The main capital city in Sri Lanka - COLOMBO
The main capital city in Sri Lanka - COLOMBO
'the garden city of the East', Colombo has
nevertheless emerged as a must-see stop in Sri Lanka. No longer just the
sprawling city you have to endure on your way to the beaches, it has become a
worthy destination in its own right and makes an excellent start – or finish –
to your Sri Lankan adventures.
Top sights in Colombo
National Museum
A large 9th-century stone Buddha greets you with an
enigmatic smile as you enter Sri Lanka’s premier cultural institution, which
gets better (in small increments) each year. In galleries dating back as far as
1877, you’ll encounter all manner of art, carvings and statuary from Sri
Lanka’s ancient past, as well as swords, guns and other paraphernalia from the
colonial period. There are 19th-century reproductions of English paintings of
Sri Lanka and a collection of antique demon masks.
Galle Face Green
This long open space traditionally faced a narrow beach and
the sea. It was originally cleared by the Dutch to give the cannons of Fort a
clear line of fire. Today its broad expanses and the seaside promenade are a
popular rendezvous spot; on most days it’s dotted with kite flyers, bubble
blowers, families and canoodling couples, and (especially Sunday evening) food
vendors at the southern end along the surf offer up all manner of deep-fried
and briny snacks.
Viharamahadevi Park
Colombo’s biggest park was originally called Victoria Park,
but was renamed in the 1950s after the mother of King Dutugemunu. It’s notable
for its superb flowering trees, which bloom in March, April and early May.
Elephants used for ceremonies sometimes spend the night in the park, chomping
on palm branches. It has been given a major sprucing up and now boasts comfy
benches (often occupied with caressing couples), walkways, landscaping and
playgrounds. You'll even still see the odd snake charmer.
Dutch Period Museum
This unique museum was originally the 17th-century residence
of the Dutch governor and has since been used as a Catholic seminary, a
military hospital, a police station and a post office. The mansion contains a
lovely garden courtyard and has a nice faded feel since a 1977 restoration.
Exhibits include Dutch colonial furniture and other artefacts.
Dutch Hospital
Centrepiece of the vibrant Fort, this colonial-era complex
dates back to the early 1600s. Lavishly restored, it is home to shops, cafes
and restaurants run by some of Colombo’s best operators. Enjoy a pause for a
cold drink amid the incredibly thick columns of its arcades. There's an annex
in a 19th-century British building on the backside that faces Chatham St.
Old City Hall
Dating to 1865, this municipal building from the British era
is mostly empty today, save for some old trucks and municipal equipment on
display in the ground-floor galleries. But let the attendants lead you up the
vintage mahogany stairs (tip them Rs 100) and you’ll discover something of a
waxworks in the old council chambers. There, covered in dust, are replicas of
the town’s first councillors in 1906.
Geoffrey Bawa House
At the end of this quiet little street is the house where
the renowned architect Bawa lived from 1960 to 1970. The house combines his
usual love for traditional local forms with the stark white architectural
palette he favoured. You can tour the small gardens as well as the interior
with its custom furnishings. If you say, 'Gee I'd like to live here', you can
also arrange to stay in one part of the house. Book tours in advance.
Visit us on - www.srilankaprivatetourswithdriver.com - for
more details
#srilanka #travelsrilanka #visitsrilanka #discoversrilanka
#srilankatrip #lovesrilanka #beautifulsrilanka #exploresrilanka
#wandermoreworryless #fortheloveoftravel #worldwanderer #traveldiaries
#picoftheday #travelplans #srilankaprivatetourswithdriver #srilankaprivatetours
#privatedriverhire #tourswithprivatedriver #srilankatourswithprivatedriver
#privatetouroperatorsrilanka #srilankaprivatetransfers #privatecarrentalcolombo
#srilankaprivatedaytours #privatecarwithdriverinsrilanka #srilankadriverhire
#bestdestinationin2019 #srilankatravledestinations #activitiesinsrilanka
#colombo #colombocity #colombotravel #lifestyleincolombo
Comments
Post a Comment