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General
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City Guide > Indian Subcontinent > Sri Lanka > Colombo | |
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Sightseeing Sightseeing Overview Colombo is a lively and exciting city where part of the joy is just wandering and watching life unfold on the streets. To the north of the city is the Fort District – so named because both the Dutch and the Portuguese built forts here. This is the main commercial district where many businesses are located. Amidst the modern buildings, this area also has a distinct colonial feel, with the famous clock tower, the president's residence and a smattering of colonial-era buildings, which hark back to the days of the British Empire. Near to here is the Pettah bazaar district with a jumble of goods for sale: vegetables, meats, precious metal, jewellery, gemstones and all manner of flotsam and jetsam that makes up an Asian market. There are a number of Buddhist and Hindu temples in this area and also the Jumi-ul Alfar Jumma Mosque, which are all worth a visit. To the south of the city is Galle Face Green, a seafront where people from the city come to relax and play cricket, fly kites or just wander. More cerebral pursuits include the National Museum, which helps to put the country’s history into perspective, and the National Art Gallery. The best beaches are to the south of the city, with the closest being at Mt Lavina 10km (6 miles) away. Tourist Information Sri Lanka Tourist Board 80 Galle Road Colombo Tel: (011) 2437 759. Website: www.srilankatourism.org |