Chinese
1) Jade Gardens � Havelock road, Colombo 5
2) Kinjou � 33, Amarasekara mw. Colombo 5
2) Long feng � Colombo Renaissance hotel
3) Golden dragon � Taj Samudra Hotel
4) Mandarin Palace � longden place, Colombo 7
5) Emperors � Hilton , Colombo
6) Great wall � 491 Galle road, Colombo 3
7) Saris Szechwan � 450 E, Duplication road, Colombo 3
8) Li xiang � Huejay court, 1st floor, Colombo 3
9) Jade Gardens � 126, Havelock Road, Colombo 5
10) Flower Drums � Colombo 7, Kandy
11) Gourmet Palace � 399/A, Duplication road, Colombo 3
Coffee shops
1) Emerald � Intercontinental Hotel
2) Gardenia � Holyday Inn Hotel
3) Lotus Terrace � Hilton Hotel
4) Purple Orchid � Oberoi Hotel
5) Ports of call � Taj Samudra Hotel
6) Summerfields � Renaissance hotel
7) Don�s caf� � 69, Alexandra Place
8) Deli Market � world Trade center, Colombo 3
9) Coffee Shop � Galadari Hotel , The Taprobane � Lanka Oberoi Hotel
Continental
1) Don Stanley�s � 69 Alexandra place, Colombo 7
2) Gables - Hilton Hotel
3) London Grill � Oberoi Hotel
4) Noblesse - Renaissance hotel
5) Palms supper Clubs Restaurant - � Intercontinental Hotel
6) Supper club� Oberoi Hotel
7) Paparazzi Restaurant & Bar, 30 De vos Av, Colombo 4
Fast Food
1) BurgerLand � R.A.De Mel Mawatha, Colombo 3
2) Emerald food court � Majestic City
3) Kentucky Fried chicken - Majestic City
4) Mac Donald�s � Bambalapitya, Colombo 4
French
1) The Rendezvouse � Taj Samudra Hotel
2) La baguette � Crescat Boulevard
3) Noblesse � Colombo renaissance Hotel
4) Gables � Hilton Hotel
German
1) Alt Heidelberg � 11, Galle face court, Colombo 3
Indian & Moghul & vegetarian
1) Navaratna - Taj Samudra Hotel
2) Navaratna � Air port Garden Hotel, katunayake
3) Shanti Vihar � 3, Havelock Road, Colombo 5
4) Alhambra � Holyday inn Hotel
5) The Indian restaurant � Lanka Oberoi Hotel
6) Shanmugas � 53/3, Ramakrishna road, Colombo 6
7) Mathura � 185, Havelock Road, Colombo 5
8) Ibn Batuta � 115, sir Chittampalam A. Gardiner Mw., Colombo 2
9) Moghul Ghar � Hilton Hotel
Italian
1) Pizza hut � Union Place, Colombo 2
2) Pizzeriya / Taranga Terrace � Intercontinental Hotel
3) Il Ponte Restaurant � Hilton Hotel
Japanese
1) Sakura � 14, Rheinland Place, Colombo 3
2) Hakata � 110, Havelock road, Colombo 5
3) Ginza hoshen � Hilton Hotel
4) Restaurant Minami � 30, Sri Dharmapala Mw., Mount Lavinia
5) Moshi Moshi � 594/2, Galle Road, Colombo3
1) Japan doll - Hue jay court, 1st floor, Colombo 3
2) Izakaya Maiko � 41, canal row, Colombo 1
3) Nihon Bashi � 11, Galle face Terrace, Colombo 3
4) Miyako Restaurant � 45, 5th Lane (Duplication junction) Colombo 3
Korean
1) Haesong � 383, R.A.De Mel Mawatha, Colombo 3.
2) Han Gook Gawan � 25, Havelock Road, Colombo 5
Pakistani
1) Kebabish restaurant � 526, Galle road, Colombo 3
2) Alhambra � Holiday Inn Hotel
Thai
1) Sawasdee � 237, Galle road, Colombo 4
2) Siam House Thai Restaurant � 55, Abdul Gaffoor Mawatha, Colombo 3
Cafes
1) Don�s caf� � 69, Alexandra Place, Colombo 7
2) Delimarket � Level 3 � World trade Center, Colombo 1
3) The Cricket Club caf� � 34, queens road, Colombo 3
4) The gallery caf� � Paradise Road, Colombo 3
5) Delifrance � Crescat Boulevard
Seafood
1) Pearl Seafood � Intercontinental Hotel
2) Sea Fish � 15, Sir Chittampalam A. Gardiner Mw., Colombo 2
3) Canton Seafood Restaurant � 19/1, Daisy Villa Avenue, Colombo 4
4) Orient Hong Kong Sea Food Restaurant� 1A, Race Course,Colombo 7
5) Beach Vadiya � Wellawatta, Colombo 6.
Sri lankan
1) Ibn Batuta � 115, sir Chittampalam A. Gardiner Mw., Colombo
2) The curry leaf � Hilton Hotel
3) Raja Bojun � 90, Galle Road, Colombo 3
-The Walauwa Restaurant � 5th level, Access Towers, Union Place, Colombo 2
Vil Uyana
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Right near the doorsteps of Sigiriya in Central Sri Lanka.
The remit for the architect was to construct a privately owned wetland nature reserve, out of bare land. A wild refuge for otters, crocodiles and dragonflies. Perhaps even for a thirsty elephant or monkey, when the seasonal drought follows the monsoons. Oh… and some dwellings for discerning tourists, who would want the ultimate chill out, but without sacrificing creature comforts.
The end result is one of the most spectacular tourism developments in the world. A matrix of wetland and organic paddy studded with luxurious dwellings and an island spa, in the culturally rich north central plains. Plunge pools, butler service, village trails to explore, inspiring companionship from naturalists, the lifestyle decisions are yours to take.
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mekanum mata hithata alluwa amuthuma gathiyak tiyenawa pictures wala rates kohomada ? affordable da? colombo idan how many Km ?
Lankan rhapsody at Galle
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LIFE & STYLE - TRAVEL:
The seaside town of Galle leaves one delighted as the waves playfully caress the shore. It’s just the place to have a wonderful time with one’s family. Take a slice of Goa, add a hint of Mauritius, flavour it with Kerala and you get the splendid island of Sri Lanka. Coconut trees, beaches, temples, wildlife, forests, light houses, colonial buildings, as well as new age hotels and shopping - this country has something for everyone.
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The city of Galle
In the mood for some sun, sand and sea, we decide to head to the southern town of Galle. I don’t know what to expect of the place. All I know is that it was devastated by the 2004 tsunami.
The drive to Galle is picturesque with the sea on one side and greenery interspersed with houses on the other, except for a long stretch of land with remnants of houses destroyed by the ruthless waves.
A tall statue of the Buddha stands as a memory of those who lost their lives. Strangely enough, the very sea that was the cause for much woe steps up to cheer us up - the waves playfully caress the shore, little children prance about and the cool sea breeze pacifies.
En route to Galle, we stop at the Matara Star Fort. Built in the 1760s, the fort has a unique star shape.
The moat around even has a lazy looking crocodile perched on a wedge of rock. The next stop is the Dondra light house. I am a tad reluctant to visit the light house, but anyway head there, whining all the way. Like a battery-operated doll, I almost instantly stop complaining when I get off the vehicle. The place is breathtaking.
The azure sea laced with white foam, there is greenery all around, and amidst that stands the resplendent white lighthouse. Out come the cameras and wide grins as we pose against the lively backdrop.
Our tour guide has a tough time pulling us away from there. Every time he looks away and starts walking towards the vehicle, we stop to click more photographs. Once done, we pile into the vehicle gigging like school children.
Shortly, we reach Galle. “We are at the Galle Fort,” announces the tour guide, and looking at me adds: “Maam, please change your footwear to something comfortable as we have to walk a bit.” I promptly remove my stilettos and slip into my sneakers, and we are off.
Tales from the past
The Fort was built by the Portuguese. Overlooking the sea, the Galle cricket stadium and offering a marvellous view of the town, this makes for a good photo stop.
Earlier, the fort housed a prison, and even though it is not functional any more, strange noises are said to be heard here at midnight.
On hearing that, I scream and move away from the prison gate where I had been pouting for the camera all this while.
We walk along the ramparts to the lighthouse, and after a few kilometres, we come across a typical Dutch road with Dutch-style houses on either side.
Artefacts galore
Nestled in that very road is a quaint house with tonnes of antiques.
It’s a museum and the collection is the single-handed effort of Gaffer, a businessman. The collection includes lamps, vases, crockery and cutlery, artefacts collected from ship wrecks and what not! By now, I am tired and just want to check into the hotel and plonk myself on the bed.
After a half-hour drive, we reach The Fortress hotel. Stylishly seated on the beach, the huge white walls enclose lush lawns, a 75-metre swimming pool, boutiques, plush restaurants and exquisitely designed rooms. A friendly attender escorts me to my room.
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The Fortress Loft Guestroom
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The Fortress Poolside Lounge
I am given the Ocean View room that offers a fantastic view of the ocean and the pool, has high-vaulted ceiling, wooden flooring, a separate wash area done up in glass, a personal Jacuzzi, a hip couch, huge snug bed and more.
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The Fortress Bar
Once he’s out, I slide into the Jacuzzi, sipping on Baileys, as the water works miracles on my tired muscles.
Next morning, the alarm goes off at 6. I want to wake up and walk along the beach and take in the sights and sounds, but the comfy bed doesn’t want to let go of me, almost like an over possessive mother. Finally, I manage to leave by 6.30. There’s a slight drizzle, adding to the charm of the place.
Fishermen on stilts sit patiently and wait for their catch, families and couples splash about in the waters and I take the opportunity to go for a swim in the fabulous pool.