Colombo and Cricket – The Two C’s of Celebration

As India and Sri Lanka gear up to battle it out in Sri Lanka for the test series, cricket fans in both countries are waiting with bated breath to see if India, under the leadership of the young and dynamic Virat Kohli, can finally end their 22-year wait to win a Test in Sri Lanka. Judging by the enthusiasm of Indian fans, it’s easy to predict that a good number of the one billion strong fan base would be in Galle and Colombo to enjoy the matches. After all, in the days of T-20 and IPL, the Test is a true cricket connoisseur’s cup of tea. So if you have booked your tickets (if not, hurry!) and hotel, here is a list of things you can enjoy in Colombo before and after the cricket bonanza:

 

Visit Viharamahadevi Park, National Museum and Cinnamon Gardens – Enjoy a leisurely stroll in this heritage park, the oldest in Colombo, while contemplating on which way the match would eventually swing.  You can also visit the Cinnamon Gardens which is home to the National Museum and the Prime Minister’s Office

 

Go Shopping – Whether you are on tight schedule or have a free day, it does not matter; you just have to experience the joy of shopping in Colombo. Paradise Road is a popular shopping hotspot where you can shop for colonial and Sri Lankan antiques and original home wares. Local specialties that you can take back home include handicrafts made of cotton, reed, paper and leather.  The most famous of all – the Ceylon tea and spices – are a must-buy!

Nightlife – Colombo has a lot to offer in the way of nightlife. So after a good, thrilling game of cricket, you can celebrate (or wash away the pain of loss) by having a good glass of wine and some dance and music. You can also enjoy the thrill of facing the odds and winning at the luxurious casinos of Colombo. Poker, blackjack and roulette – whatever gives you the thrill! Some of the pubs and bars you can try a drink or two at include Mawby’s Chillout Pub, Zanzi Bar, Glow Bar, Blue Leopard Harbour Room, The Hut, The Library and The Boom.

Food – Colombo offers a wide variety of exotic seafood – most of them finger-licking delicious! Apart from the seafood, some of the dishes you must have a taste of include spicy rolls and desserts like Kiribath, made of rice and coconut milk; Kiri Peni, made of curd and honey and Wattalappam, an egg pudding.

So keep your fingers crossed, and celebrate the two C’s – cricket and Colombo.