The Fort: can be found between Colombo Harbour and the urban lagoon of Beira Lake. It is the heart of the city and was originally a fort during the Portuguese and Dutch periods. Today, it is the city’s financial and commercial hub where many important places can be found including hotels, major offices, airline offices, banks, the main post office, the immigration office, travel agents and a variety of restaurants. A favourite destination for tourists, the fort boasts a number of interesting attractions. The mid 19th century Lighthouse Clock Tower is a picturesque landmark, while other notable sights include the President’s House and the charming Presidential Gardens, as well as the old colonial buildings such as the Grand Oriental Hotel and the red and white Cargills & Millers department store. The Natural History Museum: offers impressive tours which are sure to take you back into time. You will find mounted skeletons of animals including elephants and the topography of Sri Lanka. The natural heritage of the country is featured in displays throughout the museum including exhibits on: botany, geology, fossils and natural environment. The Dutch Period Museum: was first opened to public in 1982. It is housed in a beautiful old Dutch house built in the 17th century and boasts exquisite Dutch architectural features of Colonial times. The museum itself displays a selection of artefacts including furniture, ceramics, coins and weapons. Located on Prince Street, Pettah, the area is bustling with many boutiques and shops. Wolvendaal Church: serves as the most important and the most famous Dutch building in Sri Lanka. The church, dating back from the year 1749, is located on a hill overlooking the harbour. Once inside the church, you will be impressed by elegantly carved ebony chairs specially made by the Dutch governors. The meticulous craftsmanship is also gracefully shown in the wooden pulpit, baptismal font and lectern. Kelaniya Rajamaha Vihare Temple: is located 11kms away from Colombo Fort. The history of the temple dates back over 2,500 years to when Buddha visited the area and preached from a jewelled chair about the futility of fighting. Here you can see the chair on which the Buddha was believed to have sat when he preached. | 
