What Is Batticaloa Famous For? Know The Best Things To Do In This Eastern Town Of Sri Lanka 

BY  Sibashree Jun 22, 2026

Macau is a small East Asian City. It is west of Hong Kong and on the south coast of China. Macau is 64 kms away from Hong Kong, and it has the City of Zhuhai in Mainland China to the north. Then, the Pearl River Delta is to the south and east.  It was a Portuguese colony once, but now it is an autonomous territory. Also, even today, Macau shows an influence of ancient Chinese culture.  However, this ancient Chinese culture has created a fusion with new-age European influence. The cuisine of Macau explains it best, and that’s why you need to visit the best restaurants in Macau. You will especially experience a blend of Cantonese and Portuguese flavors.  What Are The Top 10 Restaurants In Macau?  Macau has many top restaurants to eat at. Along with the starred restaurants, there are also bakeries, taverns, street food corners, and age-old tea houses.   Furthermore, freshly baked almond cookies, egg tarts, and slices of beef and pork jerky are some of the best delicacies to try in these restaurants.   Also, thanks to the culinary legacy of over 400 years, there is a global interest in Macanese cuisine.   Moreover, Irina Bokova, the Director-General of UNESCO, has designated Macau as the UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy.   Nevertheless, visiting all the restaurants in the city is not possible logistically. So, I have 25 places and picked 10 among them.   I have further divided the top 10 Macau restaurants into two categories: luxury restaurants and budget-friendly restaurants.    It’s time to celebrate Macanese history and the eclectic culture of the city. Top Luxury Restaurants In Macau  As I have mentioned, Macau is a global gastronomic destination, and it is home to names such as The Ritz–Carlton Cafe, which is a Michelin Guide restaurant.  So, let’s find out the top names on our list of the luxury restaurants in Macau, along with The Ritz–Carlton Cafe.  However, before I give brief details about the restaurants with you, I want to share a table or a quick summary comparing the names I have chosen.  A Quick Summary  Best Luxury Restaurants in MacauCuisine Type and SpecialtyAverage Price Range Per Person (₹)Ideal Dining OccasionLocationThe Ritz-Carlton CaféFrench Brasserie and Classic Desserts2,500 – 15,000- Romantic Dates- Group Dinners- Family DiningGround Floor, The Ritz-Carlton Macau, Estrada da Baía de Nossa Senhora da Esperança, CotaiThe Manor (St. Regis)Seafood, Oysters, and Robata Grilled Meats2,500 – 15,000- Romantic Dinner - Dates- Trying Local Cuisine - Family Dinners1st Floor, The St. Regis Macao, The Londoner Macao, Estrada do Istmo, CotaiLai HeenMichelin-Starred Haute Cantonese and Vegan Options2,500 – 13,000- Private Dining- Intimate Family Gatherings51st Floor, The Ritz-Carlton Macau, Estrada da Baía de Nossa Senhora da Esperança, CotaiVida Rica (Mandarin Oriental)Classic Cuisine with Modern Twist and Cheese Wheel Risotto2000+- Panoramic Waterfront Views- Bar Scene- Romantic DiningMandarin Oriental Macau, 945 Avenida Dr. Sun Yat-Sen, NAPE, Macau PeninsulaBelon Restaurant (Banyan Tree)Marine-Themed International Seafood and Dry-Aged Ribeye6000+- Sunday Champagne Brunches- Kids Lunch- Romantic Events31st Floor, Banyan Tree Macau, Galaxy Macau Resort, Estrada da Baía de Nossa Senhora da Esperança, Cotai 1. The Ritz-Carlton Café One of the best restaurants in Macau, China, the Ritz Carlton Cafe is the ultimate spot if you are looking for a French brasserie.  It exudes the charm of a quintessential French Cafe. Also, it is a fusion of sophisticated decor and flavorful food that stands out because of its simplicity.  Furthermore, based on the group size, you can choose between its two and four-seater intimate seating arrangements.  Also, it offers a wonderful view of the shopping area.  2. The St. Regis Macao I had the finest oysters in Macau at The Manor. This signature grill restaurant and oyster bar of St. Regis Macao also serves prime cut meats.  Furthermore, its wine list is exquisite, and it is one of the topmost restaurants in Macau to follow the unique Robata technique for grilling.  In the Robata technique, Northern Japan’s “white oak Bincho-tan” is used for the perfect grilling of the meat.  As a result, the meat gets a charred texture on the outside, and it remains moist in the center. The subtle smoky aroma makes it all the more appetizing.  You can also try Portuguese chouriço and squid ink here, and Instagram celebrates its cross-cultural plates, such as the Glacier 51 Toothfish.  3. Lai Heen Lai Heen is a Michelin-starred restaurant in Macau and one of the best in the city for vegetarian food.  The atmosphere of the restaurant is sophisticated, and a lot of experimentation with haute Chinese cooking happens here.  Furthermore, the Chef's Creations served here are innovative, and they celebrate the modern spirit of the city.  Along with vegetarian cuisines, it also has custom-made vegan options such as “Asparagus Barley Risotto with Morel Mushrooms.” So, if you are a vegetarian and looking for an Indian restaurant in Macau, you can choose Lai Heen.  However, please mention your vegan preferences to them well in advance before visiting the restaurant.  4. Vida Rica, Mandarin Oriental I visited Vida Rica to try delicious cakes and an assortment of cocktails. However, as soon as I stepped inside, I was bowled over by the amazing glass wall.  It offered a brilliant view of the Nam Van Lake and the South China Sea.  Furthermore, the seating arrangement of the restaurant was unique. Every guest could see how the executive chefs interpret the classic cuisine.  I loved the red curry prawn bisque there, and they make brilliant risotto.  5. Belon Restaurant: Banyan Tree Belon Restaurant has a marine theme, and it felt like dining under the ocean. You will notice the inspiration of the marine life even in the dishes such as smoked scallop.  Along with being one of the top dining restaurants in Macau, it is also a popular spot for a Sunday Brunch.  It got its name from the famous flat oysters from France, Belon. Furthermore, Hong Kong Tatler designated it as one of the best restaurants in Macau in 2017.  What Are The Most Affordable Restaurants In Macau?  Budget-friendly dining in Macau is not limited to the local eateries or Cha Chaan Tengs. You will also find many affordable restaurants here.  A Quick Summary Of Budget-Friendly Restaurants In Macau  Affordable Restaurants in MacauAddressAverage Price Per Person (₹)Must-Try DishesIdeal ForTerrazza In Galaxy MacauShop 2001, 2nd Floor, Galaxy Macau Integrated Resort, Estrada da Baia de Nossa Senhora da Esperança, Cotai, Macau4300- Country Style Suckling Pig- Tuscan delight with the Paccheri Pasta and Carabinero Prawns- Eggplant Parmigiana- Classy Wine and Portuguese Dining- Dining with Kids- Romantic Dining- Group DiningDragon Portuguese Cuisine In BroadwayBroadway Food Street, Shop A-G005–G009, Broadway Macau, Avenida Marginal Flor de Lotus, Cotai, Macau1500- Baked Duck Rice- Baked Suckling Pig, - Homemade Curry Crab- Family Dinners- Casual DiningCafe Deco Restaurant – The VenetianShop 1036, Level 1, The Venetian Macao-Resort-Hotel, Estrada de Baia de Nossa Senhora da Esperança, Taipa, Cotai, Macau1277- Crab Legs- Wood-Fired Pizza- Pastries- Family Gathering- Dining with KidsMIAN In Studio CityShop 1181, 1st Floor, Studio City Macau, Estrada do Istmo, Cotai, Macau1550- Barbecued Iberico Pork and Ramen- Prawn and Seafood Hokkaido Miso Soup Ramen- Grilled Eel Kamameshi- Date Nights- Family DinnerLe BuffetShop 3100, Level 1 (Ground Floor Lobby Area), The Parisian Macao, Estrada do Istmo, Cotai Strip, Macau1700- Fresh Seafood from the Buffet's Seafood Table- Ham- Cured Meats (like Prosciutto)- Romantic Dinner- Family Dining 6. Terrazza In Galaxy Macau Terrazza in Galaxy Macau celebrates the love for Italian cuisine in Macau. It has prestigious listings in Ospitalita Italiana and the Michelin Guide.  Furthermore, beyond the food, it is the wine cellar of the restaurant that stands out.  Also, from the restaurant, you can enjoy amazing views of Cotai.  7. Dragon Portuguese Cuisine In Broadway One of the top Portuguese restaurants in Macau, Broadway's Dragon Portuguese Cuisine has dishes that present the perfect fusion of Macanese and Portuguese dishes.  Despite the sophisticated setting and the excellent quality and innovation in the dishes served here, the prices are moderate.  Moreover, the food served here has the comfort of a home-cooked meal. Also, it has a “Galatian-inspired” setting that makes the ambiance vibrant and cozy.  8. Cafe Deco Restaurant: The Venetian Cafe Deco Restaurant is one of the most affordable Chinese restaurants in Macau.  However, along with traditional Chinese food, it also serves local Macanese cuisine and International delicacies made with fresh seafood.  Also, boasting a soothing and classy setting, the restaurant serves a full-course buffet including soups, appetizers, fresh seafood, salads, and desserts.  9. MIAN In Studio City MIAN in Studio City serves the best Japanese cuisine in Macau. In the classic Japanese dishes it serves, the restaurant uses homemade soup bases and noodles.  Furthermore, it has an open kitchen. So, watching the delicacies being made is quite an experience.  Also, it has a dim lighting setup. So, you can enjoy a romantic ambiance.  10. Le Buffet At Le Buffet, I saw the chefs making the European delicacies at live counters.  While it is very European in the cuisine served, the decor is Persian with muted colors and grilled walls.  Furthermore, the desserts at Le Buffet deserve special mention, and the mini Eiffel Tower dessert tower is the most creative among them. Beyond The Restaurant Scene: Macau's Street Food And Local Markets  While the luxury dining rooms and the budget-friendly sit-down restaurants tell one story about Macau, the street stalls and wet markets tell another.   If you want to understand how Macau actually eats on a daily basis, you have to step away from the hotel lobbies and into the narrow lanes of the historic centre.  Rua da Felicidade, once the city's red-light district, is now lined with red-shuttered shopfronts selling the following must-try delicacies.  Pork Chop Buns  Almond Cookies  Dried Meat (Rou Gan)   Among these, the dried meat is grilled to order over charcoal.   Vendors slice it thin, char it slightly, and hand it to you wrapped in paper. It is one of the cheapest and most memorable bites in the city, usually costing less than MOP 20 for a generous portion.  Around the Senado Square and São Domingos Market area, you will find stalls selling egg tarts that rival anything served at the five-star hotels, often for a fraction of the price.  Lord Stow's Bakery, on Coloane Island, is the most famous name associated with the Portuguese egg tart in Macau. A pilgrimage there is practically a rite of passage for first-time visitors.  The Red Market (Mercado Vermelho) near the Iao Hon district is one of the city's oldest wet markets and a genuine slice of local life.   Early mornings bring fishmongers, butchers, and vegetable sellers. Furthermore, by mid-morning the surrounding streets fill with congee shops and noodle stalls serving breakfast to market workers and office staff alike.  For a more contemporary street food experience, the Taipa Village area combines old Macanese shophouses with newer food stalls.  You will find here versions of the Macanese pork chop bun, minchi (a Macanese comfort dish of minced meat and potatoes), and serradura, a layered pudding dessert made with crushed biscuits and cream.  A Quick Guide To Street Food Budgeting  Street Food Item  Typical Price (MOP) Where To Find It  Pork Chop Bun   25–35  Rua da Felicidade, Taipa Village  Portuguese Egg Tart   10–14  Lord Stow's Bakery, Senado Square stalls   Dried Meat (Rou Gan)   15–25 per portion  Rua da Felicidade  Congee   20–30  Red Market area  Serradura   15–20  Taipa Village  Unlike the reservations and dress codes that come with the city's Michelin-listed restaurants, the street food scene in Macau asks for nothing more than cash in hand and an appetite.   It is also where you are most likely to overhear Cantonese and Portuguese mixing in the same conversation.  It is further a reminder that Macau's food culture was never really built in dining rooms. On the contrary, it was built on these streets.  Some More Information You Need To Know About The Top Restaurants In Macau  If you are looking for Indian restaurants in Macau, you can explore options such as Macau City, Indian Spice, and The Golden Peacock.  Furthermore, if you are searching for authentic Italian restaurants, you must try options such as La Cucina Italiana, Portofino, Bene, and Don Alfonso 1890.  Also, if you want to have vegetarian food, consider places such as Vida Rica Restaurant, Blissful Carrot, and Lai Heen.  Celebrating The Fusion Of Local And Global Cuisines  The top restaurants in Macau celebrate the words of George Bernard Shaw, “There is no love sincerer than the love for food.” Also, what makes the gastronomic experience in Macau special is the eclectic influence and the rich history of over 400 years.  So, let’s indulge in great food in Macau. Bon Appétit! Read Also: What Are The Best Restaurants In Cape Town? Eat Like A Local In South Africa What Are The Restaurants In Australia Worthy To Have An Experience? Top 10 Most Romantic Restaurants in Rome for the Perfect Date Ever!

BY  Sibashree Mar 16, 2026

After Kaudulla National Park and Dehiwala Zoo, the Hurulu Eco Park was another destination for me to explore Sri Lanka’s wildlife.  Places such as Jaffna in northern Sri Lanka and Kandy in Central Sri Lanka have been the cultural hubs of the country. These parks have shown how people have lived here since eternity in collaboration with nature and wildlife.  The Hurulu Eco Park is especially very close to Habarana. Habarana is the epicenter of cultural and historical landmarks such as the Sigiriya Rock Fortress, Pidurangala Rock, Ritigala Forest Monastery, and Ritigala Forest Reserve.  The distance between Habarana and the Hurulu Eco Park, at the edge of the Hurulu Forest Reserve, is just around 3 to 4 kilometers. However, despite the short distance, this eco park is quiet and understated.  Also, you know what makes Hurulu Eco Park different? Here, you relish the art of slow traveling and the scent of wet soil after a fresh spell of rain.  Furthermore, elephants are the heart of this eco park, and watching them graze through the golden light is a delight.  Here is more about this beautiful eco park in Sri Lanka.  Hurulu Eco Park, Sri Lanka: Quick Details  Hours Open7 AM to 6 PMLast Time to Enter5 PMPark Entrance Fee- $15-25 for an Adult- $5 for Children above 6 Years- Free for Children below 6 YearsSafari Cost$65 OnwardSafari DurationAround 3 HoursBest Time to VisitDecember to June Where Is Hurulu Eco Park And How To Reach?  Hurulu Eco Park is in Sri Lanka’s North Central Province. Also, it is between landmarks such as: Polonnaruwa (1 hour and 15 minutes) Anuradhapura (1 hour and 50 minutes) Dambulla (45 minutes) Sigiriya (45 minutes).  So, often there is a safari add-on to explore these ancient cities and the cultural landmarks.  Furthermore, as mentioned, it is closest to Habarana. So, ideally, it should be your base.  Habarana also has many budget, mid-budget, and luxury accommodations. Moreover, most hotels in Habarana, Dambulla, and Sigiriya offer door-to-door safari facilities.  You can expect a pickup around one hour before the safari time.  Moreover, you can take a train from Trincomalee, Kandy, or Colombo to reach Habarana Junction. From there, you can take a 10-minute tuk-tuk ride to reach the eco park.  However, online booking for these train tickets may not work most of the time.  The Landscape Of Hurulu Eco Park  Hurulu Eco Park is a mix of open plains, rock, and jungle.  Furthermore, as part of the dry evergreen forest area of Sri Lanka, it functions as an important corridor for elephants. These elephants roam between Minneriya and Kaudulla National Parks.  So, you can easily spot Sri Lankan elephants here, especially the mothers and babies making small groups and moving.  Along with elephants, you can also spot peacocks, spotted deer, macaques, langurs, and many birds here.  What I Saw At Hurulu Eco Park  I was initially disappointed the day I had to visit the Hurulu Eco Park. I thought that the tropical rain would mess up my safari experience.  However, I opted for an afternoon safari, and by the time I reached Hurulu, except for the heavy dampness in the air, everything was fine.  Also, the mud on the track was not a problem to start the safari in full swing.  After a few turns in the park, I could spot a herd of elephants, and they were winding up leaves and fruits with their trunks. Moreover, they were flapping their ears.  Then, after waiting for 15 minutes, the herd passed by and we continued our safari.  We passed through rocks, canopies, and bushes. I spotted a peacock and monkeys before reaching an open land. And that was the moment of the entire safari.  At least 25 elephants were grazing, and the younger ones were rolling in the mud.   Finally, the air became cooler, and the sky started getting red. So, our jeep driver planned a return.  How To Plan A Safari In The Hurulu Eco Park?  Safaris in Hurulu Eco Park include a guide, a jeep, park entry, and a pickup and drop-off from Hurulu Eco Park.  Morning safaris are the best, ideally starting from 7 AM. Furthermore, like me, you can also opt for an afternoon safari at 1 PM.  Furthermore, each jeep carries about 6 tourists. Also, you must carry some water, wear sunscreen, and a hat. What Is The Best Time To Visit Hurulu Eco Park? The best time to visit Hurulu Eco Park is between December and June. Especially, February to April is the ideal time to see the lush landscapes and the biggest elephant herds.  Furthermore, the number of jeeps is quite low in these months.  Again, from May onward, the conditions become drier. Also, the elephants start moving from the Kaudulla National Park to the Minneriya National Park. So, in Hurulu Eco Park, you will notice smaller herds of elephants.  Moreover, from October to January is the wet season, and the jungle becomes the most vivid. So, these months are the best for photographers.  Photography Tips For Hurulu Eco Park  You will find a mix of open plains, forest shades, and red earth in Hurulu Eco Park. So, the landscape is challenging yet interesting for photographers.  Furthermore, for photography, you must bring a 70-200 mm lens. It is ideal for capturing wildlife, and the wider lens is best for framing the color and scale of Hurulu Eco Park during the golden hour.  Moreover, after the rain, the conditions become more ideal for photography. Grey elephants, red dust, and the green foliage create wonderful frames.  Again, the light filtering through the tree branches becomes low in the late afternoon. So, you can capture the texture and warmth of the Hurulu Eco Park. Things To Keep In Mind For A Visit To Hurulu Eco Park  Do not use single-use plastic bottles during the safari to minimize the impact on the environment, wildlife, and marine life.  Furthermore, keep water use to a minimum to reduce the pressure on water resources.  Moreover, collect your souvenirs from the local shops and eat at the local eateries to help the community's economy.

BY  Sibashree Sep 29, 2026

I got a glimpse of the Kiri Vehera through a gap in the trees.  It was milky white, and even early in the morning, it looked the brightest among the surrounding ruins.  Also, it is fascinating that the stupa is one of the few in Sri Lanka to have its original structure even after around 900 years.  Locals say that when the stupa was discovered amidst the jungle, its chunam, or lime coating,g was still intact.  Thus, it got its name as Kiri Vehera, or Milk White Stupa.  Furthermore, along with being the best-preserved stupa, it is also a classic example of Bubulakara, or the bubble-shaped form of stupa.  Kiri Vehera At A Glance DetailFactMeaning“Milk Stupa”It was originally called Rupavati Chetiya.BuilderQueen Subhadda, consort of Parakramabahu I (1153–1186)She was also known as Bhaddavati.TypeBubbulakara (bubble-shaped) stupa on three receding terracesHeightAround 24 meters for the damaged stupa. Base diameterAbout 26.8 metersTerraceAbout 57.6 metersRankSecond-largest stupa at PolonnaruwaStatusStill an active place of worshipEntry FeeIncluded in the $25 Polonnaruwa ticket. Hours7 AM to 5:30 PM My Walk Around The Milk Stupa Kiri Vehera is just north of Lankathilaka. I just took a short walk over after the image house to reach this stupa.  First Impressions Of The White Dome As I have mentioned, the white plaster of the dome glowed against the blue sky.  It has the simplest design with very little ornamentation.  Polonnaruwa’s builders kept this design deliberately simple. Small subsidiary stupas dot the platform, and the scale felt human rather than overwhelming. The Devatā Carvings Most People Miss Don’t miss a close look at devatā-koṭuva.  It has the most unusual carvings of deities, and these are uncommon for a stupa.  This drum-like structure has carvings of eight divine figures in a folded-hand posture. It looks like they are worshipping Lord Buddha.  Circling The Stupa With Respect I saw devotees visiting the stupa and offering flowers. They lit oil lamps and walked around the stupa as part of their prayer rituals. Also, you have to keep your shoes outside the brick fence.  History And Architecture The stupa dates to the reign of Parakramabahu I. Furthermore, it is part of the king’s vision to build a large monastic university, Alahana Pirivena.  Also, the building programme of the king helped reshape Polonnaruwa. Queen Bhaddavati And The Rupavati Chetiya The Mahavamsa credits the building of this stupa to Queen Bhaddavati.  As a woman, I appreciated the fact that the best-preserved monument in the ancient city is a queen’s commission, not a king’s. The Terraces And Dimensions  The architectural design of the monument features a stupa positioned directly in the center of an expansive square terrace, with each side stretching roughly 57.6 meters (189 feet).  The main dome spans a diameter of 26.8 meters (88 feet) at its base.  From the ground up to its fractured spire, the entire monument reaches an approximate height of 24 meters (80 feet). Supporting the core structure are three stepped basal terraces, traditionally called pesavas.  Standing between 0.9 and 1.2 meters (3 to 4 feet) high, these tiers likely functioned as pathways for devotional walking rituals (circumambulation) or as ledges for leaving flowers.  This design element directly mirrors ancient Indian architecture seen at historic sites like Sanchi. Sitting atop the dome is the hatareskotuva (a square tee) built from solid brick, measuring about 7.4 meters (24 feet 4 inches) wide and 3.7 meters (12 feet) tall.  Resting directly above this square section is the devata-kotuva (the enclosure of the deities), a rounded drum that is 2.9 meters (9 feet 6 inches) wide and 2.3 meters (7 feet 8 inches) high.  This circular tier is decorated with carvings of eight gods shown praying with their hands joined in deep respect.  The final crowning element is the kota (spire), which extends upward for another 7 meters (23 feet), though fragments of the spire have eroded away over the centuries. The Relic Chambers And The Interior Of The Stupa In the early 1900s, British archaeologist H. C. P. Bell conducted systematic excavations that offered a rare glimpse into the inner architecture of the stupa.  During his investigation, Bell uncovered a winding, 25-foot (7.6-meter) tunnel carved out centuries earlier by grave robbers targeting the structure's sacred treasures.  After clearing out this passageway, his team discovered two upper relic chambers that had unfortunately already been broken into and stripped of their valuables. The first looted chamber spanned roughly 11 feet 2 inches (3.4 meters) wide. It originally housed structural foundations meant to secure a yantragala (a traditional stone reliquary). It also had a sacred Mahameru stone, which serves as a symbolic representation of the cosmic mountain. Crucially, a third, lower chamber escaped destruction.  Because the historical looters had not dug deep enough, this final vault remained perfectly sealed and intact.  Out of preservation and respect, Bell’s archaeological team made the deliberate decision to leave this third chamber unopened. Why The Plaster Survived When the jungle was cleared after roughly 700 years of neglect, the lime plaster was in near-perfect condition.  Engineers describe these plasters as closer to lime-concrete than ordinary stucco.  That waterproof skin explains why brick has not crumbled here as it has elsewhere. Kiri Vehera Vs Rankot Vehera: Two Ways To Read A Stupa I compared Polonnaruwa’s two great stupas on the same day. Each of them has a different mood. Rankot is impressive because of its size, while Kiri Vehera impresses by its survival. FeatureKiri VeheraRankot VeheraBuilderQueen Bhaddavati (12th century)King Nissanka Malla (1187–1196)HeightAbout 24 Meters54 MetersSurfaceOriginal lime plaster largely intactExposed brick, like most stupas of its era.Best forPreservation and quiet worshipSheer scale How I Would Fit It Into A Day I spent about 45 minutes here, then moved on to Gal Vihara before the midday heat.  Also, it is a short walk from Lankathilaka and offers the strongest contrast in appearance. The image house is a ruin, and the Buddha statue there is headless. However, this stupa has had the same structure since the time of its foundation.  Photography Tips With its human scale, Kiri Vehera is a favorite of photo enthusiasts.  However, if you are visiting the stupa mid-day, the mid-day glare will bounce off the white plaster.  On the other hand, morning and late afternoon, with softer light, are better times of the day for photography.  Also, never take selfies posing back to the stupa, as it is disrespectful, and the guides will stop you if you even try to do that.  Why Kiri Vehera Matters Today The ruins of the Anuradhapura Sacred City and other remains of Polonnaruwa raise a question. What did these monuments look like when they were finished?  Kiri Vehera is the only monument to offer an answer to this.  Also, as a living worship shrine, it is a site that allows you to slow down.  So, if you are rushing past it on the way to Gal Vihara, you will miss the quiet centre of the northern complex.