Welcome to Colombo

 "Thailand dupe", "underrated destination", "hidden tourist spot"- none of these generic connotations come even close to describing just how charming and serene the pearl of the Indian Ocean is. Although it would be considerably lengthy to pen down my endless love for this tiny island off the shore of India, I have chosen to be brief and focus on the city closest to my heart: Colombo.

It's not the capital of Sri Lanka, though it is for sure its heart. As a young five-year-old who was dragged to a completely different country away from her native place, Colombo offered her a home away from home; it was more of a home to her than her actual home could ever be. As I recount all the places in Colombo that I cherish so fondly and ride this wave of saudade, I invite you to see Colombo for what it really is: the loveliest amalgamation of desi island culture, unforgettable vibes, and endless hospitality.

We begin with my place of former residence: Colombo 7.

Also locally and lovingly and often satirically referred to as the place where the posh "suddus" live, Colombo-7 is home to the most uptown district in Colombo. Here, you will find some of the only highrises in Colombo, as well as the residence of the former President, cozy bungalows boasting tropical backyards and narrow streets which yell without shrieking of their Portuguese, Dutch, and even French influence through their striking European architecture. Colombo-7 also features lush greenery nestled on the premises of the umpteen embassies, affluent households, and elite schools you would find along Gregory Road, Horton Place, or even Rosemead or Ward Place. 

Not far from Colombo-7, we have the commercial business district and the brain of Colombo: Colombo - 2. Also called Slave Island because during the Portuguese Colonial Era, it served as a holding area for African slaves. But don't let that influence your image of Colombo-2; it now serves as a area for holding employees in glass buildings that look they came straight out of "Blade Runner". Behind the towering residences, you'll find Park Street which quite frankly is my favourite street. Every Friday night and Saturday and Sunday and Poya Day and Avurudu and Christmas and New Year and Diwali and Eid and Easter and (ok that's enough) it comes alive. Home to the Park Street Mews and the most amazing boutique hotel in the city, make sure to pop in to get a taste of Sri Lankan party culture (oh boy they really know how to party) and the best high tea ever at Uga Escape. If your money isn't over yet, grab a cheese mushroom bacon risotto from their Italian restaurant, it brought me to heaven and back. 



 Nelum Pokuna

On the mouth of the street leading to Colombo-2, is a junction which leads to the unmistakable Town Hall: a white building right in the centre of the city located in middle of seemingly endless greenery. It overlooks the Viharamhadevi Park, the largest park in Colombo, It's easy to get lost in there, but thanks to the golden Buddha statue overlooking the road to Galle Face Greens, you'll find your way back just fine. If you ever decide to embark on a stroll in the park, make sure to visit Independence Square right next to the park. Although now it serves as an elegant arcade nestled inbetween trees, you'll find the historic hall when D.S. Senanayake, the first president of Sri Lanka signed the Sri Lankan Indepence Treaty and where the Sri Lankan flag was hoisted for the very first time. If you are lucky

enough, there might be a Broadway musical happening right next door in the gigantic Nelum Pokuna theatre.

Now we finally reach the place most acquainted with all tourists in Sri Lanka: Galle Face. It houses the pier where you can savour the sea salt in the atmosphere around you. Feeling hungry yet? The innumerable 5 star hotels are sure to find you a restaurant to your liking. You could opt for a spread fit for a king at the Kingsbury Hotel, or the most heavenly Indian food at Navratna in Taj Samudra. That doesn't appetise you? No worries, Chinese at the Shangri-La or Italian at ITC Ratnadipa will make sure to satiate you. Need something more niche? Japanese is served on silver platters (quite literally) at Yu-mi at Taj or maybe South Indian at Cinnamon Grand is more of your thing; no matter what it is, you'll find something made just for your palate at Galle Face Road.

 


But believe me, you won't get the authentic local experience at these places. Venture into the back roads towards the Sri Lankan Reserve Bank where you will find a structure twinning with one of Malhoa's sketches: the Dutch Hospital. The name reveals exactly what it used to be: a hospital built by the Dutch for the Dutch (racist, I know). However now, it is a popular party spot dotted with authentic niche Sri Lankan restaurants you will be raving about to your friends when you come back. Once you spot the Ministry of Crab, open the door, find yourself a seat and order the Kalu Miri Crab Curry. You won't regret it.



Finish the day with a mandatory leisurely stroll at the biggest mall in the country: One Galle Face (in the video above). Yes, I know it's a third world country but their malls conceal that fact very nicely so don't be surprised to see the Rolex, Longines, Diesel and Armani stores there but that's not what we are here for. Go right ahead to the third floor where you'll find the handcrafted linen boutiques. They have simply the best designs and their dresses will really awaken the island girl inside you. Don't buy the souvenirs from there though, it's overpriced.

luh dump of my beautiful balcony view where u could see the sea and all of colombo 

















Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

The Papara Band is here

 Sri Lanka is an amalgamation of South Asian island culture and Portuguese, Dutch and French AND OF COURSE, British influences. (That sounds so Condé Naste-y I hate it let me change writing styles) Okay now there are two ways to explore Colombo:  1. You ha ha hee hee dilly dally and traipse through the boulevards and admire the trees buy some batik and Sri Lankan masks and call it a day or you could  2. Actually experience Colombo for what it is by going deep inside the markets of Kollupitiya and Pettah and haggle like a local for the Nirvana Buddha and then rest by the railway tracks to gaze at the beach and most importantly though, GO SEE A SCHOOL CRICKET MATCH ON A SUNDAY AFTERNOON nothing screams more colombo than a cricket match between colombo international school and st. thomas' college. Now although this is extremely niche and is going to require considerable detour, you are lucky enough to have an author who went to one of those schools and could experience the v...
Read more

ඔයා හොඳට කෑවද?

Image
Food. I can only remember the perfectly seasoned lamprais from BreadTalk after a long school day with nothing but fondness. It only helped that BreadTalk was a 2-minute walk from my house. But it's not just the lamprais; every time I reminisce about my culinary adventures in Colombo, an exhaustive list of places rushes to my mind, and I hope that this short blog can do justice to what I have experienced and what I want you to experience. Upali's This is a somewhat popular Sri Lankan restaurant right opposite the Town Hall. My first ever memory of experiencing Sri Lankan cuisine was at this restaurant. The pol roti blew my 5-year-old mind so definitely order that. Pair it with the seer fish curry for the most decadent island delicacy you will have ever tasted. I won't force you to order the Watalappan for dessert, but if you're one to try new things, go ahead. And suppose you're a fan of cricket. In that case, you're sure to bump into a few Sri Lankan cricketers ...
Read more