Sri Lanka’s capital is a fascinating city, blending its older culture with modern Western influences. A palm-fringed drive of 34km (21 miles) leads from the Katunayake (Colombo) International Airport to Colombo. Nearby is Fort, so-called as it was a military garrison during the Portuguese and Dutch occupation from the 16th to the 18th century, is today the commercial capital of Sri Lanka. Pettah, 2km (1 mile) from Fort, is a busy bazaar area. The Vihara Maha Devi Park, named after the mother of one of Sri Lanka’s greatest kings, is noteworthy for its collection of beautiful flowering trees, a blossoming spectacle in March, April and early May. The park is open daily until 2100 and is well illuminated. The Parliament Building is at Sri Jayawardenepura, Kotte. Other attractions include the Planetarium, the National Zoological Gardens and several museums and art galleries.