Just a few kilometres away from the madness of central Colombo is the peaceful town of Nugegoda, a place that I call home whenever I am in Sri Lanka.
Nugegoda is a friendly town and a reflection of Sri Lankan society at large. A smile greets you at the smallest of shops, most of which are family-run. The clerks at the post office are actually helpful and still understand what letters and postcards are!! There is a genuine sense of relaxation in the town. The High Level Road is Nugegoda's main street, with its share of shops and offices of utility providers. Along the railway station is a spotlessly clean and civilized market.
What I like most about Nugegoda are the leafy lanes with traditional houses. Many of them were built in the late 19th century and there is a peculiar charm about these homes (complete with well-moved lawns) that have combined Sri Lankan and European architectural styles. Tucked away in 1 such lane is a beautiful Buddhist temple, where monks chant and sing prayers both at sunrise and sunset.
Yes, KFC and McDonalds have reared their ugly heads on the High Level Road but that won't stop me from grabbing some cheese kothu from a smaller shop. No multinational can dare to compete with Fab, the best cake shop on the island!
Nugegoda is a friendly town and a reflection of Sri Lankan society at large. A smile greets you at the smallest of shops, most of which are family-run. The clerks at the post office are actually helpful and still understand what letters and postcards are!! There is a genuine sense of relaxation in the town. The High Level Road is Nugegoda's main street, with its share of shops and offices of utility providers. Along the railway station is a spotlessly clean and civilized market.
What I like most about Nugegoda are the leafy lanes with traditional houses. Many of them were built in the late 19th century and there is a peculiar charm about these homes (complete with well-moved lawns) that have combined Sri Lankan and European architectural styles. Tucked away in 1 such lane is a beautiful Buddhist temple, where monks chant and sing prayers both at sunrise and sunset.
Yes, KFC and McDonalds have reared their ugly heads on the High Level Road but that won't stop me from grabbing some cheese kothu from a smaller shop. No multinational can dare to compete with Fab, the best cake shop on the island!
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