Erin Hunter
Colombo is a melting pot of culture and cosmopolitan chic, where narrow streets yield hidden treasures from a bygone era while modern trends and tourist lures are hard to resist.
Colombo is located on the western coast of Sri Lanka, and as the administrative capital and largest city has seen loads of growth in terms of contemporary comforts and pleasures. Yet the city proudly hangs on to olden traditions within popular locales, one such 'spot' is the much loved Galle Face Green. This is a grassy stretch of land that faces the Indian Ocean and is located within the heart of the city, if you do book a five star hotel in Colombo Sri Lanka chances are the green is walking distance from the hotel. Spending an evening at Galle Face Green is a time honoured tradition enjoyed by Colombo's residents as well as the truck loads of outstation visitors that throng the greens. Kite flying, enjoying a meal to the sea breezes wafting across the ocean or simply relishing a brisk walk along the stretch is a treat at Galle Face Green.
Colombo city's largest park the Vihara Maha Devi Park is named after one of Sri Lanka's illustrious queens who was the mother of revered King Dutugamunu. The park is a verdant oasis in a bustling city. Located opposite the colonial style Town Hall building the park is home to joggers, kids, lovers and those who love the serene ambiance of Mother Nature. Having undergone extensive renovations the park sports modern jogging track, bike trails, kiddies play area and loads of lush greenery.
The largest museum in the country the National Museum located in the posh locales of the city was initiated in 1887 by British Governor Sir William Henry Gregory. If you fancy a taste of local history and heritage do visit this treasure trove of artefacts, housing the regalia, throne and crown of Sri Lanka's last Kandyan Sovereigns. The entrance is guarded by the skeleton of giant whale while replicas of Sri Lanka's Veddha Tribes, cultural treasures and artefacts from bygone eras promise to thrill all culture buffs.
Sitting at the entrance to the Pettah Market the Khan Clock Tower was built in the early 20th century by the illustrious family of Framjee Bhikhajee Khan who hailed from Bombay India. The clock tower in its earlier days had a beautiful waterfall which unfortunately has fallen to neglect. However the four story high tower is a much loved icon when visiting the infamous Pettah Market.
Many five star hotels located around Fort, Colpetty and Galle Face Green are a mere twenty minutes from the infamous Pettah Market. This is Colombo at its best, forget the modern chic and prepare to rub shoulders with eager hawkers, throngs of locals looking out for a good bargain and zig zagging streets of glittering gold shops. Anything and everything can be found at the Pettah open market for a bargain, but do remember to hone your haggling skills and rough out amidst the honking traffic, jostling crowds and eager salesmen. But it is indeed a treat and an adventure to return from a successful shopping spree at the market especially if you can look forward to the luxurious comforts of one of Colombo's ritzy hotels, that boast many contemporary comforts and services; for all this and more consider the Cinnamon Grand Colombo.
The Beira Lake is wide body of water located in Colombo 2 which runs all the way to right opposite Galle Face Green. The Gangaramaya Temple is an on-water structure that is quite an attraction due to its scenic surroundings on the Beira Lake. A definite must visit spot for fabulous photo opportunities – especially at night - the serene ambiance of the temple chambers dotted with tranquil Buddha statues are great for relaxing mind body and soul.
