This section is dedicated to take away all your "I wish someone had told me that before I went!" experiences. This way, you can spend less time settling in, and more time making new friends in your chosen hostel.
Nugegoda is a very busy, populated suburban city in Sri Lanka that is known for its proximity to the capital city, Colombo. It is sometimes referred to as a part of the capital, although it is not really. There are hostels galore in Nugegoda, as it is one of the more urban parts of the country. There is not really much sightseeing to do here other than the occasional temple. The true beauty of this suburb lies in its surrounding areas.
When here, be sure to catch one of the many plentiful buses from your hostel to the nearby town of Rajagiriya, which is about a half hour away, depending on traffic conditions. In Rajagiriya, there is a lake called the Diyawanna Oya. This lake is spanned by a bridge that was built recently, on which you can stand and take pictures of the expanse of water.
Right next to this lake is a golf course and hotel known as Water’s Edge. The golf course is known across the country. You can go here to play a few holes, or you can relax at the Long Bar with a cold drink in your hand for a while. Next to this is a clearing that, on Thursdays, is home to the Good Market Colombo, an artisanal market where local arts and craftsmen come together to sell their wares.
If you head to the west of Nugegoda from your hostel instead, you should wind up at the Mount Lavinia Beach, which is one of the most famous beaches in and around Colombo. Relatively secluded compared to the Galle Face Green in the heart of the commercial capital, Mount Lavinia, or “Mount” to the locals, is a good place to unwind and enjoy a sunset. Remember to head back before night falls if you are not with a group – a recent spate of criminal activity targeting solitary tourists has been reported.
Written by local expertz for Nugegoda
Jakob Lombardi
