Colombo - Sri Lanka: From Dreams to Discovery

As I headed to Colombo, I felt a deep sense of love and excitement (GALLE & NUWARA ELIYA). Since childhood, Colombo was the only place in Sri Lanka I had heard about because it was always mentioned when someone spoke about the country. Consequently, it had always been in my mind. Now, the time had come to unlock those feelings and experience the city for myself. However, there was also a hint of sadness, knowing this trip would end by late evening tomorrow when I'd fly back home. While I missed my hub, the thought of returning to my responsibilities felt overwhelming.

Determined to make the most of my remaining time, we made several stops along the route from Galle to Colombo. We visited two different beaches, likely between Unawatuna Beach, Hikkaduwa Beach, Bentota Beach, Beruwala Beach, and Mount Lavinia Beach. Each beach had stunning, mesmerizing waters that left me in awe. The beauty of these beaches was truly mind-blowing.

One of the most impactful stops was at The Tsunami Honganji Vihara Memorial in Peraliya, Sri Lanka. This memorial is a solemn tribute to the victims of the devastating 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami. It serves as a poignant reminder of the lives lost and the communities affected by one of the deadliest natural disasters in history. Standing in front of the memorial, I felt a deep sense of reflection and remembrance. It honors the resilience of the Sri Lankan people and offers visitors a profound understanding of the impact of such disasters on both local and global scales.

Subsequently, as we had already agreed and arranged the previous day, we arrived at the pier for the “Madu River Nature” Boat Safari in Balapitiya. This scenic river safari took us through mangrove tunnels, dense vegetation, and serene waterways. Along the way, we spotted some wildlife such as birds and monitor lizards. The safari also included passing by islands dotted with traditional fishing villages and cinnamon plantations, showcasing the rich biodiversity and cultural heritage of the Madu River estuary.

A highlight of the Madu River Nature Boat Safari was visiting Cinnamon Island. Situated within the Madu River estuary, this small island is renowned for its cinnamon cultivation and processing. We witnessed firsthand how cinnamon sticks are harvested, peeled, and prepared using traditional methods passed down through generations. I bought a packet of Sri Lankan cinnamon, considered one of the best in the world, while others in the group opted for cinnamon oil.

The safari felt as if it ended too soon, a tranquil escape into Sri Lanka's natural and cultural heritage. I sincerely wished the boat could have taken me further, around until whenever. Wishful thinking, right? Well, that didn’t happen. For lunch, we were already in Colombo and brought to a restaurant crowded with groups of Chinese tourists. They were mercilessly emptying the food, constantly refilling their plates, and pushing and shoving in the dining area. It was chaotic, and I lost my appetite. Surrounded by such behavior, eating without dining etiquette, I walked out and waited downstairs for the rest before proceeding for a mini city tour around Colombo.

Next, we arrived at Pegasus Reef Hotel. What a relief! Away from thousands of tourists, this spacious nature setting was quiet and serene. We tucked into dinner while watching a cultural show, which was a perfect way to unwind.

The next morning, after breakfast, we had a free and easy shopping time allocated, but since none were keen, I suggested we visit Gangaramaya Temple. I found out about it from the room’s pamphlet on sightseeing spots. It was a brilliant idea. Gangaramaya Temple, established in 1885, is a significant Buddhist temple near Beira Lake and Colombo central. The complex consists of a Vihara (monastery), Cetiya (pagoda), Vihara Mandiraya, Bodhi Tree, Relic Chamber, sacred relics of Buddha and his disciples, a library, a museum, and rows of Buddha statues in Thai style at the courtyard.

Our hour in Gangaramaya Temple was every bit god-worthy, surprisingly not so crowded from the time we arrived and left. Speaking to a monk later, he told us he has frequented Brickfields Buddhist Temple. Nice. Lunch that day took place in a Chinese restaurant. We went for another round of the city tour, then back to the hotel for a short rest before we permanently said goodbye to Sri Lanka and headed home.