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COLOMBO
Colombo symbolises the mythical surroundings of Portuguese accommodations and cinnamon gardens. From the antiquity of the oldest Dutch Wolvendaal Church to the tranquillity of the Galle Face Green, Colombo is the best place to start the Sri Lankan sojourn. Though officially, Colombo is the former capital of Sri Lanka but in reality, it is home to most of the business houses and is the commercial and political heart of the country. In fact, the city has enjoyed a special status all along the lanes of history. Derived from the Sri Lankan word “Kola-amba-thota” meaning a "harbour with leafy mango trees", Colombo started out as a small sea outpost for Roman, Arab, and Chinese traders. Gradually, it developed as a major place for spice trading and came under the realms of Dutch East India Company. From this time on to the following British era, Colombo emerged as one of South Asia’s most endearing capital cities. After creation of the harbour in the end half of nineteenth century, Colombo rapidly rose to prominence as Sri Lanka’s major city. Today, apart from traditional trade categories, Colombo has become the hub for the electronics, computer and garment production.
Independance Square
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Colombo has a rich historical treasure hidden in its backyard, amidst grandeur of the new architectural splendours. The centuries old clock tower and colonial-era buildings of the past Portuguese, the Dutch and the British rulers take you back to the bygone era. In contrast to this, the twin towers of the World Trade Centre, other plush hotels gives you a glimpse of the modernisation wave that have swept Sri Lanka. The city has a fairly wide range of places to stay starting from world-class hotels to lucrative options to take apartments for rent in posh areas. However, if you are really on a shoestring budget, many reasonable hostels and bed and breakfasts are available all over Colombo.
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