Top Five Things to Do and See in Fort Colombo—The New, the Old and Fascinating

Located at the intersection of bustling Chatham Street the old clock tower began as a lighthouse. A rather odd monument to be sitting in the middle of a busy street, the lighthouse lost its purpose once buildings started to surround it. Therefore, the lighthouse which once shone its strong beacon 17 miles out to sea and helped guide ships to the Colombo Harbour was changed to a clock tower in 1914. The lighthouse was established in 1856 and is an elegant Victorian design planned out by the wife of then British Governor of Sri Lanka, Lady Ward. The original clock was built by the same clock makers responsible for Big Ben in London but has since been replaced. If you are staying at Cinnamon Grand Colombo, a pleasant walk along the popular Galle Face Green overlooking the Indian Ocean will take you to Chatham Street where the clock tower is located. This hotel among others is one of the best if you are looking for a top luxury hotel Colombo has on offer.

This complex is no longer a hospital, although the vintage façade is carefully preserved to show off colonial Dutch architecture. So, take along the cameras because you will find the structure full of old-world charm and a good place to snap up those social media updates. The Old Dutch Hospital is now a shopping complex and dining centre. A range of top-notch restaurants is located there including a few that offer the best in seafood for those of you ready to splurge on delicious cuisine. The complex built in 1681 was originally used by the Dutch East India Company as a medical facility, hence the name. It then went to serve as a stop for seafarers and also as the base for Colombo Apothecaries.

The Beira Lake is a good place to head off to for an evening stroll. The vast expanse of water was once connected by a range of canals during the colonial era, although vastly reduced in size today the area is full of culture that is quite typical of Colombo. You are exposed to both the upper class and lower class lifestyles of the people. On a small offshore structure on the lake sits a Buddhist shrine which is a popular place for tourists to visit and absorb the traditional culture. Exploring the area is ideal for understanding the diverse nature of Sri Lanka.

This unique stupa is built on two arched columns above the street leading to the Colombo Port. Constructed in the 1950s the shrine was placed at that height to be visible to ships coming into the docks. Three hundred stairs lead to the entrance, inside the stupa you will find many elegant artefacts pertaining to the Buddha.

The twin towers that make up The World Trade Centre at a height of 152 metres is listed among the top ten tallest building in South East Asia. Inside the modern complex are offices, restaurants and shops.