Colombo in Sri Lanka is a most interesting destination indeed. Not only is this city the commercial capital of the country but it also harbours many curious and wondrous places that are well worth a visit. One of these is Fort…
The history of Fort spans back ages ago to the 16th Century when the Portuguese first landed in Sri Lanka and made it their trading post. Seeing its strategic point, the Portuguese decided to transform Fort into a fortified base and harbour that they can use to extend their control of the interior of the country. Even today, Fort is used as a hub of commerce as it is the central business district of Colombo. The Colombo Stock Exchange is located here, at the World Trade Center Colombo which is the second tallest building in the country.
So what is there to explore for a tourist in Fort? Why there are so many! From leisure to heritage, shopping and Colombo hotels, Fort is well-equipped to please the needs of a traveller. First off, there is the beach situated near the Galle Face Green promenade with its green lawn ideal for play and chill down. If you’re a history enthusiast you can check out the Old Parliament Building (current presidential secretariat), the Republic Building and The Cargills & Millers building, to name a few.
Shopping on your mind? Head over to Crescat Boulevard, situated right next to the famous Cinnamon Grand Colombo hotel. There is a good mix of designer brands, souvenir and electronic shops here if you’re ready to spend. If you want to budget shopping, visit Pettah, a huge market complex which is like a city within a city. It can be a bit chaotic, but if you know how to bargain this is the place for you. Pettah has a wide variety of goods ranging from clothing to jewellery, sweets and snacks and much, much more. There is also a beautiful Red Mosque and an interesting Dutch Museum in Pettah.
After a day of exploring, visit the beautiful Gangaramaya Temple set by the Beira Lake. This Buddhist temple with its intricate statues, curious and precious antiques present a serene spot to relax.
Fritzjames Stephen is a travel writer, who writes content based on the myriad of experiences and indulgences that the world has to offer travellers across all walks of life. Google+
