Colombo, the largest city of Sri Lanka is a beautiful place, which deserves that you spend a few days there. The city is one of the largest ports of Central Asia, it is full of unexpected contrasts and offers fascinating holidays. According to one version, the city received its name in honor of Christopher Columbus. The Sri Lankan capital is a multi-ethnic, cosmopolitan port city with a rich colonial heritage and many sights to see.
Discover in this article the best spots in Colombo which a tourist should visit.
• National Museum of Colombo
If you love history and architecture, the National Museum is probably one of the first places to visit in Colombo. Established in 1877, it is the largest museum on the island and undoubtedly an iconic institution. The museum has some of the best collections of former Kandyan dynasty rulers. You can see collections of ancient art in the Colombo Museum. In its rooms, there are many precious objects, the most famous of which is a throne adorned with precious stones and gold.
• Attidiya Bird Sanctuary
This is the only bird sanctuary in Colombo and houses at least 50 different species of birds. It is located at Boralesgamuwa in Colombo.
The biodiversity of this place is very commendable, and you cannot help but feel impressed with the diversity of bird species.
• Viharamahadevi Park
It is a perfect place to stroll and relax in the fresh air and among best spots in Colombo. Today, this park is named after the Sinhalese queen. Originally, it was named after the British Queen Victoria. The founder of this park was a wealthy English immigrant who missed his homeland and decided to create a chic park in the English style. The historic park received its current name in 1958. It is popular not only among tourists but also among locals.
• Kelaniya Raja Maha Vihara
Colombo has many exceptional Buddhist sites. Near the city center is the Kelaniya Raja Maha Vihara, which is considered an ideal example of Sinhalese architecture. The temple is at end of a picturesque valley, on both sides of which grow tall trees. In its central part, there are beautiful fountains. The temple is remarkable not only for the architectural style but also for the interior decoration. Within its walls are adorned with ancient skillful frescoes, on which are printed the most significant moments of the Buddha’s life.
• President’s House
One of the most beautiful architectural monuments of the city is the Presidential Palace. It was built in the 18th century and is still used for its intended purpose. In this majestic building with columns is the presidential residence. Near this building is a beautiful square as well as several iconic landmarks.
• Talangama Wetlands and Park
During a walk in the wetlands of Talangama Park, the natural beauty can be admired. Its main characteristic is the diversity of birds living in these places. Not only curious tourists but also bird watchers from different countries visit it. Currently, the reserve is under state protection. Despite its enormous importance, the entry of its territory remains free.
• St. Lucia’s Cathedral
Cathedral of Saint Lucia is the largest Catholic temple on the island. The main relic seen here is the statue of Saint Lucia. It is associated with many interesting legends, according to which, touching the statue can cure diseases.
Some people greet the new year with serenity, some through celebrations, others through visits and many through travels. Choose what you want to do and where you want to be this new year. Here is a guide:
Goa:
Of course, this party goal is high on the New Year’s Lover’s list. The Sunburn Festival, which is celebrated at this time of the year, is a big catch-crowd. Add hundreds of party venues, numerous beaches, food stalls and the flow of alcohol with carnivals to the mix and a roaring start to the year.
Andaman and Nicobar Islands:
New Year on the Andaman and Nicobar Islands is a big deal. An incremental transformation well known for the New Year. Noisy and colorful parties are held everywhere; in resorts, on beaches and on yachts. The white sand and unspoilt nature make beach lovers look forward to the New Year’s welcome.
Pondicherry:
New Year, Puducherry New Year. The restaurants offer fantastic menus and spend a relaxing time on the beach.
Hill Destinations:
Manali:
What better place to welcome the new year in nature, where is she the most beautiful? Feel the pines and orchards, admire the white snow and head for the spectacular Manali-Leh road. Welcome to the new year with emerging minds.
Kodaikanal:
This “Hill Station Princess” is the perfect place for a family vacation in the new year. The cool climate, invigorating fresh air and the company are celebrating for the New Year.
Metropolitan regions:
Mumbai:
The city of dreams is preparing for the New Year unlike any other. Every place has a festive look, from humble Chowkis Mumbai to chic neighborhoods. Get a dazzling start to the New Year by being in Mumbai.
New Delhi:
Spot-on New Year is our capital. Travel, food, art scenes, shopping, club every year in your country.
Bangalore:
The Silicon Valley of India is a living thread in the New Year. Convince yourself with a walk in the street. With large gardens and large open spaces in Bangalore, one can assume a large scale.
As the name suggests, Carmel-By-The-Sea is a coastal town on the Monterey Peninsula in California. It is popular as a romantic seaside destination for its picturesque surroundings and storybook atmosphere. Carmel-by-the-Sea is an ideal way to enjoy a relaxing holiday with scenic coastal walks, art gallery tours or a stroll through the peaceful and charming town. Some interesting places you can check here are:
Carmel Beach:
Carmel Beach is considered one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. It is located at the bend of Carmel Bay around a pretty bay that makes you think like a private beach. The view of white sand with the waves of the Pacific Ocean crashing over the protruding rocks brings you closer to nature. The cypress trees, which are a landmark of this beach, contribute to its natural beauty. There are many oceanfront roads that you can walk or ride to admire the ocean views. Although swimming is often not recommended because of the dangerous currents, you can enjoy beach activities like volleyball and sunbathing.
Point Lobos:
Point Lobos is the favorite spot for divers, photographers and artists. It is a good place to discover the underwater world and the diverse marine life. It also has many beautiful natural landscapes that attract visitors, especially artists and photographers, to capture the many natural wonders. Point Lobos also leads to many hiking trails, such as the Sea Lion Point Trail, where hikers can see sea lions crossing from a lookout point on a stream, and the Cypress Trail, which gives an insight into Otters
Carmel Mission:
A beautiful mission, founded by Father Junipero Serra of Spain, is a thriving parish church. It is one of the most beautiful Spanish mission locations in California. It has an impressive basilica and a very decorated interior. The high vaulted ceiling, the chain arches, the altar, the bell tower, the window of the stars and the posters of the Spanish colonial liturgical art impress the visitors.
Fairy- Tale Cottages:
A special feature of Carmel-by-the-Sea are the fairytale cottages, which are a true part of his fantastic architecture. Initially designed by Hugh Comstock as a workshop for his wife’s doll making hobby, he built a large selection of pretty, thatched-roof houses and checkered windows, typical of English-style cottages. Some of the cottages now function as tea rooms and china shops.
Art galleries:
With more than 50 art galleries, the city is a paradise for art lovers. The exhibitions are an extensive collection of high quality artwork. There are art trips run by some locals leading you to selected art galleries.
Hidden passageways and courtyards:
Carmel-by-the-Sea has a fascinating variety of passages that you can encounter while running on the streets. Let yourself be surprised by the discoveries of small shops, charming art galleries, quaint cafes in the corners and corners of the city. You will feel like a treasure hunt as you stroll through the narrow streets and courtyards, and unique shops such as “Cottage of Sweets”, “Music Boxes of Caramel” and a guitar shop with a collection of vintage musical instruments.
Garland Ranch Regional Park:
A good place for a hike is the Garland Ranch Regional Park. It has a varied landscape with poplars and plane trees in the plains and many peaks in the mountains of Santa Lucia. Hiking trails lead you through enchanting canyons with colorful maple trees, shady oaks and tall redwood forests. You can also spot wildlife and of course a variety of birds. The park also organizes riding and photo safaris, as well as guided tours by Rangers and volunteers.
Garrapata State Park:
Garapatta Park is 11 km from Carmel-by-the-Sea on Highway 1 and is a national park in California. It has a stretch that stretches for over two miles to the beach, making the trek a delightful experience. A climb of about 50 feet will reward you with the magnificent view of the Pacific Ocean. The paths in the park stretch from the beaches to the dense groves of the coast’s redwood landscape.
Pongal or Sankranti is celebrated a harvest festival, when the month Margazhi or Dhanura comes to an end. The month that starts with the festival is Thai or Markara. It also marks the beginning of Uttarayana, a six-month period during which the sun moves north. On festival day the sun starts traveling TICs to the north and Uttarayana, a propitious period where all the essential functions are held starting.
The festival is celebrated with the same name; to mark the end of winter and celebrate the beginning of spring. In most parts of northern India, it is celebrated as Lohri and Assam as Bhogali Bihu.
In South India, he is known as Pongal in Tamil Nadu, Sankranthi Or Yellu Bella in Karnataka, Sankranti in Andhra Pradesh, Makara Sankranti in Maharashtra and Makaravillaku in Kerala.
Pongal, Tamil Nadu:
Pongal is a well-known festival for the people of Tamil Nadu and is celebrated for four days! The first day is Bhogi, which is celebrated to symbolize the end of the old and the beginning of a new period. Old things are limited to flames and made for the new crop and the new bright beginning.
The second day is Pongal. On this day, the sun god is worshiped. Profitable harvest and cooking in a lush harvest. The court is offered to God of the Sun. Festival festivities are best seen in villages where he is persecuted in a very traditional way. The courtyard of Pongal is cooked outside the houses in the courtyards. Traditional wood boilers and earthen pots are used. Prayers and elaborate rituals follow the puja offered to the sun god.
The third day is the day Maatu Qui Pongal is to worship the cow. An important animal for people in agriculture The cows of the house are washed, decorated, venerated and then driven. In cities, dairy farmers bring their cows to their customers so they can offer puja. The popular game of Jallikattu, which refers to money-binding packets on the horns of bullfights trying to snatch men from their sisters, hugging and clinging to an em, will take place that day.
The last day of Pongal is Kaanum Pongal. It is served with sugar cane, bananas and betel nut on the day of the day. Families spend the day outdoors, visiting or in public places.
Kolam with rice paste is a common sight everyday of the festival. The designs are eye-catching with their intricate pattern and thoughtful size.
In the land of Kannadigas Sankranti with Yellu Synonym (sesame) and bella (jaggery). Celebrations include cleaning the house on the eve of the festival. On the day of the party, mango leaves are used to decorate the main door. Rangolien with different colors decorate the sleepers. People prepare rice and Moong Dhal Kichdi or huggi. A sweet dish of rice and moong dhal is also prepared. Freshly harvested vegetables are used in the preparation of the party. At events, people exchange Yellu and Jaggery. The mixture also contains coconut and dry peanuts. It is believed that this exchange ensures a good and lasting relationship between individuals. In rural areas of Karnataka, Sankranthi celebrations are more traditional and sophisticated.
Sankranthi, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana:
As in Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana Sankranthi celebrate a four-day period. On Bhogi, the first day, a campfire is the bed to burn old and unwanted things before the traditional bath. The next day is Sankranthi, when pongali, a rice pudding and sweet dishes like ariselu, which are rice cakes, are prepared. The third day is Kanuma, where animals are decorated and events like them, bullfights and forbidden cockfights are also sometimes included. The fourth day is Mukkanuma. The festivals offer prayers to the Sun of God, Mahabali and Godadevi. Another highlight is the gift and the gift of the pumpkin.
There is no shortage of destinations in our country. Planned holidays or spontaneous trips, there are places for each of them. Increase the pleasure of your trip and enhance your trip by opting for a road trip. Look at Goroadtrip for advice. Here are some of the best routes for a trip to North India:
Shimla to Manali:
The road that stretches 250 kilometers from Shimla to Manali can be compared to a road to paradise, it’s breathtaking! With the sparkling waters of the Beas River, you can get to know the Himalayan mountains of Manali.
Puri at Konark:
It may be only 36 km from Puri to Konark on the NH 203, but it is loaded with a picture perfect enough to fill a book. The beautiful paved road is connected to its branches, which connect to a glass roof, which appears as a welcome gesture with open arms for the traveler.
Gangtok at Lake Tsomgo:
One of the most beautiful roads in the north-east, connecting Gangtok to Tsomgo Lake, also called Changu Lake, impresses with its scenery. With mountain ranges flanking the sides of the road, the 40-kilometer road in the hilly surroundings is a challenge.
Delhi to Agra:
One of the most popular roads of the Yamuna Highway. It allows travelers to travel 165 kilometers in less than two hours. A trip from Delhi to Taj Mahal and Agra Fort and back can be done in a day.
Shillong to Cherrapunjee:
One of the best routes for the road from Shillong to Cherrapunjee is around 53 kilometers. The road is blessed with enchanting waterfalls, picturesque villages and beautiful vineyards along the way.
Kolkata to Digha:
A popular weekend destination that often visits Kolkata. Digha is about 180 kilometers from Kolkata. The place is popular because of its beautiful beach as well as the beautiful road. The road to Digha is marked by green sections that offer a pleasant and relaxing walk.