Colombo City Walks
Sometimes the most simplistic things bring the greatest fulfillment. Quite often we are quick to judge such pleasures in life that can bring about great treats, surprises and adventures that is certain to blow your mind.
Colombo City Walks sets out to create such a tone- a unique experience knitted to throw over an enchanting experience. Upon hearing the thought ‘walking around Colombo, discovering History’ it is quite easy to be overwhelmed by pessimism. I should know, because I was one of them.
I have always thought of Colombo to be one of the most tedious cities; contradictory to the other towns and citadels of Sri Lanka. Colombo in my perception was an improvised city which just kept moving day in day out to fulfill the ‘city’ stereotype.
As we commenced the walk we were lead to Wolfhendal Chapel. This was a breathtaking chapel – erected during the Dutch era in Ceylon. The chapel was swathed in dust and breakage due to lack of maintenance; but the precision and details etched within, is sure to charm one’s thoughts.
One of the indispensable sights that captivated my attention was the grandiose pipe organ which I am certain is over a hundred years old. Secret tunnels are always sure to lure attention, and so it did – We were told of two tunnels one leading to the prison and the other to the harbor. They served purposefully, one to bring in prisoners for service on a Sunday and take them back (to prevent escapes) and the other for evacuation in case of invasion. Quite profound thinking I must say; scrutinizing their life styles and whereabouts definitely takes you years back to see the status of life back in the days.
As we progressed we came towards a few other places that were unintentionally camouflaged within the busy streets of Pettah. 
Mark lead us towards a small alley; which threw questionable expressions on all, interestingly enough when we went in we were enlightened that it was once the Dutch Governor’s horse stable. Ironically today it is a printing press, which makes me wonder if they knew the historic significance of their establishment.
Surprise after surprise over took our expectations as we walked along Colombo. I could only wonder how little credit I have given to this splendorous city that bore such lore and magnificence. After informative scrutiny through many other sites and places we stood before a clock tower – The clock was brought to Ceylon during the time of the British. It was designed and crafted by the very person who fashioned Big Ben in London (now called the Elizabeth Tower). The clock was kept in storage for about 40 years, back in the days it cost them £1500.00 (approximately) to put up the clock and they could not afford it.
We visited some other sites like the famous Cargills building, Grand Oriental Hotel and much more. Articulation is restrained to express the flamboyance of the experiences. It is a venture that needs to be experienced, and Colombo City Walks brings that tantalizing and rewarding tingle through the entire walk.
The day ended with a chilled beer (or juice) at the Dutch hospital, in refreshing conversation and fellowship with Mark and Ruvi – two passionate individuals who thrive to reveal the unseen side of this charming isle. A three hour walk least occurred tiresome as you engage in conversation with them, they make it seem effortless as they have much to share about Colombo.
Join in the Colombo City Walks; it is definitely a profound revelation and experience of the Capital City of Sri Lanka.
By Jeron Daniel
