Colombo Sri Lanka travel information & pictures

Colombo Travel Pictures ~ City View from Hilton Hotel

Looking northwest from the Hilton Hotel, the docks beyond, the airport to the northeast. Security is tight in this area, since many government buildings are located here.

Late one afternoon, carloads full of armed guards appeared on a nearby green space, their occupants fanning out around the perimeter and taking up position. Soon, a large black helicopter appeared, landed, its passenger immediately ushered into a long black sedan that pulled up to its doors. It may have been the President returning home, I was told.

Cinnamon Gardens

A mother and child enjoy the late afternoon sun in the park.

This upscale neighbourhood of colonial mansions is home to several embassies as well as new condos.

Much of the book Anil's Ghost (see books page) is set in this area.

Galle Face Green

Colombo's Galle Face Green is this strip of grassy parkland running along the Indian Ocean, taking its name from the city it's facing: Galle, a large city on the southwest coast.

This famous park -- once a racetrack -- is basically in downtown Colombo. Here is where families picnic, businessmen meet, and lovers tryst safe from prying eyes, thanks to the large, opened umbrellas they use as portable privacy screens. The Galle Face Hotel lies at the far end in this perspective. Polluted waters make the beach unsafe for swimming.

Galle Face Hotel

The venerable Galle Face Hotel has hosted many world leaders and artists since it opened its doors in 1864. (Their names are listed in the lobby.)

The hotel is at the far (south) end of Galle Face Green, shown in the photo above. I loved the wood carvings in the lobby, the elegant rooms with muslin-draped, dark wood beds, and the black and white tiled patio. It's the city's only oceanfront hotel, and a popular spot to have drinks and watch the sun set.

Colombo Students

High school students in their (white) uniforms, walking home after school. This scene is typical.

In each Sri Lanka city and town, students wearing the distinctive uniforms of each school walked to class and back each day. Classes began early, around 8 a.m. and let out at 2-3 p.m.

Temple Statues:: Hindu Deities

A wall of stone is carved images of deities. Throughout the city, and the country, you are never far from religious symbols and buildings.

Perhaps that's why I was surprised to hear of the experience of one (male) traveller: He had been approached by a young man who offered to guide him to nearby attractions. The 'guide' mentioned in passing that should this traveller so desire, he could get a poor girl from the country to be his wife. Or perhaps he would enjoy some real good Afghan hashish? He declined both.

Temple Elephant

In a temple grounds, not far from the Hilton. Our 'guide' said the elephant was brought in for the Buddhist holiday. There are a great many Buddhist holidays.

A young man approached us, claiming to be a student on his way to the library, and offered to walk along with us and show us where the temple was, as it was on his way. As it turned out, he and a partner, a tuk tuk driver, were part of an elaborate scam to part us with $60US for a 5-minute ride. Always hire a proper guide through the hotel or an agency.

Bulls and cows on Colombo streets

On the way back from Galle, near the outskirts of Colombo, these animals were sharing the street.

No one seemed to notice them, nor give them any bother.

Colombo World Trade Centre

In downtown Colombo, the World Trade Centre is an impressive site, and home to many international businesses. (To get this angle shot, I lay flat on my back on the concourse)

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