Colombo

The Portuguese landed first in the 16th century, followed by the Dutch a century later who began growing cinnamon in the area, which is now a wealthy Colombo suburb called Cinnamon Gardens

In the Pettah area, the Kathiresan Temple, an important Hindu shrine, stands in peace not far from the Grand Mosque where Friday prayers draw the city’s Muslim population buildings for government offices, commercial ventures, banks, department stores and hotels. Most of them still exist, many dilapidated but some well-preserved. The ensemble of the old intimately blended with the newly added 21st century structures, present a unique architectural silhouette that visitors enjoy savoring.

Thriving bazaars

Shopping in Colombo becomes a lifetime experience at the thriving Pettah market, located immediately inland from the Fort. It’s said if you can’t find something in Pettah, then it’s yet to be produced. Without a local guide you will be lost within the overcrowded labyrinth of streets and alleys crammed with goods of every description, from colorful textiles, gold and silver and colonial-era antiquities to the necessities of everyday life - spices, fruit and vegetables, reeking heaps of dried fish, electrical goods, clothes and footwear. It’s also the nation’s most ethnically mixed borough, where local Sinhalese happily share space with Tamils, Moor, Burghers, Indians and Malays. While in the neighborhood it’s worth a quick visit to the Dutch Period Museum, housed inside a white edifice which was built in the 17th century as the Dutch Governor’s residence. The shrine, stands in peace not far from the Grand Mosque where Friday prayers draw the city’s Muslim population. Buddhism being the nation’s dominant religion, stupas, viharas and temples can be spotted everywhere. However, most tourists go the city-centre located, 120-year old Gangaramaya Temple where the eclectic mix of architectural design influenced by styles from Sri Lanka, Thailand, India and China is imposing.

As cricket is revered as another religion in Colombo, you can’t leave its boundaries without paying a visit collections give a rough idea of the era, when the Dutch were the land’s masters.

Places of worship

A proliferation of Buddhist and Hindu temples, Islamic mosques and Christian churches generously nestled throughout the city proclaim that Sri Lankans have respect and tolerance for all religious faiths. The Europeans, during their heyday built several churches, many of which still exist; the 1749-built Wolvendaal Church being most famous from the lot. In the Pettah area, the Kathiresan Temple, an important Hindu to its most important shrine – the Premadasa Stadium. Unfortunately entry is prohibited when there is no match inside; however, peeping through a small opening in the gate, I see part of the green and the galleries, and imagine the lively scene when Sri Lanka is playing against Australia or India. Suddenly I hear a roar, “Howzzat!” It comes from a group of kids playing cricket on the empty streets. Watching them play make my Colombo trip complete, as before leaving I finally get to see some cricketing action, thought I missed out on Sangakara batting and Malinga bowling.

Travel noTebook COLOMBO

Gettin G t here Singapore Airlines (www.singaporeair.com), has daily flights to Colombo from Singapore with excellent connections from Australia offering 107 flights per week in total to Singapore from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane Adelaide and Perth. The A380 operates on two of four flights from Sydney and one from three flights from Melbourne.

AccommodAtion Spaced on 12 acres of landscaped garden, the 300 guest room Taj Samudra Hotel (www.tajhotels.com) is located close the most of city’s tourist attractions. With panoramic views of the Indian Ocean, it’s an ideal place for vacationers to relax and rejuvenate. The hotel offers several elegant dining choices; however meals at Navratna Restaurant, serving the best of Indian cuisine and at Golden Dragon Restaurant well known for its Sichuan and Cantonese delicacies, are highly recommended

Gettin G Around Taxis are available, but Bajaj India has made three wheelers the best option Vis A Australian passport holders can get 30-day tourist visa on arrival c urrency Sri Lankan Rupee, 1AUD = 118 LKR