Colombo

Colombo is loud, crowded, and interesting. Sri Lanka's commercial capital sits on the southwest coast, and the mix of colonial-era buildings, Hindu kovils, and modern towers gives the skyline a jumbled character. From the Queen Elizabeth pier, the Fort district with its old Dutch and British architecture is a short tuk-tuk ride. Pettah Market right next door is a sensory overload of spice stalls, fabric shops, and street food vendors selling isso vadai (prawn fritters) and fresh king coconut. Gangaramaya Temple is one of the city's more visually striking Buddhist sites, sitting alongside Beira Lake. The National Museum covers Sri Lankan history from prehistoric times. Galle Face Green, a strip of lawn along the seafront, fills up at sunset with families and food carts selling kottu roti and egg hoppers. For shopping, Pettah has gemstones and handloomed textiles at bargain prices, though you should haggle. English is widely spoken, and tuk-tuks are the cheapest way to get around. Agree on the fare before you climb in.