|
|
 |
Other Attractions and Amenities |
 |
| |
 |
 |
|
| Colombo City |
Sri Lanka 's commercial capital is an interesting blend of the varying Influences, it has seen for more than 600 years. Its importance as a trading port increased after the arrival of the Portuguese to the Island in the early 16 th Century. It continued to grow under the Dutch and British, and today shows the marked influence of all those cultures from the Islamic mosques, the Catholic, Dutch Reformed and Anglican churches. The Dutch Colonial style of architecture is very much in evidence, as are the special quarters for for separate trades in the Colombo Fort and Pettah area.
|
|
While the Fort gets its name from the former military garrison which was located here under the Dutch and British, it is still the location of Janadhipathi Mandiraya, the President's House. On its fringe is the beautiful sandstone building, which houses the Presidential Secretariat and the Government Secretariat, formally the Parliament, almost a replica of Whitehall in England. Galle Face Green, the mile long promenade which borders the Fort on the South, is the largest open air stretch in the city and is lively centre for relaxation in the evening, with the backdrop of a beautiful sunset. Around it are the main city hotels, from the Galle Face Hotel which was established in 1864, the InterContinental which is the first modern five-star facility, the Colombo Marriott and the Taj Samudra. Nearby are the Colombo Hilton, the Hotel Lanka Oberoi and the Holiday Inn.
Colombo Fort still has great interest for shoppers with the many old shops which specialize in gems, silks, curios, old stamps and excellent leather goods. The Grand Oriental Hotel, by the Colombo Harbour, gives one of the best views of the harbour while lunching or dining at the Harbour Room, once the special pub and restaurant of the ship's captain's who called over at Colombo.
The Pettah, which was earlier on the outer fringe of the Fort, is still the busiest shopping bazaar in the city. Its many criss-crossing roads mark out sections which specializes in various trades from textiles and sarees, spices and condiments, goldsmiths and jewelers, wholesale dealers in rice, sugar, (lentils and chillie. One of these streets – Gabo's Lane, still specializes in the trade in ayurvedic herbal medicines, which is the traditional form of medicines in Sri Lanka . In recent years the shopping area in Colombo have stretched southwards along Galle Road and R..A.de Mel Mawatha ( Duplication Road ) down through Kollupitiya, Bambalapitiya, Wellawatte and Havelock Town . |
|
 |
|
| Wildlife |
The jungles of Sri Lanka abound in a variety of wildlife, which is surprising for an island of its size in the tropics. From ancient days the elephants and peacock from the Sri Lankan jungles were prize exports to the kingdoms of East and West. But, apart from these well known examples of the Fauna, a visit to the Sri Lankan jungles is to enter a whole new world where nature has largely stayed still.
|
|
|
There are four major national parks. Of these the best known is the Ruhunu National Park , at Yala in the deep south of the island. There are also three other national parks at Ingiriyagala, Uda Walawe and Wilpattu (closed due to prevailing conditions in the North of the island). While the elephant is undoubtedly the best known attraction at Yala, seen in small and large herds, what is more appealing here is the overall mood of the undisturbed jungle. Large herds of spotted Deer are seen all over the park, as are many Sambhur , and for those who are sharpe eyed to observe many of the endemic Muntjac or Barking Deer. Monkeys- the pinkish Rhesus and the grey faced Langur Monkey, live and play on the tree tops and the ground below.
Wild buffalo and Wild Boar could give you a good surprise and a great picture, while the sight of a leopard sunning itself or drinking at a water hole could be a memorable experience. As dusk gathers, there is every chance of seeing the Ceylon Sloth Bear scampering with its young on its back. The progress of your vehicle could be held up by a Python across the track, and near the many waterholes will be found whole colonies of Crocodiles.
The Peacock is easily the most famous of the birds at Yala. The mating dance of the male, with its colourful plumes fully spread, is a photographer's delight. While the peacock has its fame, there are also many other species which attract those who are interested in bird life. And add to the mood and feel of nature. The Painted Stork , many varieties of Heron, the spoonbill, the bee-eater, many colourful parrots and parakeets , the hornbill , king-fisher and wood-pecker and whoopoe are all birds that can be seen by the observant in the jungles of Sri Lanka . |
|
 |
|
| Elephant Orphanage |
The Department of National Zoological Garden has set up an orphanage for baby elephants at Pinnawela which is about 13km from Kegalle Town, on the Kegalle - Rambukkana Road . Kegalle is 77km from Colombo on the Colombo - Kandy road and the turn off to the orphanage is at the Karandupona junction. The orphanage was established to feed, nurse and house young elephants found abandoned by their mothers. Often the young ones fall into pits and ravines in their quest for water during the drought period.
|
|
Other inmates of the orphanage are those displaced from their natural environs by development projects or those found diseased or wounded.
The orphanage is 16 years old. The animals that were brought during the initial years are now capable of breeding and have in fact bred. For additional information Tel: 71-2751-3. |
|
 |
|
| Ayurveda |
The Siddhalepa Ayurvedic Hospital established in 1988 promotes the 4000 year old indigenour systems of curative preventive medicine in Sri Lanka . |
|
|
|
|
 |
|
| Shopping |
Serendipity is still the essence of Sri Lanka , especially when it comes to shopping . Colombo has several large handicraft shops that will fill your senses with vibrancy and colour, and lots of tiny shops in Fort that will capture your imagination with antique jewellery, intricate wood carvings and other curios.
The handicraft shops have an overwhelming range of works produced by local craftsmen - silver and brass filigree work and ornaments decorated |
|
with motifs dating back to the Kandyan period, enchanting wooden ornaments and wood carvings of ageless elegance, masks, drums and lacquer –work of jewel – like brilliance. You'll be tempted by the gossamer-like Venetian or pillow-lace (part of Sri Lanka's Dutch heritage). Husk and quill work, imaginative baskets, wallhangings, mats and ornaments in rush, reed, coir and caneware, fascinating puppets and traditional terracotta pottery.
Unmistakebly stamped with Sri Lanka's rich and varied cultural heritage, the local handicraft will bring colour and character to any surroundings. Local handlooms, fine cottons and silks in peacock-bright colours and bold designs are perfect for interior decoration as well as distinctive clothing. Batik is a beautiful way to say Sri Lanka , and Batik shirts, skirts, dresses, sarees, kurtas, lungis, sarongs, tablecloths, wallhangings and other fabric items are available in most hotel shopping arcades and shopping areas. Sri Lanka is famous for its high quality gems- from Roman times through the colonial era, to the present. The gem trade is widespread, and blue, yellow or star sapphires, rubies, cats eyes, amethyst, topaz, aquamarines, garnets, moonstones, zircons and other precious stones are available throughout the island. |
 |
|
|
| |
Shops selling exquisite silver jewellery, delicate and modern with traditional flavour and jewellery made of semi-precious stones and pearls is rage in Sri Lanka. Some consider Sri Lankan Tea the best in the world. Sri Lankan Tea has some fine blend, and many grades, B.O.P(Broken Orange Pekoe) being the best. Some shops specialize in the various teas, which are very attractively packaged in woven or wooden packs or even small gold plated tea pots. |
|
| |
There are many exclusive shops catering to the tastes of the fastidious shopper. Shops which specialise in pure cotton clothing, hand made shoes and bags designer wear shoes and bags, handloom items such as linen table ware, rugs and wall hangings in vibrant colours and contemporary design. A visit to the large modern shopping malls at Majestic City, Crescat Boulevard and Liberty Plaza a must. In addition there are shops owned and, managed by talented designers in Colombo. |
|
|
|
 |
 |
 |
|
|
|
