Thursday, June 22
Colombo... Sri Lanka's capital is a vibrant colonial/cosmopolitan/chic mix of past and present. Only in Colombo can you find Hindu temples and colonial churches sharing the same space with shiny office buildings, sprawling parks, trendy shops and crowded bazaars. It's this intentional duality that makes this city so fascinating, approachable and exciting to visit.
Founded: by the British in 1796
Region: located on the west coast of Sri Lanka
Population: 752,993 (2011)
Climate: a warm tropical monsoon climate with average year round temperatures of 80F
Language: Sinhala and Tamil
Currency: Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR)
I organised a private guide for our day in Colombo. Dilhan from Dilhan's Awesome Adventures was there to meet us at the main gate to the Port. We had a long day planned with lots of driving so we were first off the ship and on our way as early as possible given that we didn't dock to about 8.15am.
As we made our way out of a very busy Colombo we made an unplanned stop to the Elephant Temple where we were allowed inside to see the elephants. They are such majestic animals. Back on the road we made our way to Koggala which is about 28 miles past Galle and home to the stilt fishermen. After paying our fee of $5USD per person to take photos we were on the road again to our next stop which was the Turtle Conservation and Rescue Centre. It was very interesting to hear about the different turtles and their recovery from the likes of ingesting plastic bags etc.
Next on the agenda was Galle to visit the Fort. The Galle Fort is a World Heritage site and has commanding views over the ocean. We strolled along the beach front taking in the scenery and enjoying the cool sea breeze.
Our next stop was to the old Dutch Market in Galle where Dilhan bought us my favourite buffalo curd topped with honey.... delicious!!!! After wondering around the market we found our way into a wedding sari shop which we all had to buy... look out for photos of our next formal night! Galle is certainly a beautiful town where you could spend a few days or even a week looking around.
It was now time to drive back to the city as the afternoon traffic in Colombo can be horrendous and we did not want to miss out lift to Oman!
The traffic wasn't too bad and we had time to spare so Dilhan took us to a beautiful old tea house for a traditional cup of milk tea before heading back to the port.
A great day was had by all and I would thoroughly recommend Dilhan's Awesome Tours for anyone visiting Colombo.
An extra 30 mins sleep tonight so time to sort out my photos before bed.
Next port Muscat, Oman in 3 days time....
Photos:
1. The gang at the Tea House
2. Koggala and the stilt fishermen
3. Turtles
Founded: by the British in 1796
Region: located on the west coast of Sri Lanka
Population: 752,993 (2011)
Climate: a warm tropical monsoon climate with average year round temperatures of 80F
Language: Sinhala and Tamil
Currency: Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR)
I organised a private guide for our day in Colombo. Dilhan from Dilhan's Awesome Adventures was there to meet us at the main gate to the Port. We had a long day planned with lots of driving so we were first off the ship and on our way as early as possible given that we didn't dock to about 8.15am.
As we made our way out of a very busy Colombo we made an unplanned stop to the Elephant Temple where we were allowed inside to see the elephants. They are such majestic animals. Back on the road we made our way to Koggala which is about 28 miles past Galle and home to the stilt fishermen. After paying our fee of $5USD per person to take photos we were on the road again to our next stop which was the Turtle Conservation and Rescue Centre. It was very interesting to hear about the different turtles and their recovery from the likes of ingesting plastic bags etc.
Next on the agenda was Galle to visit the Fort. The Galle Fort is a World Heritage site and has commanding views over the ocean. We strolled along the beach front taking in the scenery and enjoying the cool sea breeze.
Our next stop was to the old Dutch Market in Galle where Dilhan bought us my favourite buffalo curd topped with honey.... delicious!!!! After wondering around the market we found our way into a wedding sari shop which we all had to buy... look out for photos of our next formal night! Galle is certainly a beautiful town where you could spend a few days or even a week looking around.
It was now time to drive back to the city as the afternoon traffic in Colombo can be horrendous and we did not want to miss out lift to Oman!
The traffic wasn't too bad and we had time to spare so Dilhan took us to a beautiful old tea house for a traditional cup of milk tea before heading back to the port.
A great day was had by all and I would thoroughly recommend Dilhan's Awesome Tours for anyone visiting Colombo.
An extra 30 mins sleep tonight so time to sort out my photos before bed.
Next port Muscat, Oman in 3 days time....
Photos:
1. The gang at the Tea House
2. Koggala and the stilt fishermen
3. Turtles
4. Galle Fort
5. Ocean walk
6. Local lads
7. Dutch Market
8. Buffalo curd
9. Colombo city
10. Traditional singers and dancers to welcome us at the wharf
11. Galle Face Hotel
12. An old ceremonial elephant at the Elephant Temple
13. Tuk tuk
14. The main port gate
Sent from my iPad
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