Tag: Colombo Sri Lanka

Where in the World Are We?

We are in Colombo, Sri Lanka.

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 certainly intoxicating, with its cinnamon-dusted air, steaming cups
of delicate Ceylon, and sassy seaside charm. A place of full 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 leisurely pace of
walking. 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 artefacts 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 – especially 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 semiprecious stones, and at the gems and jewelry outlets. You can also buy a variety of 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.

Excursion – We had a private tour in Colombo.

Kelaniya Raja Maha Viharayahttps

One of the most revered historic Buddhist temples of the Orient. Located near the River Kelani, this presents panoramic views and has a rich history behind it.

Colombo City & Independence Hall

Colombo National Museum

Galle Face Hotel

The hotel features a museum and art gallery in its Regency Wing, which houses the first car owned by Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, and several pieces of memorabilia from the hotel’s history, including a gallery of famous guests.

Gangaramaya Temple stands as one of Colombo’s most important Buddhist temples, blending spiritual reverence with architectural beauty and cultural preservation.

Hindu Temple

Red Mosque and Pettah Neighborhood

Dinner was in The Atlantide Restaurant

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.