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Walk through Colombo city to discover it’s colourful past..

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These iconic buildings serve as a bridge between Colombo’s past and present. They offer an opportunity for visitors to step back in time and explore the colonial history that has shaped this vibrant city. Whether you are interested in art and history, gourmet cuisine, or simply soaking in the grandeur of a bygone era, these landmarks are a must-visit when exploring Colombo. They remind us that amid the ever-changing urban landscape, the city’s roots and historical charm remain deeply embedded in its soul.

visit in Colombo

Top 08 easily discoverable places to visit in Colombo

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Colombo is a growing and expanding metropolis with its unique flavor as the capital of Sri Lanka(visit in Colombo). It is a town of charming beauty and expanding urban localities where a couple could walk around to discover the charm of what has been known as Asia’s Garden City.


Here are some places in the city you can check out- visit in Colombo

1. Mount Lavinia Beach

visit in Colombo

A little outside the city of Colombo is the famous Mount Lavinia Beach. For couples looking for a romantic seaside getaway, it is the perfect location to sit on the ricks and watch the sea – or walk over to the Mount Lavinia Hotel and discover its colonial charm and excellent cuisine.You can take a cab ride or the train to Mount Lavinia from the city of Colombo.

2. Viharamahadevi Park

Situated in the midst of the city, this park was formerly known as Victoria Park in honour of Queen Victoria. Amidst lush greenery, the park is an ideal place for a picnic or a stroll, in the shadow of trees.

visit in Colombo

3. Galle Face Promenade 

This is the long stretch of beach right in the middle of the city. It faces the sea and is an ideal place to go for an evening stroll – it is where you will find snacks, street vendors and plenty of families out and about. If it gets too tiring, head over to the former colonial mansion that towers over the beach, the Galle Face Hotel. This is where you can have high tea on the terrace and watch the sun go down into the Indian Ocean.

visit in Colombo

4. Lotus Tower

Colombo’s tallest Lotus Tower is a great place to visit and see for yourself the stunning vistas of the sprawling city below. This is where the tower gives you a view of the city like never before(visit in Colombo). Walk around and feel the wind rush around you as you go higher in the tower.

5. Main Street Pettah

Colombo’s old city, Pettah where the Portuguese and the Dutch forts used to stand, bring together the hustle and bustle of the busy street(visit in Colombo). Everything is available in its beehive of shops and walking around must be undertaken with a sense of vigilance – this is the busy backstreets of the commercial capital and vehicles and people crowd in equal measure. 

You can see beautiful old buildings such as the old Town Hall, which still stands over the city.

Hawkers and street vendors crowd around the narrow streets where you can go for a walk and discover unique sights – from eats to drinks that are staples of the busy Colombo streets.

6. Laksala

This is an emporium of traditional Sri Lankan ware, from brass to pottery, textiles and everything else in between.Laksala brings together unique collections made by artisans and traditional craftspeople which are unique to Sri Lanka(visit in Colombo). Laksala outlets are conveniently situated in the city.

7. St Peter’s Church

This is one of Colombo’s oldest churches with a unique history – it is also where Mission to Seamen is located.Right in the middle of the city is the tranquility of this church, which dates back from Dutch and British times(visit in Colombo). Some of the quaint items on display is the ancient punkah, a fair fan which used to be hand operated.There is also plenty of history to be found within the church’s hallowed walls, given it’s unique legacy.

8. Nawala Wetlands

A little outside the city is the Nawala Wetlands Park – set amidst the suburban scenery, the wetlands bring together the city’s green spaces with waterways surrounding it(visit in Colombo). You can sit here and watch the waterways or the boats rowing in the lake – or the multitudes exercising along the walking tracks. It is a haven of escapism in an urban setting and is also home to a floating restaurant close by.

Sigiriya rock fortress, Sri Lanka. Consider as the 8th wonder of the world. Photo taken on: September 08th, 2011

The majesty of the Lion Rock – Sigiriya 

Mountain Retreats

Sigiriya or Lion Rock is a legendary Sri Lankan rock that has been climbed by thrill seekers for centuries. Sigiriya, a UNESCO heritage site, is known as the abode of King Kashyapa , who used it as a king’s liar with all comforts, extensions and luxury.

 Overview of Sigiriya –

sigiriya

Sigiriya, known as the Lion Rock, is an ancient rock fortress located in SriLanka’s central Matale District. This colossal rock formation dramatically rises from the lush surrounding landscape. The site not only features the renowned Lion Rock but also encompasses extensive gardens, ancient ruins, and captivating frescoes.

Historical Significance

 Ancient Origins of Sigiriya 

Sigiriya’s history traces back to the 5th century when King Kasyapa selected this site for his royal palace complex. It served as his capital for over a decade, bearing witness to the grandeur of ancient Sri Lankan civilization.

Royal Palace Complex

At the heart of Sigiriya lies the Royal Palace Complex, a complex system of moats, gardens, and terraces that once accommodated the king’s court. The architectural layout and construction are impressive, with the central attraction being the Lion Rock Fortress, symbolizing King Kashyapa’s power and ambition.

Frescoes of Sigiriya

On a sheltered rock face, you’ll find the frescoes of Sigiriya, offering a glimpse into the artistic abilities of the era. These ancient paintings depict heavenly nymphs, referred to as “Apsaras,” which have intrigued art enthusiasts and historians for centuries.

Architectural Marvels

Lion Rock Fortress

sigiriya

The Lion Rock Fortress, perched atop Sigiriya, is a testament to ancient engineering and architecture. Ascending the rock via a series of staircases and terraces allows visitors to appreciate the ingenuity behind constructing this elevated palace. The iconic lion paws at the entrance, though partly damaged now, once guarded the path to the summit.

A Legacy on the Move.

The Lion Rock Fortress, perched atop Sigiriya, is a testament to ancient engineering and architecture. Ascending the rock via a series of staircases and terraces allows visitors to appreciate the ingenuity behind constructing this elevated palace. The iconic lion paws at the entrance, though partly damaged now, once guarded the path to the summit.

The Mirror Wall

The Mirror Wall, a polished rock surface adorned with ancient graffiti, underscores the timeless allure of Sigiriya. Despite its age, the wall still reflects the past’s brilliance, offering insights into the thoughts and experiences of ancient visitors.

Water Gardens of Sigiriya

The Water Gardens, a network of pools, fountains, and canals, demonstrate the sophistication of ancient Sri Lankan hydraulic engineering. These gardens served both aesthetic and functional purposes by providing a cooling system for the palace complex, showcasing the technological marvels of their time.

Natural Splendour

Sigiriya Rock and Surrounding Landscape

Sigiriya Rock, surrounded by dense forests and rolling hills, creates a striking contrast with the flat plains of central Sri Lanka. The panoramic views from the summit are breathtaking, offering a sense of awe and wonder to those who undertake the climb.

 Flora and Fauna of Sigiriya

The vicinity of Sigiriya is a biodiversity hotspot, housing numerous bird species, reptiles, and mammals. Nature enthusiasts will appreciate the lush greenery and vibrant wildlife, adding to the site’s appeal.

 Visiting Sigiriya

 How to Reach Sigiriya

Sigiriya is easily accessible from major cities like Colombo and Kandy. Visitors can opt for road travel or embark on a scenic train journey to nearby towns before reaching Sigiriya.

 Entrance Fees and Timings

Entrance fees vary for foreign tourists and locals, with additional charges for ascending Lion Rock. Sigiriya is open from early morning to evening, and it’s advisable to arrive early to avoid crowds and the heat.

 Tips for a Memorable Visit

To fully appreciate Sigiriya, wear comfortable clothing and suitable footwear for the climb. Remember to carry water, sunscreen, and a camera to capture the scenery. Engaging a knowledgeable guide can enhance your understanding of the site’s history and significance.

In conclusion

Sigiriya is a remarkable destination that showcases Sri Lanka’s historical and cultural richness. Its timeless charm, historical significance, and architectural wonders invite visitors to explore and connect with the island’s heritage. Whether you’re an art aficionado, history enthusiast, nature lover, or simply seeking a unique adventure, Sigiriya offers a captivating journey through history, art, and nature.

The ultimate Sri Lanka Travel Guide_ what to see, know and do _ The Common Wanderer

The Enchanting Ella Odyssey Train Ride in Sri Lanka

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The Ella Odyssey train ride in Sri Lanka is a journey that transcends the mundane and takes you on an adventure through some of the world’s most breathtaking landscapes. With its tea plantations, waterfalls, and the iconic Nine Arch Bridge, this train ride is a visual feast for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike. The Ella Odyssey experience is a testament to the unparalleled beauty of Sri Lanka.

Tips on visiting Sri Lanka

Tips for visiting Sri Lanka

Tips for traveling in Sri Lanka

Tips on visiting Sri Lanka – a traveler’s paradise waiting to be discovered, the island is rich with culture and scenery. With its lush landscapes, rich history, vibrant culture, and warm hospitality, Sri Lanka offers a unique and unforgettable experience. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, a history buff, a foodie, or simply seeking relaxation on pristine beaches, Sri Lanka has something to offer everyone. To make the most of your visit, here are 10 valuable tips to help you plan a memorable trip to this enchanting destination.

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Exploring Sri Lanka’s Hill Country Heritage: Colonial Bungalows and Cucumber Sandwiches

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Introduction

There’s nothing more soul searching than a visit to the winding down roads of Sri Lanka’s hill country. The tree lined roads that accompany green hills(legacy of the hill country), clouds that light up the sky and the strong sense of knowing you are in a place where waterfalls whisper and hills change colour all year around.

Where ancient legends meet geological wonders, and the earth whispers tales of cosmic journeys and heroic flames

This is where paradise comes down to earth, where earth touches the sky. legacy of the hill country

legacy of the hill country

Sri Lanka’s hill country is nestled deep in the hills, either on mountain tops or in valleys nestled in between. Here, you will be able to go back in time and see the plantation bungalows that once stood tall in the area, capturing the very essence of the hill country soul.

The bungalows still beckon with neatly laid out teas and dainty cucumber sandwiches, served with hot Ceylon tea. Take your pick – either the all time favourite Earl Grey or the more stable and robust flavours grown in south of the island(legacy of the hill country). Maybe the light floral taste of Nuwara Eliya grown teas, highland beverage at its best.

The bungalow experience of the Sri Lankan highlands must be savoured with good taste and impeccable manners. Back in the day, the British planters had rituals set in stone – tea on the lawn, lavish dinners and elegant dances, club hall festivities and the good old rugby matches(legacy of the hill country). The nostalgic sense prevails when one sees the bungalows still intact, now more of a restored tourist destination than the rough and tumble abodes they used to be.

Stories are told of planters clearing the land to grow tea back in the old days, of putting up camp in rough sheds with nothing but the sky for the roof ; long before the study bungalows were put up. Plantations culture was something to be savoured for over a century, a unique combination of rituals, lavish meals, plenty of celebrations and feasts.

White clad waiters anxious to serve you, home made chocolate cake for tea time, cucumber sandwiches for tea in the rose gardens and lavish dinner parties with Sri Lankan favourites – stringhoppers and molagathanni , a traditional British curry soup, hot off the stove, served with freshly picked strawberries from the fields.

Lots of laughter, games and parties that appeased the lonely life in the plantations somehow – camaraderie among planters and their families, keeping up estates that dotted the landscape far and wide(legacy of the hill country). With children studying in the city or overseas, the planter couples always found time to mingle with other planter families to overcome loneliness and isolation.

The fireplaces are stacked with freshly split firewood, brought in from the luscious jungles surrounding the estates(legacy of the hill country). This is where the salubrious climate yields roses and dahlias and the landscape reminds the British of home.

Sri Lanka’s hill country is also known as little England – walk into Nuwara Eliya, dotted with historic buildings and hotels that remind one of a little English town, and you can for one second, be mistaken about the location.

There are various hill stations beside Nuwara Eliya. There’s Haputale and Diyatalawa,  traditional tea stations where many plantations were. There’s also Bandarawela and Ella, nestled in the hills, each a unique destination that is celebrated for the climate and the unique landscapes.

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The story of Gajaman Nona – Sri Lanka’s famous poetess whose beauty and prose were legendary

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Gajaman Nona stands tall as Sri Lanka’s best known poetess who left in indelible mark on the island’s literary landscape – and in the heart of Sir John D’Oyly, the well known British administrator who was associated with the Kandyan Convention

Nonagama deep in the south of the island, is said to be D’Oyly’s gift to her, when she requested him as the Government Agent for Matara – via a 14 verse poem – for assistance. She had been widowed twice at the time with three children to support. In D’Oyly, she is said to have found a sympathetic ear to her lot of life and also a streak of romance.

Gajaman Nona, originally named Donna Isabella Koraneliya, was born 1746 in Kollupitiya, Ceylon. She was baptized at St. Paul’s Church in Milagiriya, Bambalapitiya, and had been known from an early age for her stunning beauty. 

Her family, led by Don Francisco Senarathna Kumara Perumal and Francina Jasenthu Graivo, played a pivotal role in nurturing her upbringing. Their commitment to Rājākariya, a form of feudal service, eventually led the family to Kahawatta in Beliatta. It was within this close-knit familial circle that she received her initial education, imbibing a unique blend of cultural influences, including the Portuguese, whose presence had left an indelible mark on the island nation. This diverse cultural backdrop would go on to influence her life and work in profound ways.

Gajaman Nona the poetess

The story of Gajaman Nona

Gajaman Nona’s prodigious literary talents were discovered at a young age, capturing the admiration of her community. Her family’s partial Westernization, influenced by the Dutch, set her apart as a young woman of remarkable individuality, reflected in her distinctive clothing and style.

One of the earliest glimpses of her poetic prowess can be traced to a poignant Sinhala poem she composed when her water pot mysteriously disappeared. In this simple yet eloquent piece, she poured her emotions of frustration and longing, revealing her innate gift for poetic expression. This heartfelt poem remains an enduring testament to her early brilliance

The poetic journey – Gajaman Nona

As Gajaman Nona matured, her literary talents flourished in tandem. She quickly earned the honorific name “Gajaman Nona,” signifying her elevated status as a lady of immense promise. Her journey led her to compose a plethora of poems and verses that showcased her mastery of the Sinhala language.

Her poetic themes spanned the spectrum, from love and beauty to profound social commentary and satire. Fearlessly, she addressed controversial topics and challenged societal norms through her work, using her poetry as a mirror reflecting the complexities of her time.

Legacy and Commemoration

Today, Gajaman Nona’s legacy stands as an enduring testament to her profound impact on Sinhalese literature. A statue erected in her honor in Ambalantota serves as a constant reminder of her contributions to the cultural tapestry of Sri Lanka. Nonagama Junction, aptly named after this enigmatic poetess, stands as a symbolic intersection of culture and history.

Emerging as an independent woman

Gajaman Nona was best known for her fearless streak of independence that saw her challenge and overcome the pettiness the society at the time threw at her. Twice widowed, struggling to bring up her children without economic support, she had to teach young girls from well-to-do families for an income.

In the face of her beauty and her widowhood, there were many men who came forward to help her with ulterior motives but she did not give in and did not allow the pressure to get to her. She did have a close relationship with Elapatha Mudali, an admirer who enjoyed poetry with the same dedication as she did.

But her greatest legacy came with Sir John D’Oyly the much admired British administrator who learnt and spoke fluent Sinhala with the same tutor as her – Ven. Karathota Thero, an erudite Buddhist monk in the South who taught Sinhala.

Gajaman Nona and Sir John exchanged poetry and were very comfortable in each other’s company – although this set the tongues wagging at a time when gender roles were strictly observed. But Gajaman Nona was ahead of her time and did not care much for the gossip.

It is said that Sir John had the poetry she wrote to him translated into English and sent to his mother in Britain.

The legacy of Sri Lanka’s pioneer poetess who feared nothing but expressed herself and her eloquence in verse, lives on in the island.

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Esala Perahera Festival: An In-Depth Exploration of Heritage and Spirituality

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Introduction

The mesmerizing Esala Perahera Festival, a spectacle that exemplifies the blending of culture and spirituality, is located in the center of Sri Lanka. This annual spectacular, also known as the Kandy Esala Perahera, is a tapestry woven with custom, faith, and artistic splendor. This event, which takes place in the Esala month, which normally falls in July or August, and is set against the backdrop of the historic city of Kandy, goes beyond simple celebration to become a profound exploration of Sri Lanka’s history and spirituality.

Where ancient legends meet geological wonders, and the earth whispers tales of cosmic journeys and heroic flames

The Sacred Tooth Relic: The Center of Devotion.

The respect for the Sacred Tooth Relic of Lord Buddha is at the heart of the Esala Perahera Festival. This relic, which is kept safe within the sacred walls of the Temple of the Tooth Relic in Kandy, represents the essence of enlightenment. It draws pilgrims and non-pilgrims alike to bask in its atmosphere of sanctity as it stands as a symbol of devotion and acts as a conduit between the world of the mortal and the world of the divine.

The splendor of processions.

Esala Perahera Festival

The magnificent parade, a mesmerizing spectacle that grabs the heart and imagination, is the festival’s apex. A copy of the Sacred Tooth Relic casket is carried through the picturesque alleys of Kandy by a regal tusker elephant that is decked out in exquisite clothing. Traditional drumming, beautiful dancers wearing colorful costumes, and mesmerizing feats by fire dancers and whip crackers fill the air with rhythm. As the parade makes its way through Kandy’s ancient streets, the city is transformed into a kaleidoscope of color, music, and devotion.

Where Devotion and Rituals Meet.

The Esala Perahera Festival explores spirituality and establishes a link between the sacred and the earthly beyond the aesthetic spectacle. Each part of the procession honors a different deity or topic, showing respect for both Lord Buddha and the island’s extensive mythological heritage. Both believers and onlookers participate in prayers and ceremonies in order to obtain blessings, safety, and wealth.

Following the Trail of Time

The Esala Perahera Festival has profound historical roots that echo historical occurrences, religious convictions, and cultural customs. Its roots are entwined with the calling forth of rain, a crucial component in an agrarian civilization. As time went on, the event changed to include the devotion of the Sacred Tooth Relic, which had resided in Sri Lanka for a long period. It still survives as evidence of the strong connection between the island and Buddhism today.

Adaptability and Stamina.

The Esala Perahera Festival has endured the test of time, unaffected by colonial authority and socioeconomic changes. Even in the face of difficulty, it continues to be a representation of solidarity and cultural pride. It has evolved to adapt to shifting conditions while maintaining its core characteristics. Today, it draws not only devoted pilgrims but also tourists from around the world who travel there to take part in this living museum of history and become engrossed in Sri Lanka’s cultural tapestry.

A Legacy on the Move.

The Esala Perahera Festival personifies the essence of Sri Lanka and goes beyond being just a procession. It spans the gap between historical tradition and current innovation, spirituality and celebration, and historical heritage and contemporary energy. A nation that values its legacy, is unified in faith, and zealously protects its cultural riches for future generations is revealed as the magnificent parade travels through Kandy’s historic streets.

A Doorway to Deep Understanding.

The Esala Perahera Festival beckons as an enlightening portal for those desiring to dig deeper into Sri Lanka’s cultural history and spiritual essence. It provides an open invitation to inhabitants and travelers from around the world, asking everyone to take part in a festival that transcends time and space and captures a country’s values and goals. The celebration opens doors to a profound understanding of Sri Lanka’s past, present, and future through colorful processions, complex ceremonies, and engrossing stories.

As a result Esala Perahera Festival

The Esala Perahera Festival is a perennial celebration of dedication, creative genius, and unflinching fortitude. It is not a transitory occasion. Generations are invited to participate in an immersive experience of Sri Lanka’s heritage as the festival’s echoes reverberate through Kandy’s historic streets. The Esala Perahera Festival invites everyone to see its enchantment, where the threads of culture and faith combine to form an amazing tapestry. It is a harmonic fusion of spirituality, celebration, and tradition.