Faces and Phases of Colombo

Imagine this: the spicy goodness of your choice of curry, fresh-off-the-boat seafood, and a wide variety of fruity drinks, all in one meal.

That’s Sri Lanka—the vibrant flair of South Asia meshed with a tropical island vibe.

Add in to the potpourri is the strong influence of early colonial mariners. The capital city of Colombo, for one, hosts a number of heritage buildings. The country also produces some of the world’s best tea, owing it to the time when the British transformed the central hilly region to large tea plantations.

What’s the best way to explore this pear-shaped gem of South Asia? Take the train! Bask into the salty breeze coming from the Indian Ocean on your way to the coastal city of Galle or enjoy the green views toward the hills of Kandy.

Sri Lanka also has the highest concentration of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Among the definite must-sees are the imposing rock wonder of Sigiriya and the cultural capital of Kandy, where you’ll find a temple that houses a fabled tooth relic of Buddha.

Seema Malakaya

Buddha statues of Gangaramaya

Train to Galle

Galle Lighthourse ovelooking the Indian Ocean

Royal Palace of Kandy

Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic

Sigiriya

On top of Sigiriya

More photos here.