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Colombo (Sinhala: කොළඹ, Tamil: கொழும்பு) is the largest city and commercial capital of Sri Lanka. A former capital of the nation, Colombo is still perceived as the capital of the nation by many and is located just beyond the suburb of Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte, the official capital.
Due to being on a strategic route in the Indian Ocean, Colombo host one of the busiest ports of South Asia and was known to ancient traders 2,000 years ago. Today the city is the central point of the country's activities and is home to a majority of country's restaurants and entertainment venues. Just like another typical South Asian biggest city, Colombo is a congested, noisy, busy and vibrant city with a mixture of modern life and colonial buildings. It is the financial center of the island and a popular tourist destination.
Colombo is the commercial and financial... Read more
Colombo (Sinhala: කොළඹ, Tamil: கொழும்பு) is the largest city and commercial capital of Sri Lanka. A former capital of the nation, Colombo is still perceived as the capital of the nation by many and is located just beyond the suburb of Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte, the official capital.
Due to being on a strategic route in the Indian Ocean, Colombo host one of the busiest ports of South Asia and was known to ancient traders 2,000 years ago. Today the city is the central point of the country's activities and is home to a majority of country's restaurants and entertainment venues. Just like another typical South Asian biggest city, Colombo is a congested, noisy, busy and vibrant city with a mixture of modern life and colonial buildings. It is the financial center of the island and a popular tourist destination.
Colombo is the commercial and financial capital of Sri Lanka after the administrative capital was moved to Sri Jayawardenapura Kotte, a suburb east of the city. "Colombo" could refer to either the city proper or to Greater Colombo that includes the areas of Sri Jayawardenapura Kotte and Dehiwala-Mount Lavinia.
Weather-wise, the best time to visit is during the north-east monsoon season, which is November to April.
Due to its large harbor and its strategic position along the East-West sea trade routes, Colombo was known to ancient traders 2,000 years ago. It was made the capital of the island when Sri Lanka was ceded to the British Empire in 1815, and its status as capital was retained when the nation became independent in 1948. In 1978, when administrative functions were moved to Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte, Colombo was designated as the commercial capital of Sri Lanka.
Like many cities, Colombo's urban area extends well beyond the boundaries of a single local authority, encompassing other municipal and urban councils such as Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte Municipal Council, Dehiwala Mount Lavinia Municipal Council, Kolonnawa Urban Council, Kaduwela Municipal Council, and Kotikawatte Mulleriyawa Pradeshiya Sabha. The main city is home to a majority of Sri Lanka's corporate offices, restaurants, and entertainment venues. Famous landmarks in Colombo include Galle Face Green, Viharamahadevi Park, Beira Lake, Colombo Racecourse, Planetarium, University of Colombo, Mount Lavinia beach, Nelum Pokuna Theatre, Colombo Lotus Tower (under construction) as well as the National Museum.
The name "Colombo", first introduced by the Portuguese in 1505, is believed to be derived from the classical Sinhalese name කොලොන් තොට Kolon thota, meaning "port on the river Kelani".
Another belief is that the name is derived from the Sinhalese name කොල-අඹ-තොට Kola-amba-thota which means "Harbour with leafy mango trees".
The author of the oldest Sinhalese grammar, Sidatsangarava, written in the 13th century wrote about a category of words that exclusively belonged to early Sinhalese. It lists naramba (to see) and kolamba (ford or harbor) as belonging to an indigenous source. Kolamba may also be the source of the name of the commercial capital Colombo.
Getting around by Tri-shaw (Three wheeler, tuk-tuk) is most convenient. Most three-wheelers do not have any meters fitted with them and so you have to always negotiate and agree on a price before you take a trip. But it's best to hail a meter taxi (identified by the words "Meter Taxi" on its windshield) that is traveling in the direction that you need to go instead of hiring one from the parking area or the tuk-tuk stand.
Colombo has an extensive network of buses going around the city/region. It's fairly easy to find the right one by asking locals or your accommodation. Fares depend on the type of bus and distance. Traveling by bus is an adventure itself!
The Sri Lankan Tourist Development Authority also operates its own fleet of 'tuk-tuks' around Colombo which are tourist friendly and metered to ensure that travelers are aware of the price being paid. Tourist board tuk tuks are distinguishable by their unique paintings. These three-wheelers can be booked 24 hours a day by calling 0712 500 800 or 0772 299 299.
Taxis are also a good mode of transportation. There are 'Tata Nano' cars in service nowadays with air-con and it is also a safe and convenient way to travel. Taxis are much safer than a three-wheeler. Do not forget to go for the ones with the "Metered Taxi" name board in front. Others may not have the meters running. Uber is available in Colombo with options for smaller cars (Go and Zip), as well as UberX, but XL is not available. A local ride-sharing app called Pick Me allows to order everything from a tuk tuk to a van, although there have been reports about the app not working for all users.
Car Rentals. It is also possible for travelers to hire a car with or without a driver. Many companies based in Colombo offer such services.
Mount Lavinia is a great place to be. The beach and friendly people always draw visitors there and keep them for a while. Unlike the South of the island, Mt.Lavinia is only about 20 minutes away from the city. Along the beach are a variety of restaurants that serve liquor (by restaurants along the beach I mean they are literally ON the beach, 50 feet away from the water and tables on the sand) have great food catered to suit every budget. The variety of the beach spots themselves are interesting, from nice little coves for a quiet chat a and a drink to well lit, busy places with dance floors, music courtesy of a live DJ and well-stocked bars. Try Jo Jo's, a quiet little place where they serve pretty decent food and drink and has a nice homey feel to it. The Owner Mr. Jo, Jo, (Mr. Nihal) better know, is a nice person. Buba, on the other side of the Mount Lavinia Hotel which divides the public beach, is also a cool hang out.
Mount Lavinia also serves as the gay district of Colombo. Although not home to any gay bars, it is a very gay-friendly town and always plays host to Colombo's Gay Pride week in June. Do not be surprised if some bars have the rainbow flag flying on the beach.
Popular watering holes include Whitehorse (Nawam Mawatha), Inn on the Green (Galle Face Hotel), Rize Bar (Dharmapala Mawatha), Seven Degrees North (Cinnamon Lakeside Hotel) and Cheers (Cinnamon Grand Hotel).
LOCAL TIME
5:47 am
January 23, 2021
Asia/Colombo
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LOCAL CURRENCY
LKR
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