Ceylon Olive

Ceylon Olive locally known as Veralu is a species indigenous to Sri Lanka. Veralu grows on medium sized trees that are naturally grown in home gardens across the country. The green oval shaped unripe fruit is boiled and seasoned with salt and chili powder and sold as pickles known as Veralu Achcharu which is a popular street food in Sri Lanka. The ripe fruit can be eaten with sugar or jaggery. In addition to its addictive taste it also has important medical benefits.

 

Read more: Savour the season!

Embekke Devale

Devale of Embekke, dedicated to the worship of Mahasen, popularly known as Kataragama Deviyo. A local deity, Devata Bandara is also worshipped at the site. The shrine consists of three sections, the Garbha (sanctum), Digge (dancing hall) and the Hevisimandapaya (drummers’ hall). It is the drummers’ hall that has drawn the attention of visitors to the site, bearing splendid carvings on its ornate and its high-pitched roof. The Devale is said to have been built by King Vikramabahu III (1357-1374 AD) of Gampola. It is said that some of the woodwork utilized for the drummers’ hall came from an abandoned Royal Audience hall at Gampola.

 

Read more: Embekke: The Devale of legend

Hotel Nippon in Slave Island

"Nippon" as it is popularly known, occupies Manning Mansions in Slave Island, a place which the 16 th. Century Portuguese rulers of Colombo had used to house slaves brought from Africa. Being one of the oldest buildings in Colombo, Manning Mansions were designated as one of its "heritage" buildings by the Sri Lankan Department of Archeology with strict rules for their upkeep.

Hotel Nippon found its place in cinematic history when it was featured in David Lean’s Academy Award winning film Bridge On The River Kwai shot in Ceylon in the mid 1950s. According to Dr.Valsan Vethody, a Director of the hotel, some of the indoor shots of the Japanese army headquarters were shot in Nippon, and its then joint proprietor, Greg Roskowski, a Polish émigré, had acted in the film as one of the British Prisoners of War.

 

Read more: Malayali family brings back to life a slice of colonial Colombo

Lankathilake Viharaya

The Lankatilaka Vihara is situated on a top of a rock popularly called Panhalgala in the village of Hiyarapitiya in Udunuwara in the Kandy district. There are several access roads to this place of worship. A visitor travelling along Colombo-Kandy highway will have to take the turn to the right at the Ambilimeegama-Daulagala road via Gadaladeniya before reaching Lankatilaka. According to the historical notes at the Vihara, King Buvanekabahu IV (1341-1351 AD) had commissioned a reputed architect from the Mehenewara, an artisan clan to construct a monumental Vihara. It is also recorded that this architect had obtained instructions on design and construction from a renowned South Indian architect called Stapati Rayar.

 

Read more: Lankatilaka Vihara: Magnificent edifice of Gampola era

City's most exciting hospitality newcomer: Jetwing Colombo Seven

Jetwing Colombo Seven is the latest in an exciting line of stunning hotels to be rolled out by the group around the country with more opening later in the year. The hotel caters to all tastes but is probably most attractive to the serious business traveller who needs to put in a focused, productive day in the business centre of Colombo, a very short ride away from Ward Place without the stress of battling through hair-raising grid locked traffic. Its central location makes it possible to return quickly after meetings to complete peace and tranquillity, either to unwind in the most relaxing possible way or to finish off communications for the day’s tasks in a conducive boudoir designed to be both chic and ultra modern.

 

Read more: The Pinnacle of Colombo Seven

Hot air balloon rides over the picturesque terrain of the Cultural Triangle

The hot air balloon rides follow a scenic flight route and provide guests with the opportunity to gently float 1,000 - 2,000 feet over the forest, streams and paddy fields below. Taking off from Kandalama at sunrise, the balloon rides will take guests on an unforgettable journey that will enable them to experience the lush surroundings and rich historical landmarks of the area from a fresh, new perspective. Guests can see the majestic Sigiriya Rock Fortress and its intricate network of pools. With Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa and Dambulla located in its three corners and Sigiriya situated in its centre, the Cultural Triangle is famed as one of Sri Lanka's most important cultural and historical locations, and the many statues and archeological structures that remain stand as a reminder of the great civilizations that were part of Sri Lanka's past.

 

Read more: Flying over mountains

The Colombo Swimming Club

The Colombo Swimming Club was initially located at the Galle Face Hotel. The Club moved from the Galle Face Hotel to the current location in Kollupitiya, in 1938. The building in Kollupitiya is called “Storm Lodge”. At that time, and until about 1973, the Club was exclusively for Europeans. After 1973, locals were also given memberships and they took over the administration of the Club. David Wilkie, an Olympic Gold medalist who lived in Sri Lanka during his childhood years, learned to swim at the Colombo Swimming Club, according to the officials of the Club.

 

Read more:  The Colombo Swimming Club

Gadaladeniya

Gadaladeniya is considered the biggest Vihara in Kandy, built of granite atop a rock outcrop. It is believed to have been built by Ven. Dharmakeerthi Thera during the reign of King Buwanekabahu IV, (1341-1351 AD) the first King of the Gampola period. A large number of brass work souvenir shops are located along the road to the temple and there are two different routes leading to the Vihara from the Daulagala Road. The one on the left side of the Vihara is a steep climb through the rock cut flight of steps, which is also used to hold the annual Perahera of the Vihara. 

Read more: Gadaladeniya Vihara: Etched in stone Influenced by Hindu architecture

Flamingos are back

A wader bird residing in mudflats (coastal wetlands which are formed when mud is deposited by tides or rivers) and shallow coastal lagoons with salt water, flamingos feed on small shrimps, seeds, blue-green algae and molluscs. Using its feet, the flamingo stirs up the mud and sucks water through its beak and filters out its ‘edibles’. A migratory bird to us, flamingos arrive here in the north towards the end of August and are south-bound around March-April.

Read more: The flamingos are back but for how long?

Southern Eliyakanda Hill Climb at Browns Hill, Matara

The hilly slopes of Browns Hill, Matara will be deafened by the incessant cry of motor vehicles on February 26 with the flagging off of the 21st annual “Southern Eliyakanda Hill Climb”. The Southern Eliyakanda Hill Climb is an annual motor sports event conducted by the Southern Motor Sports Club (SMSC), which takes place at Browns Hill, Matara, a picturesque small hill, in the midst of salubrious coastal environment of the South. The track lies in the pathway to the residence of the District Secretary (GA) of Matara, a 700-meter long track of winding stretches of narrow tar mac.

 

The Southern Eliyakanda Hill Climb track is a unique track, with four extremely tricky and challenging corners; the Single Tree Corner, Southern Corner, Residency Corner and Tower Corner, which the conquering requires high driving skills and perfect man-machine combination. This is the very reason for all well-known drivers in the country taking part in this event amidst a large number of spectators every year. 

This year’s event will have a practice day on February 25 and the following day main event will consist of 10 motor cycle and 24 motor car events. Scrutinizing of competition vehicles will commence at 7.30 a.m.The races will start at 9.00 a.m. and the price giving will be held at the Pearl Cliff Hotel, Browns Hill, Matara at 4.00 p.m

 

Read more:  Browns Hill comes alive with roar of automobiles on Feb. 26

The ultimate test of body and mind at the crescent of the south coast – Mirissa beach

Hailed as one of the toughest obstacle courses, Red Bull Levels returns to Sri Lanka for its 3rd edition. With 2 successful events held in the years 2015 and 2016, this ultimate test of body and mind returns to the crescent of the south coast – Mirissa beach on February 25 at Kama Mirissa.

Red Bull Levels is an obstacle course that brings together two of Sri Lanka’s ancient trades –stilt fishing and toddy tapping into one obstacle course that challenges ones strength, grit, stamina and team work. More than 400 dare-devils in teams of 4 will descend upon Mirissa beach to participate in the 3rd edition of this event, which will feature an entirely new and updated course.

 

Read more: ‘Red Bull Levels’ 3rd edition unvails in Mirissa on Feb. 25