Joanna James
Colombo is fast-developing and the face of the city is ever-changing. When in Colombo, ensure that you engage in certain must-do activities and visit essential attractions.
Colombo's splendid National Museum is sure to capture the interest of the culture lover. In fact, this museum is considered to be Sri Lanka's foremost cultural establishment, featuring a wonderful selection of artefacts relating to the island nation's eventful history and distinctive culture. In this museum, visitors will encounter a remarkable array of artworks, statues, and carvings that are representative of Sri Lanka's cultural heritage. Not to be missed is the excellent collection of exhibits dating from the nation's colonial era, which includes guns, swords, and many other interesting features. The museum is housed in a magnificent building whilst the grounds of the institution feature shady banyan trees.
Colombo is home to a number of retail stores that provide for ideal outlets for retail therapy. From small stores to larger department stores, the shopping scene in Colombo is a bit wanting, but one can purchase almost anything they wish from local attire such as sarongs, to top brands such as Mango
Local seafood dishes especially in the coastal city of Negombo is a must try when you are in this country. Fresh from the ocean, seafood can be purchased in Negombo at very nominal prices at any of the eateries found dotted along the coastline. You can have seafood cooked in a fancy way or just grilled; the choice is all yours.
Head over to the busy environs of Colombo Fort and the Harbour. Colombo Fort was set up by the Portuguese and eventually better established by the invading Dutch. Once the Portuguese took over the country they established the Fort as a means of safeguarding the harbour. Over time the invading Dutch and then British Empire developed the harbour and Colombo Fort. Today Colombo Port is the busiest in the country and sits between ancient Arabian merchant buildings, colonial facades and a general hodge podge of locals and visitors going about their business. If you are a first time visitor to this country, base yourself at a hotel in Colombo. Airport transfers can be arranged on request from hotels such as The Tamarind Tree Hotel which also provide easy access to many attractions nearby.
The popular Galle Face Green may be regarded as Colombo's foremost leisure area where innumerable local residents, as well as foreign visitors, gather to spend leisure time. Galle Face Green is frequented by numerous walkers, joggers and kite flyers on weekdays; on weekends it is more crowded with many local families congregating on its lawns to enjoy the beach. As you might expect you will find many food vendors offering typical local street foods at the Green. A highlight at the Galle Face Green is the breathtaking tropical sunset.
A tour of Colombo is truly incomplete without a ride in a local trishaw. Known for their daredevil speed, these trishaws are also known as 'tuk-tuks' by locals and are a convenient mode of transport when travelling in Colombo. Ensure that you board a trishaw with a meter or negotiate the fare in advance to avoid unnecessary hassle when paying for your ride.
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
