Colombo

History

As far back as the 5th century, Colombo served as a sea port for trade  between Asia and the West. During the 8th century Arab trades settled near the port, and in 1505 the Portuguese arrived. By the mid 17th century the Dutch had taken over growing cinnamon in the area now known as Cinnamon  Gardens but it wasn't until the British arrived that the town became a city. In 1815 Colombo was proclaimed the capital of Ceylon.

During the 1870 the breakwaters were built and Fort was created by flooding surrounding wetlands. Colombo was peacefully handed over when Sri Lanka achieved Independence in 1948. Anew parliament was built in Sri Jayawardanapura Kotte, an outer suburb of Colombo , in 1982.

Bomb attacks in Fort over the years of war caused Colombo's major businesses and institutions to disperse across the city. With peace, Colombo is growing fast, with much development north and south along the coast and a building boom in Fort.

Sights

Lacking signature must see sights, Colombo's real appeal lies in its many neighbourhoods, which span an era from the earliest colonial days to the city's present nascent boom. Start in Fort and Pettah and work your way south.