Colombo was the last stop of our Sri Lanka trip. By the time we reached Colombo, we have visited the best heritage sites in Sri Lanka, we have seen the magnificent highland area, we have spent time at the beautiful beaches. We thought Colombo was just a transit before we go home, but it turned out to be a wonderful cosmopolitan.
My Little Island Hostel
My Little Island Hostel is a lovely accommodation. The hostel is tucked away down a quiet street not too far from Galle Face Green. There's a shopping mall beside the hostel and it is easy to get tuk-tuks / Ubers to get around from there.
Their staffs are very friendly. We stored our luggage at the hostel after we checked out, and they allow us to use the shower and toilet before we left for our night flight.
The reception area and common area are very clean, bright and colourful. The free breakfast is served here, and the food is quite good too.
We booked an ensuite 12-bed dorm, with 1 queen-sized bunk beds and 4 bunk beds. All beds have a small rack, a reading light, a power socket and a curtain to provide some privacy. Each bed also have their own locket (and locks are provided). Overall we were satisfied with this hostel.
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| our lovely room |
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| dining area |
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| our breakfast |
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| common area |
The Old Colombo Dutch Hotel and The Ministry of Crab
The Old Colombo Dutch Hospital is the oldest building in the Colombo Fort area dating back to the Dutch colonial era in Sri Lanka. It has been converted to a shopping and dining precinct. We went there for shopping before dinner at The Ministry of Crab.
I was too lazy for shopping so I went to Colombo Fort Cafe for afternoon tea while waiting for others.
For dinner, we splurged at The Ministry of Crab (reservation is necessary to prevent disappointment). On their menu, there is crab, crab and more crab. This restaurant definitely serve one of the best crabs I ever had, and the crab liver pate blew my mind.
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| very cute plate |
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| crab pate with wood fire Kade breads |
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| coconut drink |
Pettah Market to Jami Ul-alfar Mosque
We took bus to Pettah Market, then did a little bit of window shopping while walking towards the Jami Ul-alfar Mosque.
Jami Ul-alfar Mosque is one of the oldest mosques in Colombo. It is a hybrid style of architecture, that draws elements from native Indo-Islamic and Indian architecture, and combines it with the Gothic revival and Neo-classical styles. The distinctive red and white candy-striped is reminiscent of the Jamek Mosque in Kuala Lumpur. It is said that the Red Mosque has been a landmark for sailors approaching the port of Colombo ever since it was built in 1908, and upon looking at it you can easily imagine that being true.
There are a few area that tourists allow to visit. Before going in, tourists must change to jubbah (tourists could borrow jubbah for free) and remove their shoes. It is highly recommended to do so as the interior of the mosque is quite mesmerising. The domes are built in the shape of pomegranate (unlike the traditional onion shape), and the colorful brick patterns are meant to convey the same image.
Gangaramaya Temple
Gangaramaya Temple is one of the most important temples in Colombo, being a mix of modern architecture and cultural essence. It's really interesting as you can exactly feel the mix of Sri Lankan, Thai, Indian, and Chinese architecture and culture here.
There is a museum in the temple and it is a treasure trove of Buddha statues from all over the globe, Hindu Gods, old watches, Dutch coins and other antique collectibles.
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| the smallest Buddha statue (view via magnifying glass) |
Seema Malaka is part of the Gangaramaya Temple, mainly used for meditation and rest, rather than for worship. Situated in the Beira Lake, it is definitely one of Colombo’s most photographed sights.
Colombo City Centre Shopping Mall
Opposite of Seema Malaka is the modern shopping mall - Colombo City Centre. We went in there to hide away from the afternoon heat. Just like the shopping mall in Malaysia, you can basically find almost everything here. I spent some time for tea-shopping after our lunch, before we continued to Paradise Road, Viharamahadevi Park and National Museum.
