Joanna James
Colombo, a vibrant city, is the former capital of Sri Lanka and remains an important historical and cultural hub apart from being the commercial capital. A Walk-through Colombo portrays colonial influences on the island and its vibrant mix of cultures and cuisines, offering fascinating insights to visitors.
For those visiting Colombo, things to do must include a visit to the Sri Lanka National Museum, also known as the Colombo National Museum. As the largest and most significant museum of Sri Lanka, this museum in the heart of the city is home to about 10,000 exhibits that encompass paintings, historical and religious objects, artefacts, statues, curios and royal regalia like the throne and crown from the last kingdom of the island, Kandy.
The stately white building is visually pleasing as you approach, with well-manicured gardens. It is well worth spending time going through the two stories with worthy exhibits on display. The first floor has randomly placed statues, including those of Lord Buddha and other traditional Sri Lankan objects, and the second floor is mostly dedicated to artefacts.
As most of the sites to be explored are around the heart of Colombo, opt for a centrally located property. With numerous options possible for keen visitors, the likes of NH Collection Colombo are preferred due to special offers like direct booking benefits and room options.
Starting with a small shrine on the banks of serene Beira Lake in the 19th century, Gangaramaya Temple was initiated by an erudite Buddhist priest recognizing the need for a larger place of worship for the growing number of devotees in and around Colombo.
It was constructed with the benevolent help of local philanthropists, and over the years, it has grown in stature, incorporating traditional Buddhist architectural features and elements. At present, this temple is visited by Buddhist devotees and visitors throughout the year and is a unique symbol of the rich Buddhist Heritage of Sri Lanka. Its serene surroundings and features of architecture appeal to the global visitors to this temple. Be dressed modestly when you visit this place of worship.
Nestled between sleek skyscrapers facing the picturesque waterfront in the heart of Colombo is this imposing Old Parliament Building, juxtaposed with merely 3 storeys.
Built during the British Colonial rule in the early 20th century, in Neo-Baroque style, this building housed the Legislative Council of Ceylon. (The former name of the island). The details of the façade are compelling. It is ascended using many broad steps, 6 columns supporting a traditional triangular pediment, and four more columns on either side, making architectural historians call this a masterpiece in stone.
Today, it serves as the Presidential Secretariat of Sri Lanka.
The details of the façade are compelling. It is ascended using many broad steps, 6 columns supporting a traditional triangular pediment, and four more columns on either side. Architectural historians call this a masterpiece in stone.
Situated close to the business hub in Colombo, in Pettah, this outstanding mosque is in the oldest part of the city and on one of the busiest streets in Colombo. Built in the early 20th century, this iconic structure was a landmark for sailors coming to Colombo during ancient times.
With features of Indo-Islamic architecture evident from the unique red and white striped façade, ornate domes and other artistic expressions, most visitors are drawn to explore this mosque. Please ensure modesty in dress when visiting this mosque.
Another historic building in the heart of Colombo is the Old Dutch Hospital, built during the Dutch colonization of the island for the Dutch soldiers and sailors based in Colombo. Built in the 17th century, it is one of the oldest structures in the former capital city, which was also used by the British as a hospital during their colonial rule.
Much later, it was used as an administrative complex for many years and repurposed into a niche shopping and dining precinct in the recent past. Despite giving it a modern outlook, the restoration team has preserved the thick walls, high ceilings, teak beams and the open courtyards, which are a captivating sight against the sleek skyscrapers in the vicinity. Enjoy a few hours of browsing and enjoying some delicious local and international dishes here.
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.
