Colombo, Sri Lanka
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Sights to See
- Gangaramya Temple Colombo's most famous Buddhist temple dating back to 19th century.
- Seema Malakaya - a unique non traditional floating Buddhist temple designed by the famous Sri Lankan architect, Geoffrey Bawa. The original 19th century temple sank in the water of Beira Lake.
- Jami-ui-Alfar Mosque - a fascinating mosque in Pattah, close to some shopping outlets which is also good for night shopping. The mosque has a candy like facade with its red and white brick works.
- Galle Face Green - some sort of open square by the sea which is not really green as most grass have turned brown. It is often a venue for family outings, kite flying, sports training and sunset viewing. Food stalls in the area provide refreshments and food for hungry souls.
- The Fort - although not really a fort, it has various buildings of notable structure. Some are of old Portuguese and Dutch architecture. Although the World Trade Centre is located there, it is somehow not populous due to several bombings.
- Viharamahadevi Park - one of the few, if not the only park which has more to offer in terms of plants and trees. It is the largest and also the oldest park of the city which features ponds, Buddha statues and a portion for kids entertainment. It is located in Colombo 7 (Cinammon Gardens) near the National Museum and Town Hall.
- Sri Kailasanathar Swami Devasthanam the largest and oldest Hindu temple dedicated to Shiva and Ganesh. It has various elaborate designs. It is located at Maradan District, Colombo 11, behind the Fort Railway Station.
- National Museum - displays various art works of paintings, sculptures, carvings, and memoirs which documents the island's history. On the same building, but with a different entrance, is the Natural History Museum which displays the non-human history and geography of Sri Lanka. It has various rock collection, and fossils. Address is at Sir Marcus Fernando Mawatha, Colombo 7.
Some natural beauties can be seen a few minutes ride from Colombo. You may check them at the following pages:
Shopping Spree
Majestic City - main shopping mall on Galle street offering an a/c comfort from the heat. Quite aged though and a bit dilapidated. Located in Bambalapittiya.
Odel - offers a wide selection of clothes for all ages and accessories at reasonable price. Other shops are also available for watches, cosmetics, home ware, candies, and bath products. Address is at 5 Alexandra Place, Lipton Circus, Colombo 7.
House of Fashion - offers inexpensive contemporary shopping of clothings, sports goods, toys, towels, mats, etc. Address is at 28, R. A De Mel Mawatha, Colombo 5.
Barefoot - sells local crafts, specializing on hand woven linens. You may check their website as www.barefoot.lk
Accommodations
Five and Four Stars Hotel
Hilton Colombo located strategically a few miles from airport and harbor. It offers a good view of the Indian Ocean and Beira Lake. Recommended for the busy business travelers as they provide services like no other. Prices can be Address is at No 2, sir, Chittampalam, Colombo 2 Sri Lanka.
Hilton Colombo Residence An apartment complex and located centrally in business district. A convenient store is nearby so as to provide for basic needs and for cooking materials if one desires to use the kitchen of the complex. Address is at 200 Union Place, Colombo 00200 Sri Lanka.
Taj Samudra Offers a panoramic view of the Indian Ocean and is located in front of Galle Face Green. The architecture is a typical structure of Colombo. Address is at No. 25 Galle Face Centre Road, Colombo, LA 3 Sri Lanka.
Galle Face Hotel Aside from the seaview and sunsets, the last wi-fi is a good feature of this hotel. Address is at 2 Galle Road, Colombo, MS 00000 Sri Lanka
Galadari Hotel Located at the business section fronting the world trade center. Address is at 64, Lotus Rd, Colombo 1 Sri Lanka.
Two and Three Stars
-Most of the Top rated hotels have prices that are about good enough for three or two stars and yet service and accommodation is excellent.
Backpackers and Budget Lodge
Tropic Inn- A family run hotel offering a decent and clean lodging for a reasonable price. Address is at 6, College Avenue, Mt Lavina.
Hotel Jamnaki - Service may be slow but still a good value for money. It offers good food and a swimming pool. Address is at 43 Fife Rd, Colombo 5 Sri Lanka.
Dining Places
Mama Restaurant - serves Filipino cuisine at a very homey ambiance. Location is at Mama restaurant is located at Fort railway station near wall market.
Bay leaf - serves Italian food but on the high end. Location is at Gregory Road same as Canadian and Australian Embassy.
Hotel Restaurants- almost all 4 and 5 star hotels offers good food at high end. TransAsia Hotel has several themed restaurants such as Chinese, Indian, Seafoods, and Thai.
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