Home & Away with Robert Walshe
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Holiday Hotspot – Colombo Sri- Lanka
Colombo the Sri-Lankan capital has many sides to discover. From the lively exchanges seen at the bazaars of Pettah to the sun kissed beaches of Mt. Lavinia, you will be enchanted by this dynamic and ancient trading city. During the day you will have the opportunity to visit sites including the milelong promenade of Galle Face Green or the exclusive district of Cinnamon Gardens where you will find Independence Hall. The National Museum has some terrific examples of ancient paintings,
sculptures and sketches dating back to the 4th century BC, while if it’s something contemporary you want, the city has a thriving arts scene, with many creative painters exhibiting in local galleries and also outside the museum entrance where you can pick up a bargain. Gangarama Vihara in the city is one of the most venerable temples in the country, decorated with wonderful brass work, stone carvings, and other Buddhist art. Colombo also has a buzzing nightlife, with chill-out bars, casinos if you want to try your hand at roulette or baccarat, or cool clubs where you can party until dawn.
n Mount Lavinia Hotel Colombo Sri-Lanka.
Steeped in history, romance and tranquility, the famous, colonial-style Mount Lavinia Hotel has a splendour all of its own. In a wonderful location overlooking the Indian Ocean, it features a secluded beach overlooking the city skyline. The hotel is also built around the original residence of Sir Thomas Maitland who was the Governor General of Ceylon from 1805-1811. At a welcoming party held in his honour on his arrival on the island he set his eyes upon Lovina, a local dancer, whose father was Headman of the troupe. Sir Thomas was smitten by her smile and charms and soon found himself obsessed by her and took every measure possible to see more of her. As it was highly unconventional for an unmarried British Officer to be seen associating with a local dancing girl, Sir Thomas and his lover met in secret. Legend says she was smuggled into his mansion through a secret tunnel that led from her father’s well into a wine cellar in the house. In 1811, social convention and duty to his King, led Sir Thomas to leave the country for Malta,
For our best deals call 0044 28 9038 1111 or visit www.mooneyhotelgroup.com where he lived and died as a bachelor. The hotel nowadays is fitted with dark wood furnishings; while air-conditioned rooms have satellite TV and tea/coffee making facilities. The bathrooms offer a hot shower and Ayurvedic toiletries. Fresh seafood can be enjoyed at the beachfront restaurant. International themed buffets are served nightly at the Governors resn Galle Face Colo taurant, while the mbo Sri-Lanka .j Terrace offers local and international dishes. thenw w w . m ount l av i ni ahot el . tic Turkish and com JF Tours provide tai- international dishes and lor made packages offering the experience leaves the flexibility and enjoyment of other Middle Eastern carindependent travel with an riers like Emirates trailing excellent team of well ex- far behind. Turkish Airlines perienced, knowledgeable also fly to 96 countries chauffeur guides driving a across the globe with new modern fleet of luxury cars & destinations including Kili4 wheel drives. www.jftours. manjaro, Sharm el Sheik, Malcom Turkish airlines offer 10 dives and South Africa. Best flights a week from Dublin to fares are available from www. Istanbul with daily onward turkishairlines.com For travconnections to Colombo in ellers from Northern Ireland Sri-Lanka. On long-haul flights, or Ulster counties the Hilton first and business & economy Dublin airport offers a perclass passengers feast on au- fect stop off point before you
catch your Turkish Airlines flight the following day. This homely Hilton offers short & long term parking, a complimentary shuttle to the airport, good sized rooms and a friendly service at Burnell Bar & Grill. www.hilton.com Robert Walshe is a travel broadcaster with Q Radio Network and Travel Editor for River Media newspaper titles across the island of Ireland. www.robertwalshe.com