Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
(University of Ceylon; MAP GOOGLE MAP )
The 50-acre University of Colombo campus, which originally opened as the Ceylon Med-
ical School in 1870, is surrounded by long tree-lined avenues lined with colonial-era man-
sions. Of note is Cumaratunga Munidasa Mawatha along the southwest side of the sporting
green. Ponder the gracious lives of the people who built the Italianate Baroque Saifee
Villa ( MAP GOOGLE MAP ; Cumaratunga Munidasa Mawatha) in 1910 and the nearby turreted
College House ( MAP GOOGLE MAP ; Cumaratunga Munidasa Mawatha) in 1912.
Independence Memorial Hall MONUMENT
( MAP GOOGLE MAP ; Independence Sq, Col 7)
Really a large memorial building to Sri Lanka's 1948 independence from Britain, the huge
stone edifice is loosely based on Kandy's Audience Hall. This is a good place to escape
Colombo's crowds as it always seems almost empty.
Southern Colombo
South of Kollupitiya and Cinnamon Gardens is more of the same, only less so. The com-
mercial strip of Galle Rd continues south through Bambalapitiya and Wellawatta. Inland,
Havelock Town is a more relaxed version of Cinnamon Gardens. It has several midrange
hotels. The one area here with buzz is Pamankade , which has some interesting shops and
cafes along Stratford Ave.
Traditional Puppet Art Museum MUSEUM
( GOOGLE MAP ; 573 5332; www.puppet.lk ; Anagarika Dharmapala Mawatha, Col 5;admission Rs
500, performances vary; 9am-5pm, call first)
Puppet shows were long a part of traditional entertainment in Sri Lankan villages. Per-
forming troupes would stage shows with intricate plots that lasted for hours. This engaging
museum keeps the traditional puppet arts alive. Dozens and dozens of colourful puppets -
some quite huge - are displayed. Many are surprisingly animated even when still.
Call to arrange a performance (or to get directions). It's about 200m east of Galle Rd,
about midway between Wellawatta and Mt Lavinia.
 
Search WWH ::




Custom Search