Sri Lanka may not be top of mind when it comes to holiday destinations as the natural beauty and the rich history of ancient civilization is known to few. The Sri Lankan government is also currently experiencing conflict with a certain ethnic group which leads to violence more often than not. Despite this major draw-back, it is worth checking the wonderful things Sri Lanka has to offer, given that the security level is checked before the actual trip.
Colombo is a shopping haven for bargain hunters. Various kinds of gem stones are available at very reasonable prices in many sidewalk shops around Colombo, one need not look far to see these boutiques. Finding cloth is more of a challenge but every local would know the cloth factory called Footprints, where cloth is available in every bright color combination known to man! The shop also offers goods made of the local cloth such as bandanas, skirts, the traditional Sri Lankan garments, napkin holders, etc. There is so much to see that one should allot at least an hour to go around the little shop! The factory is not in the main roads of Colombo but anyone can point you to the right direction. For those who fancy clothes, a favorite shopping spot where one can get designer brands such as Sinequanone, Abercrombie and Fitch, Armani and the likes is Odell. The shopping mall is actually a colonial mansion turned to a mall and is located right in the center of Colombo.
The ancient city of Kandy offers a peek into the rich history of the country. The popular tourist spot is around 115 km from Colombo and is easily accessed through a train or a bus. Once the proud capital of the Sinhalese kingdom, Kandy fell into the hands of British colonizers in the year 1815. To date, the remains of the city lies in a lush green countryside that guarantees a scenic ride. The main attraction of Kandy is the lake where the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic stands on the northern side. Also known as Dalada Maligawa, the beautiful shrine is adorned with decorative walls, golden roof and intricate wood-works as it serves as a symbol of sovereignty for the past rulers. In the town center is a busy shopping spot for gem stones, antiques and local souvenirs.
For a taste of adventure, the Pinnawela Elephant Orphanage is a must-see in Sri Lanka. Originally founded for the purpose of promoting tourism, the orphanage has evolved to a conservation and educational centre where elephants are bred and cared for to ensure survival. The success of the project serves as an inspiration to scientists worldwide. It also continues to be a major tourist attraction where one can spend the day in the beautiful jungle with elephants about!
Sri Lanka has a lot to offer. The Sri Lanka tourism website: Srilankatourism.org gives a good idea of what to expect in traveling the country. Planning a trip is not difficult, the visa will be issued in the airport upon arrival for most nationalities.
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Is it Footprints? Or Barefoot ?
Comment by Sarah — September 27, 2008 @ 4:41 am