colombo_en

Population:3 million

Currency:Sri Lanka Rupee (LKR), 1 Rupee =100 cents

Opening hours:Shops are generally open10.00-20.00 daily, several openon Sundays.Restaurants and bars in largerhotels stay open all day untilmidnight.Internet:www.srilankatourism.orgwww.travelsrilanka.comwww.colombopage.comEmergency numbers:119

Tourist information:Tourist officeCeylon Tourist BoardAddress: 80 Galle Road, Colombo3Tel: +94 (0)11 243 7055

COLOMBOPUBLISHING DATE: 2009-03-09 | COUNTRY CODE: LKContents: The City, Do & See, Eating, Cafés, Bars & Nightlife, Shopping,Sleeping, Essential Information, Maps

Copyright © 2007 Fastcheck AB. All rights reserved. For more information visit: www.arrivalguides.com

COLOMBOColombo is the commercial capital of Sri Lanka, anenchanting island lying off India’s southern tip. These cityfolk go about their daily business with a cheerfulness born ofoptimism in this chaotic, noisy and traffic-congestedmetropolis. It would be difficult not to immerse yourself inthe serenity of Buddhism, which is practiced by the majorityof Sri Lankans yet Colombo is home to all religions asevidenced by temples, mosques and churches sproutingamidst a jumble of Dutch and British-built buildings, a legacyof its colonial past.

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THE CITY #THECITY#

Colombo sits on the west coast of SriLanka and has developed from an oldseafaring port into a huge urban sprawlbristling with Asian atmosphere. Aroundthe historic centre of Fort (currently closedfor security reasons) are colonial facadesof banks, buildings and tumbledown shopsand streets teeming with people, trishaws,bicycles, buses - and the occasional cow!Towering above Fort to the east aregleaming skyscrapers reflecting modernColombo but wherever you go in the cityyou stumble across history, culture andfriendly folk.

Colombo is divided into districts (orpostcodes) numbered 1-15 and knowingthese numbers is essential for orientation.South along the coast from Fort, thedistrict known as Colombo 1, is Colombo2-10 where many top-end hotels arelocated. These districts continue inlandtaking in the fashionable shopping andresidential area of Colombo 7, whileColombo 11-15 spreads northeast coveringthe harbour area.

DO & SEE #DOANDSEE#

City TourEnjoy the sights from the comfort of achauffeur-driven car. Itineraries includetrips to shopping malls and lunch

Address: Walkers Tours, 130 Glennie Street, Colombo 2Phone: +94 (0)11 243 9034

The National MuseumBrowse at a wealth of exhibits fromprehistoric times to the colonial era. Lookout for traditional fearsome masks said tobe linked to magical powers.

Address: Sir Marcus Fernando Mw, Colombo 7Phone: +94 (0)11 269 4366

Seema Malaka Buddhist TempleDesigned by Geoffrey Bawa, Sri Lanka’sleading architect, this temple is used forthe inauguration of Buddhist monks. Theresident monk explains the principles ofBuddhism. Admission: Free entry butdonations accepted.

Address: Beira Lake, via Sir James Peiris Mw, Colombo 2

National Art GalleryEntry is free to view this collection ofworks by Sri Lankan artists. The paintings,which reflect local themes and scenes inEuropean style, are housed in a largeroom.

Address: 106 Anananda Kumaraswamy Mw, Colombo 7Phone: +94 (0)11 269 4366

Viharamahadevi ParkA peaceful interlude can be found herefrom the cacophony of town with neat

|DESTINATION: COLOMBOPUBLISHING DATE: 2009-03-09


paths bordered by tropical vegetation. Spotslumbering bats in mahogany andeucalyptus trees, bird life and landmonitors languishing on lawns.

Address: Cinnamon Gardens, Colombo 7

The PettahExplore scores of shops selling everythingunder the sun and streets devoted tohardware shops, electrical equipment,watches, gems and spice traders. Arriveearly before trishaws and touts clog up thestreets.

Address: A few minutes east of Fort in Colombo 11

Dutch Period MuseumThis fine colonnaded Dutch building, withcreaking floors and staircases, containsexhibits from the Dutch colonial era.

Address: Prince Street, Colombo 11Phone: +94 (0)11 269 4366

Galle Face GreenWeekends bring kite-flyers, strollingfamilies and impromptu cricket matches tothis wide ocean-fronted promenade. Enjoya drink at the Galle Face Hotel at thesouthern end of the promenade or fill upon tasty snacks on the waterfront.

Address: South of Fort along the coast

Lionel Wendt Theatre and Art GalleryPrestigious venue for the performing arts,especially music. Consult the tourist officefor details of contemporary arts and craftsexhibitions.

Address: Guildford Crescent, Colombo 7Phone: +94 (0)11 269 5794

Kathiresan KovilsThese kovils or temples, dedicated to thewar god Skanda, bring colour to Colombo’sbackstreets with their ornate exteriors ofsculptured Hindu deities. Visit at nightwhen priests perform the evening puja orprayers to the sound of drums.

Address: Sea Street, Colombo 11

EATING #EATING#

EXCLUSIVESaffron RestaurantSpice-packed goodies prepared by Indianand local master chefs in relaxingambience. Non-smoking indoors with largedining terrace outdoors.

Address: Trans-Asia Hotel, 115 Sir Chittampalam A GardinerMawatha, Colombo 2.Phone: +94 (0)11 249 1944Internet: www.transasiahotel.com

The BayleafBeautifully restored colonial villa noted forinternational and local cuisine andsophisticated cocktail bar.

Address: 79 Gregory’s Road, Cinnamon Gardens, Colombo 7Phone: +94 (0)11 269 5920

Lavinia BreezeFusion cuisine rules with sushi,Singapore-style chilli crab, wok-friedcuttlefish and Australian T-bone steaksprepared by a Swiss chef in this romanticbeachside restaurant.

Address: 43/7 Beach Road, off De Saram Road, Mount LaviniaPhone: +94 (0)11 420 5183

MID-RANGEInsideOutUrban chic attracts Colombo’s cognoscentito this smart eatery. One of the few placesthat offers free wi-fi access while tucking into lamb curry or pineapple-topped grilledbeef burgers.



Address: 446 Pannipitiya Road, Pellawatta, BattaramullaPhone: +94 (0)11 278 5120

The Mango TreeVaried vegetarian dishes and freshtandoori bread come highly recommendedat this stylish north Indian restaurant

Address: 82 Dharmapala Mawatha, Cinnamon Gardens, Colombo7Phone: +94 (0)11 537 9790

PalmyrahEver popular restaurant for classic SriLankan favourites. Try traditional hoppersand string hoppers for lunch or go for theJaffna special seafood soup. Fills up fast sobook ahead.

Address: Hotel Renuka, 328 Galle Road, Colombo 3Phone: +94 (0)11 257 3598Internet: www.renukahotel.com

Sakura Japanese RestaurantAuthentic red lanterns, counter seating ortraditional Japanese seating at the rear ofthis long established restaurant. Friendlyservice, reasonably priced set lunches andsushi and sashimi prepared by Japanesetrained chefs.

Address: 14 Rheinland Place, Colombo 3Phone: +94 (0)11 257 3877

BUDGETTajInformal stop for no-nonsense blow yourhead off rice and curry, lunch packets andself-service snacks known as ‘shorteats.’Arguably the best budget option that staysopen till late.

Address: York Street, Colombo 1

CAFÉS #CAFES#

Gallery CaféThis café occupies the former offices of SriLanka’s renowned architect, GeoffreyBawa. Don’t miss the stylish setting insideor in the courtyard where gut bustingpuddings, French and Italian cuisine andthe best frozen margaritas in town areserved.

Address: Paradise Road, 2 Alfred House Road, Colombo 3Phone: +94 (0)11 258 2162

Café 64This air-conditioned café appeals for aquick bite or takeaway and offers respitefrom the bustle of the Fort area of town.Explore the option of booking a barbecueon the terrace on a Friday or Saturdaynight.

Address: Galadari Hotel, 64 Lotus Road, Colombo 1Phone: +94 (0)11 254 4544 ext 326

Cricket Club CaféCricket memorabilia, endless matches onTV and dishes named after cricketersappeal to fans of the sport in this livelycafé tucked behind the busy Galle Road.

Address: 34 Queens Road (off Duplication Road), Colombo 3Phone: +94 (0)11 250 1384



BARS & NIGHTLIFE #BARSANDNIGHTLIFE#

Bars are a relatively new concept althoughthere are some old favourites patronizedby ex-pats and regular visitors. Generallyquiet they erupt into life at the weekendwith live music, good value food and areasonable drinks’ list.

The best nightlife revolves around theupscale hotels where you’ll find bars,nightclubs and karaoke lounges. Dress issmart casual and entry for hotel guests isfree.

Clancy’s Irish PubThis deservedly popular bar has beengoing for years for its live music, weeklyquiz, pool tables, good value pub grub andGuinness and Murphy’s beers.

Address: 29 Maitland Crescent, Colombo 7

Rhythm and BluesRelaxing live music bar open every dayfrom 7pm with pool tables and a goodchoice of spirits, beers, soft drinks andcocktails.

Address: 19/1 Daisy Villa Avenue, Colombo 4

The LibraryWood-panelled lounge bar with seductivelighting and low tables, personal drinks’cabinets and pool table make this one ofthe most exclusive bars in town.

Address: Trans Asia Hotel, Colombo 2Internet: www.transasia.com

ZanzibaBlack décor and mood lighting evokestylish atmosphere. Good for a quietmid-week drink but explosive on Fridaysafter 10pm.

Address: 1/1 Sir Mohamed Macan Marker Mw, Colombo 3

Blue ElephantLong established underground venue withvideo screens and soft lighting attract cool30-something crowd most nights.

Address: Hilton Hotel, 2 Sir Chittampalam A Gardiner, Colombo1

H2OLadies nights on Wednesdays showcasesColombo’s latest fashions and Happy Hourfrom 9pm-11pm. For gyrating with a funcrowd go on Friday and Saturday whenDJ’s spin R & B, Hip Hop and House.

Address: 447 Union Place, Colombo 2Internet: www.h2olanka.lk

OnyxThe latest addition to Colombo’s nightscene comes with hi-tech sound andlighting and themed party nights.

Address: Hotel Taj Samudra, Galle Face, ColomboInternet: www.tajhotels.com

TabuDefinitive lounge bar, cocktail bar, pub andnightclub rolled into one attracting a classycrowd for partying to eighties dance,Seventies Soul, R & B and Hip Hop.

Address: 41 1/1 Maitland Crescent, Colombo 7Phone: +94 (0)11 534 2462

Bistro LatinoThis unique Latino lovers’ haunt featuresgreat Mexican food, free salsa lessons andnon-stop music.

Address: 21 De Vos Avenue, Colombo 4



SHOPPING #SHOPPING#

Modern air-conditioned malls are foundadjacent to top end hotels or in the samevicinity and they’re perfect for souvenirssuch as traditional masks, batik, gems andpresentation packs of the famous Ceylontea. The best shopping area in town isCinnamon Gardens where you can find justabout anything made in Sri Lanka. Checkout Paradise Road, 213 Dharmapala Mw,Cinnamon Gardens, Colombo 7; for trendyhome décor and a fine selection of fabricsand linens, objets d’art and carvings in agorgeous colonial house. Or pack plasticwhen you explore Odels; a stylishdepartment store stuffed with designerclothing, linens, toys, books and recordsand several cafés (5 Alexandra Place,Lipton Circus, Cinnamon Gardens, Colombo7).

Also in Colombo 7 investigate the ElephantWalk, at 61 Ward Place; with two floors ofinnovative giftware such as silk placematsand cushions, candles and furniture, in thisdelightfully converted colonial villa.

Give Crescat Shopping Centre a visit,adjacent to Cinnamon Grand Hotel,Colombo 3. It features several floors ofshops linked by escalator selling everythingfrom books, clothing, records and a placeto buy tea from the Mlesna Tea Centre onthe first floor. In the basement there’s asupermarket and a large bustling foodcourt.

SLEEPING #SLEEPING#

Cinnamon GrandIt’s grand and glitzy with 11 bars andrestaurants, impressive rooms and thebiggest pool in town.

Address: 77 Galle Road, Colombo 3Phone: +94 (0)11 243 7437Internet: www.cinnamonhotels.com

EXCLUSIVEGalle Face GreenCalled Asia’s Emerald on the Green…since1864, the Calle Face Hotel with itsimpressive arched façade is hard to miss.The luxurious hotel overlooks the IndianOcean and boasts stunning Victorianarchitecture.

Address: 2, Galle road, Colombo 3Phone: + 941 (0)12541010/16Internet: www.gallefacehotel.com

Trans-AsiaWith views of Beira Lake and choicerestaurants and bars this palatial hotel isthe ultimate in cool. For sheer luxury, gofor the executive suites, which come with24-hour butler service.

Address: 115 Sir Chittampalam A Gardiner Mw, Colombo 2Phone: +94 (0)11 244 9184Internet: www.transasiahotel.com

MID-RANGEHavelock Place BungalowBoutique intimacy in this 6-roomed haven,which has Jacuzzi and pool and charmingrestaurant noted for home-madeice-cream.



Address: 6 Havelock Place, Colombo 5Phone: +94 (0)11 258 5191Internet: www.havelockbungalow.com

Mount LaviniaStaying at this landmark hotel is like goingback in time with pool terraces, fine beachand distant views of the city skyline.

Address: 100 Hotel Road, Mount LaviniaPhone: +94 (0)11 271 5221Internet: www.mountlavinia.hotel.com

BASICHotel RenukaFind homely comfort in this pleasant hoteland a contemporary North Indianrestaurant in the basement.

Address: 328 Galle Road, Colombo 3Phone: +94 (0)11 257 3598Internet: www.renukahotel.com

Indra Regent ColomboThis modern hotel hosts 29 well-furnishedrooms. Right in the middle of the actionwith a pleasant restaurant, coffee shop andnightclub open till late.

Address: 383 Ra A De Mel Mw, Colombo 3Phone: +94 (0)11 257 4930Internet: www.indraregent.net

ESSENTIAL INFORMATION

AirportColombo- Bandaranaika InternationalAirport (CMB) is 32km from the CBD.

The simplest and quickest way is to take ataxi. Allow at least 1½ hours for yourjourney and costs approximately R1000.Bus no 187 runs every 30 minutes from6am-9pm to Fort Bus Station and costs

approximately R45. The train station is500m from the airport with departuresfrom 7am-6pm and it stops at manystations before reaching the city centre.

Bandaranaika International Airport

Address: KatunayakePhone: +94 (0)11 225 2861Internet: www.airport.lk

Public TransportBuses run from 5am-10pm and aregenerally crowded and slow. The best wayto get around is to walk or flag down atrishaw. Always agree to a price beforeaccepting a ride in a trishaw and pay theexact fare. Comfortable air-conditionedtaxis and chauffeur-driven cars also can behired from your hotel receptionist at veryreasonable rates.

TaxiAce Cabs

Phone: +94 (0)11 281 8818

City Cabs

Phone: +94 (0)11 255 2222

Cool Kangaroo

Phone: +94 (0)11 258 0047

PostGeneral Post Office

Address: Bristol Street, Fort, Colombo 1Opening hours: Mon-Sat, 7am-6pm.Phone: +94 (0)11 232 6203

PharmacyOsu Sala

Address: Lipton Circus, Cinnamon Gardens, Colombo 7Phone: +94 (0)11 269 4716

DentistSulaimans Hospital

Phone: +94 (0)11 242 2184More information: (Your hotel will also have a list of emergencydentists.)



TelephoneCountry code: +94

Area Code: 011

Electricity230-240 Volt, 50 Hz

#ESSENTIALINFORMATION#


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|1st Cross Street B12nd Cross Street B14th Cross Street B15th Cross Street C1Abdul Jablar Mawat. D1Alwis Place B4Ananda Kumaraswarn.B4 C4Arnold Batnayake M. D3Baladaksah Mawatha A2 A3Bankshall Street B1Barnes Place D4Baybrooke Place C3 C4Baybrooke Street C3Beira Road C1Belmont Street D1Bodhiraja Mawatha C1Boyd Place C4Bristol Street A1C W W Kannangara M. D4Canel Row A2Carmel Road B4Central Road C1Chaitya Road A1 A2Church Street B3Clifford Avenue B4D R Wijewardena . B2 C2 D2Dam Street C1Dawson Street C3De Saram Place D3Deans Road D3Devanampiyatissa R. D3Dharmapala Mawat.B4 C4 D4Dias Place C1Duke Street A1E W Bastian Mawath. B1 C2E W Perera Mawatha D3 D4F R Senanayake Maw. D4Flagstaff Street A1Flower Terrace C4Galle Buck Road A1Galle Face Centre . A3Galle Face Drive A3Galle Road A3 B3 B4Hedges Court D3Henry de Mel Mawat. B3Horton Place D4Hospital Street A2Hudson Road B4Hultsdorf Street C1 D1Hunupitiya Road C4Husainia Street C1Hyde Park Corner C4 D3Janadhipathi Mawat. A1 A2Javatilleke Mawath. A1 B1Justice Akbar Mawa. B3Kayman’s Gate B1 C1Kew Lane B3 C3Kew Road B3Keyzer Street B1Kumaran Ratnam Roa. B3Liberty Plaza B4

Lillie Street C3Lotus Road A2Lower Chatham Stre. A1 A2Main Street B1Malay Street B2 B3Maliban Street B1Meeraniya Street D1Mihindu Mawatha C1Mohideen Masjid Ro. D2Morgan Road B2Muhandiram’s Road B4Muttah Road C3 C4N H M Abdul Cader . B1Nawam Mawatha B3New Moor Street C1Norris Canal Road D3Olcott Mawatha B1 C2Old Moor Street C1 D1Orasipasha Street D2 D3Palm Grow B4 C4Paochikawatta Road D2Park Street C4Perahera Mawatha B4 C4Price Place C1Prince Street B1Princes Gate D1R A de Mel Mawatha B3 B4Ratnajothi Saravan. C1Rifle Street B3Rosmead Place D4Rotunda Gardens B4Sanchiarachchis Ga. C2 D1Saunders Place C1Sea Street C1Silversmith Lane D1Sir Baron DB A1Sir Chittampalam A. B2Sir James Peris Ma. B3 C4Sir Marcus Fernand. C4Sri Jinarathana Ro. C4Sri Sangaraya Mawa. D1 D2Sri Sumanatissa Ma. D1Srimath Randaranai. D1St Michael Road B4St Sebastian Hill C1 C2St Sebastian Stree. C1Staple Street C3Stuart Street B3Symmond’s Road D2 D3T B Jayah Mawatha D3Union Place C3 D3 D4W A D Ramanayake M. C4Ward Place D4Vauxhall Street C3Wharf Road A1Vinayalankara Mawa. D3York Street A1

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