Being in Colombo is as being in any part of South India - Chennai, Cochin esp.....The ariel view of the city makes you Think Green!!! nothing but greenery fills your sight......I was awestruck!!!! it was like looking at the discovery channel feature on the Amazon forests.
On my first trip to Colombo, in 2008, the city was engulfed in a blanket of security...one could see the presence of army everywhere. The terror of LTTE was rampant and that gave a dark look to the city...But the scenic beauty of the city just diluted all the tension and the terror. When I went back a year later, the city was breathing free and looked much more beautiful.
Srilankans are adorable.....have never met more cordial, sweet spoken and good hearted folks.
The population is mainly Sinhalese and the dominant religions are Buddhism and Christianity.
The buildings of the city reflect Buddhist, colonial Portuguese and British architecture. I had a chance to go around the city and visited the Kelaniya Raja Maha Vihara - a famous Buddhist temple and is believed to be at the spot where the Buddha preached 2000 years ago. It has an excellent carving of a reclining Buddha. It also has a place where different kinds of statues of Buddha are displayed....(check out the pictures) The place gives a feeling of immense peace and serenity.
Shopping in Colombo is PURE DELIGHT......the malls - Odel, House of Fashions and Noritake outlet.....in case you want to buy souvenirs, the Srilankan art and crafts offer immense variety...Laksala is one place where I found stuff to take back home...
One of the interesting aspects of Sinhalese living is the Srilankan way of wearing the saree...Kandyan style is considered as the national dress of Sinhalese women. It is the Uniform of air hostesses of Sri Lankan Airlines.......Sinhalese women are beautiful in their own way - simplicity and sharp features characterize their beauty...
I had a sea facing room and it was pure joy each morning waking up to a view of the expanse of the blue sea.....
Apr 2008 and Dec 2009
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