Colombo

Capital city of Sri Lanka

Colombo is the capital city of Sri Lanka. It has over two million inhabitants and it is a mixture of old and new. It is different from other cities. Colombo has sky high skyscrapers, there are a lot of hotels and traffic. City hall remind us on the White House in America, in it they still have a lot of army bunkers and soldiers with automatic guns. The main tourist attractions include museums,historical buildings, churches and beautiful parks. Especially enjoyable is the variety of cuisine that can be eaten at any one of the cities bars, restaurants, sidewalk cafes and kiosks.

Geography and climate

The Beira Lake: the Seema Malakaya temple and the Gallery Island can be seen in the lake Colombo's geography is a mix of land and water. The city has many canals and, in the heart of the city, the 65-hectare (160-acre) Beira Lake. The lake is one of the most distinctive landmarks of Colombo, and was used for centuries by colonists to defend the city. It remains a popular attraction, hosting regattas, and theatrical events on its shores. The Northern and North-Eastern border of the city of Colombo is formed by the Kelani River, which meets the sea in a part of the city known as the Modera -(mōdara in Sinhala) which means river delta. Colombo features a tropical monsoon climate under the Köppen climate classification. Colombo's climate is fairly temperate all throughout the year. From March to April the temperature averages around 31 degrees Celsius (88 degrees Fahrenheit) maximum. The only major change in the Colombo weather occurs during the monsoon seasons from May to August and October to January. This is the time of year where heavy rains can be expected. Colombo sees little relative diurnal range of temperature, although this is more marked in the drier winter months, where minimum temperatures average 22 degrees Celsius (72 degrees Fahrenheit). Rainfall in the city averages around 2,400 millimetres (94 in) a year.

Culture-Annual cultural events and fairs

Colombo's most beautiful festival is the celebration of Buddha's birth, enlightenment and death all falling on the same day. In Sinhala this is known as Vesak. During this festival, much of the city is decorated with lanterns, lights and special displays of light (known as thoran). The festival falls in mid May and lasts a week. Many Sri Lankans visit the city to see the lantern competitions and decorations. During this week people distribute, rice, drinks and other food items for free in dunsal which means charity place. These dunsal are popular amongst visitors from the suburbs. Since there is a large number of Muslims in Colombo. Eid Ul Fitr and Eid Ul Adha are two Islamic festivals that are celebrated in Colombo. Many businesses flourish during the eventual countdown- -Many businesses flourish during the eventual countdown for Eid Ul Fitr which is a major Islamic festival celebrated by Muslims after a month long fasting. Colombo is generally very busy during the eve of the festivals as people do their last minute shopping. Christmas is another major festival. Although Sri Lanka's Christians make up only just over 7% of the population, Christmas is one of the island's biggest festivals. Most streets and commercial buildings light up from the beginning of December and festive sales begin at all shopping centres and department stores. Caroling and nativity plays are frequent sights during the season. The Sinhala and Hindu Aluth Awurudda' is a cultural event that takes place on 13 and 14 April. This is the celebration of the Sinhala and Hindu new year. The festivities include many events and traditions that display a great deal of Sri Lankan culture. Several old clubs of the city gives a glimpse of the British equestrian life style, these include the Colombo Club, Orient Club, the 80 Club, the Colombo Cricket Club. Through the streets of Colombo. Through the streets of Colombo

Through the streets of Colombo

The harbour of Colombo gives an enjoyable feeling of Colombo's importance as the biggest Asian port. Colombo offers some interesting places, for example walking through old town district named Pettah, which is one big market. In Pettah you can find almost everything from tooth brush to reserve parts for your car. Pettah lies on east, and it is the largest market district, with influences of Dutch the Pettah takes its name from a Tamil word »outside the Fort«. Pettah offers everything what your heart desires. Not far away we come into Fort. This part of the city is full of modern hotels and embassy.

From airport to the city of Colombo

From the air-conditioning port we drove towards hot and humid, more than a million peopels big city of Colombo. The town Colombo is the biggest city in the country and off course economical and political centre of Sri Lanka. From airport you can arrive the city of Colombo by bus. Catching a bus in Colombo is and experience in itself and is perhaps recommended only for hardened traveller. Busses become incredibly crowded and are erratic, with no obvious schedule. A far safer way to come to the city is with a taxi. They are usually cheap and easy. Driving in the city is as much of an adventure as taking a bus and normal traffic. Rules do not seem to apply for either of them. It would be easier to hire a car with a driver. Three-wheeled auto rick saws are also available, they are a little cheaper than taxis. But auto rick saws are not such a comfortable transportation.

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