Viharamahadevi Park Colombo

1 February, 2022 | Tourism objects | 37 seen

Viharamahadevi Park, formerly Victoria Park, is a public park located in Cinnamon Gardens, Colombo, situated in front of the colonial-era Town Hall in Sri Lanka.

We had a chance to discover this lovely park and try some mango drinks in the park at the start of January 2022, when a tuk-tuk driver showed us some of the top sightseeing places in Colombo.

It was built by the British colonial administration and is the oldest and largest park of Colombo. The park was originally named "Victoria Park" after Queen Victoria but was renamed after Queen Viharamahadevi, the mother of King Dutugamunu on July 18, 1958.

The park features include a huge Buddha statue which replaced the statue of Queen Victoria which originally stood there, and a series of water fountains. It also includes a mini zoo, a children's play area and a BAC Jet Provost. There are Muscovy ducks in the park. They swim in the artificial lake and walk on the grass beside it.

Viharamahadevi Park is the only large-scale public park in Colombo, and is maintained by the Colombo Municipal Council. Located at its western end is the Cenotaph War Memorial, Colombo and the Colombo…

Gorijvari

31 January, 2022 | Churches and Monasteries | 21 seen

The ancient church called ‘’Gorijvari’’ stands between the Trialeti Mountains and the river bank of Mtkvari close to the Gori town in Georgia.

The church was named after Saint Georges, which was originally built in the 12th century.  It was burned down by the Turks, rebuilt, and destroyed again by an earthquake in 1920. The current church was built in the 1980s.

It was at the end of January 2022, we were traveling around Gori town and were looking for some interesting sightseeing objects  - and Gori Jvari popped on our radar. Unfortunately, we were not able (didn't try) to actually reach the monastery complex, instead, I was using a drone to film and photograph this place from a distance. Impressive!

I would call this place as awesome as Gergeti church near Kazbegi. Great touristic potential. The views from the top should be awesome. I guess a hotel like Rooms Hotel in Kazbegi in the footsteps would help Shida Karli region to boost tourism. 

Gorijvari church is located in Shida Kartli region, Gori Municipality, in the village of Didi Gorijvari, 4 km away from Gori. The road goes to the church.

Tsunami Honganji Vihara

28 January, 2022 | Tourism objects | 49 seen

Tsunami Honganji Vihara is a Buddhist Monument in Hikkaduwa, Sri Lanka

We discovered this place at the start of January 2022 while taking a local driver for a trip from our hotel in Bentota to Galle. Our driver told us the tragic story about Tsunami taking more than 35,000 lives in Sri Lanka back in 2004.  This place is a memorial to the over 35,000 Sri Lankans killed by the Tsunami on the 26th December 2004

This Buddha statue was opened on the 26th of December 2006 at Paraliya as a memorial to the over 35,000 Sri Lankans killed by the Tsunami on the 26th December 2004. This statue is a exact replica of the 5th Century 175 feet Barmiyan Buddha Statue destroyed by the Muslim Fundamentalists in Afghanistan. This replica was created using the earliest known sketches of the statue.

The statue is a replica of Afghanistan's Bamiyan Buddha, which was destroyed by the Taliban in 2001.

We didn't actually visited the memorial insde, just a quick stop before the Galle town

Barberyn Lighthouse

27 January, 2022 | Tourism objects | 54 seen

Barberyn Lighthouse (also known as Beruwala Lighthouse) is a lighthouse located on Barberyn Island some 800 meters offshore from the town of Beruwala on the southwest coast of Sri Lanka.

I noticed Barveryn Lighthouse from our hotel (Cinnamon Bey Berawula) and one day when at the beach, a local tour seller offered me a trip to the island and lighthouse. Our agreed price was USD 30 (two adults and one kid).

From our hotel the boat ride was about 5-10 minutes. Life jackets were provided.

The lighthouse was completed in November 1889, and operated by the Imperial Lighthouse Service. In 1969 it was upgraded with the replacement of the old dioptric apparatus (produced by Chance Brothers) and with a pedestal rotating beacon (Pharos Marine PRB-21 sealed beam optic and drive pedestal). It was further modernised in 2000, with the introduction of a Differential Global Positioning System (DGPS) and is computer linked to the other major lighthouses around the country. The Barberyn Lighthouse is one of the four international lighthouses in Sri Lanka.

Our guide got one coconut and demonstrated us how to crack it. Awesome. 

Besides the lighthouse…

Gori Fortress

26 January, 2022 | Military Heritage | 29 seen

Gori Fortress is a medieval citadel in Georgia, situated above the city of Gori on a rocky hill.

I've visited Gori several times, and several times have seens this impressive fortress, once I even made a nice photography with impressive warrior statues in the footsteps of the fortress, see: Gori Fortress & Memorial of Georgian Warrior Heroes

It was back in January 2022, I visited Gori again and decided to make a nice photograhy with the fortress

Standing on the hilltop, the fortress’s outlines follow the natural relief, hence the irregular shape. The inner fortifications occupy the entire plateau, from which the walls descend towards the road along the western slope. Originally, the walls reached the river below and the water had to be diverted through a tunnel, but the river has retreated since.

The fortress first appears in records from the 13th century, but archaeological evidence shows that the area had already been fortified in the final centuries BCE. The fortress was of major strategic importance, given its dominant position guarding a regional trade route, and accommodated a large garrison. In the 16th century the Ottomans…

Colombo Town Hall

25 January, 2022 | Tourism objects | 36 seen

The Town Hall of Colombo is the headquarters of the Colombo Municipal Council and the office of the Mayor of Colombo. Built-in front of the Viharamahadevi Park, Colombo, Sri Lanka, it is the meeting place for the elected municipal council.

I discovered this awesome architectural place a by an accident, by taking a tuk-tuk ride around Colombo city at the start of January 2022.

In 1921 renowned Scottish town planner, Professor Patrick Geddes, recommended that the Council should construct a large central and dignified municipal building to house the council, a public reception hall, the mayor's office and a public library. The need for the Colombo Public Library was addressed by a philanthropic donation of a building by Dr. W. Arthur Silva in 1925. This building, Sirinivasa, is now the official residence of the mayor.

Although many alterations have been made to the original design, the building still possesses a few characteristics that have not been touched by modern renovations. The council chamber and its furniture, including the original lamps and lamp bases are still intact. All the doors and windows of the building are original, as well as the…

How To Start a Restaurant in Tbilisi, Georgia - Food Safety and Permissions

24 January, 2022 | Doing Business | 294 seen

With this post, I'm starting a new series on the Doing Business in Georgia topic - opening and operating a profitable restaurant in Georgia.

Turns out - I'm not only enjoying eating at Tbilisi restaurants but now I'm also looking to open one. Well, my case might be a bit different as I'm more looking to open an online restaurant, the ghost kitchen also called the dark kitchen, serving orders online only. I have no idea where this journey will end, but one is for sure I'm looking to enjoy the road as much as possible. 

Anyhow, once I was able to visualize and formulate what I want to achieve, I started to explore what steps should be taken next.  Finding premises, registering a business, hiring staff, last but not least - food safety. Georgia is known as a country of easy-to-do business. so I guess opening and running a restaurant shouldn't be a brainer.

At this step, I could probably start looking to hire some local law firm, but I decided to learn as much as I can and visited the National Food Agency website to learn more about food safety measures and requirements. There is a lot of good read on that website, if you are up for opening a…

Pshavi's Champions Natakhtari Restaurant

21 January, 2022 | Restaurant reviews | 45 seen

Pshavi's Champions is another awesome roadside restaurant located in the village of Natakhari (Gudauri highway)

We love coming to this area for dinner and have discovered already a few Natakhtari restaurants so far. We were jsut returned from Sri Lanka trip and were looking for some nice dinning place - that show we ended up at Pshavi's Champions place.

Turns out Pshavi Champions is a chain of restaurants

Khashi's House and Pshavi Champions is a chain of restaurants that first appeared on the Georgian market in 2016 and offers customers delicious Georgian dishes, cozy and comfortable environment

-Pshavi Champions serves typical Georgian cuisine and a friend of mine suggested they are also making their own beer. Awesome!

Being vegeterain for the past 2 month helpes us avoid high bill. Total bill about GEL 50 for lot of vegeterian food - salds, badrijani, khachapuri, some khinkali and more.

If you happen to be in the area - give it a try!

Hilton Colombo Residence Apartment Review

20 January, 2022 | Hotel reviews | 19 seen

Located in the heart of Colombo city, Hilton Colombo Residence offers rooms and suites with panoramic views of the city, harbor, or the Indian Ocean. Boasting an outdoor pool, it also has a fitness center, squash court, and tennis court.

We booked a two-night stay here at the start of January 2022, during our trip to Sri Lanka. In total paid about USD 370. Additionally, we ordered an airport shuffle from the Colombo airport for about $35.

Top 13 5-star hotels in Colombo, Sri Lanka

Instead of a 2bd we got a free upgrade to 3bd apartment.

We were quite happy with 1 and a half room already, but having apartment with 3bd and two showers was quite awesome.

Spacious suites at Hilton Colombo Residence feature comfortable lounge areas with 40-inch LED Televisions and BlueRay. Modern amenities include a washing machine and ironing facilities.

Enjoy the state of the art gymnasium or relax at the sauna and hot tub. Interesting day trips around Colombo are easily arranged at the tour desk. The accommodations also provides spacious meeting and banquet venues.

Regarding the swimming pool and hot tub I…

36 Reasons to Visit Georgia and Tbilisi

19 January, 2022 | Travel guides | 16 seen

In this article, I've listed 36 awesome places to visit in Georgia, Tbilisi, Batumi, Kutaisi, and more. These are the places I've actually visited and discovered for the first (Well most of them) back in 2021. From abandoned Russian airfields in the Georgian desert to 5-star hotels in Batumi. 

Meeting new life-long friends in the middle of nowhere. Take a bath in the city center of Tbilisi or enjoy natural hot pools near Kazbegi. 

Trying a fish near Birvisi or enjoying world-class service near Aspindza. Keep reading to learn more about those special places we have visited and highly recommend to others

Seema Malaka Buddhist temple in Colombo

18 January, 2022 | Churches and Monasteries | 40 seen

Seema Malaka is a Buddhist temple in Colombo, Sri Lanka. The temple is mainly used for meditation and rest, rather than for worship. Situated in Beira Lake, the temple was originally constructed in the late 19th century. Seema Malaka is a part of the Gangaramaya Temple and is situated a few hundred meters to its east.

I had a chance to visit this temple at the start of January 2022, during our Sri Lanka trip. We found this awesome place thanks to the local tuk-tuk driver, who agreed to show us 10 sites in Colombo for just 1,000 Sri Lankan Rupees.

Really picturesque place. 

Seema Malaka was originally constructed in the late 19th century. The original structure slowly sank into the water in 1970s. In 1976, Sri Lankan architect Geoffrey Bawa was brought in to redesign and construct the temple, which stands today.

The temple is constructed on three platforms over water, which are connected to the mainland and with each other by pontoon bridges. The temple's main roof is covered with blue color tiles and the temple is made from collected spindles and handrails in wooden finishes. The architecture of the edifice resembles the Kandyan era.

Hotel Marino Beach Colombo

14 January, 2022 | Hotel reviews | 43 seen

Marino Beach Colombo has a restaurant, outdoor swimming pool, fitness center, and bar in Colombo. 2.4 km from Galle Face Beach and 1.7 km from U.S. Embassy, the property offers a garden and a terrace. The accommodation features a 24-hour front desk, room service, and currency exchange for guests.

We booked here a one-night stay at the start of January 2022 and paid about $135.

The reason we booked this hotel, probably is its rooftop infinity pool. 

Top 13 5-star hotels in Colombo, Sri Lanka

Th room size was quite ok.. Nowadays its modern having bathroom with a glass window.

Our threenager daughter enjoyed her time at the kid pool, while we were sipping mango and strawberry cocktails. 

The hotel will provide guests with air-conditioned rooms with a desk, a kettle, a minibar, a safety deposit box, a flat-screen TV, a balcony and a private bathroom with a bidet. At Marino Beach Colombo rooms are equipped with bed linen and towels.

Guests at the accommodation can enjoy a continental breakfast.

Not the biggest skycrapper in the city, but still quite awesome. 

…

Gangaramaya Temple in Colombo

13 January, 2022 | Churches and Monasteries | 41 seen

Gangaramaya Temple is one of the most important temples in Colombo, Sri Lanka, being a mix of modern architecture and cultural essence. Located on the Beira Lake, it was completed in the late 19th century.

We were for the second day in Colombo, at our Hilton Colombo residences when I decided to google for top sightseeing objects in Colombo and Gangaramaya Temple popped up. 

It was a matter of catching a tuk-tuk and for 100 Sri Lankan Rupees, we were taken to this temple. At the temple, we were asked to pay 800 Sri Lankan Rupee entrance fee and our journey started (after removing our shoes)

The temple's architecture demonstrates an eclectic mix of Sri Lankan, Thai, Indian, and Chinese architecture.

This Buddhist temple includes several imposing buildings and is situated not far from the placid waters of Beira Lake on a plot of land that was originally a small hermitage on a piece of marshy land. It has the main features of a Vihara (temple), the Cetiya (Pagada) the Bodhitree, the Vihara Mandiraya, the Seema malaka (assembly hall for monks) and the Relic Chamber. In addition, a museum, a library, a residential hall, a three storeyed Pirivena,…

Madu Ganga River Boat Safari

12 January, 2022 | Travel guides | 91 seen

Madu Ganga river boat safari is a fun and pretty easy attraction in Balapitiya, Sri Lanka

We booked a tour on Madu Ganga (and a few other destinations) from a local guy at our hotel's beach (Taj Bentota Resort & Spa).

We agreed to pay 8,000 Sri Lankan rupees for a Madu Ganga river boat safari, a visit to the turtle shelter and a visit to the spices and herbal garden. At an agreed time, our driver (s) already waited for us at the hotels' lobby and the trip started.

After some 25 minutes drive we were at the Captain Boat House Balaptiya and our actual boat trip started

Situated at Balapitiya, Madu Ganga is the second biggest wetland in Sri Lanka. Abundantly rich in biodiversity, the river covers at least 150 acres of land and consists of 14 mangroves out of the 24 mangrove species found in Sri Lanka.

The Madu Ganga wetland is considered to be one of the last remaining tracts of mangrove forests. It is the best place to watch prawn farming and traditional fishing methods. It is also home to 300 species of plants and about 250 wildlife species which makes it a haven for ecologists and botanists.

As our…

Hamad International Airport

11 January, 2022 | Airports | 13 seen

Hamad International Airport is the sole international airport in the state of Qatar, and the home of Qatar’s flag carrier airline, Qatar Airways. Located south of its capital, Doha, it replaced the nearby Doha International Airport as Qatar's principal airport.

The airport is named after the previous Emir of Qatar, Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani. 

I first visited Hamad International airport at the start of 2022 while traveling in transit from Tbilisi (Georgia) to Colombo (Sri Lanka).

Our connecting flight was some 8 hours long, to make our stay more comfortable in transit we booked lounge access with a chance to take a nap and have refreshments. Plenty of food, drinks and even a shower. Nice.

Here we took an access to kind of quiet area with a chance to take a nap on sofa. 

Al Mourjan Business Lounge offers a variety of dining areas to suit your taste.

Spread over 10,000 square metres, Al Mourjan Business Lounge is around 10 times the size of an Olympic-size swimming pool. A rich variety of spaces have been designed around your needs.

You can enjoy a refreshing drink in our garden resort area, catch a…