Tag: Colombo Sri Lanka

Where in the World Are We?

We are in Colombo, Sri Lanka, off the southeast coast of India.

COLOMBO, SRI LANKA
Sri Lanka’s easy breezy city
Perfumed flower garlands, colonial roots, and lavish afternoon teas welcome you to the former garden city of Colombo. Sri Lanka’s easy, breezy city is intoxicating, with its cinnamon-dusted air, steaming cups of delicate Ceylon, and sassy seaside charm. A place of complete sensory immersion, explore tangled streets to sidestep frantic tuk-tuks and gaze in awe at grand colonial buildings turned heritage hotels.

Cute cafes usher you inside for sweet lassi, and the walls are made for a pleasantly lackadaisical walking pace. They’re perhaps most impressive on stormy days when you can watch bruised clouds tumble and roil across the sea from this perfect vantage point.

Back in the capital, stroll the ornate halls of the National Museum, where gilded swords, studded masks, and rare artifacts from the ancient world and colonial times are gathered.

Visit the Gangaramaya Temple to walk among the orange-robed monks who glide between flora-strewn alters or plunge into the chaos of Pettah, where market cries reach orchestral heights. An incredible gathering of carved Hindu gods decorates the colorful pyramid of the Captain’s Garden Kovil temple, the oldest Hindu temple in the city, which rises majestically from the surrounding railway tracks.

Forever the dish of the day, crab is a must in Colombo. Sit down, tuck in your bib, and use your hands to crack, scoop and suck out the soft white meat – incredibly delicious when smothered in lashings of garlic and fiery chili.

SIGHTS
• Gangaramaya Temple
• National Museum
• Vihara Mahadevi Park
• Kelaniya Temple
• Ingiriya Tea Plantation
• Galle Face Green
• Mount Lavinia Beach
• Dutch Hospital

SHOPPING
Colombo is renowned for its precious and semi-precious stones: sapphires, star rubies, topaz, garnets, citrine, and more, found at gems and jewelry outlets. You can also buy various unique souvenirs, including Ceylon tea, renowned for its quality and flavor. Other popular items include handcrafted items, such as wooden carvings and batik textiles, which are notable in Sri Lanka. Don’t forget to explore local markets for spices and artisanal crafts!

Today’s Excursion – Life & Lore in Colombo

We explored Colombo’s religious and cultural history through this historic capital and major port city.

Scenic Colombo City
We drove through the city’s commercial district and Pettah Bazaar area. We passed by the Pettah Fort, old government buildings, and Victoria Park, or ‘Vihara Mahadevi Park,’ a botanical garden for tropical species. Across the street is the imposing, Neo-classical Town Hall. A visit is made to Cinnamon Gardens, a former cinnamon plantation turned upscale residential district. Here, see the University and most of the embassies in Colonial mansions lining the lovely, shaded avenues.

National Museum
This elegant, white, colonnaded building featured a scary and fascinating mask collection, a gallery filled with outstanding Hindu and Buddhist bronzes, a collection of the regalia of the King of Kandy, and more. Some images are mobile, enabling ritual processions around the temple or the town’s streets.

Museum, Galle Face Green & Gangaramaya Temple
The Galle Face Green is the former haunt of Colombo’s high society. It is situated in the foreground of the Neo-classical facades of the Colombo Club and the Galle Face Hotel. We visited the Gangaramaya Temple, the nicest and most intimate of Colombo’s Buddhist temples.

Tonight’s dinner was in the Alantide Restaurant.