Colombo, Sri Lanka, ZIP Code: 10350
I work as a Regional Return and Reintegration Advisor for the international humanitarian agency Act for Peace splitting my time between Sri Lanka and India for the past several years. In Colombo, I stay for months at a stretch in the YWCA International Guest House, located in Union Place. The locality offers an old-world charm with modern amenities. The guest house, housed in a beautiful and well-maintained colonial building from British times, is part of a women’s hostel. It’s centrally located amidst lush greenery, offering easy access to the beach, Galle Face (ocean side urban area), and nearby parks. It’s truly a fantastic place to stay.
Florina Xavier at YWCA International Guest House, Union Place, Colombo
I’ve greatly enjoyed exploring Colombo over the years. One of my favourite places is the Colombo National Museum. The first time I visited, I spent an entire day marvelling at the artifacts, paintings, and exhibits. The museum is exceptionally well-archived and maintained, and its lawns are just as beautiful. It’s a must-visit for anyone wanting to learn about Sri Lanka’s history and gain insights into the country’s current state.
Florina Xavier at the Colombo National Museum
I also frequently visit Port City, a newly developed service-oriented special economic zone, which amazes me every time. The reclaimed land, open to the public, offers access to beaches and stunning sunsets. Entering Port City through Galle Face is a delightful experience, with the lively atmosphere making up for the lack of a beach. Over the past 20 years, I’ve witnessed Colombo’s transformation, from a time when Port City didn’t exist to now, and I’ve seen Galle Face evolve from open land to a thriving hub of activity. It’s been fascinating to observe these changes and the way the city has developed to accommodate everyone.
A view of Colombo’s Port City
Mount Lavinia is another place I love. It’s a suburb of Colombo, and home to the iconic hotel of the same name. The Mount Lavinia beach and hotel are perfect spots to lose track of time, especially when sitting on the hotel terrace cafe with a cup of tea, watching the sunset and waves crash against the rocks. It’s a peaceful, beautiful place with a great atmosphere and sea breeze, making it a wonderful neighbourhood to live in, with convenient shops nearby.
A beautiful evening at a Colombo beach
Another favourite of mine is the Sri Lankan retail chain ‘No Limit.’ It offers affordable, fashionable items, especially Western wear that caters well to Indian tastes. It’s always an enjoyable experience shopping there.
Colombo also boasts some excellent restaurants, with Barefoot and Seed being two of my top choices. Barefoot offers an interesting mix of shopping and dining, with tasty food that I’ve enjoyed on several occasions. Seed is a quieter spot, ideal for meetings or just enjoying a good coffee. Both places are my favourite spots to spend leisure time.
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