By Pallavi Verma 
A Rainy Morning at Saayoo Resort
On the third day of our Sri Lankan adventure, we woke up to a beautiful morning at Saayoo Resort, accompanied by a gentle shower of rain. The sound of raindrops created a calming atmosphere, setting a peaceful tone for the day ahead. As usual, we headed to the dining area for breakfast. Although the breakfast menu remained the same as the previous days—juice, chai, toast, sausages, and omelette—I opted for the vegetarian option of a vegetable salad with toast. Even though the repetition could have been monotonous, we managed without much fuss, enjoying the simplicity of the meal.
Journey to Colombo: A Local Train Experience
After breakfast, we packed our essentials—water and shades—ready to explore Colombo city. We walked to Kattuwa railway station to catch the local train to Colombo. The train was the same type we had taken on our first day, airy and comfortable, but this time, as it was morning rush hour, the train was quite full from previous stations. Public transport is the most affordable option for locals, many of whom commute from villages to the city for work.
As we boarded the crowded train, I stood near a pole to catch some fresh air and take in the view. The atmosphere was warm due to the crowd, but the experience became more enjoyable when a local vocal artist began singing, carrying a small sound box with him. The song was in the local language, but I found myself appreciating the melody nonetheless.
At the next station, a lady selling mango slices, locally known as “cary,” boarded the train. I bought a portion for 100 Sri Lankan rupees—mango slices sprinkled with some salt, offering a delightful snack during the journey. Despite feeling a bit exhausted from the crowd and the heat, I remained patient, waiting for our destination.
The train journey reminded me of the rush in Delhi metros or Mumbai locals, but it was not as chaotic. In fact, these trains were quite comfortable compared to others, which is why many foreigners prefer traveling by local trains instead of taxis or tuk-tuks. The latter tend to charge more, so public transport is often the better option.
Arrival in Colombo: Navigating the City
We arrived at Colombo railway station and exited to search for the reservation ticket counter. Since train tickets for further journeys sell out quickly, we had pre-booked our tickets in India. The counter was only open for a few days, so we needed to collect our physical tickets for our upcoming travels.
After securing our tickets, we took a stroll through the city, catching a glimpse of the iconic Lotus Tower, which I had already seen from the train. As we started walking again, a tuk-tuk driver offered us a ride, but we preferred to explore the city on foot.
Colombo is a beautiful city, not dominated by high-rise buildings, but bustling with local vendors selling lunch packs and snacks on the streets. As we walked, we encountered a man trying to sell us exhibition show tickets—one of the common scams in the city. These scams often involve overcharging tourists for events and then asking for more money, so it’s important to stay cautious.
Galle Face Green: A Coastal Escape
We continued our walk and soon spotted the Galle Face Green, a beautiful ocean-side park. The sight of the blue line of the ocean touching the shores, with the wind spraying saltwater, was majestic. The park provided a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. We stopped for some coffee and cinnamon tea, and despite the humid weather, the refreshing sea breeze took away all our fatigue.
A Hot Afternoon at Beira Lake
After leaving Galle Face Green, we decided to visit Beira Lake, a 4-kilometer walk from the park. However, due to language barriers, the locals often responded with “yes” to any query, leading us slightly off course. By the time we reached Beira Lake, it was afternoon and quite hot. We found a nearby restaurant where we had juice and fried rice, providing a much-needed break and a chance to relax. The waiter at the restaurant struck up a conversation with us, curious about our country and weather. He seemed like a storyteller, sharing anecdotes that added a personal touch to our visit.
Heading Back: A Relaxing Evening in Kattuwa
Feeling a bit overwhelmed by the noise and activity of the city, I decided to skip visiting Independence Hall and head straight back to the railway station. The city’s constant vehicle noise had started to irritate me, so peace was what I craved. We rushed to catch our train, which was already on the platform when we arrived. This time, the train ride back to Kattuwa was much more relaxing, with fewer passengers on board.
After arriving in Kattuwa, we took a leisurely walk along the brown beach road, stopped at a juice center for a refreshing mango shake, and purchased some fruits. We also visited a supermarket where I bought some snacks, including my new favorite, cassava chips. Back at the resort, we unpacked our items, changed into swimwear, and jumped into the pool. The staff was kind enough to bring us the fruits we had purchased while we were still in the pool. Even a cat made an appearance, staying for a while before the mosquitoes drove us back into our room. After a shower, we settled in for dinner, which we had ordered from the resort. The meal was not only affordable but also delicious, prepared in authentic Sri Lankan style.
Ending the Day: Rest and Rejuvenation
After a day filled with hustle and bustle, the evening was a welcome respite. We enjoyed a relaxing dinner and then fell into a deep sleep, exhausted but content. The next day, we were to move on to Sigiriya, with plans to catch another train from Colombo station. But that’s a story for another day.