The Rosmead Place by Thilanka hotel is a boutique hotel near the center. This hotel is full of art and looks extremely modern. The room is perfect, beds are wonderful and the smell of breakfast awakes us. When we have slept off our jet lag (08:00) we going down. Nowhere in the world are children greeted with such love as here in Sri Lanka.
The dining room is actually an open space with exceptionally beautifully set tables, both inside and outside are large modern planters with the most beautiful plants. This hotel is a true oasis in a city of almost 2 million inhabitants. A breakfast here consists of fruit and fresh juices. Ideal for children unless they never eat fruit.
After our breakfast we start a day in Colombo with children. The first stop will be Keells supermarket which is not far away. Keells is a supermarket like, hold on, the Albert Heijn. Large, with lots of fresh goods and hand scanners. I write this deliberately because some people think that the whole of Sri Lanka is an incredibly poor country where people still live in the year 1880. But nothing could be further from the truth, especially not for this great capital.
For the children it is just as nice to see something 'familiar' in this strange environment. Just pop into the supermarket, score bottles of cold water and some cookies for when the appetite strikes. Jaïra chooses to take a fresh cup of watermelon. As parents we think this is so beautiful, she is seven years old and basically drinks nothing but water, milk or tea. A really fresh fruit juice, without added sugars, is really a party for her.
LOTUS TOWER
After the supermarket we continue our journey north, around the Beira Lake. On the north side of the lake is the 350 meter high Lotus tower. This imposing tower from 2019, financed by China, was intended as a symbolic and technological feat. And that worked anyway. There is an aftertaste to this project. In recent years, there have been many allegations of corruption and non-transparent contracts during construction. These scandals have tarnished the project's credibility and questioned the extent of Chinese influence over Sri Lanka's national infrastructure. Very many Sinhalese are suspicious about the Chinese influence and dare to say this openly to you.
Nevertheless, what better way to get a first impression of Colombo than to visit this tower?
By the way, the tower is relatively expensive: $20 per adult and $10 per child.
The Historical Heritage of the Wolvendaal Church in Colombo
After we have walked out of the Lotus tower, we approach a TukTuk driver, Ranjeeth, with the request to take us to the Wolvendaal church. For just under 800 rupees he is willing to take us. Founded in 1749, the Wolvendaalsche Kerk is one of the oldest surviving Protestant churches in Sri Lanka and is considered an important cultural and historical icon. The church is named after the Wolvendaalstraat where it is located, and it is a beautiful example of the Dutch colonial architecture of the time.
The architectural design of the Wolvendaalsche Kerk is a perfect combination of Dutch and Sri Lankan influences. It features distinctive elements such as a high wooden pulpit, classical pillars and an impressive spire. The interior is decorated with elegant wood carvings and antique furniture that exude a sense of grandeur.
Why is it fun to go here with children? That's in history. Apart from the Dutch name, texts in old Dutch can also be read here. A nice landmark for children. Also a good point to explain the ties between the Netherlands and Sri Lanka. Normally, the Dutch Museum would be extremely suitable for this, but it has been closed for some time due to renovations.
Zou jij liever een TukTuk...
Huren en zelf rijden
TukTuk als taxi gebruiken
The Enchanting Sri Bala Selva Vināyagar Temple in Colombo
After the Wolvendaal church we drive with Ranjeeth to the Sri Bala Selva Vināyagar temple. Located in the heart of Colombo, this temple is an enchanting spiritual destination that fascinates visitors with its beautiful architecture and serene atmosphere.
Sri Bala Selva Vināyagar Temple is an important Hindu temple complex dedicated to the deity Vināyagar, also known as Lord Ganesha. The temple is a true masterpiece of traditional South Indian architecture. With its beautifully decorated facade, colorful statues and intricate sculptures, the temple is a visual spectacle that reflects the rich spiritual traditions of Hinduism.
The children are amazed at the colorful splendor here. Questions why this is a holy place or why people worship "this God" come naturally to them. It is nice to introduce them to all kinds of religions, even though they are Christians themselves.
The nice thing is that they often see a parallel with our faith faster than we do. They focus on the similarities, we unconsciously focus on the differences. Either way, Sri Bala Selva Vināyagar Temple is an extraordinary destination in Colombo, steeped in both religious importance and cultural beauty. A visit to this beautiful temple offers a unique opportunity to gain a deeper appreciation for Sri Lanka's rich spiritual and cultural traditions.
The White House of Sri Lanka
A little further on we arrive at a recognizable white building. And no, we're not suddenly in Washington. This gleaming white neoclassical building that looks like the iconic US Capitol Building is the city hall of the Colombo City Council.
Construction started in 1924. The British were still the colonial rulers of Ceylon at that time. It was completed in 1927. It was to become the official residence of the Mayor of Colombo and the Municipal Council. After independence, it still retained this role and provides office space for the administrative staff of the Colombo Municipal Council and elected councillors.
The way in which a gigantic golden statue of a seated Buddha is placed opposite the building, at the main entrance in Victoria Park, is impressive. The building is simply called City Hall. It's quite an understated name for a very impressive building.
Independence Square and Independence Memorial Hall: Symbols of Freedom in Colombo
Ranjeeth drives us to the next place: Independence Square and Independence Memorial Hall. These are the symbolic places that celebrate Sri Lanka's struggle and victory towards independence. The Independence hall is most like a temple with many columns. A moment of reflection, but also a moment of sitting in the shade. The kids have done very well so far. The heat is quite good, the sun is shining enormously.
Gangarama Seema Malakaya
Next, we drive to the Gangarama Seema Malakaya, this enchanting Buddhist temple is located over the water in a serene and peaceful setting, surrounded by lush green gardens and a calm water feature. This temple is the perfect place to relax and to process the greatness of Colombo. With its beautiful architecture, including a wooden walkway over the water and an extensive collection of Buddha statues, the Gangarama Seema Malakaya is a must-visit destination for anyone visiting Colombo!
The downside is that gazing from this quiet spot makes you realize how many luxury towers are being built around it. One large hotel after another is springing up here. Colombo changes very quickly, so plan your visit as soon as possible!
Today's last temple: Gangaramaya Temple
Not far from the Gangarama Seema Malakaya Temple is the Gangaramaya Temple. The temple is home to a collection of beautifully crafted buildings that combine architectural features of Sri Lanka, Thailand, India and China. The entrance to the temple is quite impressive. There are two statues of Guan Gong playing with a large knife, very special to see.
The Buddha statues in the temple bring together Buddha statues from different Asian countries. There are hundreds of large and small Buddha statues. It is said that the most precious object of all collections is a tuft of Buddha's hair, which is usually safely stored and not seen by 'ordinary people'. I have not seen it.
For us this is not necessarily the most beautiful or most impressive temple, but that may be because we have too superficial knowledge of Buddhism. If you want to know more about Buddhism, this is an ideal temple to visit!
Dutch Hospital
We ask Ranjeeth to take us to Dutch Hospital. This charming historic spot takes you back in time. This building once served as a hospital during the Dutch colonial period, but today it has been transformed into a lively shopping and entertainment center. The beautiful architecture with its characteristic Dutch influences, combined with modern facilities, creates a unique atmosphere.
When we arrive here we look for a place to eat something. It still looks a bit quiet and deserted. Until one of the children asks; “what are those signs?” pointing to the number of signs that are attached to the columns throughout the street. There appears to be a Street food Festival later today. Unfortunately we are still too early but we decide to come back for this. We have lunch at JAVA lounge, the Sinhalese counterpart of Starbucks / Costa. Once started as a coffee shop in Colombo (here) it is now in many more places.
It is really nice to see that in addition to the famous tea culture, a coffee culture is now emerging in Sri Lanka.
Gall face
Because we still have to wait a few hours for the start of the street food festival, we decide to walk to Galle Face. This is the boulevard of Colombo. The sunset here is phenomenal. In addition, this is the place after sunset where all the locals gather to eat, talk and play. It is not that busy yet and the sun will shine for a while, so we decide to cool off in the One Galle Face Mall. This gigantic mall is right opposite Galle Face. It is in no way inferior to a European shopping center and will surprise the prejudiced among us how modern Sri Lanka is.
Stores such as MontBlanc, Victoria secret, Adidas, Nike and Benetton can be found here. Fortunately also a lot of local shops. And unfortunately I now realize that the girls are getting bigger, because Jaira would like to spend her pocket money on a nice long skirt "so that she can put it on neatly when visiting the temples". What can I say to that?
After the shopping adventure in the shopping mall (secretly Jaira and I really liked the air conditioning) we go outside, onto the large lawn in front of the sea. We look for a place and let ourselves be stimulated by all the colors and scents we see. While the sun sets, Jaïra dances for a while, we see children with kites flying and Joëlla is shocked by a snake that is meters long that crawls by. Sounds intense, but this snake belongs to someone who pays close attention.
The sun is setting, and it's getting busier and busier. Everywhere small mobile eateries, couples and families. A wonderfully lively painting that we can sit in. Once the sun has set we head to Dutch Hospital for the street food festival. Of course we just do this by walking!
STREET FOOD FESTIVAL @ Dutch Hospital
Once on my way to the Food Festival, I am approached by a man in a suit, a businessman on his way home: 'Where are you from?' And a chat starts about how happy he is with tourists. I have a chat with him. As soon as he understands that Shamila was born here, he likes to tell that there is a festival with dance nearby. He is over-enthusiastic and really recommends it to us, he immediately hails a TukTuk and arranges a ridiculously low price. Before we know it we join in his enthusiasm and drive towards the unknown place on the other side of the lake.
It turns out to be in the Gangaramaya temple, where we were earlier today. We decide not to go in anyway, because we have already seen the temple and the children are already starting to get hungry. We continue to Dutch Hospital anyway.
And yes, there it is. The unsolicited visit to the GEM store. The TukTuk driver stops at a jewelry store without being asked. 'Just 1 minute sir' . If there's one thing I hate, it's these situations. Don't fall for it! In some cases you just go inside and they close the door behind you. Those shopkeepers are pretty aggressive sellers. It's not too bad with children, but be prepared for this. Obviously this isn't just from here, it's happening everywhere. You can do two things: stay calm, walk around and step outside or not even go in. But not going in often means finding a new TukTuk in a back alley.
When we finally got there it is very busy. The kids are all fine with it and walk past the food stalls to choose what they want. Meat, vegetarian, curries, confectionery, but also Fish & Chips. A little further on, a band is playing live in the street. Jaïra and Joëlla opt for delicious corn on the cob, they love it since the trip to Palestine where it is sold on every corner of the street.
We are going to run off with Pani Puri, delicious! Pani Puri is a popular Indian street food snack consisting of crispy hollow puri filled with spiced potatoes, lentils and chutneys served with a refreshing spicy tamarind mint sauce. Originating in the Uttar Pradesh and Bihar regions of India, this delicacy is loved for its explosion of flavors and textures. It is available in the Netherlands, but it is not very easy to obtain. We seize the opportunity and make the most of it!
After an exciting evening full of dance, food and music, we walk towards the tuktuks, the last ride for today. Tired but satisfied we arrive back at our hotel. Tomorrow we leave for Negombo.
Today the girls just walked 18 km in a very warm Colombo, and whining? No, not that. It is a matter of a balanced daily schedule. W