Rilwan's Lab: Colombo Destinations

Colombo, being the largest city in Sri Lanka, which is also referred to as the Capital of Sri Lanka is a busy and vibrant place with a mixture of modern life and colonial buildings and ruins. Colombo was known to ancient traders 2,000 years ago. It was made the capital of the island when Sri Lanka was ceded to the British Empire in 1815, and its status as capital was retained when the nation became independant in 1948.

I shall run through a short journey to certain destinations in Colombo as you scroll below:

The Viharamahadevi Park (formaly Victoria Park) is a public park located in Colombo, next to the National Museum in Sri Lanka. It is the oldest and largest park of the Port of Colombo. Situated in front of the colonial style Town Hall building. The park is named after Viharamahadevi the mother of King Dutugamunu. The park was built during the British rule of Sri Lanka, and was originally named "Victoria Park" after Queen Victoria.

The park features include a huge Buddha statue and a series of water fountains.

Beautiful flowers decorate the green nature into a more colorful scenery. Here are some shots of macros of such kind:

My favorite macro taken at the background of Buddha Statue.

Beautiful pink flower turning to welcome the visitors.

Another macro of a white flower which was in a bunch (should apologize me for not mentioning the names of these species since I am not aware of)

Shot by Aslam (my nephew) at the very same place.

Some beautiful hanging species. Looks like some creature...lol!

Flowers of this kind were very rare and most of them are faded, but this stood still smiling at me.

Another creation of Aslam, but actually this doesn't fall as "Macro", but a bunch of flowers.

Finally some purples to wrap up the macros.

Viharamahadevi park is also a fascinating place for some sceneries which I shall take you through before it gets dark.

This tree looked abnormal with a cave shaped hollow beneath.

Finally we waved at this tree to say good-bye and packed the things for the next place.

Viharamahadevi Park is the green lung of Colombo: the largest, oldest and most colourful park. It is at its best from March to May, when most of the flowers are in full bloom. The park is great for shaded walks and relaxation. There are small ponds, occasional elephants, and some interesting Buddha statues.

Originally called Victoria Park by the British, it has been renamed in honour of a famous historical Sinhalese queen, Viharamahadevi, of whom there is a large statue. The park is conveniently near other tourist sites such as the National Museum and the Town Hall. Furthermore, the Public Library adjoins the park.

There is a special children’s section with a small train ride and a zoo of baby animals. There are swings, see-saws, and other amusement activities for children. During certain times of the year, concerts, art exhibitions, garden shows, and flower exhibitions are held at the park.

Our next visit was to the "GALLE FACE GREEN"

Galle Face Green is a beautiful stretch of land of around 1/2km by the sea, that’s mostly used as a public walk way, located at the heart of Colombo. It’s situated right in front of the old Parliament of Sri Lanka. This promenade is the biggest open space to be seen in this congested city.

Most of the best star class hotels are situated around it, complimenting this famous site a little bit more.

At the side of the promenade they sell the yummiest snacks that you can try outdoors in Sri Lanka. They have fruits like, mango and pineapple mixed with salt and chilli powder or pepper or you can try the Galle Face Green specialities, the Prawn Wades that is better known as, Isso Wade or the Naan Rottis with delicious curries to be sold and mostly on weekends you will be able to see children crying or nagging to their parents asking for ice cream and toys sold by the mobile vendors visiting this place every day.

Galle Face Green is most of the time filled on weekends with families who come to fly kites or just to enjoy the nice sea breeze while they sit on the nice green carpet of grass that is neatly laid and maintained by the Urban Development Authority.

For a brisk walk in the evenings, this would be the perfect place for you and if you are staying in one of the star class hotels nearby you have the advantage of not needing separate transportation to get here.

Young lovers walking hand in hand or sitting closer to each other on the benches placed on the side of the promenade is a common site to be seen. It’s truly a romantic place to be watching the sun going down in many colours and finally fading away to the ocean.

This was shot on way back from Galle Face Green to the Exhibition held at BMICH because of the beauty of the lights in the bridge in preparation for the Christmas on the following day. We call this "The Gangaramaya Temple".

What was once a swamp adjoining the famous Beira Lake, a landmark in the capital city, is today a vibrant complex comprising the Gangaramaya temple, the ‘seema malaka’ – an assembly hall for monks - in the picturesque Beira Lake and a vocational training institute.

Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall (BMICH) is reputed for its high-quality specialized conference facilities and personalized customer service. A multi-functional complex comprising of 9 buildings, the BMICH is a complete events venue in Colombo, Sri Lanka and covers around 37 acres of landscape. This prestigious centre enjoys its status as South Asia's top exhibition complex and is one of Asia's most modern forum. It comprises of high-tech facilities, modern convention halls & rooms and also offers a spacious delegation room of 16,000 sq ft. With a variety of advanced technical services and facilities at its convenience, BMICH is Sri Lanka's most popular events venue and is the place to host musical dramas, beauty pageants, conferences, exhibitions, plenary sessions and trade events.