Colombo
Colombo
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Colombo
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1 Southern Colombo
South of Kollupitiya and Cinnamon Gar-
dens is more of the same, only less so. The
commercial strip of Galle Rd continues
south through Bambalapitiya and Wella-
watta. Inland, Havelock Town is a more
relaxed version of Cinnamon Gardens. It
has several midrange hotels. The one area
here with buzz is Pamankade, which has
some interesting shops and cafes along
Stratford Ave.Traditional Puppet Art Museum MUSEUM
(%573 5332; http://www.puppet.lk; Anagarika Dharmapa-
la Mawatha, Col 5; admission Rs 500, performances
vary; h9am-5pm, call first) Puppet shows were
long a part of traditional entertainment in
Sri Lankan villages. Performing troupes
would stage shows with intricate plots
that lasted for hours. This engaging muse-
um keeps the traditional puppet arts alive.Dozens and dozens of colourful puppets –
some quite huge – are displayed. Many are
surprisingly animated even when still.
Call to arrange a performance (or to get
directions). It’s about 200m east of Galle Rd,
about midway between Wellawatta and Mt
Lavinia.1 Mt Lavinia
Long Colombo’s beach retreat, Mt Lavin-
ia makes for a good respite from the city’s
cacophony and fumes. The beach is not
bad, although some rivers just north empty
dodgy water into the ocean after rains and
the undertow can be prohibitive. If you’re
heading to the famous beaches in the south
there’s no need to stop here. Otherwise Mt
Lavinia’s many beachside cafes are lovely
places to laze away the hours until sunset.
It’s only 15 minutes by train from Fort, a ride
that’s a joy itself.6
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##££###
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(COL 6)WELLAWATTA
(COL 6)BAMBALAPITIYA
(COL 4)HAVELOCK
TOWN
(COL 5)INDIAN
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WA Silva Mw
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Thimbir
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Dickman's Rd
Isipathana Mw
Fif
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Kirula Rd
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Visak R
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Davidson Rd
Buchanan St
Janaki La
Milagiri
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Frank
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Cliffo
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Castle
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Alexand
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France
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Macleod
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Fredrica Rd
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Vajira R
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Dhammarama Rd
Station Ave
RA de Mel Mw
Bambalapitiya
Wellawatta
Maldivian High
Commission
Shineway
Rent A Car
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See Kollupitiya, Cinnamon Gardens & Borella Map (p64)
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Bambalapitiya & Wellawatta
! 00500 m
e# 00 .25milesDYaal Restaurant
(500m)DTraditional Puppet
Art Museum (1.5km)