How to spend 2 days in Colombo – explore a cosmopolitan locale
Colombo, the commercial capital of Sri Lanka is where the flavours, sights and sounds of the island nation come to life. For the first-timer calling by the Emerald Isle, this bustling locale will open out into busy marketplaces, stunning colonial buildings that give off an air of the good old days, beautiful parks & greenery coupled with a slew of religious & cultural edifices. Ideally, given the city’s appeals and draws, spending 2 days would be perfect and here is how you go about it.
Give into the temptations of Pettah
Showcasing a side of Colombo which is not replicated elsewhere, the region of Pettah is home to its unique pleasures that will have you engrossed from the moment you set foot here. Enter the Pettah Market while passing by the Khan Clock Tower which signals that you are indeed at the right place. Once here, you will be taken through narrow lanes, streets and all nooks and crannies that feature pavement hawkers and local traders who look to strike up lucrative deals. A variety of goods and services can be sought including electronics, handicrafts and fresh produce. Found within the same area is the Colombo Fort Railway Station which was built in 1908 and offers convenient and enjoyable travel opportunities to all parts of the country. As you wait to board, watch as locomotives arrive and leave with considerable regularity and if you love people-watching, then here is your chance.
Move over to the parks and museums
Image via wiki media commons
Against the commercial buildings and offices that threaten to swallow up the city, one will discover patches of green gardens well worth investing your time and energy. First up would be the magnificent National Museum which is the largest of its kind in the nation. Having opened its doors to the general public in 1877, the Museum beckons those enthused about culture and heritage where an impressive collection of artefacts dating back to the times of the kings and ancient civilizations can be delved into. Located in the Town Hall area and opposite the Colombo Municipal Council, one’s senses will be easily drawn toward the Buddha statuette that marks one of the city’s prized possessions. Once known as Victoria Park, Viharamahadevi Park is a wonderful patch of greenery that allows families to go on long walks and exercise. Also, the little ones aren’t left out given that the Park houses plenty of play areas to keep them entertained. Facing the gurgling waters of the Indian Ocean is Galle Face Green; an urban park that serves as a good way to go on picnics and delight in the street food which serves up various offerings such as “Isso Vadei” or prawn patties and “Kottu” which is a combination of chopped pieces of roti, spices and a choice of your favourite meat.
Schedule a shopping spree
The city overflows with countless opportunities to literally, “shop till you drop.” For the retail therapy enthusiast, consider making your way in the direction of the One Galle Face Mall where time can be spent combing its farthest corners in search of brands and product ranges that continue to entice audiences of varying tastes. What’s more? With an array of restaurants to check out, your foodie senses will be on high alert no sooner than you’ve done your shopping. Following closely on the heels and found within proximity of the above would be the Dutch Hospital Shopping Precinct. Complete with an inner courtyard and a fascinating collection of shops, boutiques and stylish restaurants to come over to, one can admire aspects of 17th-century Dutch architecture en route to picking and choosing from the variety of views. Importantly, it is wise to check into a form of accommodation depending on your preferences and period of stay. With regard to 4-star hotels, Colombo Sri Lanka offers the ease of Pegasus Reef which is found a mere 13 km from the city centre.
