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Colombo

Sri Lanka's cultural and commercial capital, Colombo has a long history as a trading port. Governed successively by the Portuguese, Dutch and British, the city has a unique multicultural spirit, unusual architecture, a diversity of religious heritage, and colorful markets to match.

EXPERIENCES

Cricket

Depending on the schedule, attend a cricket match in Colombo. While technically cricket is not Sri Lanka’s national sport (volleyball is), it is by far the most popular, a status helped by the national team’s upset of Australia in the 1996 Cricket World Cup finals.

Galle Face Green

Stroll along the edge of the Indian Ocean on the Galle Face Green and arrive at the landmark Victorian Galle Face Hotel. Enjoy cocktails at its beach bar, where Somerset Maugham and Noel Coward once held court.

Gangaramaya Buddhist Temple

Visit the Gangaramaya Buddhist Temple, one of the central places of worship in Sri Lanka. The complex is a vast group of shrines dating from various periods and built in a wide range of architectural styles, which can lend the temple a quirky, patchwork feel. The grounds also contain a bodhi tree said to be grown from a cutting of the one under which the Buddha gained enlightenment, as well as a crystal lotus reputed to contain one of his bones.

Jami Ul Alfar Mosque

See the Jami Ul Alfar mosque in the Pettah neighborhood, whose garish exterior of red and white stripes, checkers, spirals and other patterns makes it one of Colombo's most recognizable religious landmarks.

Seema Malaka Temple

While at Gangaramaya, see the Seema Malaka Temple, one of Sri Lanka’s most unusual shrines. Built in the 1970s to replace an earlier 19th-century building that was slowly sinking into Beira Lake, Seema Malaka was designed in a serene, minimalist style by renowned Sri Lankan architect Geoffrey Bawa. Several simple pavilions appear to float on the surface of the lake, connected to each other and the mainland by walkways lined with statues of the Buddha.

sri-lanka Regions

SRI-LANKA Regions

MAJOR AREAS

PREFERRED HOTEL

Tintagel

The dramatic and sultry Tintagel property is located in central Colombo, close to Colombo Town Hall, National Art Gallery and Sinhalese Sports Club. The hotel was previously home to three of Sri Lanka’s political leaders, making it an important structure of national heritage. This unique and intimate hotel boasts ten high-ceilinged suites with timber floors, lavishly decorated with a unique blend of color, texture and atmosphere. The spacious bathrooms feature rain showers, bathtubs and large vanities. All rooms include complimentary WiFi, LCD TV screens with DVD/CD players, a minibar, tea- and coffee-making facilities and Egyptian cotton bedding. Selected suites come with a private courtyard or a balcony. There are a range of dining facilities including an alfresco restaurant, a chic indoor restaurant offering international cuisine, a private dining room and a bar with black leather lounges and bronze tables. Other facilities and services of the hotel include a spa with optional in-room service, swimming pool, gym, steam room, library and courtyard.

PREFERRED HOTEL

Uga Residence

In prime position next to the lake and nearby Buddhist shrine, Uga Residence screams old-world elegance in modern Colombo. Nestled on a verdant avenue, this perfectly-appointed Victorian mansion offers an escape and some peace and quiet within the bustle of the city. Guests can relax in their luxurious suites, bedecked in rich materials and textures, or on their private terraces; alternatively, they may enjoy tranquil walks in the shady gardens. Relaxation and reinvigoration are close at hand with massages available on request and the hotel pool awaiting with cooling waters in a sunny courtyard. A la carte dining is a sumptuous affair at the poolside restaurant, where guests may begin with a cocktail from the adjacent bar and continue with wine from the cellar to accompany the gourmet delights on offer.

Shangri-La Colombo

The strategically positioned Colombo was known to ancient traders 2,000 years ago. Today it is the economic heart of Sri Lanka and both its rich history and natural splendor are made easily accessible from the local Shangri-La Hotel, Colombo. Located in a frenetic social hotspot at the center of Colombo’s business district, the hotel is a space of international comforts and world-class luxury, providing the finest service to guests of business and leisure alike with 500 inviting guest rooms and suites as wells as 41 fully serviced apartments. These rooms afford striking views of the Indian Ocean, Beira Lake, and the city of Colombo. Moreover, they are furnished with fine materials and modern technology such as complimentary Wi-Fi. The hotel is equipped with a comprehensive gymnasium, outdoor swimming pool, Jacuzzis, a movement studio, and sauna and steam rooms as well. The Shangri-La Hotel, Colombo's signature CHI, The Spa offers a sublime selection of traditional Sri Lankan and other Asian treatments with therapies for individuals and couples alike. The conference and event facilities at the hotel are the largest in the region, able to cater up to 2,000 guests.

CASA Colombo

Priding itself on a minimalist design and conveniently-located in the center of Colombo, this retro-chic boutique hotel offers 12 designer suites, a world famous pink pool and exceptional dining experiences within its 200-year-old mansion that has been built to combine comfort with style. The hotel offers impressive international cuisine in an elegant setting of colorful glowing chairs and other modern furnishings. From Casa Domos to in-suite spas, attention to detail doesn’t go unnoticed, and is what contributes to the hotel’s exclusive and personal feel. The hotel’s own Casa Domos are above and beyond any type of butler you may be used to. They will be your contact during your stay and will take care of your every need. From collecting you in a vintage car with complimentary bubbly from the airport, to escorting you to your room and organizing any activities in the city, they live by the philosophy that they should come to you, not vice versa, for a hassle-free, relaxing and enjoyable holiday.

Galle Face Hotel

The Galle Face Hotel is located in the heart of Colombo, overlooking the Galle Face Green and the Indian Ocean. The hotel has 150 rooms and suites and is separated into two parts, the Regency wing, which is contemporary, and the Classic wing, which is the older part of the hotel. Each has a variety of rooms and suites with views of the Ocean or of Galle Face Green. There are three restaurants at the hotel to choose from: The Sea Spray Restaurant serving fresh seafood dishes, Verandah Restaurant with Sri Lankan and Western cuisine and The 1864 Restaurant with a large selection of gourmet dishes. The facilities at the Galle Face include a business center, newly opened fitness center with state-of-the-art weight training and cardiovascular machines and a salt-water swimming pool with views of the ocean. There is also a spa for massage and beauty treatments. The hotel is approximately a 45-minute drive from Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB).

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