Walk through Colombo, Sri Lanka’s capital city, to discover for yourself the colourful past of a city that has seen a culture rich with experiences.
Colombo city was once known as the garden city of the East. It has retained some of this charm for trees still line its wide streets – however, as in most big cities, Colombo city is seeing a growth in the number of high rise buildings coming up.
But that’s not what we are talking about in this article. We are going to discover what Colombo city was as a key outpost in the colonial world. Colombo was a strategic location due to its positioning on one of the world’s oldest shipping routes. It was also home to a multitude of people who blended into the city well. From being under Portuguese rule to the Dutch and eventually the English, Colombo’s streets of old are replete with stories from the past, legacies and a heritage that is as cosmopolitan as its then inhabitants.
Sri Lanka is well known as a destination of incredible beauty. From hills to the ruins, the island has everything one could possibly want in a favourite tourist destination. Yet its capital city remains a captivating destination for those interested in its colourful past.
Colombo has been a garrison city during the times of the Portuguese and the Dutch. You can still find parts of the old city walls when the Fort was an active hive of operations for the port city. That part of the city is known as The Fort, and is today home to offices and hotels, making it a hub of commercial activity. In between, you can catch glimpses of the old city – the bell tower deep in the heart of the city, the first mile mark from the King’s Residence know known as the Presidential palace. The remnants of the old Dutch Fort, visible inside a leading bank’s premises in the centre of the office district.
Colombo city was a hive of activity during the colonial times.
There were ships arriving and departing at the busy port – there were not just commercial ships coming in but also passenger ships. Colombo as a tourist destination was popular even then. Scores of passengers would disembark at the port and head towards the leading hotels of the day – The Grand Oriental Hotel right next to the Port or the Galle Face Hotel further down on the Galle Road, the leading road going towards the South.
The passengers would take the tram or the cart, drawn by horses to their respective destinations. Colombo city’s tree linked roads ensured greenery all around and was a haven for restful recovery for weary tourists. It had everything a traveller needed – comfortable hotels, sprawling parks and seaside views that are as appealing as the tourist attractions elsewhere.
Dig deeper into this city to discover the vistas of its past. Let’s look at a few locations where Colombo’s history still reminds us of its legacy.
Galle Face Hotel – Colombo city’s iconic seafront
An iconic hotel located by the seaside promenade known as Galle Face, this is one of Colombo’s most treasured landmarks. This is where you go to have dainty cucumber sandwiches and sip tea during the high tea afternoons. It is where countless others before you watched the sun go down on the Indian Ocean, slipping through the coconut trees.
Wolvendaal Church – a pioneering heritage
Wolvendaal Church is possibly Colombo’s oldest church and has been in use since Dutch times. It reflects the iconic Dutch architecture and was first consecrated as a church in 1757. It, along with the Dutch Church in Galle Fort , represents the Dutch era and culture preserved beautifully within the sturdy walls. Many members of the Dutch community active throughout the centuries, lie buried in this ancient church which today is a well known tourist attraction.
Colombo, the vibrant capital city of Sri Lanka, is a place where history and modernity seamlessly coexist. Amidst the bustling streets and towering skyscrapers, there are several ancient landmarks that serve as a reminder of the city’s rich history.
Dutch Museum: Preserving Colonial Heritage
The Dutch Museum, also known as the Old Dutch Hospital, is an architectural gem nestled within the heart of Colombo’s Fort district. This colonial-era building, which was originally constructed in the 17th century, is a testament to the city’s Dutch colonial past. It was initially used as a hospital for Dutch sailors and officers during the Dutch colonial period.
The museum’s architecture is a fusion of Dutch and Sri Lankan styles, characterized by its elegant gables and tiled roofs. Today, the Dutch Museum stands as a repository of Dutch colonial artifacts, showcasing a collection of paintings, furniture, ceramics, and coins from that era. Visitors can take a step back in time as they explore the galleries, offering insights into the island’s colonial history.
Dutch Hospital: A Gourmet Oasis
Adjacent to the Dutch Museum, the Dutch Hospital has been reimagined as a bustling dining and shopping precinct. This historic building has been painstakingly restored to retain its colonial charm. The courtyard, surrounded by restaurants, cafes, and boutiques, is a delightful place to enjoy a leisurely meal or shop for exquisite local crafts.
The Dutch Hospital is a favorite among locals and tourists alike. Here, you can savor a range of cuisines, from traditional Sri Lankan dishes to international delights. It’s also a hub for boutique shopping, making it the perfect place to pick up souvenirs or gifts.
Grand Oriental Hotel: The Grande Dame of Colombo
Overlooking the Colombo Harbor, the Grand Oriental Hotel, affectionately known as the “GOH,” is a living testament to the city’s history. This iconic hotel, which dates back to the mid-19th century, has hosted a multitude of dignitaries, celebrities, and travelers over the years.
The Grand Oriental Hotel exudes old-world charm with its Victorian architecture, grand chandeliers, and spacious verandas. Its history is entwined with that of Colombo itself, as it served as a hub for colonial elites and later played a significant role in Sri Lanka’s political landscape. The hotel continues to provide a luxurious experience for guests and is celebrated for its dining options, including the Harbor Room restaurant with panoramic views of the port.
Visitors can explore the hotel’s corridors adorned with vintage photographs and memorabilia, gaining a sense of the city’s transformation over the decades.
Conclusion: Stepping Back in Time
These iconic buildings serve as a bridge between Colombo’s past and present. They offer an opportunity for visitors to step back in time and explore the colonial history that has shaped this vibrant city. Whether you are interested in art and history, gourmet cuisine, or simply soaking in the grandeur of a bygone era, these landmarks are a must-visit when exploring Colombo. They remind us that amid the ever-changing urban landscape, the city’s roots and historical charm remain deeply embedded in its soul.
