 | Colombo Today Colombo is the commercial and financial capital of Sri Lanka, and is located in the Western Province, along the coast. The temperature on average is 27C and can go up to 31C in April-May-June. Colombo’s Area 1,2,3,4 and 10 are home to many of the banks and headquarters of most businesses in Sri Lanka. The Fort area retains the vestiges of the Dutch, Portuguese and British colonial eras, boasting a fine collection of buildings from these periods. Pettah is a criss-cross of tiny shops and stalls along narrow cobbled streets, selling a myriad of items, all at unbeatable prices. Co |
 | Colombo Back Then Originally known as "Kolon Thota" (port on the river Kelani), it is said that Colombo also got its name via "Kola Amba Thota" which means 'harbor with leafy mango trees' in Sinhala. Colombo at one point was a seaport used by Arab, Moor, Chinese and Persian ships due to its strategic position along the East-West sea trade routes and is believed to have been used by traders even 2000 years ago. The conquest of Colombo by the Portuguese was achieved in 1505, but it ended in 1656 when the Dutch invaded and captured the city. With the British exploring and e |
 | Tintagel Situated in the leafy suburbs of Colombo 7 (Cinnamon Gardens), and away from the hustle and bustle o |  | The Havelock Place Bungalow The tranquillity and serenity of The Havelock Place Bungalow, is hard to beat. Once an old colonial |
 | Hotel Galadari In addition to being a luxury hotel, Galadari also enjoys the privileged position of being in the he |  | Taj Samudra The Taj Samudra offers the best of the city and the sea. Located in the central hub of Colombo, this |
 | Ceylon Continental One thing guests can truly enjoy at the Continental are stunning views of the Indian Ocean! All room |  | Cinnamon Grand Colombo The Cinnamon Grand in Colombo is a classy, stylish hotel, with a range of rooms, restaurants and bus |
 | Crescat Boulevard This up-market shopping mall is one of the classiest in Colombo. The few shops located inside offer |  | Adidas – Exclusive Everyone’s favourite sports brand is now in Sri Lanka providing quality sportswear and products fo |
 | Barefoot handicraft store This traditionally laid out store sells some of the finest Sri Lankan souvenirs and handmade items. |  | Eco Gallery Environmentalists need not despair when coming to Sri Lanka. They now have a solution to their shopp |
 | Leather Collection Ever loved the feel of soft leather brushing against your skin? Well this store will make sure you w |  | Odel Unlimited Rub shoulders with the glamorous at Odel! This classy place offers branded clothing, jewellery, musi |
 | Christmas Celebrating the birth of Christ. Many events around the city are held on this occasion. |  | Eid-ul-Fitr Eid is the Islamic festival which celebrates the end of the Holy month of Ramadan. Ramadan is a mont |
 | Deepavali/Diwali Diwali is the Hindu festival of lights. Hindus light up lamps to signify victory of good over evil. |  | Esala Perahera This is a Buddhist festival. People dress up in elegant costumes, fire and Kandyan dancers entertain |
 | National Day (Independence) Independence day in Sri Lanka is celebrated with parades, dances and national games. |  | Vesak Vesak commemorates the birth, death and enlightenment of Buddha. Colourful lanterns are made and hun |
 | Spoons Sleek white and blue setting, mouth-watering dishes and soft music in the background-that’s Spoons |  | Raja Bojun Specializing in authentic Sri Lanka cuisine, Raja Bojun offers an exciting amalgamation of food and |
 | 88 Chinese Sea Food Restaurants Set in a leafy residential area in Havelock Road, this restaurant as the name suggests, whips up aut |  | The Cricket Club Cafe Guests can catch some cricket action on the big screen at the CCC, while tucking into delicious Sri |
 | Royal Thai Located at the TransAsia hotel, this charming restaurant offers an unparalleled dining experience fo |  | Spices Tucked away at the Hilton, Spices offers a range of Sri Lankan, Indian and Western specialities. Flo |
 | Fast Facts -Location: South Asia -Dialling code: +94 -Emergency numbers: Police: 01124333333 Fire: 01124222222 Ambulance: 0112691111 Tourist Information Helpdesk: 0112421052 Airport Enquiry: 0112252861 -Population: 20,238,000 -Languages: Sinhala, Tamil, English -Time zone: GMT +5:30 -Average January temperatures: 26.5 ˚C -Average July temperatures: 27 ˚C -Annual rainfall: 2540mm to 5080mm in the South West, less than 1250mm in the North West and South East. |
