Updated on November 14th, 2026
Another beautiful destination has found its place in my travel memories—Colombo, Sri Lanka. This journey was not merely a vacation but a purposeful visit, as I travelled to attend ICEF 2026, an event that brings together global opportunities and meaningful professional connections.
I arrived in Colombo on 16 February, carrying both travel fatigue and quiet excitement for the days ahead. I had already arranged my stay at the elegant Shangri-La Hotel, perfectly located along the oceanfront. As I stepped into the hotel, the soothing sea breeze and the calm rhythm of the Indian Ocean instantly dissolved my travel fatigue, replacing it with warmth and anticipation.
Colombo welcomed me with its unique blend of business energy and coastal serenity—a city where professional engagements meet the timeless charm of the sea, marking another memorable chapter in my travel history.
After a shower, I took it easy for the evening. Later, I stepped out for dinner at a nearby café called Chilli’s. Nothing much; I picked up a dish of barbecue (BBQ) chicken to take away so I could sit in my room by the window and relax with my drink.
Colombo welcomed me with slightly warm weather, but never uncomfortable. The breeze—soft and constant—made the evening pleasant. The hotel’s oceanfront location truly elevated the experience. The sound of water was not just background noise; it felt like part of the atmosphere, adding beauty to the quiet cosiness of the first night in Colombo.
Port City Evenings and an 18th-Floor View
Shangri-La is located close to one of Colombo’s most popular modern stretches: the Port City area. It’s a beautiful part of the capital where tourists and locals stay active from early morning until dusk. The city feels alive here in a relaxed way—people walking, running, taking photos, and spending time along the waterfront.
I was lucky to have an ocean-facing view from my room on the 18th level. That window became my private theatre. I spent hours simply sitting there, having my drink, calling my people, and watching life unfold along the beach. People moved with purpose, but also with ease—morning walkers, evening joggers, families enjoying the shoreline, and couples quietly sharing the view. It was my first visit to Colombo, and I quickly realised the sea isn’t just scenery here—it is part of the city’s soul.
What I Knew Before Colombo (and What I Started Feeling There)
Before arriving, I knew little about Colombo beyond the basics: tropical weather, beautiful beaches, and, yes, Sri Lanka’s famous elephants. One interesting thing my friend, Advocate Jain, from my city in India, told me on the call that morning was that Sri Lanka has some of the best surfing locations in the region. I’ll definitely visit again for it.
Another observation that stood out quickly was the confidence and natural charm of the Sri Lankan style. There’s a distinct freshness in the way many people—especially Sri Lankan women—carry themselves: a sun-kissed glow, open hair, light summer dresses, and an effortless elegance that feels completely natural in a coastal country. It wasn’t loud or artificial; it was simply confident.
By the end of my first evening, after sitting by the window for a long time and enjoying my drink, I was genuinely excited for what the next days would reveal.
ICEF South Asia: Packed Days, New Connections, Familiar Faces
The next two days were fully packed with meetings, lunches, and evening dinners. ICEF schedules don’t leave much room for long breaks, but they offer something equally valuable: meaningful interaction with people from your field.
I met many new people, built new connections, and caught up with a few friends. Events like ICEF always add something memorable to your professional journey. Even though ICEF South Asia isn’t as large as ICEF Berlin, it still holds strong value. It brings colleges, universities, and education professionals together under one roof and creates opportunities you can’t replicate through emails or online calls.
In the business of overseas education consultancy, relationships matter. It’s always important to interact with people who understand your work, your challenges, and your market. ICEF offers that opportunity, which is why these events remain relevant year after year. I really appreciate Mr Prashant Upadhyay, a leading face of ICEF, for organising such events so perfectly.
After ICEF: Switching Hotels and Seeing Colombo as a Traveller
After the event ended on 19th February, I decided to explore Colombo properly. I moved to a different hotel for the next two days, just to experience another side of the city.
For sightseeing, I booked a taxi. Colombo is well served by taxis, and for a more local experience, the famous tuk-tuk is always an option. Many tuk-tuk drivers charge by the meter, which works well when you want to make multiple stops in one day. I had both good and bad experiences with these tuk-tuk drivers. Check whether the driver knows the city well, but it’s a good option for exploring; drivers can also guide you to different spots.
Lotus Tower: Colombo’s Modern Identity in Lights
One of my first sightseeing stops was the Lotus Tower, an iconic landmark and one of Colombo’s most famous attractions. At night, it glows beautifully with colourful lights, becoming a highlight of the skyline.
The tower is also known locally as “Nelum Kuluna”, inspired by the lotus flower—a symbol of purity and cultural significance in Sri Lanka. Its lotus design feels like a symbol of modern Sri Lankan identity.
There is an entry ticket, and inside you can enjoy food, cafés, and shopping areas. For visitors, it’s a good place to start because it offers a panoramic view of Colombo’s scale and layout.
A Spiritual Triangle: Hindu and Buddhist Beauty Side by Side
Near the Lotus Tower, I visited a Hindu temple that felt deeply peaceful and visually impressive.
Sri Kaileswaram Temple, also known as Sri Kailasanathar Temple, is one of Colombo’s oldest and most revered Hindu temples. Dedicated to Lord Shiva and Lord Ganesha, it features beautiful carvings and detailed statues of various gods. The temple is believed to be well over a century old and remains a key spiritual site in the city. I captured a few photos there, but more than that, I carried the feeling of quiet devotion that the place radiates.
In the same surroundings, I also visited one of Colombo’s most famous Buddhist temples:
Gangaramaya Temple, located near Beira Lake, blends Sri Lankan, Thai, Chinese, and Indian architectural styles. It also includes a museum-like section featuring Buddha statues, sacred relics, and a revered Bodhi tree. The lake nearby adds another layer of calm, with floating flower beds and ducks completing the serene atmosphere. The temple remains open throughout the day, but early morning or late afternoon offers the most peaceful experience.
Viharamahadevi Park: Green Calm in the Heart of the City
Another place worth visiting is Viharamahadevi Park, Colombo’s largest and oldest public park, located right in the heart of the city.
It’s a beautiful green space with wide walking paths, tall shady trees, open lawns, and peaceful gardens. It feels ideal for a slow evening stroll or a relaxed morning walk. There is also a Buddha statue in one corner of the park, and on weekends, the park becomes a gathering space for locals—families, friends, and couples enjoying the outdoors.
Walking there, I felt something personal: I missed my company on this trip. Some places feel even more beautiful when shared.
Spice Markets and the Real Taste of Colombo
No trip to Sri Lanka feels complete without taking a piece of its flavour home. I visited a spice market and bought authentic Sri Lankan spices to take home. Sri Lanka is famous for its rich spices, and shopping there felt like carrying a small part of the island back with me.
And yes—finding good food every day in a new city is a job in itself.
For dinner, my taxi driver suggested a food-court market next to the Shangri-La Hotel. I was amazed by how many cuisines were available there. I chose Pakistani food from Khayaban—mutton curry with naan. It was delicious, comforting, and exactly what I wanted. Sometimes the best meals in a foreign city are the ones you don’t plan.
Again, a Memorable Evening by Port City Shores
On my last evening, I spent time near the port city beach road again, exploring everything more closely. That day, it drizzled, but people still enjoyed the beach. The light rain blended beautifully with the cool ocean breeze, while waves continued their rhythmic conversation with the shore.
I walked along the coastline, letting the sea’s calm and the rain’s freshness create a soothing balance after a busy day.
It was a memorable time. I captured a few photographs, ate fresh seafood at local eateries, and walked a long way along the wet road. The drizzle added a cinematic glow to the surroundings, making every moment feel quietly special. I stayed there until the beach road sparkled under glowing streetlights.
A Trip of Feelings, Not Just Facts
In all, this was a wonderful trip—a mix of business meetings and the quiet joy of discovering a beautiful place. Colombo gave me ocean breeze, city lights, temples, parks, spices, flavours, and memories. It wasn’t a trip of facts alone—it was a trip of feelings.
And now, I already find myself thinking about my next Sri Lankan chapter. Maybe next time, it will be another beautiful city, Kandy.
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