The port of Colombo figured in the trade routes of ancient seafarers 2000 year ago. However the visible history of the city goes back to over 500 hundred years. Currently as the commercial capital of Sri Lanka and the home of a multi ethnic population the city offers a patchwork of sites both modern and ancient that has appeal across generations.Cinnamon Red Colombo one of new business hotels Colombo is in close proximity to the business hub of the city.
Walking around Colombo or taking a hop on hop off tour what is immediately noticeable among the modern high rises is the architecture that has its roots in a time long by. British colonial architecture still visibly dominates much of the busy Fort area that is the financial district of Colombo. A few examples of colonial Dutch architecture are also found here. The Pettah, east of the Fort an area of open air bazaars and markets is the country commercial hub. Historic sites here include the large Dutch era Wolvendaal Church, the Jami Ul Alfar Mosque one of the oldest mosques in the country, Kayman’s Gate, the old Colombo Town Hall dating to 1865 and the Khan Clock Tower built by a family in old Mumbai of the same name. Galle Face Green Promenade a sight that is not easy to miss is by the sea south of the Fort. People of Colombo use this green space to take the air, fly kites, hold festivals and get some exercise. Being a multi ethnic city every street in Colombo has either a temple, mosque, church or a Hindu kovil that are a mix of styles appropriate to those religions. Among the green space of the city is Vihara Maha Devi Park that is the oldest park in the city. Independence Square in the middle of which is the Independence Memorial Hall is a popular tourist destination. The beautifully landscaped area around it is where city dwellers come to walk, jog and cycle. The city’s sights also include many individual buildings that are part of the country’s architectural heritage.
Chandrishan Williams is a travel writer who writes under the pen name, Caleb Falcon. He specializes in writing content based on the many exciting world adventures that await intrepid travellers.
