Things to do in Colombo – a glimpse into a buzzing city life

There is one major reason why you should visit Colombo National Museum. The museum will make you familiar with this small island of an intricate history. The country, though small in geographical landscape, has a long history of civilization. An hour or two at the museum in Colombo will cap it all, though not in a detailed manner.

The museum was established on January 1, 1877, as founded by Sir William Henry Gregory, the then British Governor of Ceylon. The formation of the museum was not a piece of cake though. The Royal Asiatic Society took pains to explain why a public museum is important for the island. The architectural structure of the museum itself tells a story. It was an initial design of an architect attached to the Public Works Department who went by the name of J G Smithar.

The museum was elevated into the national status under its Director Dr P E P Deraniyagala. Dr Deraniyagala opened branches in Jaffna, Kandy and Ratnapura.

The next best thing to do in Colombo is of course sighting the city. Perhaps that could be the best. Named as The Colombo City Tour, this is joint venture of Sri Lanka Tourism and Ebert Silva Holidays. Here you will be taking a ride in an open-deck bus. If you plan to travel during the day time, do not forget your sunscreen, hat and other covering gear for the sunshine might be too much for your unfamiliar skin. The city tour takes you around the city of Colombo passing the major areas such as Lighthouse Clock Tower, Colombo Harbour, Khan Clock Tower, Gangarama Seema Malakaya, War Memorial, National Museum, Nelum Pokuna, Town Hall and BMICH.

Colombo is a cultural melting pot comprising of Buddhists, Christians (Catholics included) and Muslims. If you take a leisurely stroll as sun slowly sets, you can hear the Buddhist recitals being chanted at a slow rhythmic pattern. If you happen to be in Town Hall on a Friday, those recitals emanating from Dawatagaha Mosque will reach your ears. And on a Sunday you do not have to miss a Mass. So to say religious places dominate the city of Colombo. They are well noted for several reasons such as architecture and historical significance. If you have no idea where these religious places are located exactly, you can seek consultation of any hotel. It is always better to stay at one of the Colombo hotels such as Berjaya Hotel Colombo, if you plan to sightsee the city without the aid of a tourist guide.

Colombo is a city that never sleeps. Even by 3 am you can see at least a vehicle or two breezing through. Recently set up shopping complexes such as the Arcade are specially meant for the nightlife of tourists. And if you visit Colombo Pettah, you can see workers engaged in various activities. If you plan to visit Pettah area, remember to leave valuables in the hotel you stay.