Indian Fashion Blog: Travel Diaries - Colombo, Srilanka

Indian Fashion Blog: Travel Diaries in Colombo, Srilanka

So finally, I am starting a new fresh series with my Srilanka diaries. Srilanka is a perfect holiday destination if you were looking for a short and quick trip to unwind. It is an island nation in South Asia in the Indian ocean.

Accommodation:

We just spent a day in Colombo and stayed in Cinnamon Red Colombo. It is a 4-star property at a great location and boasts of exemplary surface. Their rooftop pool and the bar which is nestled under the canopy of the sky is quite a treat. On a Friday night, it was alive and kicking.

Srilankan Cuisine at Dutch Shopping Precinct, Colombo, Srilanka

Tea Store at Odel Shopping Center, Colombo, Srilanka

Independent Arcade Square, Colombo, Srilanka

Travelling Tips:

- I had heard that shopping is quite famous in Colombo and you get a lot of good deals. However, I went to a couple of stores, markets and department stores but didn't really like anything. It all seemed hyped. I would surely give it a miss!

- The Srilankan Cuisine is to do for! You must try their fiery curries, flavorful pickles and my favourite coconut roti. 

- The place is known for tree plantation. You could pick a few varieties of tea as a souvenir.

- V and I were overwhelmed with the hospitality and their excellent service by localities, cab drivers and hotel staff. 

- The rickshaw rides are available everywhere and are an economical mode of transport within the city. Make sure to keep your GPS on so that they don't take you for a ride *wink*.

Things to do:

- We explored the nightlife. Colombo is known for bars, clubs and casinos. We went to Park Mews Street which is a small happening lane with 8-10 different bars in a row.

- You can visit Dutch Hospital Shopping Precinct which is a touristy place and you can also get a taste of local culture. You can enjoy the culinary marvels and live music. Give shopping a miss. There are not many options, either.
- Independent Arcade Square is another landmark that holds historical significance. This beautiful space has a well-known shopping complex too. 

- For a fun evening, we took a tuk-tuk ride and headed to Park Mews. Just my viewpoint, the place gets really loud post 10:30 PM and you will mostly get drinks and finger food.

There are a couple of other attractions like The Sky Lounge and Casino if you are looking for more entertainment.

Culinary Delights:

The next day, we went to TapHouse by RnR for a hearty lunch which serves European/American food but you will get to relish Srilankan delicacies. The beverages are quite pricey. The Sangria pitcher was surely a winner. 

Srilankan Cuisine: 

Spices like fennel seeds, curry leaves, black pepper and cardamom are an indispensable part of Srilankan cuisine. 

- There are several varieties of fish curries like devilled sweet and sour fish curry and chilli fish curry.

- Gotu kola sambol (pennywort salad) 

It is usually served as a side dish. Gotu kola is a medicinal herb in Asia. It has a powerful flavour similar to kale. 

- Wambatu moju (brinjals or egglplant pickle) 

- Polos (green jackfruit curry) - This fruit is sliced and cooked with onions, ginger and garlic and other flavorful spices. 

- Parippu (lentil curry) 

This thick curry gets its creamy texture from coconut milk. Split red lentils (masoor daal) is boiled and sautéed with beautiful blends of spices. You could also try beetroot curry and their famous kottu roti if you want some carbs. 

Another healthy tip - you might find coconut roti, made with coconut flour which is served with a dollop of chilli sauce. It is usually served as a snack. But the icing on the cake is, that it is gluten-free,  paleo-friendly and keto-friendly. 

Getting there:

We took a direct Jet Airways flight from Mumbai to Colombo. It was 3-hour flight. You could also fly via Chennai or Bangalore with slightly longer layovers. 

Well, I am done sharing the city life and I cannot wait to share rest of the beach vacation. Next post would be about 2 days in Bentota Beach, Sri Lanka. 

If you have any queries, feel free to reach out to me anytime!

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