Type of destination: Historical and Commercial District
Ideal visit duration: Half a day to Full day
Colombo Fort, the heart of Sri Lanka's capital Colombo, is a blend of colonial legacy and modern development. Originally a fort during the Portuguese, Dutch and British colonial periods, it has lost its military significance and emerged as a business hub. The area is brimming with historical architecture, high-end hotels, shopping complexes, and administrative buildings. Landmarks include the Old Parliament Building, the President’s House, and the iconic Clock Tower, which is a remnant of the original fort. Colombo Fort also hosts the Colombo Port, one of the busiest in South Asia. Modern skyscrapers and colonial-era churches coexist, reflecting the city's transformation over centuries. Visitors can enjoy a range of dining experiences or take a leisurely stroll along Galle Face Green, the city's ocean-side promenade. Colombo Fort's cosmopolitan vibe, rich history, and significant role in commerce makes it an interesting destination for both history buffs and casual tourists alike.
This part is totally different than Pettah. It was the centre of Dutch and Portuguese colonialism, so we saw some colonial style buildings but also many modern luxury hotels. Today it is the seat of b..
I noted the presence of both the new and old parts of Colombo here: For the old parts, there are the Clock Tower, the Memorial, etc. For the new ones, there are the modern commercial buildings such ..
Colombo Fort is the business district of Colombo in Sri Lanka. It is the financial district of Colombo and has the Colombo Stock Exchange, World Trade Centre, Bank of Ceylon headquarters and General ..
An older bit of the developing city. I believe this was the centre of the city. Was close to the harbour and the newly developing city off shore.
Steve_Grant1
Wrote on 18th Mar, 2020
Old area
This is an older area of the city with many historic and old buildings. Cargills Department store being one. Look up at the different trade names as you walk a along the collonade. Plan a route round..