollupitiya. For supper, join a brilliant Cafe’s near or break your route into shellfish sitting on the sand at the Beach.
