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| General Information |
 | | Colombo won't hit you in the face with its exoticism like Mumbai, nor enchant you like Paris, but this former capital city of Sri Lanka has a lively and frenetic pace, coupled with a distinct combination of its Eastern roots and Western influences.
Sri Lanka, formerly Ceylon, has always been associated with tea production, and it's still an important part of the economy. Unfortunately, in the last few years the rebel Tamil Tigers have also become well associated with the country, and it's advisable to be on the alert for reports of their activities in the countryside. That being said, you can feel safe in the city, as life goes on normally every day.
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| Colombo is pretty easy to navigate. The northern part is the Fort district, the business center for the entire country. Here you'll find bookshops, department stores, and sights such as the Clock Tower (which used to be a lighthouse), the President's Residence (which used to be the Queen's House), and a stretch of buildings from colonial times. Walking around brings home the variety of powers that have had their say in the development of Colombo - the Portuguese, the Dutch, and the British, as well as Arabs and Chinese have left their stamp on the city. If you listen closely, you can hear snippets of languages that have found their way from the colonists' tongues into the speech of the Sri Lankans.
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 | | In the heart of downtown Columbo you come to the Pettah Market. It was once a very fashionable neighborhood, and the run-down colonial architecture on every street lends a terrific charm. Now it's become an honest to goodness Oriental bazaar, packed ("choked" might be more apt) with stalls, and carts, and people selling everything from fruit to gemstones to gold to silver to outright junk. Let your eyes wander the fabulous variety of goods (but keep your hand on your wallet) as you drift through another world so different than the neighborhood mall back home. While you're here, satisfy your shopping urges and pick up some Sri Lankan crafts as souvenirs.
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| Besides Pettah and the Fort, there are a number of Buddhist and Hindu temples that are worth your while, and many parks and green spaces offering respite. At the Galle Face Green, along the oceanfront, the life of the city is on display, with its complement of kite flyers, cricket players, and spooning lovers. There's the nifty Dehiwala Zoo, replete with exhibits of Sri Lankan fauna, with a daily elephant show thrown in for good measure. To round out your exposure to Sri Lankan culture in a more formal way, you shouldn't miss the National Museum, or the Art Gallery, with their exhibits of historical and contemporary works.
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| Put a cap on your walking tour and amble through Cinnamon Gardens, formerly a cinnamon growing area, but now the most fashionable neighborhood in Colombo. The difference from Pettah couldn't be more striking. Where Pettah is narrow and crowded, Cinnamon Gardens is made up of wide boulevards. Where Pettah is crammed with stalls and carts, Cinnamon Gardens is filled with elegant mansions. Like any big city, Colombo has its share of stark contrasts.
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| All in all, Colombo will leave a definite impression on you, and you'll be remembering its pungency and energy for a long time to come. It's different — very different. But this is why we travel. | |
| General Information |
| POPULATION
Two million people make their home in the greater Colombo area.
PORT
Colombo is the largest artificial harbor in Asia, and the most important port on the Indian Ocean.
CLIMATE
The climate of Colombo is hot, with daytime temperatures in the upper 80s year round. Afternoon sea breezes help to modify the heat.
LANGUAGE
Sinhala is the official and national language of Sri Lanka, while Tamil is another national, though not official, language. About a tenth of the population speaks competent English.
CURRENCY
Sri Lankan rupee. | |
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