About Colombo Colombo, the capital of the island nation of Sri Lanka is also the commercial hub of the country. It lies in the southwest region of the nation, on the shore of Indian Ocean. The international airport is 34 Km from the city centre. Colombo The Fort: Today a busy shopping centre the Fort was built during the British Occupation in the year 1857. Several buildings of the British period still line the streets. Places of worship: Buddhist Temples – "Gangaramaya" on the Beira Lake is a truly picturesque temple in the city. "Vajiraramaya" in Colombo 04 is an important and popular Buddhist temple. Historic Churches - The Garrison church of St. Peter consecrated in 1821 is on Church Street near Colombo 01. Also Wolfendhal Church built by the Dutch in 1757. Hindu Temples - on the Sea Street and other areas of Colombo are several Hindu temples such as the Ganeshan, the old Kathiresan and the new Kathiresan. National Museum: Established in 1877 and with many exhibits including colourful items of the Kandyan Kings dating back to the 17th century. Independence Square: This stunngly crafted structure was erected to commemorate the liberation of Sri Lanka from British rule on 04th February 1948. Outstation: Kandy: Approximately 2 hours drive from Colombo. Dalada Maligawa (the Temple of the Tooth) is the repository of a sacred Buddhist relic said to be the tooth of the Buddha. Pinnawela Elephant orphanage is en route to Kandy. Bentota: Approximately 1.5 hours drive from Colombo on the southwestern coast. Bentota is one of the most popular beach destinations and also offers exciting water sports and scenic boat rides. Galle: Approximately 2.5 hours drive from Colombo. The city of Galle is one of the best preserved colonial era cities in Southeast Asia and has been declared a World Heritage city. The extraordinary Galle Fort built in the 17th Century, the Dutch Museum, Groote Kerk (Great Church) and the National Maritime Museum are some of the most famous tourist attractions.