Travelogue: A Journey to Sri Lanka and Singapore

 Our journey began on June 27, 2007, as we set off for Sri Lanka and Singapore. Our flight from Trichy was scheduled to depart at 3:30 pm, so we were required to check in three hours before the flight. We left our hometown, Kanadukathan, at 10:00 am and arrived at the airport by noon. Unfortunately, the flight was delayed by an hour, but we finally took off at 4:30 pm and landed in Colombo at 5:30 pm. 

At Colombo’s Bandaranaike International Airport, we were warmly received by Mr. Jayantha, a well-known figure in the Sri Lankan hotel industry and a close friend of ours. He greeted us with garlands right at the airport, a truly delightful welcome.


Garlanded at Colombo Airport

Colombo                                       

Our accommodation for the night was at Hotel Galle Face, located on the shore near the American Embassy on a major road that connects Colombo to Kandy, a city with great historical significance. 

                                         

                                        Hotel Galle Face                        

The journey from the airport to the hotel took longer than expected due to heavy traffic and multiple police and military checkpoints. We reached the hotel at 6:45 pm, having travelled 26 kilometers.  In short we took more than 8 hours, to reach the Colombo hotel, though the flight time was only one hour.

Colombo, the commercial capital of Sri Lanka, has a rich history. The name “Colombo” is believed to have originated from the Sinhalese term "Kola Amba Thota," meaning "harbor with leafy mango trees." The Portuguese introduced the name in 1501. Known for its strategic location on ancient sea trade routes, Colombo became the capital of Sri Lanka in 1850 under British rule. After Sri Lanka gained independence in 1948, the administrative functions were moved to Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte in 1978, but Colombo remains a key urban center.  

We also witnessed a variety of Buddha statues in one  temple, showcasing the country’s religious diversity.



The Hindu Gods at Buddhist Temples

The next day, we embarked on a city tour of Colombo, visiting Buddhist and Hindu temples. It was a revelation to learn that some Buddhist temples also house statues of Hindu gods.

Several Statues in One Place

We saw buses manufactured in India plying in the roads of Colombo. Felt honoured realizing the Industrial growth of India.

 

Leyland Buses running in Colombo streets

                                                      

Kandy

On the following day, we traveled to Kandy, situated in the heart of Sri Lanka. It’s the capital of the Central Province and is surrounded by tropical plantations and scenic hills. 


                                                                                             Kandy lake                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                

Kandy is not only a beautiful city but also holds significant

religious importance, being home to the famous Temple of the

Tooth Relic.

We stayed at Suisse hotel located just opposite the Kandy Lake,

and within walking distance of the Temple of the Tooth. The

temple had previously been attacked by terrorists, which meant

there was heightened security around it. Near the hotel, we

visited a shopping center and later watched a cultural show

featuring local dances and music. The highlight of the evening

 was a thrilling fire show.                                                                    


                                                                        
The Climax was a fire show

Elephant Orphanage

The next morning, we visited the famous Elephant Orphanage in Pinnawala. At 2:00 pm, the elephants were led to the river for their bath, an extraordinary sight to witness. After taking pictures, we enjoyed lunch at a nearby hotel by the riverbank, with views of the elephants frolicking in the water.

Later, we journeyed to Negombo, a coastal town known for its beach resorts. Since Negombo is close to the airport, we decided to stay at the Brown Beach Hotel to avoid the long travel time back to Colombo for our early morning flight to Singapore the next day. It was interesting to note that the hotel was almost fully booked year-round.

                                                            Elephants on the way to river

Singapore

On the morning of our departure, we left the hotel at 4:00 am and boarded an early flight to Singapore. Located at the southern tip of the Malaysian Peninsula, Singapore is a small but vibrant city-state. With an area of about 700 square kilometers and a population of around five million, it is one of the few remaining city-states in the world. It was part of Malaysia, for two years, until it became an independent republic in 1965. Singapore is now a member of the United Nations and the Commonwealth.

We first went to my brother’s son Govindan’s house. His wife severed as a nice breakfast before we started touring Singapore.

                                   

                                                      My wife with her relatives

Our hotel was conveniently located above the Farrer Park MRT

 Station, providing easy access to the city. 



                                                                        In the Brown Beach Hotel room

Singapore’s efficient public transport system made it easy to travel around. One day, we embarked on a sightseeing tour aboard a local tourist bus.


                                                   Before the Symbol of Singapore

While on another day, our relatives took us shopping at various malls. I was also treated to a shopping spree by my brother’s son, Govindan, while my wife explored with his mother and sister.

We visited several places, including the bustling Tekka Market and Chinatown, where we picked up cheap but delightful items. Our visits to the stunning VivoCity mall, Sentosa Island, and the renowned Singapore Zoo were unforgettable experiences. At Sentosa, we enjoyed a captivating dolphin show, and had a blast at VivoCity's rooftop playground.

Conclusion

Our trip to Sri Lanka and Singapore was an enriching and memorable experience, filled with cultural discoveries, breathtaking sights, and the warmth of hospitality from both countries. From the historical temples of Colombo to the modern cityscape of Singapore, every moment was a new adventure that we will cherish forever.





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