Unlike many capital cities, Colombo is of a small enough size to avoid the stifling claustrophobic feel, whilst still offering the visitor an entire array of sights and activities, no matter what their taste may be, from luxurious rest and relaxation, to shopping and more cultural pursuits.  The city itself, which lies 31 km south of the airport, is very green compared to other cities in south Asia, with the whole mood of the place almost willing you to take it easy and recharge your batteries.  It is also a city that wears its rich and varied history on its sleeve; Colombo has not sacrificed the traditional and the historic in its drive for modernity as with some other capitals - Here, the old and the new coexist in perfect harmony. Colombo is situated on the Western coast of Sri Lanka and is the administrative capital of the country with a population of roughly 647,000 people. Being a large harbour and strategically positioned along the East-West sea trade routes, Colombo was well known to traders 2,000 years ago but was only made the capital when Sri Lanka became part of the British Empire in 1815. As for activities, the Colombo has something for everyone.  For those who wish to relax, there are no less than six five star hotels, all offering a slightly different take on luxury, whether it be a day lying by the pool, a massage at the beauty spa or a cocktail or two before a first class dinner in one of the numerous hotel restaurants.  And then there are the independent eateries, catering to virtually every international cuisine including fine dining restaurants, some of which are internationally recognised.  For culture vultures Colombo has a number of interesting historical sights, from the old Parliament Building (now the Presidents secretariat), the Sri Lankan Museum, gloriously housed in the old Governor’s mansion, Independence Square to the intricately carved Murugan Hindu templeto and one of the oldest hotels in the world on the seafront, next to the famous Galle Face Green.  There are also art galleries and theatres, cinemas and quaint coffee houses, and the tranquility of Victoria Park in the middle of the city where you can go for a stroll or take a look at the paintings that local artists traditionally exhibit there.  Perhaps shopping is your thing, in which case Colombo may be just the place to pick up some reduced price designer clothes, or get that new tailor made suit ordered, not forgetting of course to pick up a case of our world famous Sri Lanka tea. There is even the chance to go paint balling or go-carting for those seeking something more adventurous. Shop : Pettah street market's quaint bustle is best braved before the sun is at its harshest. For those preferring air conditioning to open air, malls and boutique outlets fill the city Sight see - Examine the colonial thumbprinton most of Colombo Fort's architechture, pick a church, Kovil or temple to escape into, or stoll through one of the city parks. Chill:- Colombo boasts trendy outdoor cafes and cofee houses as well as simple tea shops. Go out:- For the adventurous, the casions and the nightclubs, for the cultured, the theatres and museums, for the fun loving , a cricket match , a live abd or a visit to one of Asia's most intriguing Zoos