Tag Archives: Sri Lanka

Kala Pola 2013 – Celebrating Sri Lankan Art

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Colombo, the commercial capital of Sri Lanka, is a thriving metropolis that offers a fascinating visitor experience. Encompassing the coast, the city has a rich history, while also showcasing more modern development in its thriving cityscape. From shopping malls to local markets, casinos to nightclubs and lush pockets of greenery to a wide range of restaurants and cafes, Colombo has it all and is definitely worth exploring. The city also has a bourgeoning art scene and those interested in this form of creative expression should look to visit Kala Pola 2013 when next here.

This annual street art fair dates back to 1993, when 35 artists displayed their creations. Inspired by such similar events as Oxford University’s, Turl Street Art Festival, this colourful fair has grown immensely since its humble beginnings and past events have featured more than 300 sculptors and artists, who have been eager to showcase their masterpieces.

Kala Pola 2013 is set to take place along the street known as Nelum Pokuna Mawatha, located near the city’s latest modern performing arts venue, the ‘Nelum Pokuna’. The fair attracts a wide cross-section of local artists and sculptors from different social strata, from all parts of the island.

The country’s largest open air art fair, Kala Pola in 2013 is scheduled to take place on the 26th of January starting at 8.30am in the morning and running up to 10pm the next night. Presented by the George Keyt Foundation with the partnership of the John Keells Foundation, this art fair has in the past attracted over 25,000 visitors both locally and from abroad. The main purpose of this event is to encourage budding local talent and provide them with a platform where they can showcase their works to the public.

An ideal venue to meet the artists themselves, Kala Pola is also a great place to hunt for that unique piece of art that would make a welcome addition to your home.

The Sri Lanka arts field is one that is slowly, but steadily getting more and more acclaim as new talent comes to the forefront. Apart from the Kala Pola, works done by Sri Lanka artists can also be seen at a variety of galleries such as the Sri Lankan Art Gallery. Sponsored by the John Keells Foundation which is the non-profit and corporate social responsibility arm of the John Keells Group, this gallery offers up and coming Sri Lankan artists a way in which their creations can be seen.

Thanuja Silva is a travel writer who writes under the pen name Auburn Silver. She has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
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Festivals and Cultural Events in Sri Lanka

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Sri Lanka travel is made easy by Jetwing Travels which offers a variety of Sri Lanka tours. This tropical island is not only blessed with natural beauty but also boasts a rich culture and history which are reflected in various local festivals. Most of the festivals are either national or religious and are celebrated in grand scale. Each April, the Sinhala and Tamil New Year is held which incorporates a range of age old traditions. Perhaps the biggest religious festival in the country, Vesak is celebrated all across the nation with much fervour. Deepavali, Ramazan and Christmas are also among the festivals observed in the country.

 

 

 

Thanuja Silva is a travel writer who writes under the pen name Auburn Silver. She has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
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Uncover a True Beach Mecca’s Nighttime Splendour in Captivating Galle

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Blessed with pristine beaches stretching in never ending lines the holiday Mecca of Galle is the stuff of dreams for all beach lovers touring Sri Lanka. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site with many historical and colonial structures dating back centuries this vacation heartland is also a scenic landscape filled with tropical rainforests and larger than life forts. All of these attributes make Galle an intriguing holiday destination with a vibrant nightlife to match. Littered with chic bars and trendy restaurants located on the beach the night time distractions of this former colonial stronghold turned leisure hub are truly impressive.
Fine dining is almost a Galle tradition as the sheer volume of world class restaurants beckons food lovers from all walks of life to the stylishly designed interiors of the venues. Asian fusion and traditional Sri Lankan delicacies are the most popular items in the menu at five star diners such as Fort Printers and Amangalla while the Rampart Hotel Restaurant allows diners to enjoy their meals in view of the seashore. Just 200m from the Gall Clock Tower one stumbles upon the Seagreen Restaurant which is one of Galle’s premier seafood haunts. Fresh juices are also popular among seasoned patrons of the decidedly intimate Seagreen in addition to fried king prawns which are simply scrumptious. Affordable grub can be found Aruna’s Restaurant which also serves pizzas as well as conventional curries whereas Indian food hub India Hut serves chicken tikka masala as its signature dish.

Café style eateries in Galle include Peddler’s Inn, Royal Dutch Café, Serendipity Arts Café, and Mama’s Roof Cafe while Unawatuna beach boasts a variety of beach shack restaurants including Kingfisher, which specializes in Turkish fare, wraps and lobster dishes. Diners can eat al fresco under the stars at the Pipels House Café surrounded by a tropical garden which adds to the serene atmosphere of the eatery.
Those who wish to enjoy island themed cocktails and other spirits while touring Galle can drop in on any of its ultra modern bars which includes Dick’s Bar, Cardamom Café and The Zaal. The Sea Lounge and Dalawella’s Wijaya Beach are also worth exploring while the bohemian bars and pubs in Unawatuna are some of the livelier haunts in the southern coastal town. 
Travellers in search of a luxurious hotel in Galle will find no finer alternative to Era Beach by Jetwing. Offering guests an elegant hideaway in the southern heartland of the island this stylish rest is one of the best Sri Lanka hotels in Galle.