Colombo - Sri Lanka - page 107

As far back as the 5th century, Colombo served as a sea port for trade between Asia and
the West. During the 8th century Arab traders settled near the port, and in 1505 the Por-
tuguese arrived. By the mid-17th century the Dutch had taken over, growing cinnamon in
the area now known as Cinnamon Gardens, but it wasn't until the British arrived that the
town became a city. In 1815 Colombo was proclaimed the capital of Ceylon.
During the 1870s the breakwaters were built and Fort was created by flooding surround-
ing wetlands. Colombo was peacefully handed over when Sri Lanka achieved independen-
ce in 1948. A new parliament was built in Sri Jayawardenepura-Kotte, an outer suburb of
Colombo, in 1982.
Bomb attacks in Fort over the years of war caused Colombo's major businesses and in-
stitutions to disperse across the city. With peace, Colombo is growing fast, with much de-
velopment north and south along the coast, a building boom of highrises in the centre and
relentless - and mostly charmless - sprawl eastward.
COLOMBO IN…
ONE DAY
Start at the bustling markets of Pettah , taking time for small Hindu temples and the
Dutch Period Museum . Head west to Fort and pause to appreciate the restoration of colo-
nial gems like the Old Dutch Hospital . Rub elbows with busy locals over a spicy curry and
rice at New Palm Leaf Hotel .
In the afternoon visit the eclectic Buddhist Gangaramaya Temple and wander down to
Viharamahadevi Park . Later, take a stroll along the oceanfront with Sri Lankan families at
Galle Face Green as the sun sets and enjoy a snack from a vendor.
TWO DAYS
Grab akotthu(arottichopped and fried with a variety of ingredients) at Hotel De Pila-
woos before tackling the excellent National Museum . Afterwards, go shopping at the
many excellent stores and boutiques in leafy Cinnamon Gardens and Kollupitiya . For din-
ner, enjoy scrumptious local crab prepared Jaffna style at Yaal Restaurant .
Sights