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Amongst the buzzing and thriving city of Pettah with the harbour at the backdrop lies one of the impressively beautiful structures enshrouding one who enters with an awe of serenity and tranquility.

The original Arabic name being Jami Ul-Alfar Masjid adorned at the entrance both in Arabic and English, the mosque is known by several name such as රතු පල්ලිය- Rathu Palliya which translates most obviously as Red Mosque, Sammankodu Pallivasal, known colloquially as the Samman Kottu Palli by the tamil speakers. The name Sammankodu Pallivasal is one of the oldest masjids build in during the 1st decade of the 20th century built by the Indian Muslim community based in Pettah to fulfill the Salah and community needs.

Brief History

The masjid was completed in 1909 designed and built by Habibu Lebbe Saibu Lebbe an unlettered architect was the master mind behind the structure which at the time could hold up to 1500 worshippers. However, later on in 1975 the Masjid was expanded to accommodate 10,000 worshippers to cater the needs of the public. History has it that the masjid used to be a visible landmark even from the sea that sailors would recognize from a distance however, with the high-rise towers in the vicinity of Colombo in present days, the Masjid has is concealed.

The Red Mosque

During Early Days

The present day

Being in a busy business hub, the red and white stiped masjid is an attraction amidst the great buzz and its more than obvious to see the sight of people rushing for prayers during the Salah times or Jumma prayers, hence if you are not comfortable with the rushing crowd, its best to avoid such times. The best part of this place is that anyone is welcome to visit the place and may also be provided with a guide to tour around the masjid.

Some fun facts about the Masjid

  • A Pomegranate shaped main dome depicting even the same colours.
  • The mosque consists of 49 Minarets adding to its uniquely stunning structure.
  • Indo-Saracen architectural design, encompassing both Indian and Islamic traditions.
  • The 110 years old fully functional clock on the original dome brought from Ukraine.
  • The old structure still remains with a new wing build behind to expansion projects.
  • The stark colour, with each brick being hand-painted white or red in four different designs – checkered, jagged, striped or spiral.
  • A pond with running water for purpose of Ablution (washing of face hands and legs before prayers).
  • Men to have an attire that covers the body and below the knees.
  • Female visitors are required to cover their hair, arms and legs before entering.
  • Some of the busy times are prayer times and specially Friday Jummah prayers.
  • The streets are busy most of the time with street peddlers, porters with heavy loads and shoppers as well.
  • Best time to visit would be early morning when the streets are less crowded and less warm.
  • For tour guides, you may be able to start of by 930am until 530pm.

Be mindful of your purchases as you may not find the best of products although may fulfil the need. Also keep an eye on your valuables as streets may be busy and a few black sheeps may cross your way.

No Entrance fee is charged at the Masjid

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

How to reach

The Masjid is about 32 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, train or a tuk tuk and saunter within the roads of Keizer Street, Main street and Cross streets to arrive at the premise that is located in 2nd Cross Street.

Jami Ul Alfar (Red Mosque): Best | Complete Travel Guide 2023 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 »

To Nuwara Eliya
An Escape to the tamed wild 🌜🌛

“Enshrouded by the misty mountains with enriching greenery, dubbed “Little England”

Situated in the Hill country in the Central Province of Sri Lanka, is the city of Nuwara Eliya about 170 KM from Colombo. Nuwara Eliya means “City on the Plain” or the “City of Light “and is famous for the cold climate in the country given its altitude given its altitude of 6130 Ft above sea level.

The way to Nuwara Eliya can be cited to be one of the breath-taking journeys with seas of terraced tea estates, waterfalls, roads of hair pin curve in between forests and ascending high in and around mountains through carved tunnels feeling the freshness of the least disturbed nature.

Route from BIA to Nuwara Eliya- Google Maps

The city is accessible by private vehicles, public busses, or the train service. However, the trains would only go pass Nanu oya from where one would have to fetch a ride to Nuwara Eliya.

History and Architecture

A Nostalgic Elope to the Old School🏰

Hill Club

Colonial Buildings Architecture

Post Office

Colonial Buildings Architecture

The city boasts of the buildings that feature the British Colonial Architecture that still stands to date and can be seen such as the Queen’s Cottage, General’s House, Grand Hotel, Hill Club, St Andrew’s Hotel and Town Post Office.

The landscape of most building in the area and the architecture still resembles the colonial buildings and are maintained to portray the same English Styles bringing out the nostalgic elements of the historic days.

Climate

 Cold as the Breeze❄

 

Climate TableThe ever green hill country is attracted by the natives during the summer time (probably April and May), just to escape the excess humidity that accompanies with the heat since Nuwara Eliya has an average temperature of 16 degrees and sometimes can decrease to extreme conditions such as 3 degrees due to the high altitudes. January records the lowest temperature although can be accompanied with rain most of the time.

 

Things to DO

Do what you LOVE 💖 

 

ParadiseFor those who love getting wet in the cold waters, the place is a hive of waterfalls that mesmerize beyond words. Some of the hypnotising waterfalls to visit are , St Clairs Falls, Devons Falls, Lovers Leap, Laxapana Falls, Aberdeen Falls, Ramboda Falls, Bomburu Ella, Ravana Ella, Glen Falls….. and can go on and on!!! Not just the waterfalls but also lovely Botanical gardens such as Hakgala Botanical Garden, Victoria Park, Horton plains National Park, Gregory park along side the lake and other small gardens. For those who like camping and hiking, the Horton Plains can be a delightful site to visit.

 

Nuwara EliyaThe tea estates that produce world class tea can be visited to witness the producing of this the tea leaves for those that offer guided tours with the opportunity to taste and buy the authentic products. One of the distinctive features of Nuwara Eliya’s countryside is the widespread growing of vegetables, fruit and flowers usually associated with temperate Europe. This “Little England” is covered with terraces growing potatoes, carrots, leeks, roses, straw berries and strewn with tea bushes on the steeper slopes.

Nuwara Eliya is a place for everyone where anyone will fall in love with the charms of the peaks of paradise.

Nuwara Eliya – Little England of the Beautiful Paradise Islands Read More »

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