Arcade Independence Square is the third super-complex to pop up in Colombo, after Dutch Hospital and Racecourse. It's a beautiful, central space with a food court, restaurants, and shopping, cushioned on a beautiful green expanse.
The Arcade premises is pretty large - it's made up of a series of connected signature white colonial buildings, and the old Auditor General's building as well.
The buildings are surrounded by green lawns, tall trees and flawless paved floors scattered with some very cool furniture. The central spot has got fountains and even a fish-tank that you can look at - get this - while walking on top of it. Overall, it's doubtless one of the nicest places to now hang out at in Colombo. Also, the complex has some very impressive posh washrooms, they get bonus points for this.
The next two sections will give you an idea of what to expect here, but if you just want to know what's where, skip down to the layout maps.
So far we counted 39 food/clothing outlets on Arcade premises. The main building is split up into two - your retail therapy needs can be met mostly in the first floor. Amante, the Parfumerie, Levi's - you'll find mostly designer and custom clothing and shoes. You also get large electronics showrooms on both floors.
In the Auditor General's building (the one with the huge clock on it that you can see from Independence Square) you get Wickramarachchi Opticians if you're looking for a good pair of sunglasses, Stone and String, a whole store of Kookabura equipment (for all you cricket fanatics), a Titan showroom and Glamorous Sri Lanka for local tea and jewellery. There's even a salon on the first floor called the Wax Museum and a Cineplex for 3D movies.
Arcade Independence Square is an awesome spot to chill at - the outside is all green lawn, smooth pavement and cane furniture, and the inside is all white and wooden paneling. Some corridors have long benches where you can just sit and relax, there are great views of the lawn, the road and Independence Square through different windows of the building, and there's a very cool skylight in the center of one of the staircases.
The place has just opened up so it's only got some university kids and tourists walking around, it's the right time to go for some quiet and some chill shopping or snacking. Here's some maps in case you get lost, and more photos below:
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The Arcade premises is pretty large - it's made up of a series of connected signature white colonial buildings, and the old Auditor General's building as well.
The buildings are surrounded by green lawns, tall trees and flawless paved floors scattered with some very cool furniture. The central spot has got fountains and even a fish-tank that you can look at - get this - while walking on top of it. Overall, it's doubtless one of the nicest places to now hang out at in Colombo. Also, the complex has some very impressive posh washrooms, they get bonus points for this.
The next two sections will give you an idea of what to expect here, but if you just want to know what's where, skip down to the layout maps.
So far we counted 39 food/clothing outlets on Arcade premises. The main building is split up into two - your retail therapy needs can be met mostly in the first floor. Amante, the Parfumerie, Levi's - you'll find mostly designer and custom clothing and shoes. You also get large electronics showrooms on both floors.
In the Auditor General's building (the one with the huge clock on it that you can see from Independence Square) you get Wickramarachchi Opticians if you're looking for a good pair of sunglasses, Stone and String, a whole store of Kookabura equipment (for all you cricket fanatics), a Titan showroom and Glamorous Sri Lanka for local tea and jewellery. There's even a salon on the first floor called the Wax Museum and a Cineplex for 3D movies.
Arcade Independence Square is an awesome spot to chill at - the outside is all green lawn, smooth pavement and cane furniture, and the inside is all white and wooden paneling. Some corridors have long benches where you can just sit and relax, there are great views of the lawn, the road and Independence Square through different windows of the building, and there's a very cool skylight in the center of one of the staircases.
The place has just opened up so it's only got some university kids and tourists walking around, it's the right time to go for some quiet and some chill shopping or snacking. Here's some maps in case you get lost, and more photos below:
Recently Sri Lanka is becoming a major spot for watching Whales and Dolphins. Dondra Point of down south in Sri Lanka is the main port of Whale Watching in Sri Lanka during December to April. Out of these months December, January and April are the peak months of sightings. During these months there is 95% chances of spotting Sperm Whales and great chances of spotting Blue Whales as their migration path is just off Dondra Point. Also there are good chances of spotting Spinner Dolphins also off Dondra. Ample of accommodation options are available as Dondra point can be reach easily from Hikkaduwa, Galle, Unawatuna, Weligama, Mirissa and Tangalle which are popular beach locations in Sri Lanka.
Mirissa
Mirissa and its breathtaking sandy beach pretty much transforms your dreams and visions of a tropical paradise into an everyday reality. Located close to the Southern tip of the Island of Sri Lanka and only about 200 km from the Equator, this secluded crescent shaped beach is the perfect place to sit back, relax and forget about all the hussle and bussle of your other life that’s a million miles away.
This small sandy tropical beach boasts some of Sri Lanka’s best and most stunning sunsets and sunrises. All the Guest Houses in Mirissa are set back from the actual beach giving you the impression that you are on a deserted palm fringed island. Every now and again the silence is broken by the sound of a coconut falling on the sand or a chilled beer being opened by someone further up the beach. Mirissa beach is also a one of the best place for Surfing lovers.
Mirissa
Mirissa and its breathtaking sandy beach pretty much transforms your dreams and visions of a tropical paradise into an everyday reality. Located close to the Southern tip of the Island of Sri Lanka and only about 200 km from the Equator, this secluded crescent shaped beach is the perfect place to sit back, relax and forget about all the hussle and bussle of your other life that’s a million miles away.
This small sandy tropical beach boasts some of Sri Lanka’s best and most stunning sunsets and sunrises. All the Guest Houses in Mirissa are set back from the actual beach giving you the impression that you are on a deserted palm fringed island. Every now and again the silence is broken by the sound of a coconut falling on the sand or a chilled beer being opened by someone further up the beach. Mirissa beach is also a one of the best place for Surfing lovers.
Whale and Dolphin watching is an easy sport that you can take up during the months of December to April. All you need to take is a boat, few kilometers from the shore, which we can help you arrange. Experienced local guides can show you a good time in watching whales and dolphins off the coast of Mirissa.
Pods of Dolphins can be seen accompanying boats frequently during the said months. Blue and Sperm Whales in large numbers frequent the coastline of Sri Lanka during this period and can be viewed near Mirissa beach.
SRI LANKA NAVY
The Sri Lankan Navy is getting into the tourism business in an effort to improve the country’s image after three decades of civil war and to offer tourists a new attraction otherwise unavailable here. It has established a ferry service for whale watching excursions out of the popular tourist port of Galle in the south. Tickets aboard the luxury ferry cost $100 for a five-hour journey and whales can be seen in the area through April. This region was largely unaffected by the long-running civil war.
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Spice Gardens and Spices in Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka is famous for its spices and spices gardens. These spice gardens offers tourists memorable visits to various spice plantations in Sri Lanka. In order to promote and uplift spice growing and spice gardens of Sri Lanka a spice council was established with all key industry private and public sector stakeholders. During early historical times Sri Lanka Known as Taprobane, was world renowned for its quality spices. During ancient times the Greeks, Romans and the Arabic maintained there links with Sri Lanka through the spice trade.
There are some 4,000 different species of plants at Peradeniya Gardens. The 10,000 or so trees, which are the stars, are mature, lofty giants, many of them tropical timber trees. Highlights of the collection include the Giant Bamboo of Burma, capable of growing to 40 meters’ height (130 feet), with a 25-centimetre (10-inch) stem diameter. And it can grow by a rapid 30 centimeters a day (12 inches).
Spices Used in Ayurveda in Sri Lanka
The wealth and variety of Sri Lankan spices provided ideal grounds for traditional Ayurveda. Ayurveda is an ancient form of medicine, the Science of Long life , using natural remedies to achieve physical and mental well being. Herbs, spices and their natural oils figure prominently in Ayurveda massage and alternative therapies. Sri Lankan spices are used in a range of perfume, soap and other cosmetics, aromatherapy essential oils and Ayurveda toothpaste based on 24 herbs and spices.
Cloves are recommended for toothache and sore throats. The herbal tooth paste manufactured using the herbs and spices grown is spice gardens of Sri Lanka is a methodically manufactured with over 24 natural herbal Medicines and spices and mixed with pure dental care with an ancient Ayurvedic formula. This tooth paste helps to reduce the tarter in the teeth and sticky substance in gums that destroys germs and bacteria, also helps against pyorrhea and gingivitis, and keeps the mouth fresh throughout the whole day.
Nutmeg and black pepper stimulates digestion, ginger alleviates motion sickness and spices mixed with king coconut oil make an excellent sun cream while citronella repels insects.
Spices Used in Sri Lanka
- Cinnamon (Kurundu) :The Dutch started the cinnamon industry in Sri Lanka, and even today the island is the biggest producer of this, the most delicately scented of spices, which is used in curries and rice dishes.
- Cardamom ( Enasal) :Cardamom is an excellent in moderation to flavor curries, for sauces, and to give aroma to confectionary, especially wattalapam, atypical Malay egg pudding.
- Pepper (Gam Miris) : This pungent berry, the earliest spices known to human kind, is used as a substitute for red-hot chilies. The world famous soup Mullingatawny (Tamil pepper water) is made from this spice.
- Cloves (Karabu Nati) : One of the best known of all spices, but also one of the most difficult to use because of their pungency, cloves are used in many types of curry and confectionery.
- Coriander (Kottamalli) : Coriander is a basic ingredient used daily in Sri Lanka to add flavors to curries. Normally only the seeds are used, which are usually roasted before being ground.
- Turmeric (Kaha) : Turmeric, which is often confused with saffron, is used as a condiment in curries. A little turmeric and salt are all that is necessary to preserve fish and meat.
- Fenugreek (Uluhal) : Fenugreek, which has a rather unpleasant scent and a bitter taste, is used to flavor and give the necessary binding or thickening effect to curries.
- Sweet-cumin (Maduru) : This is spice is used in the preparation of curry powder together with coriander and cumin, and also as flavoring for sweet dishes and alcoholic liqueurs.
- Cummin (Suduru) : Cummin, which has a remarkable pungent and aromatic flavor, is one of the ingredients of curry powder together with sweet-cummin and coriander.
- Curry Leaves (Karapincha) : Curry leaves are generally used fresh in most rice and curry dishes, giving a very distinctive flavor and fragrance.
- Lemon Grass (Sera) : Lemon Grass, as its name implies, has a strong taste and smell of lemon. The bulbous part of thr plant is used to flavor meat and fish dishes.
- Gamboge (Goraka) : Gamboge, usually ground with a little hot water, is used as a souring and thickening agent in white curries, fish and meat preparations, and certain vegetable curries.
Around August – September every year, the receding banks of the Minneriya Lake are covered by about 300 Asian elephants in search of food and water. This spectacular phenomenon known as ‘the Gathering’ is possibly the highest concentration of Asian elephants in a single location and ideal setting to observe and understand the social dynamics of elephants, especially the feeding, courting and fighting of the giant mammals and the matriarchs who tenderly guard their young. Many safaris are organized to the Minneriya National Park during the season and accommodation around Sigiriya, Dambulla, Habarana, Kandalama and Giritale would be the best options.
Kandy Esala Perahara - August 1st to 11th
The month of Esala (July), during which period this annual pageant is usually held, had been considered a month of celebrations and festivity, both among Indians and Sri Lankans. Even from the lifetime of the Buddha in the 6th century BC, the Esala festival was held to commemorate the Buddha's Conception, his Renunciation and the First Sermon. Esala is also considered to be the beginning of the raining season (Vassana) when the monks commence their Retreat. Also, this month is considered to be the period when ritual performances to the protective divinities are held, (eg Pattini puja) as recorded in the text 'Pattini-Halla'. Being considered a 'chaste' month, the period is held sacred for the availability of water, hence prosperity.
Sri Lanka Shines in Shanghai three day mega promotional campaign in China reached its climax with a glamorous ‘Sri Lankan Night’ which was held in the evening of 4th July 2014 at Pudong Shangri La Hotel in Shanghai. The event was graced by the distinguished presence of Hon. Basil Rajapaksa, Minister of Economic Development of Sri Lanka as the chief guest of this glamorous evening.
The other VIP guests who were present at the event included Hon. Shan Wijayalal, Chief Minister, Southern Provincial Council, Sri Lanka, Hon. (Madam). Zhang Li Li, Chairperson for Foreign Affairs, Shanghai Municipal Government, H E. Ranjith Uyangoda , the Ambassador of Sri Lanka to China , Hon. Nazeer Ahamed, Provincial Minister (Tourism), Eastern Provincial Council, Sri Lanka , Hon. Dao Shu Ming, Chairman, China Friendship Association with Foreign Countries , Ms. Yasun Wang, Vice Chairperson, All China Federation of Returned Overseas Chinese ,Mr. Yong Jiang Huang, CEO, Infinit-Tea Ltd, Mr. Wang Yingqi, Counsellor (Economic and Commerce), Embassy of China in Colombo, Sri Lanka and Mr. Gu Jun, Vice Chair of Municipal Commission of Commerce of Shanghai.
The rest of the VIP’s represented the evening from Sri Lankan side were Mrs. Hasanathy Dissanayake, Consul General of Sri Lanka in Shanghai, Mr. Anura Siriwardhane, Secretary, Ministry of Industry & Commerce, Mr. Bhashwara Gunarathna, Chairman, Sri Lanka Tourism, Mr. Nishantha Wickramasinghe, Chairman, Sri Lankan Airlines, Dr. D.S. Jayaweera, Director General, Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority and Mr. Rumy Jauffer, Managing Director, Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau.
Along with the distinguished VIP’s, over 580 high profile Chinese guests including diplomats, Chinese government officers, Travel and Trade Businessman, media, celebrities, travel agents and tour operators participated for this vibrant and colourful night held in Pudong , Shangri La on 4th July. The chief guests and the VIP’s were welcomed by a traditional Sri Lankan dance performance to the venue. Welcome address of the event was delivered by H. E. the Ambassador for Sri Lanka in China. Madame Shang Lili, Chairperson for Committee of Foreign Affairs of Shanghai Municipal Government in her speech highlighted the importance of the two countries to work in cooperation to develop the potential areas of growth for China and Sri Lanka. She emphasised that Sri Lanka Night has brought together the diplomatic community and other high profile officials of both countries creating a platform for exchange of ideas and develop links. The Hon. Shan Wijayalal, Chief Minister, Southern Provincial Council delivering a speech said that he is delighted to see the steps taken by Ministry of Economic Development and Sri Lanka Tourism to promote Sri Lanka in Chinese market and hoped that both countries work in mutual understanding to develop this lucrative travel and trade industry further.
The glamorous Sri Lanka Night event featured a series of activities highlighting the Island’s culture and traditions, reflecting the unique Sri Lankan identity. The vibrant cultural dances of the night was performed by the students of Kirindiwela central college of Sri Lanka, Choreographed by Master Lionel Guanarathna. Popular Sri Lankan traditional dance items such as “Ves Dance”, “Thelme”, “Lee Keli” ,” Pooja Dance”, “Suramba Walliya” and “Drum Fusion” were enacted on stage by the dancers creating high level of enthusiasm among the audience while providing them with a unique experience of true Sri Lankan culture and traditions. During the event along with Sri Lankan dances, some of the popular Chinese dances were performed on stage highlighting the blend of cultures of both countries. Celebrities like Miss China also attended the Sri Lanka Night adding much more glam to this dazzling event.
The guests were served with mouth-watering Sri Lankan cuisine prepared by leading Chefs of Sri Lanka during the event adding more flavour to the occasion. With incredible traditional performances and delicious foods made Chinese audience and enterprise guests fully experience the abundant culture and the great charm of the island in the Indian Ocean. While the event unfolded gustes started networking among them and developing important links which will certainly serve for the progress of tourism industry of Sri Lanka.
Sri Lanka Shines in Shanghai joint Mega Promotion campaign with joint efforts from Public and Private sectors has been initiated under the advice of H.E the President of Sri Lanka Mahinda Rajapaksa. The joint mega promotional campaign, an event organised in combination of the Public and Private sectors of the Sri Lanka are coming to China for the second time. The event is organized under the guidance of Hon.Basil Rajapaksa, the Minister of Economic Development and the Minister for Tourism. The promotional initiative is driven by the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau.
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