Colombo

At the start of 2022, we traveled to Sri Lanka for about a two-week-long life-changing journey. In this article, I'm sharing my travel notes with listing places of interest we visited. Also, make sure to watch our short video from this trip: Sri Lanka, Colombo, Bentota and Galle The Tbilisi-Doha flight was good, with plenty of legroom. The plane seemed a bit outdated, a Boeing A230. But for a less than 3-hour flight, it was very decent. The biggest surprise came at the Doha Airport, where we…

Bandaranaike International Airport,  commonly known as Colombo International Airport is the main international airport serving Sri Lanka. It is named after former Prime Minister S.W.R.D. Bandaranaike and is located in a suburb of Negombo, 32.5 kilometres (20+1⁄4 miles) north of the nation's longstanding capital and commercial center, Colombo. It is administered by Airport and Aviation Services (Sri Lanka) Ltd and serves as the hub of SriLankan Airlines, the national carrier of Sri Lanka, and…

Ahoy, fellow wanderers! Join me in this travelogue as I take you on a sun-kissed journey through the gem of the Indian Ocean – Sri Lanka. In January 2022, the island nation unveiled its wonders as I explored the vibrant cityscape of Colombo, basked in the coastal bliss of Bentota, and wandered through the historic charm of Galle. With the Indian Ocean as our constant companion, infinity swimming pools beckoning, and a myriad of flavors to savor, this was a trip to remember. Buckle up for tales…

Galle Face is a 5 ha (12 acres) ocean-side urban park, which stretches for 500 m (1,600 ft) along the coast, in the heart of Colombo, the financial and business capital of Sri Lanka. The promenade was initially laid out in 1859 by Governor Sir Henry George Ward, although the original Galle Face Green extended over a much larger area than is seen today. The Galle Face Green was initially used for horse racing and as a golf course, but was also used for cricket, polo, football, tennis and rugby…

Independence Memorial Hall is a national monument in Sri Lanka built for commemoration of the independence of Sri Lanka from British rule with the restoration of full governing responsibility to a Ceylonese-elected legislature on February 4, 1948. It is located in Independence Square (formally Torrington Square) in the Cinnamon Gardens, Colombo. It also houses the Independence Memorial Museum. I first visited it at the start of January 2022 during our first sightseeing trip around Colombo. Got…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…