population: 2.3 million
extension: 25.8 square kilometers
A great museum to visit near Gampaha is the Colombo National Museum, located in Colombo, Sri Lanka. It features a wide range of artifacts and exhibits on Sri Lankan history, art, and culture. Another nearby museum is the Dutch Period Museum, also located in Colombo, which showcases the country's colonial past.
Some popular local dishes to try in Gampaha and Sri Lanka include:
1. Rice and curry: A staple dish made with boiled rice and a variety of curries, including vegetable, fish, meat, or lentil curries.
2. Hoppers (Appa): A type of pancake made from fermented rice flour and coconut milk, served with savory or sweet toppings.
3. Kottu Roti: A popular street food made by stir-frying chopped flatbread with vegetables, eggs, and/or meat and spices.
4. String Hoppers (Idiyappam): Thin noodles made from rice flour, often served with coconut milk and curry.
5. Pol Sambol: A spicy coconut-based condiment served with rice, bread, or other dishes.
6. Fish Curry: Sri Lankan cuisine is famous for its seafood dishes, and fish curry is a popular one, made with a blend of aromatic spices, coconut milk, and fresh fish.
7. Watalappan: A dessert made from coconut milk, jaggery (unrefined cane sugar), eggs, and spices, similar to caramel flan.
Some fun activities that local people enjoy in Gampaha, Sri Lanka include:
1. Visiting the Viharamahadevi Park in Colombo, which is a popular spot for picnics and outdoor activities.
2. Exploring the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage, which is located near Gampaha and allows visitors to get up close with elephants.
3. Taking a boat ride on the Bolgoda Lake in Moratuwa, which is a scenic and relaxing experience.
4. Visiting the Kelaniya Raja Maha Vihara temple in Kelaniya, which is an important Buddhist pilgrimage site and features beautiful architecture and artwork.
5. Sampling delicious local cuisine at food markets or restaurants, such as hoppers, kottu roti, and fish curry.