Joanna James
Colombo is the country's commercial capital, fashion centre and gourmet dining venue. The place is also home to vintage relics from the country's colonial past. Enjoy the hustle & bustle of the city.
The beautiful building within which the museum is housed was once the 17th century home of the Dutch Governor. It has also over the years served as a monastery, military hospital, post office and even a police station. Restored in 1977 the building exudes an ambience of past grandeurs and is complete with a lush courtyard. On display is period furniture together with other interesting artefacts. On an austere note, it is within this building that Sri Lankan King Rajasinghe II signed a peace treaty with the Dutch allowing them access to the country.
The national museum too is housed within an Italian style colonial mansion. It is the country's oldest museum and home to a staggering collection of over a 100,000 artefacts. From stately thrones to ancient tools used by indigenous tribes the place is a virtual treasure trove of marvels. The museum is centrally located in Colombo 7 and is an important stop on any Sri Lanka holidays tour of Colombo. The galleries here date back to 1877 while a 9th century Buddha statue welcomes you at the entrance. The place is just one of the hidden gems in Colombo waiting to be explored with the aid of expert guides and comprehensive tours as offered by many prestigious local tour companies of which Jetwing Travels are one.
Almost mocking the long traffic lines and hustle and bustle that is Colombo, this gorgeous park sits right smack in the busy city; offering visitors a shady respite to rejuvenate the weary soul. The place is well set up with cycle and jogging tracks. Outdoor benches, kids play gym and even miniature zoo. The thick woodland like atmosphere of the park drowns out the noisy traffic while offering loads of shade and cool environs to bask in.
Located in Colombo 3 the Barefoot Gallery set up by owner Barbara Sansoni is housed within a vintage villa. The place offers a marvellous collection of hand-woven fabric in many hues and shades. You can buy the thick cotton hand-woven fabrics by the metre as well as garments for men and women that are cool, comfortable and stylish. Kid's soft toys and a gallery to browse together with a café for tea and cakes make the Barefoot Gallery a favourite stop when shopping in Colombo.
Bu Ba is a breezy beachside seafood pub located on popular Mt Lavinia Beach. The place sits on the sandy beach under the shade of coconut palms. If you are hankering for long summer days of lazing on the beach this is the place to visit. Chill out and enjoy the laid back atmosphere, good food and refreshing drinks.
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