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Affectionately known as Kolonthota during its heyday the Colombo Fort is renowned as the site where Portuguese invaders first landed in the island at the beginning of the 16th century. Having served as a major commercial port in the country and later a military base used by the Dutch and the British, the area was once a fortified section of the capital with a fort built around its administrative stronghold. Although the fort walls were demolished in 1870 the area is still known as the Fort and serves as the central business district of the Sri Lankan capital Colombo. As the capital city’s financial quarter Fort also houses the Colombo Stock Exchange and the country’s World Trade Centre as well as a plethora of government offices, departments and institutions. Scenically juxtaposed between the Indian Ocean and Beira Lake Fort’s most popular attraction is of course the lush open space that is known as the Galle Face Green. Located along its foreshores the Galle Face Green esplanade serves as one of the country’s most picturesque beachside attractions and public enclaves where locals and tourists alike gather to unwind and soak in the breathtaking atmosphere. Built in 1859 by Sir Henry George Ward the then governor of Ceylon the area is filled with some of the city’s trendiest malls, department stores, entertainment venues and chic hotels. Other must-see highlights at Fort include its collection of iconic and historic landmarks that date back to the country’s colonial era. The President’s House which is the Dutch built state residence of the country’s president is one such locale which is located adjacent to the resplendent Gordon Gardens. The monolithic Old Parliament Building is another neo-baroque style marvel found in Fort while the Cargills & Millers building, the Ghaffoor Building, the Old General Post Office and Republic Building are centuries old British style structures that still function as commercial spaces. The Colombo Lighthouse and the Old Colombo Lighthouse as well as the Victorian style Lighthouse Clock Tower are also worth exploring while the Sambodhi Chaithya is one of the many religious institutions in the area. Travellers in search of luxury Sri Lanka hotels in the capital will be more than pleased with the Cinnamon Grand Colombo. Ideally located within minutes of the Galle Face esplanade and the city’s premier department stores this stylish rest is one of the most conveniently located Colombo hotels in the island nation.
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