Things to do in Sri Lanka
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Namaste
This recent addition to Hotel Renuka does for North Indian cuisine what the Palmyrah does for Sri Lankan and South Indian food - it provides the highest standards at affordable prices.
reviewed
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Aradhana Gala
To the east of Ambasthale Dagoba is a steep path over sun-heated rock leading up to a point with great views. A railing goes up most of the way. Aradhana Gala means ‘Meditation Rock’.
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Western Monasteries
To the northwest of the Basawakkulama are the ruins of the Western Monasteries, where the monks dressed in scraps of clothing taken from corpses and, it's claimed, lived only on rice.
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C
White Horse
White Horse is a sparse, modern space with stainless-steel decor, and low couches and tables. On Friday nights the mixed crowd of locals and expats often spills out onto the street.
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Lion Pub
Almost every town of size in Sri Lanka seems to have a 'Lion Pub', and this version sitting at the edge of the town centre is as good a spot as any for draught lager at local prices.
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D
Raffles
This cosy restaurant includes several areas for a drink, and multiple dining rooms for a quiet dinner. Pastas, salads, soups, sandwiches and other light Western meals are available.
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E
Temple Trees
Temple Trees is the prime minister's fortified official residence. Galle Rd - the 'backbone' of Colombo - is also home to the Indian and British high commissions and the US embassy.
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F
German Restaurant
Opposite Galle Face Hotel, this simply named eatery does all things German. You may wish to visit during the happy hour (19:00 to 20:00) to sample the draught German beer and wines.
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Mughal Emperor
This North Indian restaurant is the newest place to make a splash on Mt Lavinia’s beach. You can’t miss its big yellow-and-red tent. The food is reasonably priced and high quality.
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Molly's Irish Pub & Restaurant
Like Clancy's Irish Pub in Cinnamon Gardens, this pub (tucked away in a small office area) has regular quiz nights, live local bands, pub meals, happy hours and retro dance nights.
reviewed
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H
Nuwara Wewa
Nuwara Wewa, on the east side of the city, is the largest tank in Anuradhapura, covering about 1200 hectares. It was built around 20 BC and is well away from most of the old city.
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National Art Gallery
Visit the National Art Gallery next to the National Museum. It has a permanent collection of portraits and landscapes, as well as some temporary exhibitions by Sri Lankan artists.
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Sea Horse Scuba Diving Centre
A well-regarded and long-standing outfit that rents out snorkelling gear for Rs 800 per day. A Professional Association of Diving Instructors’ (PADI) Open Water course costs €300.
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Chinese Dragon Cafe
Colombo probably has more Chinese restaurants than Sri Lankan ones, and this spot, housed in an old mansion, is one of the more popular for its inexpensive rice and noodle dishes.
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K
Anipandi Sitivigniswara Alayar
Of the many Hindu temples, Anipandi Sitivigniswara Alayar is visually the finest, with a magnificent gopuram that’s decorated with a riotous festival of intertwined god figures.
reviewed
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Fish Market
Fish auctions on the beach and sales at the fish market near the Ducth fort are a slippery and very smelly sight, but one that’s well worth forgoing some swimming-pool time for.
reviewed
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Salli Muthumariamunam Kovil
Beachfront Salli Muthumariamunam Kovil is 4km by road from Uppuveli but only a short hop by boat; it’s directly across Fishermen’s Creek, masked from view by green-topped rocks.
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Stephens Snack Bar
The Stephens Snack Bar, close to the Mirovadai junction on the road to Batticaloa, is a more loved and flower-filled tea shop you will rarely have the pleasure of coming across.
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Elephant Walk
An arcade containing a collection of shops selling something that’ll look just perfect on the wall or mantelpiece back home, as well as a small range of English-language books.
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Majestic Cinema
Shows Hollywood blockbusters, although often quite a while after they’ve been released elsewhere in the world. Tickets cost Rs 150 for adults and Rs 100 for children under 12.
reviewed
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Bibliomania
Jam-packed with a random selection of second-hand fiction and a mixed bag of magazines, educational books and more. Most are in English. Prices are often the best in the city.
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Stag’s Head
On the top floor on the Hotel Casamara, this terrace bar offers views of Kandy’s exuberant traffic coursing around the throngs below. It’s more suitable for male travellers.
reviewed
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Gotami Vihara
The modern Gotami Vihara, 6km southeast of Fort near Cotta Rd train station in Borella, has some outstanding Jataka (Buddha life stories) murals by modern artist George Keyt.
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Kandy Lake Club
Located 300m up Sanghamitta Mawatha, this club starts its show at 7pm. The front seats are usually reserved for groups, so for good seats arrive at least 20 minutes early.
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St Mary's Cathedral
Built along classical lines, St Mary’s Cathedral is astonishingly large, but it’s curious to see corrugated-iron roofing held up by such a masterpiece of wooden vaulting.
reviewed