November 2021

Nawan Perahera Parade

Located on the banks the infamous Beira Lake lies the century old Gangarama temple in the heart of Colombo.

Structure and Architecture

The temple’s heterogenous blend of architecture, reverbs the Sri Lanka, India, Thailand , Burma, Indonesia and the China. The temple was built in 1885 by Venerable Hikkaduwe Sri Sumangala Nayaka Thera during the British Colonial Era. It features the typical structures of most temples in Sri Lanka that includes the Viharaya (temple), the Chaithya  (Pagoda) the Bodhi tree (Boo Tree), the Vihara Mandiraya, the Seema malakaya (assembly hall for monks) and the Relic Chamber. The temple complex also houses a museum, Library and a vocational training Center.
nawam perahera

Festive Seasons

One of the most Grandeur Festivals celebrated by this temple is the Navam Perahera held on February dating back to 1979 when it first started its celebration. The festival pageant is one of its kind in terms of parades, decorated elephants with costumes and lights, traditional drummers, fire dancers, flute players, traditional performers, the sacred tooth relic and numerous Buddhist monks. The perahara takes place for 2 days especially with well lit and adorned tuskers carrying the Tooth Relic  This kaleidoscopic pageant attracts visitors from every corner of the world irrespective of religion and race to join and watch the celebration.

Make Sure you don’t miss out

  • The museum: One of attractions of the temple is the museum with artefacts and antiques that resonate the Buddhist culture and spirit. You will come across carvings, ivory and wooden carvings, ancient scripts, Statues of the Buddha, precious and random  trinkets and quite surprisingly vintage cars as well.
  • The Relic Chamber: This chamber houses the sacred relic of the Buddha. It also holds some of the ancient relics of the disciplines of Buddha received through donations from Bangladesh.
  • The Bodhiya: the bow tree that shades the place brings tranquillity and serenity to the place with its rustling leaves.
  • Neatly stacked Statues of Buddha
  • Replica Of Borobudur: This place is a replica of the largest Buddhist temple in the world situated in Java , Indonesia. The stupas and the Buddha Statues look similar to that of the Borobudur.
  • A Friendly Elephant: Do not get to close but you can see it playing with its chains swaying from side to side.
  • Beira Lake and Seema Malakaya: This place has been designed by the renowned architect of Sri Lanka, Geoffrey Bawa who is well known for designing several iconic structures in Sri Lanka such as The Parliament, University of Ruhuna and many other hotels as well. This is where the monks assemble located in the middle of the Beira Lake.
Things to Mind !

Opening Hours: 6 am to 10 pm.

Entrance Fee: Free but donations will be most  welcome

Dress Code: as most religious places, visitors are required to dress conservatively i.e. avoid shorts, sleeveless skinnies and head gears as well. A T-Shirt, denims and clothing covering the knees is most appropriate.

Photography: allowed free of cost.

Conclusion

Either being religious or not, the aura of the place emits serene vibe that will make you feel peaceful along with indulging in enjoyable recollection of reminisces of the antique and vintage collections and ancient architectural structure. Make sure not to miss out on all that’s mentioned above and keep your eyes open for more surprises.

When you visit the temple, make sure that you also explore the Beira Lake. To know more about places to visit in Colombo, Click Here to check out our posts.

How to reach

The tower is about 35 Km from the Bandaranaike International Airport and can take an hour to reach during busy hours. 

If you are stationed in Colombo, you can travel by bus and for a quick ride, hire a cab or a TukTuk for its much convenient. 

Gangaramaya Temple- The splendid temple by the lake Read More »

Arcade- Independence Square

 From an Asylum to Luxury Arcade

The Arcade – Independence Square is a spectrum of historic colonial era buildings given the touch of the modern refurbishments to preserve the past by the touch of the present. The structure is a manifestation of its kind that portrays its serenity through its while walls and green pastures during the day and flamboyance during the nights due to the striking illuminations.

Brief History

The building was historically known as the Jawatta Lunatic Asylum or the Cinnamon Gardens Asylum build during the late 19th century. Governor, Sir William Gregory decided to build an asylum to replace the existing facility in Borella during 1875 which was delays due to hullabaloos of location and design structure. Thereafter Sir James Longdon who was appointed as the new governor completed the structure by 1889 that had a capacity to hold atleast 400 patients. The building was a simple structure for the time with least ornamental decorations except for the tower that housed a clock at the forefront.

Although the obvious being stated, the quality of the building in terms of materials, structure, and its elegant design was explicitly ornamental for a two storey building which lasted over a century with the least maintenance.

However, with time, due to the inability to cater to the enormous influx  of patients, another facility was constructed at Angoda to facilitate the transfer of all these patients to the new asylum.

Henceforth, the building has been through several institutions, occupied by the Public Administration Department, Sri Lanka Broadcasting Corporation (SLBC), the Auditor General’s Department and later the Government Analyst’s Department. Thereafter, the building was neglected bringing it to a standstill eerie asylum mansion.

Thereafter in 2012, through the agency of the Urban Redevelopment Project, the place was brought back to life with a glamorous and opulent structure and land scape with the help of the armed forces. Luxury was orchestrated through the use of new technology, lightings, flooring and fountains shopping complexes with various brands, modern eateries and so much more.

Shoppers Delight

On entering the locations, the Arcade greets with its pristine white colonial building with the green landscape that emits an aura of relaxation. Inside the building, one would still feel the presence of the old structure as if in a dimension between the old and the future due to the antique type lamp shades and furniture that envelopes one with the impression of the past and the modern lightings, glass doors and other amenities that emanate a futuristic dimension. 

For those who have a knack to spend for quality and brands names, this place is a shopper delight with some of the high-end brands stores housed within. One would find a range of products from watches and electronics to clothing, jewellery, handcraft, sports equipment and so much more.

Other thing to do 

Dine in-After the lounging within, you can pamper yourself with some fine dining too.

Watch a movie- Arcade- Independence Square also roofs the Ceylon Theatre’s Empire Cineplex for entertainment and adds to the number of ways one can enjoy at the Arcade.

Chill and Relax- If you are not the kind who wants to hang out in crowded malls, this place also has some interesting artefacts, sculptures, water fountains and green lawns & natural landscapes.

Glass top tanks with colourful ornamental fish

Arcade Independence Square

 

The Arcade – Independence Square without doubt is a splendid place in an immaculate location at the heart of Colombo, uniquely designed for getaways for people of all ages, entertainment, shopping, leisure, dining, all-in-one place. The portfolio of world-famous brands at the Arcade is a crowd puller along with its reminiscence of the old architecture. Be it day or night, the arcade has tonnes to offer to keep your body and soul occupied and mesmerised.

To know more about places to visit in Colombo, Click Here to check out our post.

How to reach

The tower is about 35 Km from the Bandaranaike International Airport and can take an hour to reach during busy hours. 

The location is easily accessible either by the local busses that frequent the place every 5 minutes or a cab too would be of ease.

Arcade- Independence Square| From Asylum to exquisite Arcade Read More »

Museum
The Independence

Located at the basement of the Independence Memorial Hall, Independence Square (formally Torrington Square) in the Cinnamon Gardens, one will be astonished to discover a museum at the basement.

Just as the National Museum, this museum is also maintained by the Department of National Museum. The museum honours the national heroes who played a major role in the country’s independence from the British Colonisation. The statues and pictures of patriots, political leaders, clergy as well as renowned authors can be seen here reviving the historical events and struggles the country had to face in the past.

Although the place is not famous and can be said to be mysteriously hidden and one hardly notices it. This museum with an ambience that does not attract many has a lot to offer in terms of knowledge. For those with a knack for history and politics, the museum has volumes to offer.

Things to Expect

  • A small fee is charged to enter the premise
  • Special permission needs to be taken to obtain pictures, hence you will be paying a negligible fee
  • Statues of Figure heads, Politicians, Religious leaders, freedom fighters, authors, etc.
To know more about places to visit in Colombo, Click Here to check out our posts.

How to reach

The museum is about 35 Km from the Bandaranaike International Airport and can take an hour to reach during busy hours. 

If you are stationed in Colombo, you can travel by bus and for a quick ride, hire a cab for its much convenient.

Independence Memorial Museum- The forgotten Protagonist and hidden treasures Read More »

In commemoration of the independence from the British and handing over and reinstatement of the Ceylonese government on 4th February 1948, the Independence Memorial also known as the Independence Commemoration Hall as the name depicts was built marking this historic event where it took place.

The opening of the 1st parliament by Prince Henry, Duke of Gloucester occurred during this ceremony bringing new life and hope to the people of “Ceylon” as it was known at the time.

At present the monument hold the statue of Hon. Don Stephen Senanayake also known as the Father of the Nation. Currently the site is employed for religious and cultural events, independence / national day celebrations and many more. If lucky, one may be able to witness wedding photoshoots as well usually with the Bride and the Groom dressed in Sri Lankan traditional dress.

Structure of the Memorial Hall

The structure resembles the Royal Audience Hall from the Kandyan Era known as Magul Maduwa or Celebration Hall. The Architecture is similar to the ancient Sri Lanka with columns, beams and significant sculptures include the lion, the Punkala or pot of prosperity, statues etc.

At present, the Independence Memorial Hall is frequented as a recreational venue for joggers, students from universities close by, promenading couples and families as a getaway place for some quality time. The location in open 24/7 hence no entry timings and restrictions however, amorously canoodling couples, littering and graffiti is strictly policed and discouraged.

Usually what one would over look is the Independence Memorial Museum right below the monument at its basement. So make sure you do not miss out too. 

To know more about places to visit in Colombo, Click Here to check out our posts.

How to reach

The tower is about 35 Km from the Bandaranaike International Airport and can take an hour to reach during busy hours. 

During the evenings, the working crowd may visit the jogging paths for their routine exercises and the children with their games. 

Independence Square- Independence Memorial Hall Read More »

Viharamahadevi park a grandeur in COlombo

A park in the middle of a City

The Park formally known as Victoria Park, is said to be the oldest and largest park situated in Colombo being reason for the lush greenery amidst a concrete jungle. The part is situated in Cinnamon Gardens, Colombo 7 once known for the lush spices and cinnamon during the colonial times however now the name remains as the only evidence of such spices in the area.

After the independence, the park was open to the public but thereafter gradually the maintenance of the park declines over time making it a neglected and forgotten zone after the 90s. However, with the 23rd Commonwealth Head of Government meeting that was hosted in Colombo in the 2013, the government decided to spruce up the city revamping the looks of this splendid garden to how it currently is.

At present the park is well maintained and preserved with walkways, Paved paths, light post to illuminate it during the nights, upgrades to the suspension bridge and the pond beneath, a brand-new kids play zone and so much more. For those young enthusiastic couples, the parks is a go to place for gentle dalliances which is not encouraged in the open public being part of the Sri Lankan culture. Whether it’s with families, friends, or even kids, this park is packed with interests for all ages.

Brief History and the name Vihara Mahadevi

The park dates back to 1866 during the British Colonial times when the park was created  as a place for recreational activities for residents of Colombo named after HRH Queen Victoria as Victoria Gardens. The park was also used as a ground for Cricket Tournaments  after which during the World war II, it proudly hosted the 17 brigade of the British and the Australian army.

Post-independence, in 1951,  the park was restored and opened to the general public under the Colombo Municipal Council. 5 years later, the park was renamed after an ancient Historical Queen of Sri Lanka as Vihara Mahadevi Park. The Queen was known to have cast adrift from the shores of Colombo by her father as a sacrifice for his royal blunder and drifted to coincidentally reach southern coast of Sri Lanka (ancient Ruhuna). Here she was accepted as a valorous Princess and married to the King Kavan Thissa, union of which brought the great king Dutugamunu.

At present, the park is at its best with the no fences which makes the park accessible from around. Some of the major attractions that the park boasts of is its rich canopy from the exotic trees that tower the park along with salient tropical plants, lawns  and ferns.

Things to do at Viharamahadevi Park

  • Blossoms and Blooms – the kaleidoscopic flowers add to its attraction no lesser.
  • A saunter in the Walkways- the walkways that meander through the tall trees, bushes and beautiful landscape will refresh you.
  • Early Morning Bike riding though the pathways to enjoy some fresh breeze.
  • Series of water fountains – that spray plumes of water few metres into the air.
  • Gigantic Golden Buddha Statue- At the entrance is a large golden Buddha Statue in meditating position surrounded by lotus pond.
  • The bridge and the Lake- is a beautiful place for some unique clicks and to sit around the lake to enjoy some chirping birds.
  • The War Memorial – In memory of the militants killed during the World War I and II with the names engraved on the memorial wall.
  •  Rock Aquarium- A mini aquarium holding lobsters, different fish and turtles as well.
  • Kids pony rides- to gallop around the parks excitements
  • Enjoy a picnic- with family, friends, children or even perch onto a corner with suitable shade for some reading.
  • Kids to the play area- The large Kids area equipped with slides, burrows, hill pathways to roll over, playhouses and so much more to keep them occupied.
  • Food stalls- on the way you will find stalls with pickles, boiled chickpeas, Cotton Candy, ice cream and so many other treats.

Times to visit

As long as the suns is shining and the weather is fine with no rain, the park awaits its audience. Since its hard to predict the rains with the changing weather conditions, its advisable to have a look at the weather forecast unless otherwise you wish to enjoy the rain. Viharamahadevi Park is open to the public 24 / 7. While the park soaks in the sunshine during the day, the nights are bright with colourful lights in and around the park.

The park is lit on pathways with street lights at every corner too and fountain lights to add to the beauty during nights.  Since the park is open 24/7 from all corners and has a stunning view of the sites around, if one is to avoid the blazing heat of the sun, the night retreat will reward you with a pleasant surprise too.

Many other attractions around the park awaits a visit too such as National Museum, Beira Lake,  Public Library, Dewatagaha Mosque, Colombo Town House etc. To know more about places to visit in Colombo, Click Here to check out our post.

How to reach

The tower is about 35 Km from the Bandaranaike International Airport and can take an hour to reach during busy hours. 

If you are stationed in Colombo, you can travel by bus and for a quick ride, hire a cab for its much convenient.

Viharamadevi Park- The gigantic park in Colombo Read More »

Brief History

Galle Face Green is a strip of beach along the Indian ocean in central Colombo stretching to approximately half a Kilometre. During the invasion of the Dutch, this strip was utilised as a strategic line for Cannon fire against the Portuguese. It was originally developed by the Dutch as a strategic line of cannon fire against the invading Portuguese, and stretched over a much larger area than what it is today. In 1859, Governor; Sir Henry George Ward constructed a promenade alongside the seashore to allow women and children to saunter and play within.

Recent Developments

At present, Galle Face Green is currently maintained by the Urban Development Authority (UDA) of Sri Lanka. The beach is a spectacle to view during sunset along this beautiful coast. At most times, this promenade is crowded by the locals who consider the beach a place to relax. The countless street food joints provide a wide array of food and is famous for the prawn fried Wada, crabs, Pineapple and mango pickled, fish BBQs, bread, fried meat and so much more to enrich your taste buds. 

As for the current developments, the Port city at the end of the strip is an extension of the land to the sea by the Government to host a business city with several luxurious amenities to facilitate foreign Investments and business entities in Sri Lanka. Especially during the windy seasons, this place is a go to location for kite lovers and has also hosted several events as well. On the opposite side of the coast, one would find the luxurious hotels such as Taj Samudra and Shangri-La facing the promenade. Anyone who visits this place will never be disappointed and will be a refreshing way to end a long day.

Things to do

The lovely coast is famous for its sunset and so much to do as well.

  • Foot/body baths ( The sea can be rough at times)
  • Watching the spectacle sunset
  • Listening to the gushing waves over the Cape Bridge
  • The Spicy street food culinary 
  • Kite flying
  • Picnic with family
  • Games such as football or volleyball etc

 

Time to Visit

The place is open to its visitors free of charge 24/7, hence one can visit it at anytime of the year. If you are a morning person and love the fresh morning breeze, going for a jog in by 6am will be the ideal choice with the least crowd. 

If you are winding up for the day and wish to spend some tranquil time listening to the sea, the evenings from 5pm would be ideal to sit at the ledge of the beach with your feet dangling with the wide ocean ahead at the orange sunset horizon.

During festive seasons and holidays, the place can get crowded with the local dwellers around, so if you are not in a mood to see large gatherings, then you should avoid such days if not everyday is a good day.

If you are a kite enthusiast, visiting during July to September  would give you the opportunity to witness a range of different types of kites of various sizes and also “go fly a kite yourself…” to experience the ultimate adventure and time pass.

To know more about places to visit in Colombo, Click Here to check out our post.

How to reach

From the Airport, Galle Face Green is just 36Km away and would take an hour to reach. The location is accessible by private cab, public transport busses or Auto rickshaw. 

Galle face Green- Best Promenade in Sri Lanka Read More »

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