Your ultimate guide to Sri Lanka
Restaurants and bars, museums and galleries, shopping, hotels, travel and more…
Hot Spot: An exciting circus extravaganza
As fire flares up and the drums beat, European new circus artists move in synchronisation with Sri Lankan devil dancers. Be mesmerised by Cirque Sri Lanka, a poetic circus of aerial acrobatics, fire juggling, equilibristics and theatre. Cultures and modern art forms mingle at the Viharamahadevi Open Air Theatre, creating an explosion of energy and colour...
Duruthu Perahera
The culturally resplendent Duruthu Perahera marks the beginning of the Island’s Buddhist calendar. The culturally resplendent Duruthu Perahera (procession) by the Kelaniya Raja Maha Viharaya marks the beginning of Sri Lanka’s Buddhist calendar. It is one of the grandest pageants in the country, having begun in 1927 and since then accumulated more reverence and glamour. Duruthu, or the January full moon Poya day, was always special for the Kelaniya Temple. It was on this day that the Buddha hallowed this ground on his first visit to the Island. The historical significance, alive in the minds of Sri Lankan Buddhists, adds zest to the perahera. The perahera on the first day is called the Uda Maluwe Perahera, a low-key pageant with a few participants that circles the upper precincts of the temple three times and then retreats. The sacred tooth relic casket, resting on a cushion, is at the heart of the pageant. The second day procession is more magnificent, and to the main tooth relic perahera is added the exuberant processions of the three gods who have shrines within the main temple: Vishnu, Kataragama and Vibishana. The final and grandest perahera is the Randoli Perahera. As the drumming throbs at dusk on this day, excitement mounts among the thickly congregated crowds. Lights flare up and vendors line the streets. It is the cue for the pageant to stream out in their hundreds: whip- crackers, drummers, dancers, torch-bearers, elephants and acrobats all putting up a sho
Aloko Udapadi
The story begins 2100 years ago during the reign of King Walagamba. It was a time when the country was facing Chola invasion and a great famine. Buddhism was in grave danger and could not survive by oral tradition alone. Aloko Udapadi narrates the sequence of events that led to the great Dhamma being written and preserved in the Tripitika. It is a story of courage and national pride. Aloko Udapadi is the first movie production by Thusitha Wijayasena, Chairman of Kandy City Centre. “Sri Lanka did a great service to the world by committing the teachings of the Buddha into writing,” explained Thusitha Wijayasena, Producer of Aloko Udapadi. It was this message that the Producer and his young team wanted to convey to the audience. The film revolves around the period of King Walagamba. At the time of his ascension to the throne Sri Lanka was prosperous and peaceful where all lived in unity. However, with foreign invasion of the Chola and internal strife caused by Brahamin Theeya, the King and the royal family flee for safety. It was the venerable Buddhist monks that protected the King. Innocent villagers and the Buddhist monks were not spared by the invading forces in their quest to destroy the King. During this time Sri Lanka started to experience a severe drought that caused a famine. The story depicts the courage of the leading Buddhist Monks that enabled the true form of Buddhism to be preserved for posterity. It is also tale of a victorious king. “We are not from the
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Aluvihare Rock Temple
It is crowded with relics from many periods of history: from Third Century BC to the present day. It ranks among the very first temples in Sri Lanka, founded by Devanampiyatissa, the first Buddhist king. It is to the Aluvihare temple that you must go to absorb traditions of Sri Lankan Buddhism not changed since feudal times. At first glance itself the temple is intriguing, it spreads across several levels through rock and lush greenery. Coconut palms with feathery fronds; image houses with colonnaded verandahs and rock boulder roofs; whole villages assigned to provide feudal services: everything is here. Within its premises are also thirteen caves. For more than 2,300 years, monks have inhabited these caves, engaged in their quest for Nirvana. The most ancient mark left behind by them on the rocks boulders are a sacred footprint to represent the Buddha. The dark main rock cave is occupied by a giant reclining Buddha, attended eagerly by images of divine and human personages. Another cave with a Buddha statue running its length is painted with graphic images of Buddhist hell: a wake up call to pilgrims. Yet, Aluvihare is best known because within its caves took place a landmark event of Buddhist history. In the 1st century BC, a huge number of monks in the country fell victim to a 12 year-long famine. At this time, all the Buddha’s teachings were still transmitted orally from generation to generation by monks, therefore, the doctrine was threatened with extinction. Afte
Where to stay?
Galle Face Hotel
Established in 1864, Galle Face Hotel is one of the oldest hotels in Asia. With rooms over looking the Indian Ocean, the hotel faces the long green sweep of Galle Face Green popular with the city’s residents as the sun sets. The hotel has been spruced up for the modern era and has two wings, where the wooden and earthy tones impart a sense of comfort and luxury. A leisurely alfresco-style evening at the Sea Spray restaurant, The Verandah or at the Poolside Bar and Terrance is a relaxing and reassuring experience in the city. The 1864 Restaurant in the Regency Wing is for formal dining and matches the splendour of the wing’s ornate rooms and suites. The hotel is currently completing its renovation of its original entrance hall and rooms in the Classic Wing.
Hilton Colombo
Located in the shadow of the twin towers of Colombo’s World Trade Centre, the Hilton Colombo is situated in the centre of the city’s commercial district with rooms recently refurbished to match the demands of today’s business or leisure guests. With a popular tea lounge off the reception lobby and seven restaurants and bars serving cuisine from different cultures, the hotel is almost a destination in itself, a welcome retreat after a day in the city. Its swimming pool lies across the road, reached by a footbridge.
The Kingsbury
The Kingsbury Hotel began life as the Ceylon Intercontinental Hotel in the 1970s but has recently been transformed from top to bottom into a glittery hotel with 229 elegantly furnished rooms with ocean views and an ambience of contemporary charm. The efficiency of accommodation is complemented with versatility afforded by numerous restaurants, bars, lounges, meeting rooms and public areas. The Sky Lounge on the roof top is the setting for a great night out overlooking the Indian Ocean, except when it rains since the bar really is open to the sky.
OZO Colombo
Ozo Colombo is a glittering new hotel on Marine Drive overlooking the railway line to the south and the sea beyond, close enough to the city for business visitors and far enough away for holidaymakers. With comfortable rooms bright with light from its western view, the latest in amenities and its pleasant staff, Ozo Colombo is dedicated to affordable hotel living. A morning walk along Marine Drive or a dip in the rooftop pool is a great start to the day. ON14, the rooftop bar lounge is gaining popularity among the city’s trendsetters.
Sri Lanka shopping guide
Shop till you drop
It’s no secret that Sri Lanka is home to some special and unique department stores. Places like Odel have been around for quite some time but there are new contenders like Beverly Street and House of Fashions that are seriously wowing with their chic and contemporary offerings.