COLOMBO is busy, colourful and rather noisy. Unlike the rest of the island, Sri Lanka's capital usually doesn't figure too high on a tourist's must-see list. But Mr Lalin Jinasena is hoping to change that.
The 30-year-old Colombo native has transformed a 200-year-old mansion into a charming retro-chic hotel. Called Casa Colombo, it is conveniently located off Galle Road in Bambalapitiya and is the perfect spot to start exploring the city, which has a rich history.
To experience it, Mr Jinasena recommends spending at least two days in Colombo. Here are his picks for your itinerary:
1. Get a taste of old Ceylon
Start at the Fort, the old commercial centre and harbour of Colombo. Then walk through the nearby Pettah bazaar district, which is also known as the Asian street market, and marvel at the riot of goods - fruit, vegetables, meat, gems, gold, silver, brass and tin junk.
While in Pettah, pop into the Dutch museum. It has a fabulous collection of Dutch furniture and iconic photographs, all of which are housed in a lovely colonial building.
Also head to Sea Street, known for its collection of gold and gems, and the spice market in Gasspaha Street.
2. The Holy Trail
Visit the Gangarama temple. This is the most interesting Buddhist temple in Colombo, with Buddhist monuments from all over the world. 'Incidentally, my grandfather planted the sacred Bo tree in this temple,' says Jinasena.
3. Shopping
If you are looking for curios and collectibles, shop at the Galle Face Piazza in Galle Face Hotel.
For gems and jewellery, make a stop at Jewel Qudsi at 45B Galle Road, which is just a little past Galle Face Hotel.
If you are looking for some stylish handicraft and curios, then the Paradise Road Shop at Town Hall would be the place for you. For comfortable cotton clothing and stylish bags, head down to Cotton Collection and Leather Collection in Flower Road.
4. Looking for books
Books are a lot cheaper in Sri Lanka than in Singapore and Jinasena recommends making a stop at The Barefoot Shop in Galle Road. 'The Barefoot Shop has an extensive collection of books on Sri Lanka and by Sri Lankan authors. It also has excellent handlooms, cushion covers and table mats,' he says.
5. Museum-hopping
Make a stop at the Colombo National Museum. Housed in a grand colonial building, this is Sri Lanka's first public museum. Some of the rare and valuable treasures here include a vast collection of half a million books, rock sculptures from the ancient cities, bronze brassware and royal weapons of Sri Lankan kings.
If you are into art, the National Art Gallery features a permanent collection by Sri Lankan artists. For works by contemporary Sri Lankan artists, visit the Lionel Wendt Center at 18 Guildford Crescent.
6. Food
'Make sure you have a great appetite when you are in Sri Lanka,' says Jinasena. For lunch, he recommends the Galle Face Hotel or the Barefoot Cafe, which has a bohemian-style open-air cafe shaded by coconut trees.
He also recommends high tea on the terrace at Mount Lavinia hotel, which was formerly the governor's mansion. It offers great views of Colombo and the sea. Parts of the film Bridge On The River Kwai were shot here.
For dinner, try some great Italian and Sri Lankan cuisine at Casa Colombo. Don't leave without trying the spaghetti peperencino ($7), Sri Lankan wild rice with black pork curry ($8) and tiramisu ($6).
7. A coffee break
If you are into people-watching, squeeze in some time for coffee and double chocolate cheesecake at Paradise Road Shop at Town Hall ($6), or a pot of Ceylon tea at the Barefoot Cafe. 'This is a quaint spot, but one of those places you must chill out at in Colombo,' he says.
8. Drinks
For some sundowners, Jinasena recommends mojitos at the Sugar Bar at Union Place, Colombo 2. This is the most popular bar in town. Also keep some time for D's at Horton Place to rub shoulders with Colombo's celebrities. And before you call it a night, grab a beer at Cricket Club in the Alfred House Gardens.
This article was first published in Life!, The Straits Times on June 24, 2008.
