COLOMBO has gradually grown from humble beginnings as a tiny 5th century gem-trading post to become Sri Lanka ’ s largest city and its most important port . The island ’ s commercial capital is a hectic mix of old and new , with colonial architecture sitting next to modern glass and tree-lined residential suburbs bordered by shacks . Nifty 3-wheelers and the occasional bullock cart vie with noisy buses and 4-wheel drives . To the north is Fort , a business area with shops and offices and touches of residual colonial charm . The fort has long since gone , although the Lighthouse Clock Tower in North Chatham Street and the 18th century Queen ’ s House , now the president ’ s official residence , still exist . To the south is Galle Face Green , a popular gathering place , especially for kite-flying or a sunset stroll . At its south end stands the colonial Galle Face Hotel . Further south is Cinnamon Gardens , the city ’ s most fashionable neighbourhood . A small national art gallery borders the pleasant Viharamahadevi Park . The National Museum holds religious bronzes and a room with the crown and throne of the last Kandyan kings . All around the city , Buddhist temples , Hindu kovils , mosques and churches give a glimpse into the spiritual vibrancy of Sri Lankan life , especially during religious festivals . Gangaramaya Buddhist temple is fascinating for any visitor , as well as the Hindu Temple at Sea Street , the Dutch Church at Wolfendal and the historic Davatagaha Mosque . Colombo is great for shopping : the lively Pettah Bazaar competes with shopping malls and you can buy anything from gems to cricket bats . Stores such as Barefoot , Paradise Road , Gandhara and Odel have a designer-chic range of home ware , fabrics , arts , crafts and clothes .

HIGHLIGHTS Shopping Visiting Pettah Bazaar or browsing stores for fashion , jewellery , arts , crafts and homeware . Sightseeing National Museum , Buddhist temples ( Gangaramaya and Bellanwilla ), Hindu Kovils ( Sri Subramaniam , and Kailawasanthan Swamidevasthanam , the oldest ), Dutch period museum Golf Royal Colombo golf course Galle Face Green walking on the seafront or taking afternoon tea on the terrace of the Galle Face Hotel .

CLIMATE An average daytime temperature of 27C , often reaches above 30C . it is slightly cooler during the monsoon season ( May to August ).

DRIVING DISTANCES Colombo to International airport 1 hour . Colombo to Bentota 2 hours . Colombo to Galle 2 hours . Colombo to Kandy 3.5 hours . Colombo to Dambulla 4 hours .

Buddha statue in Victoria Park

Negombo Colombo International Airport

COLOMBO

The Kingsbury Cinnamon Lakeside

Cinnamon Grand Colombo Uga Residence

Galle Face Hotel Paradise Road , Tintagel Casa Colombo Zylan

Havelock Place Bungalow Mount Lavinia Hotel

Lake Lodge Cinnamon Red

Wadduwa

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