Colombo

Colombo is the commercial capital and the largest city of Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka’s commercial capital is a multi-cultural cosmopolitan community that encompasses the past, present and future, packaging it in a delightful manner. Colombo constantly reinvents itself and absorbs new influences, whilst retaining its unique character. Exploring Colombo will leave you pleasantly surprised with all that it has to offer – shopping, cuisine, and plenty of opportunities for sightseeing.

 

Colombo is a city that makes you feel home no sooner you reach it.  

 

Due to its large harbour and its strategic position along the East-West sea trade routes, Colombo was known to ancient traders 2,000 years ago. It was made the capital of the island when Sri Lanka was ceded to the British Empire in 1815, and its status as capital was retained when the nation became independent in 1948. In 1978, when administrative functions were moved to Sri Jayewardenepura Kotte, Colombo was designated as the commercial capital of Sri Lanka.

 

Known to Roman, Arab and Chinese traders for 2000 years as well as Indian traders from Calicut and Gujarat also made it their rendezvous point with the Arabs from the Gulf of Oman.  

 

Colombo withstood the turbulence of European conquest with its ancient charm and elegance. In the process it became the seventh largest sheltered port in the world in 1907. Its demography mirrors its captivating history with a mix of Buddhist, Hindu, Muslim and Christian ethics.  

 

The Port of Colombo is one of the world’s largest artificial harbours, that is still under expansion. It is a major Indian Ocean seaport.

 

The part of the city known as the Fort was first built by the Portuguese as their protected enclave. It was modified by the Dutch. The British had little use for its fortifications after its total conquest of the island. It is now an important commercial center with many offices, five-star hotels, attractive shops and banks. The 19th century Clock Tower was once a lighthouse. Other historic landmarks are the President’s House and Gardens which was the residence of the British Governors from the time of the Dutch occupation.  

The Dutch left some remarkable imprints behind. Most of them can be seen in the Dutch Museum located in the fort in a well preserved building of the Dutch period. The Mount Lavinia Beach is one of the sought after resort areas only 2 kms away from Colombo. The hotel that bears the name was once the residence of Sir Thomas Maitland, the British Governor who built it as his weekend retreat in 1805. The oldest hotel east of Suez is at one end of the Galle Face green, a wide promenade popular with all residents and visitors.

 

Colombo has several large hotels and a growing number of boutique hotels. We recommend Cinnamon Grand, Galle Face Hotel, Kingsbury and Taj Samudra, which are located in the prime hub of Colombo. Tintagel, Colombo Courtyard and Casa Colombo are chic and refined hotels that are ideal for couples looking for an intimate ambiance.

 

Mount Lavinia beach is located a short distance south from Colombo city, and is a major sea-bathing spot. It is a popular beach area with cozy bars and restaurants for a laid back nightlife.