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Established in 1877, this is the
oldest museum in Sri Lanka. Include a collection
of antiques, items displaying the cultural heritage
of Sri Lanka and more than 4,000 ancient palm leaf
manuscripts. The most important items include the
throne of the last royal court. Visitors could gain
a good understanding of 2500 year history of Sri
Lanka. Open daily from 0900 hrs to 1700 hrs except
on Friday. Address; Ananda Coomaraswamy Mawatha,
Colombo 7, Tel.694366
Also on site is the National Museum of Natural History.
Open daily from 0900 hrs to 1700 hrs.
Tel: 691399. |
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Old Parliament Building |
The old `Dutch House' on Prince Street, Pettah (Colombo
11) which houses this museum was built in the latter
part of the 17th century and was initially the residence
of Count August Carl Van Ranzow along with five
other houses of the elite. Today, the sides of the
street are choc-a-block with boutiques and stores
of traders. Opened to the public since 1982 this
building embodies the unique architectural features
of a colonial Dutch town house. The museum while
displaying the Dutch legacy with the artifacts viz.
furniture, ceramics, coins, arms etc. portrays facets
of contemporary life and culture. Open daily except
Fridays from 0900 Hrs. to - 1700 Hrs. Tel: 448466
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Many restaurants in Colombo offers manus from around
the world and all major hotels have excellent restaurants.
Chinese Sze Chuan style restaurants are the most
popular among the locals. |
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| Kelaniya
Temple |
Kelaniya temple about 7 kM to the north is the oldest
attraction near Colombo. A site visited by Buddha
is famous for it’s paintings in the image
house.
Negombo. Beach resort of Negombo, once an important
Dutch trading town is about 40km north of the
city (close to the airport).
Mt Lavenia (8 kM), Wadduwa (40km) are popular
beaches to the south of Colombo. The present day
splendid Mt Lavenia Hotel is a former residence
of a British Governor and popular for its architecture
and the legendary location.
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| Clock
Tower |
Mt.
Lavenia Beach |
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 The
main shopping center for the locals is Pettah where
the markets are busy and bustling. The main branch
of Laksala, Sri Lanka’s largest handicrafts
shop is at Fort. More up market shopping destinations
are towards the south of the city center along the
Galle Road. Majestic City, Liberty Plaza and Crescat
are popular among the locals where you could find
handicrafts, tea and garments. Odel at Lipton Circus
offers good quality items such as clothes, shoes,
tea, books and leather goods in a fashionable setting.
Sri Lanka is one of the largest producers of
garments. There are many locations dotted around
the city selling good export quality garments.
Shoppers should be aware of cheap imports that
has flooded some of these outlets recently
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Hotel Hilton |
Colombo is dotted with many star class hotels, new
service apartments and number of homestay providers.
Choose from the left menu to find the service providers
in the city. |
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Taxies are just a phone call away the whole day
and Tuk Tuks ( they call them 'Three Wheelers' here)
are easily available every where. (Too many if your
consider their driving manners). Most of the car
rentals companies are concentrated in Colombo. There
are intercity busses to any part of the country
from the main Pettah bus stand. Colonial day railway
system is still operating with little improvement
to the coaches. |
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