Joanna James
Colombo the commercial capital of Sri Lanka is one of Asia's most cosmopolitan cities. The place although home to many modern structures is also a green sanctuary harbouring many open spaces.
If you are staying at a Colombo city hotel chances are this beautiful park will be within walking distance or a mere tuk tuk ride away. The park is located in Cinnamon Gardens; quite close to Colombo 3 a popular venue for top city hotels. It sits right in the middle of a busy metropolis and welcomes within its lush folds all who want to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. The huge park taking up an entire block is home to huge shady trees, running and cycling tracks, kiddies play gym and small zoo. There are benches to relax on and watch the city go by while tinkling water fountains and glistening pools add an ethereal quality to the shady coves and nooks that make up Vihara Maha Devi Park. Named after a beloved Sri Lankan Queen the park established by the British was previously dedicated to and called the Victoria Park; a huge statue of the British monarch sits opposite the road to this sanctuary.
A gorgeous stretch of greenery facing the mighty Indian Ocean the Galle Face Green is steeped in history. Almost walking distance from Mandarina Colombo; the place was once the lawn of the British Governor's mansion. It was also a horse racing track and today a seaside sanctuary frequented by joggers, lovers, food kiosks, children flying kites and anyone out for some fresh air and wide open space. This promenade along the sea has no barriers; it is open for all and often plays host to meetings, musical shows and other events. By evening the place is lit up with food stalls, vendors selling colourful toys, ice cream vans and many more alluring attractions.
This is Colombo 7; a ritzy address to own and one of the city's most plush environs. Cinnamon Gardens derived its name from the huge cinnamon plantations that once thrived there; today the area is home to huge mansions, the Independence Square monument, National Museum and verdant jogging tracks. The Independence monument is a treat to explore as the large open hall flanked by huge stone lions is held up by stone pillars displaying motifs from the Kandyan era of Sri Lanka. You can explore the museum and learn of the country's fight for independence from the British and look forward to a quiet jog or rest and relaxation around the tree lined park that borders the monument.
Fresh succulent sea food and restaurants choices are the biggest lure in Mt Lavinia. This is a suburb about half an hour from the business centre of Colombo. It is flanked by a large stretch of sandy beach that is loved by all for its relaxing ambience. There are loads of seaside restaurants offering dining on the beach, live music and varied menus. In the wee hours of the morning the beach is a jogger's paradise while kite flyers and those engrossed in games of beach volleyball slowly take over by evening. You can wade into the water here and look forward to a refreshing drink of king coconut and delicious meal later.
This is a beautiful Thai style Buddhist temple that stretches out across the waters of the Beira Lake in Colombo 3. It is a beautiful work of architecture home to golden Buddha statues and other artefacts. At night the place is lit up with fairy lights and is one of Colombo's top photography venues.
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
