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Colombo is the capital of Sri Lanka, country with well-preserved colonial heritage, a delicious cuisine, excellent beaches, and abundant wildlife. Those who want to help save the planet can aid the Turtle Conservation project near Galle in the south of the country.
1/tab.galleryImage.size}Colombo may be Sri Lanka’s largest city, but it’s full of laid back, island charm Photo: Alamy/Argusphoto
2/tab.galleryImage.size}Make some new friends amongst the majestic beasts of the Pinnawela Elephant Orphanage, easily reached from ColomboPhoto: Getty Images
3/tab.galleryImage.size}With golden sands and turquoise waters, Mount-Lavinia is Colombo city’s premier beach retreatPhoto: Getty Images
4/tab.galleryImage.size}Viharamahadevi Park is Colombo’s largest park and famed for its massive trees and tranquil ambiance Photo: Getty Images
5/tab.galleryImage.size}Focused on meditation and rest, the Buddhist Seema Malaka Temple is the ideal spot to unwind in Colombo Photo: Getty Images
6/tab.galleryImage.size}Take a relaxing paddle boat out on Lake Beira to see Colombo from the waterPhoto: Getty Images
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Colombo may be Sri Lanka’s largest city, but it’s full of laid back, island charm
Photo: Alamy/Argusphoto
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Make some new friends amongst the majestic beasts of the Pinnawela Elephant Orphanage, easily reached from Colombo
Photo: Getty Images
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With golden sands and turquoise waters, Mount-Lavinia is Colombo city’s premier beach retreat
Photo: Getty Images
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Viharamahadevi Park is Colombo’s largest park and famed for its massive trees and tranquil ambiance
Photo: Getty Images
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Focused on meditation and rest, the Buddhist Seema Malaka Temple is the ideal spot to unwind in Colombo
Photo: Getty Images
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Take a relaxing paddle boat out on Lake Beira to see Colombo from the water
Photo: Getty Images
Things to do
We've chosen the must-see highlights of this fantastic city.
We've chosen the must-see highlights of this fantastic city.
Shop
Laksala
For more than 30 years, the government-owned handicraft chain, Laksala, has been producing and selling a wide array of souvenirs, from tea and spices to textiles, gems and jewellery. The upmarket outlet in the sprawling National Museum area is worth a visit.
Location
National Museum Premises, Nelum Pokuna Road, Colombo 7
Amazing hand-woven fabrics, household linens and gifts are created by designer Barbara Sansoni and her photographer son, Dominic. Its well-stocked bookshop and art gallery, which showcases local artists, and charming café with live jazz on most Sundays make it hard to leave.
Colombo's best kept secret is its stylish, designer homes – this forerunner, the city home of one of the country's greatest architects, whets the appetite and has design aficionados begging for more. You can even stay here overnight, if you so fancy.
Visit heritage buildings in the 16th-century Colombo Fort, established by spice-seeking Portuguese traders and fortified by Dutch and British colonists. Then stop at Pettah, one of Asia's oldest and liveliest bazaars: its high energy and ethnic diversity drives the city's trade.
Eat
Nuga Gama
Dine under a centuries-old banyan tree at Nuga Gama, at the Cinnamon Grand Colombo. Set up like a quaint Sri Lankan village, this is the place to feast in comfort on traditional Sri Lankan cuisine found around the countryside. Local handicrafts are also on sale, and cultural shows are held on Monday nights.
As the name suggests, beer is the tipple of choice at this popular alehouse located in the happening Dutch Hospital entertainment and retail development. Cocktails are also available, although its greatest draw is the courtyard and relaxing ambience.
Catch blazing sunsets over the Indian Ocean from the alfresco Sky Lounge, on the Kingsbury Hotel rooftop. Drinks run the gamut from Champagne to molecular cocktails, and live music and DJs set the tempo from evening until late.
Walk along the seaside on the Galle Face promenade which stretches for half a kilometre, fly a kite with the hundreds of locals or stroll around the South Beira lake. While you're at it, make a stop at the Gangaramaya Buddhist temple or at the tranquil, lakeside Seema Malaka temple.
Eat
Santore Bistro Italiano
The lively Santore Bistro Italiano offers southern Italian fare made with ingredients imported from Italy, according to the owner, Antonio Ciocia. Located in verdant surrounds on the edge of a group of tennis courts, Santore is famous for its pizzas cooked in an authentic wood-fired oven.
Established by the British in 1877 in a grand purpose-built colonial building, the museum has recently been given a facelift. With smartly reorganised galleries, the museum presents a great introduction to the country's history and its cultural heritage.
Indulge in sunset cocktails at Galle Face Hotel on the Checkerboard terrace by the sea. One of Asia's oldest hotels and bars, it's the perfect place to unwind after work – or on holiday – while taking in the sun setting on the Sri Lankan horizon.
Set in one of the city's trendiest places − the recently renovated 17th-century Dutch Hospital − Ministry of Crab dishes up numerous preparations of scrumptious Sri Lankan lagoon crab, other delicious seafood and even a few vegetarian options.
The recently renovated premises of a 17th-century Dutch hospital has been transformed into a fashionable shopping destination for locals and visitors alike. Two boutiques of note are Barefoot, with its colourful handwoven fabrics, household linens and gifts, and Aviraté, showcasing a popular local women’s high-street fashion brand.
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