Even though we have been on a traveling spree in and around Kerala , the international travel bug hit us a bit late . As they say , better late than never and every journey begins with a small step . Let this be ours.
Last Tuesday ( October 4 th ) we set out on a 5 day trip to Colombo / Kuala Lumpur . As this was my first trip over seas , frankly , I did not have a clue what I should carry and all. So the pre – trip preparations were a bit hectic . Especially with two over excited kids under your feet grilling you with every kind of questions . By the time I reached the airport on Tuesday morning , I was already exhausted .
At the airport we were delighted to see three other families with kids almost of the same age as that of Ruby and Pearl. Three ten yr old boys , three five year old girls , one toddler and one infant . With in no time they all became inseparable and set the right momentum for a rocking trip.
The tour was on behalf of ICAI ( Institute of Chartered accountants of India ) Cochin Chapter and was arranged by Akbar Travels.
There was a city tour of Colombo on our way to Ramada . Sri lanka is almost similar to India , especially Kerala and Tamil Nadu . But a lot cleaner . We were intrigued by the similarities in the way Sri Lankan ladies drape their sarees . It has a far resemblance to our ‘ chattayum mundum’ . Even when they drape it in Indian style the ‘pallu’ of their saree reaches their ankle . And I liked it .
image courtesy - google
The streets are similar to our Fort Kochi . I dozed off in between . It has been some time since I got chance to listen to any lecture . The guide’s description acted as a good lullaby 
I managed to get some snaps though .
One thing that I noticed is almost every other building has a statue in the front . So after taking one or two snaps we lost the thrill . The beach side road is very beautiful and we passed through that spot at the right time of sunset .
Colombo by sunset
We came across a snake charmer on the premises of The National Monument . I was looking forward to see the snake dancing to the ‘pagdee’ . Even though India is known as the snake charmer’s land I haven’t seen any until now. But the snake charmer turned out to be a bit tactless and right away started asking for money making conditions and clauses and we lost the interest . Anyway I managed some snaps.
For shopping the Guide first took us to some cultural and ethnic shops which we found very expensive and not worth for the money . So later he gave in and took us to House of Fashions which was a good shopping experience .
We reached Ramada Hotel by 9.30 or so . And after food headed right away to sleep .
The Srilankan cuisine included ‘ idiyapom’ , ‘stew ‘ , ‘ chutney ‘ and a whole lot of dishes similar to ours . Just like Kerala the Portugal influence is more than that of the British .
Ramada is okay when your are in transit . Be sure that you have every thing you may need with you. The crew is not that keen on service .
We headed to Kuala Lumpur very early the next morning .
Not been to any place… But hav heard that sri lanka is beautiful. Got a couple of friends who swear by it….
You having fun
Living in the UK and crying of not being to any place ?? not fair Bikki
The beaches of Sri Lanka are exquisite . I too have friends who will swear by that . We didn make it though . Just a city tour
sighs !!
seems the kiddus had a great time..