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Colombo is the largest city in the island nation. It is also the main port of Sri Lanka as well as its capital. This in turn has resulted in it becoming the commercial and financial center of Sri Lanka. These factors have transformed Colombo into a bustling metropolis which very attractively blends the old and the new. The lazy charm of a bygone era in combination with the verve and vivaciousness of a modern city stands out prominently in the eyes of the tourist. The city is the perfect sight seeing place to start one's sojourn of the island nation.

Attractions

There is the "Fort" which has over the years become a major attraction and it houses several places of tourist interest. Though, originally a fort during the Portuguese and Dutch periods it has now become a major commercial center of the nation. Most of the places of tourist interest within the fort can be covered by foot.

Colombo's leading bazaar district, the "Pettah" is adjacent to the 'Fort' and is a charming downtown area with narrow cobbled streets which are lined with shops and street stalls. Here you can expect to get the best of fantastic bargains. A range of unimaginable goods are up for grabs from bright printed fabrics and suiting's, children wear and footwear to electrical goods, semi precious jewelry, watches and rare books. You name it and you will find whatever you might have in your mind. Each lane and street of Pettah has a special characteristic of its own. This is the place which provides a haven for the shopping tourists.

The 'Galle Face Green' is a promenade on the sea face of Colombo. It stretches for almost one and a half kilometers and is a superb reminder of the British era. Established by the British in 1859 it was used for horse racing. In recent times it is the largest open space of the city and one finds many picnic loving people frequenting the area.

To the south of the Fort is the long narrow island where slaves were provided with their night shelters. This area is now surrounded by the remains of the former Beira Lake and houses many office buildings and hotels.

One beach which most travelers often do not miss out visiting is "Mount Lavinia" situated just about 12 kilometers from the heart of the city. The beach has been famous since the times of the colonial rule.

The Buddhist Temple, Kelaniya Raja Maha Vihara, is famously known as the spot where the Buddha gave sermons over 2000 years ago. The carving of the reclining Buddha is exceptionally top notch. A procession is taken out annually from the site in January.

At the Dehiwala Zoo, which is set among 11 acres housing fine collection of fauna from across the world, one can view the elephant show, held every evening.

The National Museum and the Viharamahadevi Park are situated beside each other offering travelers the charm of double entertainment without having to stress themselves out much. The National Museum has been and continues to be the custodian of the island nation's cultural heritage. The Viharamahadevi Park is famous for its flowering trees, water channels and fountains.

Accommodation

The hotels Colombo Sri Lanka are elegant and homely providing the best of services and facilities for a satisfying and pleasant stay. In particular the Hibiscus Beach hotel Colombo which is set on a lovely stretch of pale Golden sand provides excellent facilities such as swimming pool with sun terrace and tastefully decorated rooms with the most modern of amenities and facilities. The guests are a pampered lot at this hotel and never for a moment feel that they are staying away from their home.

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