Cinnamon Gardens: Colombo's Leafy Oasis

• Helloආයුබෝවන්
  [Ayubowan]
• Goodbyeසල්ලි
  [Salli]
• Yesඔව්
  [Owa]
• Noනෑ
  [Nae]
• Please/You're welcomeකරනවා/කියලා බලා
  [Karannava/Kiyala balaa]
• Thank youඔබට ස්තූතියි
  [Obata sthuthiyi]
• Excuse me/Sorryකරනවා/සමාධෝවී
  [Karannava/Samadawee]
• How are you?ඔයා කොහොමද?
  [Oya kohomada?]
• Fine. And you?හොඳම. ඔයා?
  [Hondama. Oya?]
• Do you speak English?ඔයා ඉංග්‍රීසි කතා කරනවාද?
  [Oya Ingirisi katha karannavada?]
• I don't understandමට දත්ත නොවනවා
  [Mata data nowanava]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseමනර් පාන්දු බලන්න
  [Manar pandu balanna]
• I don't eat meatමම මස් නෑම
  [Mama mas naem]
• Cheers!සුදු ආයුබෝවන්!
  [Sudu ayubowan]
• I would like to pay, pleaseමනර් ගෙවන්න
  [Manar gewanna]

• Help!උක්තළා!
  [Ukathla!]
• Go away!යන්න!
  [Yanna!]
• Call the Police!පොලිස් කළඹු!
  [Police kalabu!]
• Call a doctor!වෛර කළඹු!
  [Vaira kalabu!]
• I'm lostමම දම්වුලා
  [Mama damwula]
• I'm illමම අස්වර්ගොතේ
  [Mama aswaragotay]

• I'd like to buy...මනර් ... මිලදීගෙන එන්න
  [Manar ... miladigena enna]
• I'm just lookingමම ඇපක්ෂා කරමි
  [Mama apeksha karami]
• How much is it?එය කොහොමද?
  [Eya kohomada?]
• That's too expensiveඑය වේගයි
  [Eya wegai]
• Can you lower the price?මිල අහිතුනවාද?
  [Mila ahithunavada?]

• What time is it?දින කාලය කුලේ?
  [Dina kalaya kule?]
• It's one o'clockඑකට
  [Ekata]
• Half past (10)දහයි පැයක්
  [Dahayi payak]
• Morningඋදේම
  [Udema]
• Afternoonසවස
  [Sawasa]
• Eveningසහය
  [Sahaya]
• Yesterdayඊයේ
  [Iye]
• Todayඅද
  [Ada]
• Tomorrowහෙට
  [Heta]
• 1එක
  [Eka]
• 2දෙක
  [Deka]
• 3තුන
  [Thuna]
• 4හත්
  [Hath]
• 5පහ
  [Paha]
• 6හය
  [Haya]
• 7හත
  [Hatha]
• 8අශ්ව
  [Ashwa]
• 9නත්
  [Natha]
• 10දහ
  [Daha]

• Where's a/the...?...කොහොමද?
  [... Kohomada?]
• What's the address?ලිපිනය කුලේ?
  [Lipinaya kule?]
• Can you show me (on the map)?මගේත් පෙන්වන්න
  [Mage th penwanna]
• When's the next (bus)?ඊළඟ ... කාලය කුලේ?
  [Elaga ... kalaya kule?]
• A ticket (to ....)කාලසත්වයක් (... වෙත)
  [Kalasathwayak (... wetha)]

Cinnamon Gardens, as its name suggests, was originally known for the flourishing cinnamon plantations that thrived in the area during the colonial period. Established by the Portuguese in the 16th century and later expanded by the Dutch and British, these plantations became significant for Sri Lanka's economy. The region's fertile soil and favorable climate made it an ideal location for cinnamon cultivation, which was highly sought after in international markets.

In the late 19th century, Cinnamon Gardens began its transformation from agricultural land to a residential area, particularly for the British elite and affluent locals. The construction of large colonial bungalows and spacious gardens took place during this time, reflecting the Victorian architectural style. This shift marked the beginning of Cinnamon Gardens as a prestigious neighborhood, attracting prominent figures in Sri Lankan society.

As the 20th century progressed, Cinnamon Gardens evolved into a cultural and educational hub of Colombo. The establishment of prominent institutions such as the Royal College, the Colombo Academy, and later, the University of Colombo, solidified the neighborhood's reputation as a center for learning and culture. The area became home to many influential artists, writers, and political figures, contributing to its rich cultural tapestry.

After Sri Lanka gained independence in 1948, Cinnamon Gardens continued to flourish as a desirable residential area. Development efforts introduced modern amenities while preserving the historical architecture. The neighborhood became known for its lush greenery, parks, and cultural institutions, such as the National Museum of Colombo, which resides nearby, showcasing the country's heritage and history.

Today, Cinnamon Gardens reflects a blend of historical elegance and modern urban life. The neighborhood maintains its status as one of Colombo's most affluent areas, with a mix of colonial-era homes and contemporary residences. The community continues to thrive culturally, hosting various art exhibitions, musical performances, and literary events, contributing to the vibrant cultural scene of Colombo.

Cinnamon Gardens is centrally located in Colombo and can be easily accessed from various neighborhoods. If you are coming from the Colombo Fort area, you can take a tuk-tuk or taxi, which should take around 15 minutes. Public buses are also available, with several routes stopping in or near Cinnamon Gardens. For those arriving from the Bandaranaike International Airport, consider hiring a taxi or using a rideshare service, which will take approximately 35-45 minutes depending on traffic.

Cinnamon Gardens is best explored on foot or by bicycle, as many attractions are within walking distance. There are bicycle rental services available for those who prefer cycling. Public buses serve the area, and the Colombo Light Rail is expected to enhance connectivity in the future. Tuk-tuks are also a popular and convenient option for short trips within the neighborhood.

Cinnamon Gardens is generally considered a safe area for tourists. However, it is advisable to stay vigilant in crowded public spaces and avoid displaying valuables. Areas like the outskirts of Borella can experience higher crime rates, particularly at night. Always exercise caution when navigating less populated streets.

In case of an emergency, dial 119 for police assistance or 110 for fire services. The nearest hospitals are Lanka Hospitals and Nawaloka Hospital, both of which are well-equipped to handle emergencies. It is advisable to carry a copy of your travel insurance and any necessary medical information.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. Avoid wearing revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. Always remove your shoes before entering temples. Public Transport: Do be courteous and offer your seat to elderly passengers. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet with a friendly smile and a nod; handshakes are common among men. Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies and accept food offerings graciously. Don't refuse hospitality, as it is considered impolite.

To experience Cinnamon Gardens like a local, visit the local markets such as the Colombo Farmers' Market for fresh produce and artisanal goods. Engage with locals at cafes and parks, as they often share insights about the area's history and culture. Don't miss the beautiful Viharamahadevi Park for a leisurely stroll or a picnic. Try to visit during the evening when the area is lively with street food vendors and local musicians.