Central Colombo is synonymous with the Galle Face Green, once a recreational area during the colonization of Sri Lanka by Britain. Today, it has been revamped and is a family friendly open area which gets busy with kite flying and cricket games during weekends. It fronts the sea with a strip of beach as the city lulls in the background. Taking a long stroll in the evenings, one is able to see the new port being developed with twinkling lights in the distance.
Colombo is full of religious sites well worth a visit. The Gangaramaya Temple almost floating on the newly developed Beira Lake, dates back to almost 2000 years. The main temple houses a collection of Buddhist curious from in and around Asia and has an annual procession which is a celebration involving fire breathers, elephants in pageantry and the temple priests blessing the participants. There are many churches dating from the Dutch era of colonization as well. Such as the Wolfendhal Church built by the Dutch in 1757. Hindu Temples or Kovils teem with people on religious days and special are the ones on Sea Street in Pettah. Mosques are also aplenty with the most elaborate ones such as the Jami-UI-Alfar Mosque with its unique brickwork.
Pettah in itself is a mini city of sorts, with the many shops spewing over produce and products. It is the main bazaar of the city with imported goods as well as export quality goods being hawked. One might find a tiny shop of yesteryear almost forgotten within narrow cobblestoned paths with small curios waiting to be opened and wondered over.
Most tourists are frequent the more modern malls and department stores such as ODEL and Beverley Street where one would find fashionable clothing at very affordable prices. Local handicrafts and handloom are best seen at shops such as Barefoot on Galle Road and Kandygs.
Staying in Colombo is a breeze with common amenities within easy reach. Colombo hotels are aplenty but booking early is advised, especially during the tourist season and with the inflow of business travellers the country is seeing. One of the best luxury hotels Colombo, Cinnamon Grand Colombo is a popular establishment among many visitors. With its elegant dining options, laid back pool side and attentive staff, Cinnamon Grand Colombo is the one stop shop for a stay in the heart of the city.
