More from Colombo

In the heart of Colombo, amidst its urban sprawl, stands a testament to the city's rich tapestry of faiths: a vibrant Hindu Temple. With its intricately carved deities and ornate gopurams, the temple resonates with age-old traditions, drawing both devotees and admirers alike. However, like many hidden treasures of the city, its grandeur is often whispered among locals. Once, a chatty tuk-tuk driver shared, as we cruised the city's lanes, that while modern attractions might catch the eye of tourists, it's places like this temple that truly capture the spirit and essence of Colombo. Though it might not be on every visitor's list, those who venture here find themselves ensnared in its mystical aura, taking with them memories of a city that seamlessly weaves the ancient with the modern.

The Lotus Tower, piercing the Colombo skyline, is a modern marvel that encapsulates Sri Lanka's ambitions and architectural prowess. Dominating the urban panorama, its blooming lotus-inspired design is a testament to the country's cultural heritage and progressive vision. However, a local tuk-tuk driver once quipped, as we drove by, that the allure of its towering heights comes with a rather hefty price tag of $20 – a fee deemed steep by many visitors. As a result, countless tourists, including myself, often find themselves admiring and capturing its grandeur from the ground, making it a celebrated landmark viewed more from the outside than from its panoramic pinnacle.