Colombo

Places of Interest - Sri Lanka

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introduction

Colombo is the commercial capital, the largest city in the country and is the most important port and trade center of Sri Lanka. It is a multicultural city with, among others, Sinhalese, Tamils, Sri Lankan Moors and Malaysians. Various religions are also represented, including Buddhism, Hinduism, Christianity and Islam.

Due to the disturbances in the north of the country, there is a certain tension. Because of its large port and strategic position along an important east-west trade route, the city was known 2000 BC, although it is only the capital of the country from 1815. Until 1982, Colombo was also the seat of government and parliament, until this function was taken over by the suburb Sri Jayawardenapura Kotte.

The older buildings recall the (colonial) time of the Portuguese (16th century), the Dutch (17th and 18th century) and the British (19th and 20th centuries). A well-known building from the Dutch period is the Wolvendaal Church.

highlights

Fort and Pettah:

The Fort district in Colombo was during the European times in Sri Lanka indeed a fortress surrounded by a deep canal and protected by high walls. Now it is a mix of modern high buildings and a number of colonial relics. There is a temple and a bell tower.

In one of the oldest establishments of the Padoga Tea Room district, the 1980s classic videoclip Hungry like the Wolf from pop group Duran Duran was recorded. You can of course get a cup of tea here, but also a meal. In the district, Pettah, is the Dutch Period Museum which is located in the old Dutch governor's residence.

Unsurprisingly, the pieces mainly consist of Dutch colonial furniture pieces.

Wolvendaal church

The Wolvendaal church is the most important Dutch building in Sri Lanka. The church was built in 1749 when this part of Colombo was still semi-jungle. A troop of jackals was considered for wolves and since then the church and surroundings have been called Wolvendaal.

The church is built in a cross shape and contains beautiful authentic Dutch colonial furniture. Tombstones of five Dutch governors adorn the floor.

Mount Lavina hotel

Built in 1836 as a home for the British governor, this very luxurious marble building is now in use as a hotel. Overlooking the sea and the beach, this hotel is largely in possession of authentic colonial furniture.

There is a swimming pool and a private beach. An additional fact is that parts of the old classic The Bridge on the River Kwai has been partly recorded in one of the hotel rooms.

The hotel is located about 5 to 6 kilometers south of the center of Colombo and is easily accessible.

history

Colombo was an important port between the east and the west no later than in the fifth century. In the eighth century, trading Arabs established a branch near the port. In 1505 the Portuguese arrive.

The Dutch took the reins around 1650 and grow cinnamon in the area of Colombo where the cinnamon gardens still are. Only when the British took power in Sri Lanka would Colombo become a “real” city. In 1815 it became the capital. In 1870 the Fort area was built. In the 1990s Colombo was hit hard and several times by bomb attacks from the Tamil Tigers.

tips & advice (2009)

Colombo is the only city in Sri Lanka with an international airport (Ratmalana Air Force Base AeroLanka) and is also the main transport hub for trains and buses.

Airport - Negombo: unfortunately there is no direct (bus) connection between the airport and Negombo which is only 10 km north. You can take a bus to the junction in Katunayake junction (Rs 8) and then a bus to Negombo - this last ride costs 15 Rs. This ride lasts for maybe 45 minutes plus waiting time.

Colombo - airport: bus 187 goes from Bastian Mawatha station in Colombo from 6 o'clock in the morning till 21:00. The airport is about 30 km north of the center of Colombo.

I had lunch at the Greenlands hotel not far from my hostel (see below). Delicious (South) Indian meal for 120 Rs For the atmosphere you should not be here but if you want quality food for a reasonable price this is your restaurant.

Another recommendation is Buba - a beach bar just south of Mt Lavina hotel. Hidden between palm trees, hammocks and a wonderful atmosphere but “pricey”.

Name: Ottery Tourist Inn

Address: Melbourne Ave, Col 4

Price: 600 Rs (single)

Phone nr. : 258 3727

Content:

It is not far from the seashore in a 1920's old hotel. There seem to be 8 different rooms. Mine seemed indeed very old but very big and I slept peacefully (it was quite). It was clean and I had a private toilet and shower.

The rooms also seem to be different concerning good and bad showers but I have not had any complaints about it. It is close to the large Gall Road which makes you feel like you are in the old fort section.

Because Colombo is certainly not the most interesting and safe city in Sri Lanka, I decided to go directly from the airport to the resort Negombo which is also closer than Colombo.

From there it is a piece of cake to find a bus to the old ancient cities in the north of Sri Lanka while Negombo is also nice to go to for a few days. For diversity, Colombo is of course the most appropriate place on the island; museums, theaters, cinemas, but also shops and travel agencies are of course (international) restaurants.