Colombo, The Ceylon
Currency: Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR)
Language: Sinhale, Tamil and English
From Airport to Downtown
A ride to Colombo city area should cost around 1800 LKR or 13.50 SGD on Uber
Attractions:
Colombo Fort Area
The main area of Colombo, this is also known as the central business district. The area have lots of historical monuments such as the Colombo Lighthouse, Old Parliament Building, The Clock Tower.
Old Dutch Hospital
Considered to be the oldest building in the Colombo Fort area dating back to the Dutch colonial era in Sri Lanka. It is now a heritage building and remake to a shopping and dining destination. It is worth a look and open from 10am to 10pm daily. Surrounding areas also have lots of restaurants and café. You have to check the street behind, Hospital St, especially in the evenings.
Galle Face Green Promenade & Galle Face Beach
This stretch of urban park and beach is located along the coast of this amazing island. Come by here for a walk and enjoy the breeze. It has its history since the 18th century from the British. Enjoy the sound of beach waves crashing against the shores and delicious food from street vendors. This is also one of the best place to catch the sunset.
Pettah Market
Come here for an insight of the local life, bustling local market where the locals go around getting their necessity. The Pettah Market is full with vendors selling fruits, vegetables & fashion accessories. Do watch out for your personal belongings here though. A very different experience.
Shopping:
Colombo City Centre
One of the largest and newest shopping centre in town, this is a good place if you want to spend the day away from the heat. It is open from 10am to 10pm daily.
Restaurants:
Ministry of Crab
Located within the Old Dutch Hospital complex, this is the 29th best restaurant in Asia with matching prices. Definitely not cheap even using western world standards. Reservations are recommended. Open from noon to 10pm daily.
Black Pepper
No. 62/6 Dutch Hospital Square, Hospital Ln
Recommended restaurant specialising in using curries and stir fries made with fresh Sri Lankan herbs and spices. Some of the recommended dishes here includes the crab and various meats. Black pepper crab is a must try. Prices range from 3000 up for a crab. It is open from 10.30am to 3pm and 6.30pm to 11pm daily.
Agra Restaurant
100, 10 Sri Lanka Foundation Mawatha
One of the best and highly recommended fine dining restaurant serving up authentic Indian cuisine. Prices are alright. The place is open from 11.30am to 11.30pm daily.