Dubai travel guide

Dubai 

Arabic, grandiose, hyper-modern and the middle of the scorching desert. The Emirate of Dubai, which is part of the nation of the United Arab Emirates, is like no other place in the world. Dubai blends the enormous range of entertainment found in modern cities with the genuine Arabian mysticism. The blend is delicious.

In Dubai, you can fascinated admire the desert's quiet dunes. From a comfortable chair in a trendy coffee shop in a shopping center. You can negotiate the price of a genuine Persian rug over a sweet cup of tea with a friendly Arab shopkeeper. Just before you dance techno and hip hop all night on a stylish nightclub. Dubai is where the West meets the East, and enjoying it.

Dubai through its sharp focus on the business and development managed to keep out of the conflicts that shake the neighboring countries. No one has interest in challenging a place where you have economic interests. It has made Dubai one of the Middle East's safest places. The good safety makes Dubai the ideal starting point for anyone who is curious about the Middle East.

Story

Long since devoted himself Dubai just to dive for pearls and sell them to the rest of the world. Life was quiet until Dubai had the misfortune to get caught in a show of strength between Portugal and the UK in the 1500s. The European giants looked greedily how fully loaded ship successfully sailed from the city. They tried both control trade in the area.

Dubai was conquered in 1800 by Maktoum bin Butti, the man who ruled over neighboring countries and eventually founded the dynasty Al-Maktoum. Unifying Arab Emirates controlled than today by Al-Maktoum.

In the 1960s, Dubai smell of wealth, when oil was discovered here. A few years later became the Dubai emirate, and part of the new country, the United Arab Emirates. Sheikh Rashid negotiated to a favorable situation for his emirate. He got the other leaders to agree to a continued tax-free Dubai. In return, he sent another emirate, Abu Dhabi, becoming the formal leader of the country. Today, Dubai is growing at a furious pace. Sheikh Rashid's grandson Sheikh Mohammed holds the reins.

Getting there

SAS flies regularly to Dubai from Copenhagen. Norwegian starts with regular flights to Dubai from Stockholm and Oslo in late October 2008. Emirates flies regularly from London, Paris and other major central European cities to Dubai.

Among other things, Leisure, Ving and Apollo arrange package holidays to Dubai.

Buses from Dubai International Airport to the Central Bus Station Deira runs approximately every 15 minutes. The airport is teeming also taxis who willingly takes you where you want. You recognize the Dubai taxis on the distinctive beige color.

Getting around

Buses run daily to the other emirates. There are also buses to nearby countries, such as Egypt and Jordan, at least once a week. On Sundays, a ferry to Iran.

To get around the city is the city buses a good option. If you are going much it may be wise to invest in a taufeer, a bus pass. At the stations are the schedules written in both Arabic and English.

Renting a car in Dubai is straightforward, which can not be said about the driving itself. It is best described as a fierce rally race. Also keep in mind that all accidents, no matter how small, must be reported to the police.

The beige taxis driving around town while waiting for customers to flag them. If you do not see someone you can call to Dubai Transportation, tel 208 0808, and order one. In Dubai are also water taxis running two different distances.

Accommodation

Deira Palace Hotel, 67 Street Deira, tel 04 229 0120th hotel is family run and simple, but has a great view over Deidras busy streets. Price range: Cheap.

Dubai Youth Hostel 39 Al Nahda Road, tel 04 298 8161, www.uaeyha.com. Dubai's only hostel located a good distance from Dubai center. However the rooms are comfortable and clean. There is a spacious swimming pool. Gym, sauna, jacuzzi, tennis court and billiards room opened shortly. Price range: Medium.

Carlton Tower Hotel, Banyas Street, tel 04 222 7111, www.carltontower.net. Old-fashioned hotel with festive atmosphere which is located in a popular shopping area. Airy rooms in bright pastel colors. The hotel has several restaurants where skilled belly dancers perform. Price range: Medium.

Al Maha Desert Resort and Spa, Margham, tel 04 303 4222, www.al-maha.com. Imagine a hot, beautiful, pristine desert. What if there was a home, an oasis in the midst of the hot beautiful. There is. Al Maha is situated six mil outside Dubai. Each suite has a private pool, private guide and overlooking the dunes. The hotel organizes camel rides with champagne at sunset. Price range: Expensive.

Al Qasr Madinat Jumeirah, tel 04 366 88 88, www.madinatjumeirah.com. Romantic hotel with a sense of genuine Arabic. The hotel is surrounded by artificial watercourses. The rooms are built as oriental palace and has sea views. Excellent service. Price range: Expensive.

Restaurants

Basta Art Cafe, Al Fahidi Street, tel 04353 5071st The freshly squeezed lime and mint juice is well worth a detour. Here you will be served big tasty salads in a cozy tower with great views. The breakfast is a treat. Price range: Cheap.

Bastakiah Night, Cage Bubai, tel 04 353 7772nd Very romantic restaurant serving local cuisine from the emirate along with Lebanese food. Alcohol is not served. Price range: Medium.

Sezzam, Sheikh Zayed Road, tel 04 341 0000. Choose from dishes from around the globe while viewing the ski slope in the middle of the desert. Dubai's artificial ski slope is located in a gigantic shopping complex. Price range: Medium.

Shahrzad, 85 Street Deira, phone 04 209 1200. Enjoy food from the Middle East to the rhythms of live music. The meat roasted over an open fire and the bread is baked in a traditional tanour oven. Price range: Expensive.

Awtar Al-Qataiyat Road, tel 04 317 2222. Lebanese restaurant that puts equal emphasis on entertainment as the food. Belly Dancers move sensually along with your chewing on a kebab, but guests of honor are Lebanese pop stars. It is not uncommon for young men and women throw themselves up from the chairs to dedicated clapping. Price range: Expensive.

Nightlife and entertainment

The Rooftop, Al Sufouh Road, tel 04 399 9999 Arabian night. Explore the side of yourself dreaming of Alladinmystik. Bar with Persian rugs, oriental music, and shock sweet drinks.

1897 Bar, Sheikh Zayed Road, tel 04 341 0000. Recumbent music, burning candles and hand-painted Arabic walls. The bar has sophisticated cocktails and stylish patrons.

Peppermint Club, Sheikh Zayed Road, tel 04 332 0037, www.peppermint-club.com. Come here to show off your hottest moves on the dance floor. Peppermint attracts world-renowned DJs such as setting fire to your Friday night.

Madinat Theatre, Al Sufouh Road, tel 04 366 6550th First-theater with everything from Russian ballet to Broadway Musicals of the program.

Movies Under the Stars, Al Qataiyat Road, tel 04 324 0000. Free cinema during the starry Oriental night. The cinema has a different theme every night.

Beaches

Palm Beach. Soft powdery sand and crystal clear water when the sun shines. Here awaits a nice homey atmosphere and a wide range of water sports.

Jumeirah Beach. Hotels and private clubs have taken over almost all of the beautiful foreshore, but there are still places that are open to the public. White sand and warm turquoise waters attract many tourists here.

Al Mamzar. The perfect beach for families with children. Playgrounds, kiosks, picnic tables and barbecue areas, children love the beach.

Attractions

Jumeirah mosque, the Jumeirah Road, tel 04 353 6666th Tourists may not actually enter mosques in Dubai. But in Jumeirah condemn one that mindset. Under the motto of "Open Doors, Open Minds" is a display of his mosque for anyone who so wishes. The aim is to increase understanding between Muslims and other cultures and religions. Mosque in Jumeirah is the most magical evening with his imaginative lighting. Keep in mind that you may not enter with bare arms, legs or shoulders. Women must also cover their hair.

Dubai Museum, Al Fahidi Street, tel 04 353 1862. Dubai Museum feels surprisingly fresh and new. With high-tech aids explained Dubai's history in a visually attractive way.

Bastakiya district of Bur Dubai. To explore these blocks is a must for every Dubai Traveller. The architecture fascinates with its mixture of tall towers and mysterious labyrinth streets.

Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary, east of Oad Metha Road, tel 04 338 2324th Come to the observation tower to admire the thousands of pink flamingos. The stately birds against the urban metropolitan background is an interesting sight. On site there binoculars to borrow.

Wati Wild Water Park, Jumeirah Road, tel 04 348 4444. A wet, adrenaline pumping and Arabian adventure for guests of all ages. Water park attractions based on the legend of the Arab adventurers Juha and Sinbad. Legend has it that they were shipwrecked next to a lagoon connected to the magical sources. The park has a free-fall trajectory, wave machines and free bodyboards.

Jumeirah Beach Park, Jumeirah Road, tel 04 349 2555. verdant park with nice walks by the beach, barbecue areas and kiosks. Trained lifeguards are on site.

Shopping

Mall of the Emirates, Sheikh Zayed Road, tel 04 409 9000, www.malloftheemirates.com. Dubai's largest and most popular shopping center has plenty to tempt you with. An artificial ski slope, a first-class cinema and a wide array of shops are on the menu.

Al Ghurair City, Al Rigga Road, tel 04 223 2333. The right place to have their own fluttering Emirati Arab clothes. The shopping center is also just right for those looking leather sandals and taste divine chocolate desserts.

Madinat Jumeirah, Al Sufouh Road, tel 04 366 8888. State and lavish shopping center that is a shock to the eye. To the outside is similar to the skyscrapers in Saudi Arabia, but on the inside there is a cozy old Arab's mood. The shopping center is hiding a theater.

Deidra center, Al Garhoud Road. Deidra is a nice mix of well-known international clothing chains and exotic shops selling oriental rugs. The area is Dubai's most well-stocked supermarket Carrefour and a cinema.

Karama Souq, 18 B Street Karama. Karama market is cheaper and more charming than shopping centers. Come here to find bargains youthful street and sportswear. If you are really mischievous, you can also buy cheap and reliable copies of designer handbags and watches

Published on: 04:42 0

China travel guide

China

China is a thousand year old civilization. While others have fallen, changed the alphabet and language, China is still firmly in their ancient bones.

The scope is the whole of Europe. The giant country holds more than one billion people and almost as many habitat types. It has the world's highest mountain range, Yangtseflodens cloves, Sinkiangs desolate expanses and a long coastline. In the north face immense grasslands, frosty pine forests and dry desert. In the south, the moisture hangs heavy over the tropical island of Hainan, over cikadabrusande bamboo jungle and Southeast Asian gentle Xishuangbanna.

The Middle Kingdom is mixed facts with tales and legends. It is adjacent to the supernatural becomes the China Light truth. It happened in 1974 when over 7000 terracotta soldiers suddenly awakened to life after 2000 years of rest. And it happens each time someone passes through the Forbidden city gates and enters a fantasy world of corrugated tile roofs and red palace courtyards.

China is the area about as large as the United States, but packs a plethora of different languages ​​and four times more people. Han Chinese dominate and account for 92 percent of the population. Long kept the country isolated, partly through the unruly nature. Those who came here had to cross the high mountain passes, deserts, rain forests and oceans. Today, both geographic and political isolation has been broken. China are still subject to a totalitarian regime, but the ruling has for several decades embraced capitalist thinking and opened up the country for both free travel and international trade.

The economy is expansive and teens terms impatient. The Chinese market is predicted a bright future. But while the winds of change reached several areas, puffing were unfortunately neither managed to revive the country's democratic rights or blocking power from committing repeated violations of human rights. The treatment of the annexation of Tibet and several minority groups remains an eyesore. Death penalty imposed routinely and corruption is a major problem. Meanwhile, China is a country of great change. Parallel to a poor rural is an all köpstarkare and consumption hungry urban population. New limitless communication, internet and mobile phones, is about to open up new opportunities.

Published on: 04:56 0

Malmo travel guide

Malmo

Turning Torso stretches skyward from its gold position at the West Harbour. The building dominates the area since Malmö's former landmark, Kockums crane, was sold and shipped away in 2002. Nowadays houses Kockums crane in South Korea. The old wharf district in the Western Harbour has become hip, condominiums being built and the atmosphere is modern. Luxury restaurants and hip companies flock to the area around the Turning Torso, perhaps the most obvious symbol of the "new" Malmo.

Malmö was long an industrial and commercial city of weight. Today, Malmö University attracts students to the city and municipality markets itself as "diversity and City of possibilities". Fitting given that the municipality is home to over 160 nationalities who together speak more than a hundred languages. Visit Möllevångstorget to take part in the international atmosphere!

Malmo breathe in the future. The proximity of the Öresund bridge and Copenhagen is valuable and many malmöiter commute daily across the bridge to work. In December 2010, the City Tunnel to be completed and communication links with the rest of Skåne is expected to be even stronger than they are today.

Story

Malmö flourished as a commercial center as early as the 1300s and 1500's. After the Peace of Roskilde in 1658, Skåne became Swedish which among other things led to a failed Danish storming of the city some 20 years later. In the 1700s, Malmö had about 5000 inhabitants, as many as the city had 200 years earlier. In the 1800s apparent growth in height and the late 1870s, Malmö is Sweden's third largest city.

Malmö became an important manufacturing town where food, textile, tobacco and metal and engineering were leading industries. The Social Democrats were in the majority in the City Council between 1919 and 1985. For

Getting there

For Malmö Airport, formerly Malmö Sturup three mil outside Malmö, SAS flies, Malmö Aviation, Wizzair, Sterling and others, 040-613 10 00, or www.lfv.se. It is also possible to fly to Copenhagen, Kastrup www.cph.dk.

Transport you to and from Malmö Airport with airport buses, www.flygbussarna.se and Kastrup is the train that regard, www.skanetrafiken.se.

Train to Malmo runs daily from most major cities in Sweden, 0771-75 75 75, www.sj.se. The bus company SwebusExpress drive to the wharf 10 (Hovercraft Terminal) in central Malmo, 0771-218218, www.swebusexpress.se. Also the Swedish Bus and Säfflebussen drive to Malmö. Skånetrafikens buses running to Malmo from most locations in Skåne, 0771-77 77 77, www.skanetrafiken.se.

Getting around

Skånetrafiken operates a number of bus routes in central Malmö. It costs 16 SEK if you pay in cash and just under 13 kronor if you pay with Skånetrafikens discount cards. With Malmö Card will be free on city buses.

It is also excellent to see Malmö on foot or by bike. During the summer you can rent a bike at Malmo Rent-a-bike at the tour boat round at Central Station, 040-611 74 88, www.rent-a-bike.se. You can also rent bikes in the summer of Cykelkliniken, Regementsgatan 12, 040-611 66 66, www.cykelkliniken.com or Fridhems bike shop, Tessin road 13, 040-26 03 35, and East Rönneholmsvägen 26, 040-23 02 40th

See Malmo from channel path by renting a pedal boat, canoe or kayak. Pedalo: City Boats, Admiral near Gustav Adolf Square, 0704-71 00 67, www.cityboats.se. Rentals during spring and summer. Canadians: Malmo Canoe Club, 040-97 20:47, www.mkk.m.se. Kayak: Kayak Event, Northern Vallgatan 28, 070-755 02 80, 070-259 82 60th

Accommodation

Rica Hotel Malmo (formerly Hotel Anglais), Stortorget 15, 040-660 95 50, www.rica.se. In the heart of Malmö, this newly renovated hotel from 1914. Has wireless internet access and meeting facilities.

StayAt Malmö Mazetti, North School Street 24, 040-641 30 00, www.stayat.se. In Mazettis old chocolate factory, this apartment hotel. Broadband, kitchenette with dishwasher in all rooms. Restaurant Retro serves breakfast. Is also a sauna and laundry room.

Master Johan, Best Western Hotels, Master Johansgatan 13, 040-664 64 00, www.masterjohan.se. Bright rooms with wooden floors. The hotel is located a stone's throw from Lilla Torg, full of restaurants. Sauna, a small gym, bike rental, free coffee buffet in Pelargården.

Elite Hotel Savoy, Norra Vallgatan 62, 040-664 48 00, www.elite.se/hotell/malmo/savoy. Centrally located hotel with restaurant and pub in the house. Sauna and wireless internet available.

Villa Hillerod, Ängdalavägen 38, 040-26 56 26, www.villahillerod.se. Small hostel with individually decorated rooms in a yellow villa, built in 1908th

Restaurants

The seasons, Kockska house, Frans Suellsgatan 3, 040-23 09 10, 040-703 20, www.arstiderna.se. Eat lunch or a la carte in the basement choices in building dating back to the 1520s.

Meze the Falafel 1, Engelbrektsgatan 13A, 040-23 81 28, www.falafelnr1.se. Lunch buffet, falafel, kebabs and Lebanese food. Falafel is a must when visiting in Malmö, Skåne falafelns capital.

Siesta, Deer Thanks street 1, 040-611 10:27 a.m., www.siesta.nu. Centrally located restaurant and café that is both cozy and has big city.

Behind the mug, Kungsgatan 18b, 040-611 40 36, www.canales-design.cl/trabajos/bakommuggen. Lovely salads and coffee in this combined café and pottery studio. Glad you may drink tea out of own manufactured mugs.

Café castle garden, castle garden, the greenhouse behind Malmo Castle Castles, 040-30 40 34, www.slottstradgarden.se. Sandwiches, carrot cake and hot chocolate with cream when it's getting chilly outside. In summer you can also buy organic vegetables here.

Enjoyable, Nygatan 23, 040-30 40 22, www.njutbarmalmo.se. Deli and a coffee shop that sells assorted cheeses, coffee, hot chocolate, salads and more.

Vegegården, Rörsjögatan 23, 040-611 38 88, www.vegegarden.com. Asian food on the vegetarian way. Serving lunch and weekend buffet.

Restaurant mill, Bergsgatan 37C, 040-12 10 15. Classic, affordable and relaxed restaurant which sometimes offers live music. Known for its meat dishes.

Pizzeria Pappagallo, Fågelbacksgatan 6E, 040-91 20 30. Eccentric place with hundreds of pizza places. There is a remarkable story behind each variety. 80's inspired decor with outdoor seating. The house has gigantic equestrian statues in bronze on the roof.

Nightlife and entertainment

Culture Company, KB, Friisgatan 26, 040-30 20 11, www.kulturbolaget.se. For KB, everything from the best rock and pop bands to the most obscure demo tapes. Open several days a week.

Debaser, North Park Road 2, 040-23 98 80, www.debaser.se. Eat food, listen to nice bands, dance or just sit and chat with friends and new acquaintances.

Inkonst, Bergsgatan 29, 040-30 65 97, www.inkonst.com. Kulturoas in old Mazettihuset. Clubs, movie, theater, livmusik more.

Babylon (formerly Jericho), Spångatan 38, 040-57 98 97, www.myspace.com/babelmalmo. With the newly renovated premises invests heavily Babylon at clubs with everything from pop and soul to techno and jazz, concerts and theater.

Victoria Theatre, Forstadsgatan 18, 040-97 66 02, www.victoria.se. Concerts, theater and movies in beautiful cinema building from 1912. Especially popular are the performances with picnic seating where you yourself can bring their own picnic basket with food and drink.

Lilith Performance Studio, Ystadvägen 22 / Bragegatan 15, 040-789 97. Production and set of performance acts with artists from all over the world. Located in a renovated industrial building. Several galleries located nearby.

Beaches

Ribersborgs beach, rib-called, with long piers, beach and a popular open-air baths. There is also a nude beach as well as a handicap accessible beach.

South of Ribersborgsstranden is the slightly smaller Sibbarps beach, suitable for children. The view towards the Öresund Bridge is not taking a back seat - it's not that far to the bridge from here.

Scania bath at the Western Harbour, deep sea bath with outdoor seating and bridges. You can also jump into the water from several places along the pathways of the Western Harbour.

Klagshamn beach at Klagshamns promontory. Swim from the dock, running directly into the rather shallow water or lying and sunning on the beach.

Attractions

St. Petri Church, Goran Olsgatan 4, 040-35 90 43, www.stpetrikyrka.se. The church was built in the early 1300s and is in the Gothic style with a tower that reaches up to the sky. Are very exciting to watch inside, including the altar and the pulpit over 400 years old.

Malmo Castle, Castle Park, Malmöhusvägen, 040-34 10:00 a.m. www.malmo.se/museer. Surrounded by water is Scandinavia's oldest Renaissance castle, Malmo Castle, in central Malmö. Parts of the building date back to 1434. Between 1828-1909 worked Malmo Castle as a prison. The newspaper editor Shaft Work Danielsson imprisoned here a time in the late 1800s for the press offenses.

Fiskehoddorna at the Science and Maritime House, Malmöhusvägen, fiskehoddorna.se. Buy herring fisherman in his "Hodder" and fit then on to visit the museum. There is a submarine that you can go into and a complete interior from an old Sound Ferry, a couple of airplanes and some trains.

Slipway Park, Big Varvsgatan 15, 073-350 19:41, www.stapelbaddsparken.se. For those who like alternative sports are skateboarding park in the Slipway Park in West Harbour. In autumn 2008, will be some great boulderingblock for all klätterfreaks. Bouldering involves climbing on large boulders on a couple of meters and may be more technically and physically demanding than other climbing.

Katrinetorp Manor, Fosie, Katrinetorps avenue 1, 040-46 71 67, 040-46 71 66, www.malmo.se/katrinetorp. On Katrinetorps farm organized markets, shows and entertainment. Also has a café and farm shop.

Malmö Konsthall, St. John Street 7, 040-34 12 93, 040-34 12 86, www.konsthall.malmo.se. Exhibitions of modern art. Have previously shown works by Van Gogh, Miró and Klee.

Shape Design Centre, Hedman yard, Lilla Torg, 9, 040-664 51 50, www.formdesigncenter.com. The latest in Swedish and Scandinavian design. Exhibitions, shop and cafe.

Shopping

Möllevångstorget, Möllevången. Lively markets of the day, thoroughfare for parties and overnight mats hungry in the evening. The area has several shops with food from abroad, cafes and nightclubs.

Triangle, 040-23 02 06, www.triangeln.com. 78 shops under one roof. Everything from rocks and Build A Bear to Clas Ohlson, clothing stores and restaurants.

Davidshallstorg. There are many little quirky shops. Do not miss the 60's inspired Popolino, Davidshallsgatan 15, 040-611 30 20, www.popolinoshop.se and Tjallamalla, Davidshallsgatan 15, 040-791 90, www.tjallamalla.com.

Runout, Sheets and Gadgets, Kristianstadsgatan 14, 040-23 20 10, www.rundgong.se. Good assortment of used vinyl records. Also sells new CDs, T-shirts and fancy gadgets.

Folkårock, Lilla Torg, Skomakaregatan 11, 040-781 03, www.folkarock.se. Two floors filled with DVDs and CDs for music lovers of all genres.

Nirvana, The Milky Way 28, 040-97 99 20, 040-12 00:14, www.nirvanafurniture.com. Eldorado for fans of furniture and household items from the 50s, 60s, and 70s. Open one weekend a month.

Sopstationen Recycling department store, Carlsgatan 16, 040-92 62 62, www.sopstationen.com. Large selection of used goods. Furniture, porcelain, vinyl records, clothes and more.

Published on: 07:58 0

Colombo travel guide

Colombo

Colombo is Sri Lanka's capital and the country's largest city. Here is the commercial and cultural lifeblood strongest. Colombo is a colorful city, where one second can stand surrounded by incense and flowers in a Buddhist temple and other second consider a cool and stately building in the British colonial style. Do not miss to visit Mt Lavinia or Cinnamon Gardens tree-lined avenues and elegant colonial villas.

Colombo's city center, however, is a human buzz and trafikgytter of large proportions. Perhaps the most on the main street Galle Road which runs along the sea, but where the sea wind fans are barely noticeable through traffic, but if you dive into this swarm is shopping centers and restaurants with good food to get acquainted with. Food is an important part of Sri Lankan culture, and restaurants stay open for long.

Shopping opportunities are good. In addition to department stores and shops are the colorful bazaar in the neighborhood Pettahs narrow alleys. In Pettah, located near the Old Town Colombo Fort and the bus and train station, you can find fruits like mango, papaya and passion fruit, precious stones, gold jewelry, spices, handicrafts, clothing - and an endless variety of other things.

From Colombo, one can easily explore the rest of Sri Lanka. The island carries many statues, temples and seeing remnants of former kingdoms. The tropical flora and fauna takes place. In the south there are sandy beaches with palm trees bend over the sea. Here you can make trips to sunbathe on the beaches and snorkel at one of the coral reefs.

Story

Around 400 BC began the Sinhalese Kingdom Anaradhapura developed in Sri Lanka's north side. In the 300s AD came from India, Mahinda, the son of the Buddhist emperor Ashoka who then reigned in India, and spread Buddhism to Sri Lanka. Other kingdoms also developed but Anaradhapura remained the strongest in nearly 1500 years. In 1505 arrived the Portuguese, then there were three kingdoms in Sri Lanka, one of which was Tamil and low in the north. In 1658 the Dutch colonized large parts of Sri Lanka's coast and stayed for about 140 years. But not until 1802 was defeated Sri Lanka altogether, this time by the British who made the island to the British crown colony. In 1948, Sri Lanka became an independent state.

Since 1983, there has been a conflict in Sri Lanka that erupted in civil war at regular intervals. The Tamil Tigers, a separatist group that requires an independent state for Tamils ​​in the country's northern and eastern parts, has brought the guerrilla war against the government army, which primarily represented by Sinhalese interests. In February 2002, peace was concluded between the warring parties. The agreement did not end all problems, but it was still a big step forward. Tourism, which virtually put on hold for parts of the nineties has returned in a big way. But the political backlash has also followed. In July 2004, Colombo hit by a suicide bomber. Towards the end of the same year reached Sri Lanka by the tsunami and more than 30,000 people lose their lives. 2005 comes with a state of emergency after the Sri Lankan foreign minister assassinated. In November of the same year held elections, an election boycotted by many Tamils. In 2009, it looks like the long war comes to an end when the Tamil guerrillas last strongholds on the island conquered by the government army.

Getting there

Scheduled flights to Sri Lanka, including Sri Lankan Airlines, Swiss Airlines and Lufthansa. Scandinavia-Sri Lanka round trip costing just under 10 000 SEK. You can also ski resorts, a week costs about 8000 crowns. The airport Bandaranaike Airport are three mil north of Colombo and just under a mil east of the resort of Negombo. Take a taxi or bus to Colombo and Negombo. Taxi service to Colombo will cost around $ 50 (1000 rupees), but we are happy with Ceylon Tourism's information desk in the arrivals hall of the fixed taxi price may have changed.

Getting around

Bus: Is a good option, even if it sometimes becomes entitled crowded. Colombo has three main stations for buses, all located in the southern end of Pettah. From here, the buses to a number of places around Sri Lanka. From the Central Bus Station, public buses between downtown and the suburbs, a ticket costs no more than 1-2 crowns.

Train: Main Station Colombo Fort has an information desk at the entrance. The staff is helpful and knows all about how to get to and from Colombo. To be sure of getting a seat should book a few days in advance.

Moped Taxi: Available everywhere, and drive you anywhere, even if it sometimes gets a little chaotic and exhaust filled, the retail price is 30 rupees per kilometer, but makes up for the price in advance.

Taxis: Clear comfortably. All taxis do not have meters, and even those who have it, often prefer to make up for a fixed price in advance. A distance of two to three kilometers should not cost more than five crowns (100 rupees). Call Taxi other hand, has always air conditioning and taximeter: Ace Cabs, phone 281-8818

Accommodation

Colombo YMCA, 39 Bristol Street, Fort, tel 011-232 52 52. A little simple and rugged, but central. Price range: Cheap.

Blue Seas Guest House, 9/6 The Saram Road in Mount Lavinia, tel 011-271 62 98. Simple but spacious rooms, some with balconies. A small guest house with living room in colonial style, garden and friendly staff. Price range: Cheap.

AAA Guest House, 49 Lionel Edirishinge, Mawatha. Skilled budget accommodation in the leafy residential area quarter from the center. Rooms with air conditioning. Car Service is another feature. www.best4hostels.com/sri_lanka_hostels.htm. Prislläge: Cheap

Grand Oriental Hotel, 2 York Street, tel 011-232 03 20, www.grandoriental.com. At one time it was here most of the steamboat travelers arrived. Colombo's first hotel is over 100 years old and has an aura of bygone glamor. The rooms are now redesigned but the view over the harbor is still as captivating. Price range: Expensive.

Galle Face Hotel, 2 Galle Road, tel 011-254 10 10, www.gallefacehotel.com. A charming and famous hotel with plenty of atmosphere and colonial history. Price range: Expensive.

Restaurants

Cricket Club Cafe, 34 Queens Road, tel 250 13 84. Switch for awhile bat against knife and fork and eat British cultured lunch, two for about 140 crowns. Price range: Medium.

The Green Cabin, 453 Galle Road, tel 011-258 2211th Well known and well-established, with authentic Sri Lankan cuisine at reasonable prices. Try hopper, pancakes made of rice flour and coconut. Price range: Cheap.

Seafish, 15 Sir CA Gardiner Mawatha, behind the Regal Cinema in Pettah, tel 011-232 69 15. Excellent seafood at reasonable prices. Price range: Medium.

Tulips, 383 Duplication Road, tel 552 21:11, when the urge pointing towards something cool, western. Both food and cocktail reminiscent against, well, maybe New York. Price range: Expensive.

The Gallery Cafe, 2 Alfred House Road, tel 258 21 62 Architect's Dream turned into pretentious gourmet restaurant with Mediterranean cuisine. Price range: Expensive.

Le Palace, 79 Gregory's Road, Cinammon Gardens, tel 011-269 59 20. This restaurant is based in a beautiful building on one of Colombo's most exclusive streets. The French chef holding a French touch. Price range: Expensive.

Nightlife and entertainment

Cascades, Hotel Lanka Oberoi, 77 Steuart Place, Colombo 3, tel 011-232 00 01. Large Favorite mainly among the young party people. Not least because the pool room.

The Bistro Latino, Duplicatiuon Road, tel 249 24 92 Salsa and Latin, but just like in high school: you have to go home later than 23:00.

Kiss Kiss Bar, 32 B Sir Mohamed Makan Markar Mawatha, on Koluu's at the Holiday Inn. Popular pre-party place with strong kitsch approach that especially noticeable when looking towards the bar and sees a pair of huge neon glowing red lips pout against one.

Royal Colombo Golf Club, located in part Borella, tel 011-269 54 31. Exclusive golf club dating back to the 1870s, where over 400 people work. Visitors are welcome, but call first and tell me you will. Right strict dress code. A day on the course costs about $ 100 (2,000 rupees).

Attractions

The tourist office Ceylon Tourist Board on 80 Galle Rd in Kollupitiya can help with most things, Tel 112-437059.

National Museum. Founded in 1877 and spans through many centuries and cultures, from sinhalas kingdoms to British rule. On the first floor there is also a museum of puppets that make up an important part of the Sri Lankan heritage.

Cinnamon Gardens. Once covered with cinnamon plantations, nowadays most of the embassies and sumptuous villas. An upper-class area with elegant tree-lined avenues, numerous galleries and museums. The city's largest green space, park Viharamahadevi available here. So does the National Museum.

The market in Pettah. Most shopping desires fulfilled in this bazaar district located east of the fort, on the other side of the narrow channel. Do not miss the Sea streets goldsmiths and colorful temple in the northeastern part of Pettah. Everything from clothing through spices to colonial antiques are available here.

Dutch Period Museum. The building itself dates from the mid-1600s, this once lived East India Company Governor. Inside there including coins, weapons, furniture from the Dutch colonial heritage in Colombo. Located a little strange surrounded by shops and stalls in Pettahs bazaar area.

Kelanyia Raja Maha Vihara. This temple was a major center of Buddhism. According to a legend shall Buddha preached right here for over 2000 years ago.

Shopping

Laksala, located at 60 York Street in central Fort. A large and well-established business in two floors with traditional Sri Lankan handicrafts and a good chance to get an overview of the island's traditions in wood carvings, batik and hand-woven fabrics.

Sri Lanka Gem & Jewellery Exchange, 310 Galle Road, Kollupitiya. A state jewelry center with 34 shops. Upstairs there is a test lab as free checking and issuing certificates on the stone's authenticity.

Barefoot, 704 Galle Road, Kollupitiya, tel 011-258 93 05. Here you can find fine hand-woven fabrics, either per meter or as bedspreads, pillows and blankets, clothes, nice cuddly toys and much more. The transaction has an organic sting and is very popular among both tourists and more affluent Sri Lankans.

Odel Unlimited, 5 Alexandra Place, www.odel.lk. Everything from home furnishings and designer clothes to soaps, more exclusive but affordable. Perfect gift shop located in the nice area of ​​Cinnamon Gardens.

Published on: 08:03 0