The city of Colombo offers historical monuments, colonial architecture, festivals and events, beaches, fine dining, and shopping. With so much to see, do, and experience in Colombo, it can sometimes be difficult to find all that you need to know about Colombo before or during your visit. http://www.aboutcolombo.lk/ http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss Fri, 4 Nov 2011 13:27:09 +0530 Fri, 4 Nov 2011 13:26:35 +0530 FeedForAll v2.0 (2.0.3.1) unlicensed version http://www.feedforall.com Colombo is the international gateway to the island of Sri Lanka, and so almost all visitors arrive by air. Luxury cruise ships berth here briefly, and at this time there is a ferry operating here from South India. Major airlines that touchdown in Colombo include Sri Lankan Airlines, Emirates, Cathay Pacific, Jet Airways, Qatar, Singapore Airlines, Malaysian Airlines, Thai Airways, among others. Flights to Colombo are available from Europe, the Far East, and South Asia. Whichever route you take, you will arrive at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) in Katunayake, which is the only international airport in the country. The airport is located approximately 32km to the city center. Note: If you are arriving during the day, make sure to peer out of your airplane window and catch a stunning aerial view of our rich, green foliage, beautiful blue waters, and our lively city landscape. http://www.aboutcolombo.lk/Getting_Here/ 598FC2F6-23F6-4248-9A30-5B2031BA34B8 Fri, 4 Nov 2011 13:26:35 +0530 Situated in the western province of Sri Lanka, Colombo is the island's capital. Diverse and vibrant, the city is the administrative and economic center of the country. The history of the city itself dates to the 5th century. Due to its prime location on the western coast of Sri Lanka, Colombo grew as a seaport for trade between Asia and the West. It was used by the Moors, Romans, Arabs, Persians, and Chinese ships for the island's much sought after cinnamon and gems. It is said that the name Colombo was first introduced by the Portuguese in 1505 and is believed to be derived from the classical Sinhalese name 'Kolon thota' (port on the river Kelani) or 'Kola-amba-thota' (harbor with leafy mango trees). In 1593, the Portuguese, who had gained control of the Western coast of Sri Lanka, made Colombo their center. Subsequently, the Dutch, in 1638, joined with King Rajasingha II (King of Kandy) to battle and defeat the Portuguese in 1639. Colombo remained a central hub for the Dutch and the Dutch Maritime Provinces, controlled by the Dutch East India Company until 1796. At this point, the British captured the city, and in 1815, proclaimed Colombo the capital of Ceylon. It continues to remain so, even after Independence from the British in 1948. The city offers historical monuments, colonial architecture, beaches, and fine dining and shopping. Its architecture has been influenced by Portuguese, Dutch, and British colonization. The British influence is clearly visible in the buildings located in the Fort, an area where the larger business houses and the stock exchange are situated. Close by is Pettah, a bustling marketplace with each section of the bazaar selling its own specialty, ranging from food items to shoes to gold; wholesale markets are found here. The New Parliament is situated at Sri Jayawardenapura on the outskirts of Colombo, while the Old Parliament on Galle Road is now the Presidential Secretariat. Galle Face Green is where the locals gather on the weekend to enjoy the cool breeze from the Indian Ocean and a stroll along the promenade. Nearby are temples, mosques, and churches catering to the diverse population that enrich the culture of the city. Colombo is also your gateway to Sri Lanka. So, spend a day or two, and enjoy the blend of East and West. http://www.aboutcolombo.lk/WelcomeToColombo/index.php FFA81F18-BC40-483D-BB1C-B253296B59FC Fri, 4 Nov 2011 13:26:36 +0530 Visiting Colombo is indeed a unique experience. It is a city where the modern and the traditional, and the old and the new co-exist. While the natural beauty of the beaches and scenery is breathtaking, the vibrant and rich history of the past is still seen in the market places and architecture. Many may think that there is nothing to see in Colombo, but in reality, there is plenty. From colonial buildings and architecture to museums, art galleries, and cultural festivals – you will have plenty to keep you occupied. The Fort district is where most of the historical sites are concentrated, Pettah is the place for street markets and bazaars, while almost everything else – including temples and churches – is scattered around the city. Take your time to explore Colombo by walking, taking a tuk-tuk, or using the Colombo City Tour. Make sure you do not miss out on all that the city has to offer. http://www.aboutcolombo.lk/Attractions/ 4A82F506-B0D4-4FB2-88F7-346DA4AC498F Fri, 4 Nov 2011 13:26:37 +0530 Looking to do a bit of shopping, relax with a ayurvedic massage, watch a movie or a show, or sit down for a coffee or a drink? Colombo provides you with an extensive selection of choices for you to do just about anything. Check out all the services it offers you, and you may just realize that you want to stay here a bit longer! http://www.aboutcolombo.lk/Entertainment/ 94F3080D-B9DA-4FD3-8F1B-541605FA80C1 Fri, 4 Nov 2011 13:26:38 +0530 Colombo offers a variety of quality hotels: 5-star hotel, boutique villas, budget hotels, and guest houses. Sri Lanka is known for its hospitality, and you will begin experiencing it right here in Colombo. We have categorized all the possible accommodation types. We hope you will enjoy your stay in whichever hotel you choose to book during your stay in the city. http://www.aboutcolombo.lk/hotels/ 2DB6EE63-91B1-4539-A34C-D2FC5956CCA7 Fri, 4 Nov 2011 13:26:39 +0530 Of course while you are in Sri Lanka, you want to eat the local cuisine; and you will not be disappointed. Sri Lankan cuisine is usually a curry, generally spicy. A basic curry is made with coconut milk, sliced onions, green chili, and aromatic spices such as cloves, nutmeg, cinnamon, and saffron. Hoppers, a wafer-crisp bowl-looking bread, are a specialty; ask for an egg hopper - egg baked in the inside, or a pal (milk) hopper - sweet milk in the center. Next, there is the string hopper, which can be compared to intricately shaped noodles. For sweets, there is jaggery, which is made from the crystallized sap of the Kitul palm. Sri Lankan fresh fruits are well known, and the list is endless - papaya, mango, mangostein, rambutan, pineapple, and the Durian fruit, which is considered a great delicacy although it is quite smelly. If you want a true Sri Lankan dessert, try our caramel custard, wattalapam, or curd and treacle, which can be translated into yogurt and maple syrup...very tasty! These exotic dishes can be tempered for your palette, whether you want spicy, mild, or no spice at all (just be sure to tell your waiter!). Our dishes include exotic and spicy dishes, mouthwatering vegetables, and a catch of the day (whether that's fish, prawns, crabs, or lobster!). As for beverages, tea is the national drink and Sri Lankan tea is thought to be amongst the best in the world. The sap of the toddy palm is fermented to make toddy, which is a popular local drink with an acrid taste. Toddy is often further distilled to make arrack, an alcoholic brew, which is available in varying degrees of potency. Colombo also has a wide array of international restaurants that cater to every taste bud. You'll find something for everyone! http://www.aboutcolombo.lk/Restaurants/ F8D56DB5-88AC-4B80-B82D-3D4326F77A18 Fri, 4 Nov 2011 13:26:40 +0530 Walking%20Map http://www.aboutcolombo.lk/Walking%20Map.php 245EED2C-C63C-4BA1-9006-60E0CE43DC98 Fri, 4 Nov 2011 13:26:41 +0530 Colombo is host to many events, festivals, and concerts In this section, you will find listings of all that is happening in the city, complete with dates, time, and ticket prices. So chech out what's going on in Colombo this month! http://www.aboutcolombo.lk/Events/ BB5CA5D3-5AC1-42BB-B478-66BCA8BDC96B Fri, 4 Nov 2011 13:26:42 +0530 Gallery http://www.aboutcolombo.lk/cmbGallery/ 6EDCE2D7-E02E-4129-BDAE-6D80348C66B9 Fri, 4 Nov 2011 13:26:43 +0530 Please do not hesitate to contact us with any enquiries or feedback. we will do our best to respond to you promptly. http://www.aboutcolombo.lk/Contact%20Us/ F9E4C053-802D-4CE4-975E-B19238FB5E60 Fri, 4 Nov 2011 13:26:44 +0530