The capital of Sri Lanka is a frenetic city with good hotels, restaurants and shopping. The streets of Colombo are filled with every form of transportation imaginable—buses, cars, trucks,
tuk-tuks, oxcarts and pedestrians—and no one seems to follow any particular traffic rules. The chaos is probably most evident along Galle Road, the main north-south artery in the city. At the north end of the road is the area known as the Fort, once a colonial stronghold but now the site of many government buildings. Just south of the Fort is Galle Face Green, a seaside expanse where the turf is not green but brown. Galle Face Green is a popular place for informal cricket games and weekend strolls. Military helicopters often land there to deliver ministers to emergency sessions of parliament. At the south end of the green is the venerable Galle Face Hotel. Although it is not as well-kept as other hotels, it is one of the oldest on the island. Watching the sunset from the Galle Face veranda with a drink is the most relaxing thing to do in Colombo.
Immediately east of the fort is the Pettah, the traditional bazaar district. The Pettah is noisy and crowded but fun to stroll during the day. Most streets are dedicated to a particular trade (Sea Street belongs to gold merchants, for instance). There's also a striking Hindu temple and some restaurants that serve some memorably spicy local dishes.
Among the capital city's other sights are the National Museum (the collection provides an excellent picture of the island's history—plan at least two hours), Viharamahadevi Park (a broad green park very near the National Museum) and the pretty palm-lined beach at Mount Lavinia in the southern part of town. The Mount Lavinia Hotel is another beautiful colonial hotel that is worth visiting for sunset drinks or dinner.
Probably the most interesting Buddhist temple in town is Raja Maha Vihara (go in January to see the perahera, or "procession"). Although the Dehiwela Zoo has deteriorated over the years, it still has a wide selection of animals (elephants perform in the afternoon).
If you're craving the beach, Bentota, about 40 mi/65 km south, has beautiful sand and clear water. Sun worshippers should stay at least two days (deluxe accommodations are available). If you drive there from Colombo, you'll pass picturesque fishing villages, both along the shore and inland along a river.
