Colombo is the largest city and commercial capital of Sri Lanka, located on the southwest coast adjacent to the present administrative capital of Kotte. The name is derived from Sinhala name Kola-amba-thota which means 'harbour with leafy mango trees'.
Originally a fort during the Portuguese and Dutch periods, the area called The Fort is now a major commercial centre with hotels, shops, airline offices, banks, main post office, immigration office, travel agents and restaurants. There are also several places of tourist interest, which can be conveniently seen on foot.
The two World Trade Center towers have become the most recognized landmarks of the city since their completion in 1995, and before this, the Old Parliament building that stood majesticly in the fort district. However, many claim that the Jami Ul Alfar mosque was recognized as the landmark of Colombo by the Sailors approaching the port. The mosque is still one of the most visited tourist sites in Colombo.
The Galle Face Green is the city's largest and most elegant promenade. Lined with palm trees and adjacent to the coast, much like a tropical version of Hollywood Boulevard, this mile-long stretch in the heart of the city is a constant beehive of activity. Cannons used during Colonial war times can still be seen at the Green, giving the colonial touch to the city which seems to blend with the west and the east comfortably.
Without a doubt, the favourite game of the Sri Lankans is cricket, which is widely played in schools and clubs in Colombo, and commonly played in the streets during holidays. Colombo is also home for the two of country's world famous international cricket stadia, the Sinhalese Sports Club and Premadasa International Stadium.
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Jami Ul Alfar Mosque ~ Built at the beginning of the 20th centure, its red and white decorative brickwork stands out as a landmark in the city.
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Pettah ~ Colombo's leading bazaar district, with narrow cobbled streets lined with shops and street stalls that offer the most fantastic bargains and the most unimaginable range of goods.
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Kelaniya Raja Maha Vihara ~ The famous Buddhist temple, believed to be at the spot where the Buddha preached 2000 years ago. It has an excellent carving of a reclining Buddha, and is the site for an annual perahera (religious procession) in January.
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Dehiwala Zoo ~ Set in 11 acres, this zoo has a very fine collection of fauna from all over the world, with one of the highlights being the elephant show, which is held every evening.
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National Museum ~ Housed in a grand colonial building, the National Museum is the custodian of Sri Lanka's cultural heritage. Among its exhibits are a vast collection of books, manuscripts, rock sculptures, bronze, brassware and royal weapons of Sri Lankan kings, as well as the regalia of the Kandyan Kings dating back to the 17th century.
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Wolvendaal Church ~ Colombo's oldest Dutch church. Its floor tiles are made from tombstones from the Dutch church in the Fort, and were brought here in 1813.
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Hindu Temples: There are several Hindu temples, which are called Kovils in Colombo. In Sea Street you will find the Ganeshan, the Old Kathiresan and the New Kathiresan with their colourful Gopurams (doorways). Other important temples are the Shiva Subramania Swami temple on Slave Island and the Sri Muthumariamman temple.
