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| Clear blue skies |
I just returned from a work trip to the beautiful and largely untouched nation of Sri Lanka. In my free time, I got a chance to explore Colombo, its vibrant capital which I feel is perfect for a weekend getaway from India.
The best way to explore the city and take in its many sights and sounds is by foot. I couldn’t get enough of the greenery, blue skies and cleanliness all around. As a result of its colonial past, the architecture is very impressive. There are many British style townhouses, clock towers, the town-hall, museum and many other sites. The red brick colonial era Victoria memorial hospital was particularly striking. I felt like I was back in Europe.
As soon as we had checked into the hotel, lunch plans were made. A large group of us went to a popular Sri Lankan restaurant - Upali's located close to the Municipal Corporation building. The food was amazing. We ordered an Upali's combo for starters which was served with a tasty, sweet yet spicy green chutney. For main course, we dug into delicious crab curry (or Yapane Kakuluwo) and Fresh lagoon prawns curry (or Isso Beduma). The curry was bursting with flavours, a medley of fresh spices.
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| Outside National Museum |
A few of us then went to explore the National Museum, the largest museum in Sri Lanka, founded by the then governor Sir William Henry Gregory in 1877. The building was beautiful. As we had reached an hour before closing time, we rushed through some of the well curated galleries. It was an educational experience; some of the art, coins and jewellery from the ancient times was fascinating.
As everyone wanted to shop for souvenirs and cotton clothing that the country is famous for, I decided to explore the city a bit more and headed to Galle Face beach instead. There were children flying kites of all shapes of sizes, couples enjoying the ocean breeze, hordes of vendors selling sea street food, a few joggers and the usual tourists like me. I grabbed a beer at a halal restaurant and waited for the sun to dip into the ocean. It was a spectacular sight!
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| Sunset at Galle Face Beach |
As soon as the sun had set, the restaurant owner shouted that it was time to break fast for the people observing Roza during Ramadan. A waiter sprung into action and served a big, deep fried fish to a Muslim couple seated on the next table. What caught my attention was a small plastic bucket and mug kept on the tables, to be used for washing hands. This was the first time that I had come across this custom.
After finishing my beer and enjoying the fantastic ocean view with the sound of the waves crashing against the shore, I decided to buy some souvenirs at Paradise Road. Unfortunately, it was shut by the time I got there as it was past seven which is when most of the shops there close. My enterprising tuk tuk driver took me to Laksala, a government emporium from where I bought some souvenirs. The other places known for shopping are Odel and Barefoot.
Once back at the hotel, a bunch of us decided to head out to Dutch Hospital, a buzzing nightlife and shopping precinct. We had a great time at Tap house, a brewery which had a live band performing there. Later, we headed to The Sky Lounge at The Kingsbury hotel for some delicious dessert and a fantastic view of the Colombo skyline and ocean.
