Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
2
Plunging into the commercial madness of the shops, stalls and markets of
age-old
Pettah
3
Catching a sunset amid families and courting couples on Colombo's front
lawn,
Galle Face Green
4
Strolling the ancient quarters of
Slave Island and Union Place
before they
fall to new glitzy developments
5
Walking through Sri Lanka's history in the remarkable
National Museum
,
before exploring the grounds of lively
Viharamahadevi Park
new stylish tea cafes
creative and interesting local merchandise
Fort
During the European era Fort was indeed a fort, surrounded by the sea on two sides and a
moat on the landward sides. Today it's literally at the centre of Colombo's resurgence, with
grand old colonial-era buildings being restored amid a mix of modern structures, such as
the World Trade Center.
around a bit but it's a compact area and can be appreciated on a short stroll, starting at the
Old Galle Buck Lighthouse.
The busy harbour on the north side of Fort is mostly walled off but you can enjoy
sweeping views from the tiny terrace of the otherwise humdrum top-floor cafe of the once-
grand
Grand Oriental Hotel
.