38 | AustrAliAn triAthlete
the menu options on offer at restaurants and
cafes across the island – you will find
dishes to suit all tastes. From traditional
Sri Lankan curries to Portuguese, English,
German and Japanese cuisines, there is
something for everyone.
According to http://www.tripadvisor.com.au
popular restaurants near Galle Face Green
include the following:
• Yumi – Japanese, sushi
and Asian cuisines
• Latitude – Asian, indian
• Sea Spray – seafood, Asian
• The Bavarian German Restaurant
Pub – German, pub/bar, european
• The Poolside Bar and Terrace –
bar, international, Asian, sri lankan
• The Lagoon – seafood, Asian,
sri lankan
• Echo – italian, Pizza, european
• The Gardenia Coffee Shop – fusion,
sri lankan, international, Asian
• Baked – international, delicatessen
• Graze Kitchen – italian, Japanese,
indian, international, sushi,
Asian, thai
• Burgers King – fast food, American.
Of course, while away on holiday it’s
fun trying local cuisine (think: street food
from local food traders); however, I’d say
Trawling through travel websites and
blogs, it soon becomes very obvious that
there is so much to do in Sri Lanka. From
parks and gardens, beaches, art galleries
and museums, to temples and statues,
and of course the Galle Face Green; there
is something for everyone.
Some of the standout things to do and
see include, walking through the
Viharamahadevi Park, which is lined with
palms and fig trees. It’s believed to be a
great place to relax and people watch, and
you might even catch the odd snake
charmer in action. If you like the zoo and
landscaped gardens don’t miss out on a
visit to the National Zoological Gardens of
Sri Lanka. For market lovers – head over to
Diyatha Uyana. According to the Lonely
Planet, this is Colombo’s ‘most happening
public park’ – an ‘outdoor hub of cultural
activity’. The Good Market, where you can
find Sri Lankan crafts and healthy snacks,
is held here on Thursdays. Speaking of
shopping, if you crave some retail therapy
during your stay, head over to Arcade
Independence Square where you will find
some major brands, along with food and
entertainment (cinemas).
While in Sri Lanka another must-do
item for your list is a visit to the temples.
The Bellanwila Temple is one not to be
missed. It is said to be ‘a real locals’
temple’, where you can truly experience
‘the authenticity of the Buddhist tradition’.
It’s also known as a great place to
meditate – perhaps a good spot to clear
the mind before the race?
For the art lovers and those interested
in finding out about the history of Sri
Lanka, don’t go past art galleries and
museums. The Paradise Road Galleries
are popular with locals and tourists.
Established in 1988 in the offices of Sri
Lankan architect, Geoffrey Bawa,
exhibitions change monthly and showcase
leading Sri Lankan, as well as South Asian
talent. For more, visit http://www.paradiseroad.
lk. To learn about Sri Lankan history, the
people that fought to preserve the Sri
Lankan identity and their historic journey
towards independence make sure you visit
the Independence Memorial Museum,
which is located in the basement of the
Memorial Hall, Independence Square. Not
only is it a great to learn about Sri Lanka’s
history but it’s also said to be a beautiful
place to relax and hang out. Visit http://www.
museum.gov.lk to find out more.
And of course, while you’re in Sri Lanka
you cannot miss out on spending the day
at one of the stunning beaches. Mount
Lavinia Beach is popular. It’s a 40-minute
bus trip from the centre of Colombo, but it
sounds like it’s well worth the effort as the
sunsets here are believed to be spectacular.leave being adventurous with local cuisine
for after the race.
For coffee lovers, fret not – Sri Lanka
does have some quality coffee spots. The
only catch is, most of them are located in
the city centre, which is around five
kilometres from Galle Face Green.
Recommended coffee spots include, Java
Lounge (www.javalounge.lk), Hansa Café
(www.srilankacoffee.com), Coco Veranda
(www.cocoveranda.com) and Barista
(www.barista.lk).do And see
“This is Sri Lanka,” says Samarasuriya
proudly. “The country has so much culture
and diversity. A few hours drive inland, and
you get the beautiful picturesque
mountains, cold climate and probably the
best tea in the world. Kandy is the cultural
capital of Sri Lanka, which is also inland
and there is so much to see and do there.
Ella and Haputhle for the adventurous,
and then to Arugambay, Galle and
Unawatuna for the white sand beaches. If
you want to experience an empty beach
though, travel to Passikudah, and you
might get just that - a whole private beach
to yourself. I would recommend going
through a travel site to get the whole
thing down since there is so much to do,”
he adds.