Highlight

Sri Lanka

National Museum of Colombo: The largest museum in the country, this building was established on January 1, 1877 and its founder was the then Governor of Ceylon, Sir William Henry Gregory. Today the museum houses some of the best insignia of Sri Lanka’s history. Probably the most valuable of the regalia would be the throne and the crown jewels of the Kandyan monarchs, the royal sword of Raja Wickrama Rajasinghe, and his baton and foot stool. There are a number of other important exhibits arranged in ascending order of time,that help greatly illustrate the history of the island country.

The Galle Face Green is a beautiful promenade that stretches for over a kilometre along the coast. Spread over 5 hectares, it is the largest open space in Colombo. The sunset here is positively eye catching. Particularly crowded over the weekend, it is a favourite spot for children, teenagers, families, vendors and other entrepreneurs chancing their luck and skill at their little stalls!

Gangaramaya Temple: This beautiful Buddhist temple is located close to the waters of the Beira Lake. There are a substantial number of statues, most big in size and wonderfully painted. As you walk towards a building of exhibits (quaint looking clocks, wristwatches etc.), an elephant of good size and repute sits outside contentedly. There is also a museum, a library, a residential hall, a three storeyed Pirivena, and educational halls in the temple complex.

St. Lucia’s Cathedral: Named in honour of St. Lucy, this beautiful cathedral is the oldest of its kind in the country. The Cathedral is a good example of Gothic architecture and its façade is supported by massive ionic columns and is embellished with seven statues. Exquisite stained glass windows, decorated altars and a statue of Madonna are the prime highlights of this cathedral.

Wadduwa Beach: Drive down to Wadduwa beach, just 12 kms from main Colombo city. Its claims to be one of the best beaches in the region are not in vain, the golden sand and crystal clear water charming all and sundry that visit it. A large clump of palm trees provides shade from the sun, and many a group are found sitting and enjoying their picnic lunches under this natural canopy. When the waves are high, give the sport of wind surfing a chance, splash in the water, and then come out – a little tousle haired, a lot wet, and richer in experience!

Maldives

National Museum, Male: One of the main tourist attraction destinations of the country, the museum was earlier the Sultan’s palace. It houses a valuable collection of objects belonging to the Sultans. Ornaments and costumes of kings and queens, arms and armor, items of the Maldives’ pre-Islamic period, old paper and cloth manuscripts, anthropological objects – objects representing Maldives’ history and culture are exhibited in the museum.

Old Friday Mosque, Male: Constructed by Sultan Ibrahim Iskandhar in 1656, it is the biggest mosque in Maldives. And what pretty artwork! A beautiful golden dome gives you the first hint of its splendor. With its unique minarets, wonderful coral engravings and tombs of national heroes as well as members of royalty, a visit to this imperial mosque promises to take you through a lovely journey into the past. The mosque has a total accommodate capacity of 5000 people.

National Art Gallery, Male: It is the only one-of-its-kind gallery in the country, and therefore art lovers should take a little peek into this place.

Seenu Atoll: The second largest atoll in the Maldives, this was earlier an air force base. With splendid diving locations, this is one of the best places in the world if you want to explore marine life in all its magnificence. The reefs here are teeming with exotic sea mammals such as manta ray, eagle ray, green turtles and lobsters. Gray reef sharks and white tip reef sharks are also found in specific areas. Thus even scientists and marine biologists throng this region regularly.

North Male Atoll: Veligandu Island Beach and Banana reef are two of the most popular tourist spots in the North Male atoll.

Biyadhoo Island, South Male Atoll: A privately-owned island at the South Male Atoll, Biyadhoo is about 29 kilometres from the Male International Airport, and like most of the islands in the southern side, its known for its superb diving spots and glorious marine life. A walk on the beach as the sun sets quietly into the Indian Ocean, and you will be bound to wonder if paradise could really be any different.

Shopping

Pettah is one of Colombo’s most popular bazaars. The bustling market is located right next to Colombo fort and is almost always bursting at its seams. Small shops and stalls line the many streets and display an astonishing variety of merchandise – jewelry, colourful printed fabrics, children’s wear, shoes and sandals, handbags, watches, electrical goods, batteries rare first edition books, spices, fruits and vegetables, dried fish, and other household items. Bargaining, and bargaining with unabashed aplomb is the order of life here, the rule of the Pettah jungle, and even if you don’t intend to buy anything, a walk through the streets of Pettah Bazaar tells you a little about Lanka’s and maybe most of South East Asia’s character on their streets.

Paradise Road Galleries: When in Colombo, do not miss to visit Paradise Road Galleries on Alfred Road, famous for its variety of colonial and Sri Lankan antiques. It is actually an art gallery, house furnishing studio and café rolled into one stellar ‘must-visit’. The art gallery is impressive, and has some wonderful exhibits, mainly the works of local artists. After that, step into Gallery Café, situated within the former office of Sri Lanka’s architect – Geoffrey Bawa. Once inside the restaurant, it is as if you have entered a hidden garden, its mossy walls, cast iron chairs and candle lit tables wholly responsible for the spell the ambience casts on you. The cakes are highly recommended, the double chocolate cheesecake being a runaway hit!

Barefoot store: This grand store sells some of the finest Sri Lankan souvenirs and handmade items. Cushions, bedspreads, table linen and even lamp shades are made from hand-loomed fabrics in bright and varying colours.

ODEL is Sri Lanka’s first retail store. The main ODEL outlet in Colombo is at par with any international department store in the world, and sells a variety of merchandise including clothes, books, movies, household durables etc. Popular for its style, it is one of Colombo’s most recognizable sites.

Laksala: For some authentic and inexpensive Lankan and Kandyan handicrafts, wood carvings, antiques, brass items, silver ware, batik, spices or Ceylon tea, visit Laksala. You can also visit Lakpahana, that besides selling handicrafts, metalware, handicrafts and batik, also offers some beautiful gemstone jewellery.

Negombo: The beach town of Negombo is 37 km north of Colombo, and if you want to head out from the city for a day, drive across to this pleasant seaside town that has some of the better beaches of the Western coast. The Dutch established a major colony here after defeating the original Portugese settlers, and traces of their occupation still remain –an old fort, buildings, churches and canals. The town is also known as “Little Rome” due to the presence of some beautiful Portugese-era Roman Catholic churches. Negombo is also home to Sri Lanka’s second-largest fish market.

Pinnewala Elephant Orphanage: Ever seen an elephant being bottle fed? Or seen a family of pachyderms spraying water over each other? If elephants or wildlife interests you, you should visit this wonderful sanctuary in Kegalle, just 77 kms away from Colombo. The orphanage, acting as a shelter and breeding ground for elephants, is now home to approximately ninety elephants. Very popular amongst both locals and tourists, it is open all days of the week and people can come and watch various daily routines of the elephant.

Kandy: Take a train to Kandy, 116 kilometres away from Colombo and lying relatively in the centre of the country. Once in Kandy, visit the temple of the Sacred Tooth relic. Legend states that the tooth was stolen from the Buddha’s funeral pyre. Kandy is full of temples and you can also visit the Gadaladeniya, Lankathilaka Viharaya Dodanwala Devalaya and the Bahirakawakanda temple, which has a colossal Budha statue. Aslo take out the time to visit the Royal Botanical Garden in Peradeniya which is one of the most picturesque gardens in the country. For those interested in wildlife, the elephant orphanage in Kegalle is a delightful place to spend some time and watch how elephants go about their regular daily activities. There are a host of other things to do in Kandy – go on a trek, indulge in some Batik shopping, or maybe if peace and tranquility is what you are looking for, head for Nilambe Meditation Centre.