10 Amazing Foreign Vacation Destinations You Haven’t Considered
9. Colombo, Sri Lanka
Known during the 19th-century British rule of Ceylon as ‘the garden city of the East,’ Colombo is rapidly emerging as a must-see stop in Sri Lanka. No longer just the sprawling city you have to endure on your way to the southern beaches, it has become a worthy destination in its own right.
The legacies of colonial Colombo’s garden roots are still very much intact along its often shady boulevards. Fort is in the midst of widespread historic restoration of its landmark colonial architecture, while Pettah brims with markets and rampant commerce. Even traffic-clogged Galle Rd is getting spiffier, with glossy new hotel complexes, while the seafront benefits from new roads that are spurring hotel construction.
Colombo’s cosmopolitan side supports ever-more stylish eateries, galleries, and museums. Surprises abound in its old quarters, where you can find great local food and discover a characterful shop or tiny, convivial cafe. The capital is an excellent start to your Sri Lankan adventures.
