Colombo Attractions
Pettah © mikecogh
Pettah
Colombo's bazaar district, the Pettah, presents a real treat for
shopaholics who can wander through the hustle and bustle of whole
streets dedicated to selling a particular type of merchandise, from
local handcrafts to brand name clothing. The area was once an
exclusive residential area filled with stately homes and large
gardens in gas-lit streets. A relic of the colonial era, the Dutch
House Museum, is open to the public on Prince Street. The mansion
house dates from the 17th century and was the residence of Count
August Carl Van Ranzow. It has now been restored and stands among
the traders and boutiques as a museum displaying the life and times
of the Dutch occupation, its exhibits including furniture,
ceramics, coins and all the trappings of daily life at the
time.
Opening time: Dutch House Museum open daily 9am to 5pm; closed Fridays
