Anika’s Sports Club (AIBSC) organised for 22 of its members to go on its annual trip to Sri Lanka on 5 August 2005, the furthest destination yet since its inception.

The group stayed at the Grand Oriental Hotel in Colombo and the Swiss Residence in the royal town of Kandy. The group stopped at the unique Pinnawela Elephant Orphanage whilst travelling from Colombo to Kandy by tour coach. In Kandy, the scenic sights visited include the Upper Lake Drive, Market Square, Arts & Crafts Centre, Gem Lapidary and the holy Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic.

Of particular interest was the leisurely walk through the Royal Botanical Gardens in Kandy. The 147 acres of lush and well-maintained gardens which originated in 1374, contain more than 5,000 species of plants and trees, including a well-stocked Spice Garden and a charming Orchid House.

Back in Colombo, a city drive took the group to the busy commercial areas, tree-lined residential Cinnamon Gardens, a former British Administrative centre and military garrison, Sea Street – the Goldsmith’s quarters, Dutch Church of Wolfendhal, a site housing the replica of the Avukana Buddha and the Independence Square.

Shopping being a traditional staple of AIBSC trips, the tour guide made it a point to take the group to various shopping destinations that carry a diverse range of goods. True to form, the euphoric group brought back the monetary equivalent of the GDP of a small third world nation in boutique tea leaves, vibrant hand-dyed textiles, bargain-priced branded office-wear and ladies’ apparels, Ayurvedic medicines and traditional herbal remedies, Noritake china and semi-precious gemstones.

Some photographs taken during the trip: