Joanna James
Port city of Sri Lanka, Colombo, is a melting pot of colonial heritage, religion and culture. The city is a fine amalgamation of modernism and third world characteristic as reflected below.
Housed within a grand Italian style bungalow, that in itself is a vintage marvel, the Colombo Museum has a wealth of treasures to savour. At the entrance is a smiling Buddha statue that serenely welcomes you into the confines of the building. Displays date back to the 1800's and consist of ancient artefacts, covering, statues, paintings, royal attire, jewellery, weapons, coins and much more. Fascinating are the antique demon masks and ancient throne. The museum is open from 9 am to 6 pm, last admissions at 5 pm; it is located at Albert Crescent in Colombo 7 and one of the easiest attractions to reach from your Colombo hotel.
A pleasurable walk for guests at the Cinnamon Lakeside Colombo, the Galle Face Green is an icon that defines central Colombo. The stretch of green facing the Indian Ocean was once the expansive lawn of the British Governor's mansion, during colonial times. Today Galle Face Green is a breezy environ that locals love to browse for some rest and relaxation. There is a hive of activity there from kite sellers and flyers to street food kiosks and those engaging in an early morning or late evening jog. Either way, a walk to Galle Face, from your hotel in Colombo, will help blow away the cobwebs and rejuvenate mind, body and soul.
Formerly known as the Victoria Park, an ode to the late Queen; the park was renamed after the mother of Sri Lanka's illustrious King, Dutugemunu. The park is full of trees that are covered in blossoms during the months of March, April and May. If you are lucky you may come across a couple of elephants spending the night there; taking a break from ceremonial duties. The place is fitted with benches, bicycle tracks, and jogging paths as well as a kiddie's zoo and huge jungle gym.
The museum started out as the Dutch Governor's residence in the 17th century. Over time the place has served as a Catholic seminary, post office, military office and military hospital. Restored in 1977 the place is a vintage marvel to explore. There is a lovely courtyard, loads of period furniture and many artefacts that harken back to Dutch colonial times.
This is a municipal building that dates back to British colonial times. Built around 1865 the now dilapidated building is still a treasure trove for culture buffs. In the ground floor galleries, you will discover vintage municipal equipment and old vehicles, but it is the upper floors that deserve a scout. Do so, with the aid of a worker and generous tip; there you will discover, as you ascend the vintage wooden staircase a kind of wax museum. Covered in a good coat of dust are replicas of the town's first council members dating back to 1906.
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.
