1. Air Force Museum – Colombo
In the outskirts of Colombo, just passing Mount Lavinia is the Ratmalana town – which is where the local Ratmalana Airport is located. Adjoining that is the Sri Lanka Airforce Museum that displays a collection of antique airplanes and helicopters in a park-like area that has clear walking paths and a black and white checked patio. Some of the nicest airplanes can be seen in the hangars. This is a nice getaway when you are with kids on a family tour in Sri Lanka, and also for those airplane fanatics.
2. Kopi Kade – Colombo
While Sri Lanka is very well known for its tea, there are also some interesting coffee joints that must be tried. Kopi Kade is a small coffee shop on a rather innocent street in Colombo where you can find the best coffee and the matcha lattes in town. So for those who appreciate a good coffee, do try out Kopi Kade at No. 15/3, Stratford Avenue, Colombo 06.
3. Helga’s Folly – Kandy
Helga Blow was a spectacular Sri Lankan lady who had a unique perspective to see the world. With this perspective, she launched a hotel known as Helga’s Folly, and this turned out to be the most strange and bizarre but yet, a uniquely stylish place in Sri Lanka. Stumbling upon this hotel is highly unlikely so you need go out searching for it if you have Kandy on your Sri Lanka tour itinerary.
Address: Helga’s Folly, No. 70, Rajapihilla Mawatha, Kandy.
Tel: +94 812 234 571
4. Delft Island – Jaffna
Quietly and peacefully seated in the Indian Ocean, Delft Island is off the coast of Jaffna (North Sri Lanka) and can be reached only via one or two boats in a day. Neduntheevu is the original Tamil name of the island which has historical remnants of a long-gone era. Because it is not very easily accessible, tourists hardly visit the island. You have to be really determined to visit Delft Island because firstly, you need to travel to Jaffna in the North and then take an early morning bus or three-wheeler to get to the port. There is a navy boat that leaves the coast at 9.30 am. Once you get there though, there are absolutely no regrets. You will see wild ponies and cows roaming around freely. Tuk-tuks will take you around the popular sights on the island and drop you off at the glamorous beach where you can spend a good few hours.
5. Mackwoods Tea Sign – Nuwara Eliya
The Tea Breeze is the official tea shop of the Mackwoods Tea company in Sri Lanka, one of the oldest in the country. While most visitors are aware of this institution, what they wouldn’t know is that right up on the mountain in front of the Mackwoods Tea Museum is a sign that resembles the Hollywood sign, reading out as ‘Mackwoods’ of course!
6. Richmond Castle – Kalutara
Creation of the 1900s is an Edwardian Castle known as Richmond Castle, perched on a hill in Kalutara, above a 32-acre estate. It was built by the son of Mudaliyar Don Arthur de Silva Wijesinghe Siriwardena.
7. Wewurukannala Vihara – Dikwella
Slightly northeast from the city of Colombo is Dickwella town, where a memorable Buddhist Temple known as the Wewurukannala Vihara is located. Also in this vicinity is a huge Buddha statue and a few sculptures that represent the cruel experiences of the underworlds.
8. Brief Garden – Beruwala
You must have heard of the famous Sri Lankan architect Sir Geoffrey Bawa? His brother, Bevis Bawa created Brief Garden as a tribute to all things that are beautiful. Brief Garden is located in the southwest of Sri Lanka and visitors must cross rice paddies, fields and the countryside to get there. You could add this on your Sri Lanka itinerary when scheduling a day tour from Colombo to Galle.
9. Lakegala Peak – Meemure
Those visiting the isolated, yet beautiful village of Meemure will be able to spot the stunning rocky and pointy top of Lakegala Peak. Experienced hikers will enjoy the adventure of getting to Meemure and then trying to climb to the peak of Lakegala.
