There was a scenic train route from Galle to Colombo. But Rangamani’s troops took the Southern Expressway to reach Colombo in two hours. That highway connected Hambantota, Matara and Galle with Colombo. It passed through lush spice gardens.

They exit from the highway at Battaramulla, a suburb of Colombo. The vehicle was stopped at a supermarket upon Thangamani’s request. She bought a container made of coconut shell as a souvenir. “If it is in a super market, it is a souvenir. If it lies on the street, it is a kottachi (Tamil name for coconut shell). So the value is based on where we are!” Rangamani’s philosophy did not disturb Thangamani. She was used to it. So she was busy in hunting for next prey!

Then they went to the Millennium Restaurant in the Sri Jayawardenapura Kotte area of ​​Colombo for lunch. It was late in the noon. The food was excellent. That was the most delicious South Indian food, since they started their trip to Sri Lanka. It looked and tasted good. There was no cook when they ordered for another Dosa. Cook went out as the work was done. “Oh no. Since the day they reached Galle, there was an evil eye on their tummies!” Rangamani expressed his grief.

Gangaramaya Vihara is the last attraction of that trip. The trip was started in Kattukalai Selva Vinayakar temple at Kandy. It ended at this temple. It was super clean. The temple looked like a collection of antiques.

It is said that the hair of the Buddha is preserved. In this temple, antiques are displayed as well. The ground floor of the temple hosts old cars, horse cart carriages and many antique carriages. The temple was so divine. But due to the travel, Thangamani was not in a mood for a deep worship. Kids were tired as well.

The long trip and the local trip inside Colombo pushed them into bed. Before that they swallowed couple of plates of tasty pulao.

Suitcases were packed and locked. Hand bags were placed above them. Travel documents were ready. Mobile phones were charged. The family took everything and rushed towards the restaurant for their breakfast. The journey plan was completed. They were ready to return back.

10 minutes passed, 20 minutes passed, 40 minutes passed. There was no sign of breakfast! “Was it a breakfast or break-slow?” Ranga tried to crack a joke. Ramada, Colombo gave them a good dinner on time, but delayed the breakfast like anything! Despite he asked few times, the kingly guests and their kids left the hotel with empty stomach, as it was getting late. It was horrible for Rangamani to ask the kids to leave the dining table, after they took their seats!

Removing the negatives, it was a good trip.

So called the Star hotel hospitality of Colombo might have forgotten to feed them. But Junga’s patti (grandma) was ready with the noon meal in India. Wherever we go, we are bound to our mother and mother country. India’s gates are open, always.

..End of Sri Lankan Travelogue..

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