In Sri Lankan culture the coconut tree plays a humble yet significant part in the island’s daily life. It’s a sustainable source of nourishment and considered the most useful tree on the island.
Read my full post here: The Coconut Tree
Category: Sri Lanka
Five best alternative things to do in Sri Lanka
Following lowered travel warnings, from several countries including the UK, Lonely Planet has published its decision to stand by Sri Lanka as its Best in Travel 2019.
Read my full article in Seen in the City.
12 Reasons to Visit Sri Lanka.
Sri Lanka is currently one of the hottest travel destinations in the world. It is not possible to curate merely a few reasons to visit the island. For a small island with magnificent beaches, all year round tropical climate, wildlife, heritage and incredible food the challenge was listing just 10 reasons. So here are 12 reasons to visit the island.
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Beaches
Hikkaduwa beach, Southern Coast.
Sri Lanka boasts some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. With miles of golden sandy beaches lined with palm trees leaning towards the sun it is a paradise as you could never imagine. From lively beaches of the southern coast to the surfers’ haven of the east coast and the tranquility of the north, beaches are the island’s greatest allure.
2. Dutch Colonial Architecture
“Ceylon” as Sri Lanka was previously known was part of the Dutch governorate between 1640 – 1796. The Dutch East India Company established itself on the island and as such Dutch colonial buildings stand to this day. They are scattered all around the island. From the old Dutch Hospital in Colombo to the Groote Kerk Church (pictured) in Galle many of the buildings are still in use and visiting is free.
3. Mangoosteen
Mangoosteen is one of the quirky fruits that grow in Sri Lanka. They grow in season between May – September. The fruit is opened by squeezing it between the palms of your hands. The soft white segmented pulp is sweet and juicy. It can get a little messy but they’re worth it!
4. King Coconut
Locally known as ”Thambili” (meaning “orange” – a reference to its colour), King Coconuts are native to Sri Lanka. They are widely available on make shift tables on the road sides as in any restaurant. The fruit is traditionally opened at the top in two strokes with a knife. Once you’ve drunk the water, it is cut in half and a slice of its husk cut off to use as a spoon. What’s inside is the best bit – the translucent white flesh. Slurp up every bit of it’s jelly sweetness.
5. Seafood
Seafood in Sri Lanka never travels far. It is usually sea to plate within a couple of hours or less. Crab in particular tends to be a popular choice. Ask for a moronga crab curry – generally eaten with bread, kick ass spicy and delicious!
6. Hoppers
Eaten for breakfast or dinner (never for lunch) hoppers are the answer to your taste buds’ prayers. Made of fermented batter hoppers maybe sweet or savoury. Savoury hoppers are served with curries at dinner. They are light, crispy and inexpensive. Don’t leave without trying them.
7. Temples
From cave temples in Dambulla to a temple on a mountain top at Adam’s peak, Sri Lanka doesn’t disappoint. Every village you encounter is likely to have a worshipping temple attached to it. From Hindu temples in the predominantly Tamil speaking north and east to Buddhist temples around the rest of the island they are incredible examples of what faith moves people to do.
8. Elephants
It is estimated that the island has the highest density of elephants in Asia. So it would be impossible to leave without encountering an elephant or two. However, the species is listed as endangered. So avoid any experience which encourages rides or getting too close to them in captivity. Visit one of the 5 national parks instead – Udawalawe, Yala, Lunugamvehera, Wilpattu and Minneriya. You will never regret seeing them in their natural habitat.
9. Train journeys
Train journeys in Sri Lanka are safe and remarkably hassle free. The Kandy – Ella – Badulla route is impossibly scenic and also the most popular amongst travellers. However, the recently restored Yal Devi (Queen of Jaffna) which connects the commercial capital Colombo to the northern city in Jaffna promises to be spectacular. Get it on your bucket list.
10. Scenery
No road trip in Sri Lanka is complete without more than a few toilet stops. Travelling by road is often time consuming and hazardous. Many roads on the island have remained undeveloped. However, for me at least, this means it has retained a wonderfully authentic and romantic charm which becomes evident once you leave the city. Stop by little tea houses for snacks.. Tea houses tend to be set in some of the most rural yet scenic spots along the roads. You will have the chance to sip your black tea served with ginger while you take in a spectacular view.
11. UNESCO World Heritage Sites
With no fewer than EIGHT Unesco World Heritage sites (Polonnaruwa, Sigiriya, Golden Temple Dambulla, Galle, Anuradhapura, Kandy, Sinharaja Forest, Central Highlands) in a land of just 65, 610 Sqkm, Sri Lanka is a culture vulture’s dream. Climb Sigirya rock for breathtaking views of the jungle below or attend a ceremony at the Temple of the Tooth in Kandy. You’re simply spoilt for choice.
12. Sunsets
New Year’s Eve 2012, Kayts, Jaffna, Sri Lanka – the most memorable sunset I have ever experienced. Sat on the side of a dirt road overlooking a paddy field I watched the sun dip against a crimson sky. A purple haze enveloped and immersed everything it touched, including me. The most remarkable feeling however, was knowing that the sun had set over this paddy field every day – just as colourful, just as bright and just as magnificent during Sri Lanka’s 30 year civil war when no one noticed it.
So now as the island enjoys a time of peace and prosperity it’s a great time to visit and enjoy all that it offers.
8 Places to Eat Like a Local in Colombo.
To say that food and drink plays a big part in Sri Lankan culture would be the single greatest understatement in the world. When you are the producer of almost all of the world’s cinnamon and most of its spices it follows that your cuisine would be pretty darn good. Mix in the Dutch Colonial and South Indian influences with centuries of being a trading post and you have a pretty picky bunch of locals when it comes to food. So, here to help you eat like a local, is a short list of restaurants, cafes and after hours joints that I frequent with my friends whenever I am in Colombo.
1.Sunday lunch – Barefoot garden cafe (704 Galle Road, Colombo 3).
Chargrilled butterfly prawn salad
Orange cake and vanilla ice cream
Barefoot is somewhat of an institution in Colombo. Nestled in the heart of the city it is an easily accessible, vibrant space typical of Colombo. The garden cafe here is consistently packed on Sunday afternoons. You will need to be earlier than midday on Sunday to grab a table in the shade. Get here later and you’ll be sitting under the baking midday sun. Sunday lunch at Barefoot is extremely popular with locals. The freshly cooked food is to die for. Ask to see the specials and the waiters will bring a giant chalk board up to your table. Barefoot is renowned for it’s black pork curry if you can handle it. However, pretty much everything on the menu is scrumptious. Even on a busy Sunday afternoon the service is quick. Just to make your meal a little more special you will be treated to live music by a fantastic jazz ensemble while you eat. This is alfresco dining at it’s best.
What to eat – Chargrilled butterfly prawn salad
What to drink – Lime and mint juice
Spoil yourself – Orange cake and vanilla ice cream.
2. Mid week lunch – Dutch Burgher Union (114 Reid Avenue, Colombo 4).
The Dutch Burgher Union is a gem in Colombo serving great food that is far too popular for it’s own good. The Lamprais here is quite possibly the most authentic that you can buy. Consider the Lamprais a gift from the Dutch Burgher community of Sri Lanka to the rest of us. Traditionally, it consists of savoury rice, a mixed meat curry of chicken, beef and pork and vegetable accompaniments baked in a banana leaf. In recent times however, it has been adapted to chicken, mutton or fish only – a testament to it’s popularity outside the Burgher community where beef and pork maybe avoided. The aroma of the baked banana leaf and all the spices within it will have you salivating while you scramble to open it. Speaking from experience, this is also a great hangover cure.
What to order – Chicken or Mutton Lamprais
What to drink – Lime juice
Spoil yourself – Another lamprais
3. Short Eat lunch – Fab
Sri Lankan patties
Chillie Sauce
Lunch is considered the main meal in Sri Lanka. This is a busy old time in Colombo. Miss the lunch time rush and you will find there is no food left any where in your locality. As such, you will have to down grade to eating ”short eats” for lunch. If you find yourself in such a predicament while in Colombo, hail down the first tuk tuk you see and ask to be taken to the nearest “Fab”. You will never be too far away from a branch of Fab because they are conveniently scattered through out most of Colombo. This chain has the best offering of Sri Lankan “short eats”. Short Eats are usually served as snacks at parties before the main meal. The most popular are cutlets, patties and Chinese rolls. These are filled meat, fish or veg rolls breadcrumbed or encased in crusty pastry and deep fried. Dip your short eats in the nectar of the Gods that is Sri Lankan chillie sauce for a great alternative to a rice and curry lunch.
What to eat – Cutlets, patties, Chinese rolls.
What to drink – Water
Spoil yourself – Chocolate eclair
4. Organic Food – The Good Market (http://www.goodmarket.lk)
As the name suggests The Good Market in Colombo is an offering of all things good. As well as local handicrafts, the market offers organically farmed fruit and vegetables, spices and cooked food without additives. There are also stalls representing local charities if you wish to support them. The market happens twice a week – Thursday afternoons in Diyatha Uyana, Battharamulla and Sundays at the Racecourse Grounds, Colombo 7. Both locations are easy to get to. More refreshingly, they will take you off the regular tourist hot spots. You will see people of all backgrounds buying, selling and generally mixing at The Good Market. The range of food here varies from traditional Sri Lankan to tasty cup cakes. More importantly, the food is of the “home cooked” variety. Eat small amounts and taste everything. The traditional food stalls here are as authentically Sri Lankan as you will ever find.
What to eat – Everything
What to drink – Everything
Spoil yourself – A 30 minute massage from the blind therapists at Thusare Talking Hands.
5. Dinner – Upali’s by Nawaloka (C.W.W. Kannangara Mawatha, Colombo 7)
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Side dishes
Located in Colombo 7, Upali’s has secured it’s place in the hungry bellies of Colombo dwellers as the ”go to” for traditional Sri Lankan cuisine. Do not let the impressive building and affluent location put you off. At the heart of this establishment and it’s success is traditional cookery. Upali’s has established itself in Colombo, where there is no shortage of quality food on offer, due to it’s eye wateringly tasty “village food” menu. This is a feat that at best would be a challenge and at worst impossible to pull off on this scale. However, Upali’s succeeds where many have failed. There is an extensive menu of traditional food such as ”pittu”, ”string hoppers” and ”hoppers”. That is before I can even mention the tear jerkingly tasty lunch buffet. All of which is highly recommended. You will need to visit more than once to enjoy everything on the menu here. Due to it’s popularity, it is commonly accepted that tables are not readily available, particularly in the evenings. However, true to Sri Lankan hospitality, they will never turn a hungry person away. During peak hours, provided there’s enough space, you will be escorted to their coffee shop next door where you may order from the restaurant’s menu. I kid you not!
What to order – Hopper special which arrives with two curries and a coconut sambol.
What to drink – Papaya Juice
Spoil yourself – Watalappan
6. Sri Lankan-Chinese Fusion food – Chinese Dragon Cafe (http://www.chinesedragoncafe.com)
With a considerable Chinese community, based mainly in the city, Colombo has always been spoilt with magnificent Chinese food. Chinese restaurants in Colombo have been part of the landscape since my childhood. The community has been kind enough to tweak the cuisine to suit local palettes with the use of spices and freshly caught seafood. The result is lethal! This is possibly the reason that Chinese eateries outnumber traditional Sri Lankan eateries in Colombo. They range from 5* restaurants to busy little places with plastic chairs and queues out of the door. The Chinese Dragon Cafe is a small chain and one of the best known in Colombo. Their take on seafood is not for the lighthearted. This is hardcore fusion cookery. The chillie crab, cuttle fish and prawns will sizzle on your tongue. Eat your seafood with Kun Kung – a local stir fried green which is executed to perfection. Skip the fried rice and eat them together.
What to eat – Hot Butter Cuttle fish and Kun Kung
What to drink – Lime juice
Spoil yourself – Chillie crab
7. Dinner – Flamingo House and The Love Bar (Horton Place, Colombo 7)
Latest addition to Colombo
Plush dining area of FH
Flamingo House is a recent addition to Colombo’s culinary landscape. It has however, established itself fiercely amongst Colombo’s big players. With decor that is easily set to become one of the most Instagrammed spaces in Colombo, it rivals no other. An absolute credit to Flamingo House is that the same attention to detail has been extended to it’s food. The carefully curated menu is as eclectic as the decor. Order the dim sum and you will get a treat that is as light as a breath which melts on your tongue. If this is your cup of tea, get there on a Sunday for their “Sumday” special – All you can eat dim sum. All day! If you are at Flamingo House for an evening meal spend a little while admiring the space. It looks its best when the sun goes down. Once you finish your meal carry yourself upstairs to the Love Bar – the hippest venue in Colombo at present. Order yourself a Kalinga Gimlet and dance the night away.
What to eat – Dim Sum
What to drink – Kalinga Gimlet
Spoil yourself – Anything bubbly
8. Pilawoos – After hours (Galle Road, Colombo 3).
Of all the places on my list there are none more typical of Colombo than the national treasure that is Pilawoos. Serving Sri Lankan street food and open 24 hours, it’s come a long way since its humble beginnings on the sidewalk of Galle Road. It has grown to become an icon of Colombo’s nightlife. Night clubs have come and gone but mighty Pilawoos survived. Arrive here by car and you need not leave it’s comfort; waiters come to your window. This unique service naturally makes it popular with clubbers and night owls (and drunks) of Colombo. Pull in to the sidewalk at 3am and you will see all of Colombo’s elite hanging out of their car windows ordering Kottu Roti and Milo. (“Kottu Roti” translates to “chopped roti” in Tamil). Kottu, as it’s commonly known, consists of chopped roti, veg and meat. Cheese is added at your request. Wash this down with an ice cold Milo and you will be more than ready for bed.
What to eat – Chicken and Cheese Kottu
What to drink – Milo or Iced Milo
Spoil yourself – Don’t
Girl Travels World 