18/03/2024
Rediscover old Ceylon’s charm with Ceylon Soul 🚗✨. We bring the classic Morris Minor experience to life, inviting you to a journey through time. Share your moment and join the vintage wave 🌊. Follow for your timeless ride! 🕰️🛣️
Ceylon Soul
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It would suffice, really, to say that we are two individuals driven by great art, or more specificall But we would like to say a bit more!
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It would suffice, really, to say that we are two individuals driven by great art, or more specifically its exploration for the sake of refining ourselves as human beings and its safeguarding for future generations.
02/03/2024
Galle Fort 💛
📸Atheeq Ifthikar
23/12/2023
It’s Home.
20/10/2023
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🌍✨ Discover the hidden gems of Galle Fort! 🏰 Dive into an adventure like no other with our thrilling treasure hunt. Wander through historic Dutch alleys, unravel riddles at the iconic lighthouse, and uncover secrets at the heart of the Dutch Reformed Church. 🕍🔍
From the Maritime Museum 🌊 to the buzzing Galle Fort Market 🛍️, every corner holds a mystery waiting to be solved. The final treasure? Well, that's for you to find out! 🎁💎
A blend of history, mystery, and pure fun – this is an experience you don't want to miss. Perfect for families, groups of friends, or solo explorers! 🧭👨👩👧👦
📩 Ready for the challenge? Secure your spot now! Contact us at [email protected]. Let the adventure begin! 🌟🗺️
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11/10/2023
Explore the Dutch fort in Galle with Ceylon Soul www.ceylonsoul.com
11/10/2023
As iconic as the Galle Dutch Fort looks, how much do we really know about it?
We took a short guided tour around the Fort with Ceylon Soul , and trust us when we tell you there are so many more hidden treasures that you’ve probably walked past but didn’t know about.
Here are a few highlights!
24/07/2023
"Colombo, a land of love and captivating stories, where growing up shapes you in ways you'll never know. 🏞️ Meet our host, born and raised in the heart of Colombo, a passionate cricket enthusiast, and skilled player. He'll share the true essence of living in this vibrant city in Sri Lanka. 🏏 Embrace the magic of Colombo and its captivating environment! ✨
18/06/2023
"🌟Discover stars, stories, and timeless stones at the Galle Fort Night Walk! 🏰✨ Unearth centuries of captivating tales under the starlit sky.
Are you ready for this magical journey? 🌌🚶 Book your experience now ! (limited slots)
Click the link in bio to step into history. 🛡️⏳ 🇱🇰"
23/03/2023
🌶️🧑🍳Experience the rich flavors and traditions of Sri Lankan cuisine with our local culinary expert from Galle! Join us for an immersive cooking experience where you'll learn how to prepare traditional Sri Lankan dishes using authentic ingredients and techniques.
🍛 From fragrant curries to flavorful rice dishes, you'll discover the secrets of Sri Lankan cooking with our experienced chef. And, of course, you'll get to create your own unique blend of spices using traditional Sri Lankan techniques to add that special touch to your dishes.
👉 CLICK LINK IN BIO to book now and immerse yourself in the flavors and culture of Sri Lanka with our local culinary expert.
20/03/2023
🎭 Immerse yourself in an active, immersive art-based experience around the livelihood of a local artisan, whose work is an act of cultural preservation and artform. Our experience involves the ancient medium of ‘Kolam’ masks, native to the coastal town of Ambalangoda.
🌳 Wood sourced from the Kaduru tree found growing along the banks of river marshes is transformed into masks, which are used extensively in the spiritual ceremonies, traditional plays, and religious rituals of the island.
🎨 The intricate element of mask painting is important to the process, and this is what you get to experience! In his bohemian-like store within the Galle Fort, which couples as his workspace, the artisan guides you through the steps involved in producing one of these colorful pieces.
🎉 Widely enjoyed by young ones and adults alike, you get to take your handcrafted mask with you! Book your spot now at [email protected] and get ready to experience the vibrant culture of Sri Lanka through the eyes of a local artisan.
18/03/2023
🏰❤️ Discover the hidden love stories behind the stunning architecture of Galle Fort! Our tour takes you through the winding streets and alleys of this historic fortress, sharing tales of forbidden romances and epic love affairs that will leave you spellbound.
👥 Our experienced host will lead you through the intricate details and beautiful craftsmanship of the buildings, giving you a unique perspective on the history and culture of Galle Fort.
👉 Don't miss out on this unforgettable experience! CLICK LINK IN BIO to book now and discover the beauty and romance of Galle Fort for yourself. Contact us at [email protected] for more information.
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17/03/2023
🎤 Meet our host, a popular singing star and member of a prominent family in Galle! 🌟 He's on a mission to showcase the melting pot of cultures and rich trading history around the Fort, and the way of life that has evolved in and around it. 🏰🌴
👥 From ancient mosques to colonial churches, the Fort is a testament to the diverse influences that have shaped Sri Lanka's history. Our host will introduce you to the locals and their stories, and show you the rich cultural heritage that makes the Fort so special. 🕌🕍
💬 Our host's message of simplicity and contentedness is refreshing, and his personalized approach to the experience adds an intimate touch to the historical and cultural learning. 🤝
👉 Join us and discover the beauty of Galle through the eyes of our passionate host! Don't forget to CLICK LINK IN BIO for more information and to support the locals. 📲
16/03/2023
🎤 Join our private tour and discover the fascinating architecture of the Dutch Reform Church in Galle Fort! 🏰 This stunning church is a testament to the Dutch colonial influence in Sri Lanka.
👥 Our experienced host will lead you through the intricacies of the church's design, and share insights about its rich history. You'll be amazed by the intricate details and beautiful craftsmanship that went into creating this architectural masterpiece. 🕍🤩
💬 Our personalized approach to the experience adds an intimate touch to the historical and cultural learning, making it a truly unforgettable experience. 🤝
👉 Book our private tour today by writing to [email protected] and discover the beauty of Galle through the eyes of our passionate host! 🌴 Don't miss out on this opportunity to explore one of Sri Lanka's most stunning architectural wonders.
tour
15/03/2023
Did you know that before colonisation, Galle was one of the most important ports in the Indian Ocean? With a natural harbour that provided a safe haven for ships from all over the world, it was a hub of trade and commerce for centuries. Today, you can still see evidence of Galle's rich history in its ancient fortifications and colonial architecture. Join us on a journey through time and discover the secrets of this fascinating city.
Book your adventure now at [email protected]
13/03/2023
Looking for a unique way to explore Galle town? Join us for a ride in a classic 75-year-old Morris Minor with a local resident who knows the city like the back of their hand. Get ready to experience the sights and sounds of Galle like never before. Book your experience today at [email protected]
13/01/2023
The Galle Fort is not only known for its stunning architecture🏛 and rich history 📜, but also for the unique and charming presence of the lawyers👩💼who work with old typewriters . As you stroll through the narrow streets of the fort, you will come across small offices where lawyers can be seen typing away on their trusty machines.
These lawyers have chosen to stick with the old-fashioned way of typing, despite the advancements in technology. They believe that the tactile experience of using a manual typewriter gives them a better connection to the documents they are creating. It is a way for them to maintain the authenticity of the legal process.
These lawyers are a fascinating sight to behold, as they sit behind their desks surrounded by stacks of legal documents and the clack of the typewriter keys can be heard echoing through the streets. It is a reminder of a simpler time and the way things used to be done.
To book one of our tours write to us at [email protected]
11/01/2023
Are you an avid photographer looking for a unique and exciting experience? Look no further than a full day photography walk in Kandy, the last kingdom of Sri Lanka. This beautiful and historic city, designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offers endless opportunities for capturing stunning images.
As you explore the streets of Kandy, you will be able to capture the traditional architecture, colorful markets, and bustling street life of the city. The old town is a photographer's paradise, filled with quaint, narrow streets and charming colonial-era buildings. From the Temple of the Tooth Relic, to the Kandy Lake, you will never be short of interesting subjects to photograph.
The markets of Kandy are also a must-see for any photographer. Here you will find a vibrant array of colors and textures, as vendors sell everything from spices and fruits, to traditional clothing and jewelry. The bustling energy and activity of the marketplaces will provide a unique and exciting backdrop for your photographs.
In addition to the architectural and market scenes, Kandy is also home to a rich cultural heritage, and you will have the opportunity to capture the traditions and rituals of the people. From the traditional Kandyan dancers, to the vibrant and colorful Vesak festival, there will be ample opportunities to capture the essence of Sri Lankan culture.
So, whether you are a seasoned professional or a photography enthusiast, a full day photography walk in Kandy will be an experience you will not want to miss. So pack your camera and gear and come explore the beautiful and historic city of Kandy, and return with a collection of photographs that will be cherished for years to come.
Write to us [email protected]
10/10/2022
Galle Lighthouse, which dates back to 1848, is Sri Lanka's oldest light station.
The original 24.5-metre-high (80-foot) British lighthouse, located about 100 metres (330 feet) from the current site, was destroyed by fire in 1934.
The original light had a glass prism lens floating in a mercury bath (to reduce friction) and was powered by a weight driven machine.
The existing 26.5-metre-high (87-foot) lighthouse was built in 1939 within the walls of the ancient Galle Fort, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
03/09/2022
Exploring an area with someone who grew up there is the best way to find out the real secrets and flavors of a place, Meet Praveen a law graduate and passionate musician who loves to showcase what the first port city in the country has to offer, Write to us at [email protected] to book your experience when in Galle.
31/08/2022
Sunset in Galle Fort.
27/08/2022
Food is always a great way to connect and learn about a community, when in Galle come listen to some fascinating stories of people and learn to cook some great local dishes at home.
Write to us on [email protected] or call us on +94774048045
🇱🇰
24/08/2022
Galle a town full of culture, art, food and people with incredible stories to tell, connect with us so that we can connect you to them. +774048045 [email protected]
05/07/2022
We’ve crafted an active, immersive art-based experience around the livelihood of a local artisans. Their work is an act of cultural preservation as much as it is an art form, for it involves the ancient medium of ‘Kolam’ masks native to the coastal town of Ambalangoda. Wood sourced from the Kaduru — a tree found growing along the banks of river marshes — is transformed into masks, which are used extensively in the spiritual ceremonies, traditional plays, and religious rituals of the island.
Write to us [email protected] to book your experience today
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16/10/2021
16/07/2021
05/11/2020
Catch of the day!
Baked to perfection with freshly ground spices.
📸 .photo.film
30/08/2020
A space should feel like a collection of life's journeys and a reflection into one's soul.
12/08/2020
The exchange of knowledge, through cultures and generations is the greatest tool that carves the future of humanity. Inculcating love, honesty and modesty in this process ensures a graceful experience for all.
📸 Atheeq Ifthikar
@ Galle Fort
21/07/2020
The Old Dutch church of Galle fort is one of the countries first. It’s built on a hill that is considered the highest point in the fort and was in commemoration of the then Dutch governor's first child.
📸 Atheeq Ifthikar
10/07/2020
Home to the largest rose quartz mountain range and ironwood forest of south Asia, Dambulla is one of Ceylon’s iconic cities. Its fertile land makes it the countries main agriculture hub while the unique historical monuments like the Dambulla cave temples make it an important tourist destination.
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Discovering the essence of Galle through every bite at Elita 🍤. Dive deep into a world where global culinary finesse meets local flavors, all thanks to the unparalleled skills of Krishantha 🌍🔥. When in Galle, #CeylonSoul always recommends treating your tastebuds to this seafood haven 🌊🦞. Born and bred in Galle, Krishantha not only serves up a feast but supports the heartbeat of the community by uplifting local vendors through his homegrown venture 🤝🌱. A meal here isn't just dining; it's an experience that captures the soul of #Srilanka. 🇱🇰❤️ #Elitagalle #gallefort #supportlocal #seafoodheaven #localbusiness #tunasteak #ceylonsoul
Galle a town full of culture, art, food and people with incredible stories to tell, connect with us so that we can connect you to them. +774048045 [email protected] . . . . #galle #ceylonsoul #visitgalle #travelsrilanka #responsible #travel #experintialtravel #gallefortwalks #cooklikealocal #maskpainting #gallecity
They say the soul to any dish is in the hands of its alchemist ✨ . . . 🎥 Atheeq Ifthikar #ceylonsoul #experientialtravel #curated #excursion #curator #experientialtravels #experientialtravelling #cooklikealocal #authenticfood #authenticaffairs #localkitchenstories #responsibletravel #responsibletraveller #responsibletraveling #localaffairs #travelgoal #travelgram #cookingexperiences #srilankanfood #exploresrilanka #riseupsrilanka #srilankadaily #travelsrilanka
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Our Story
Who we really are: It would suffice, really, to say that we are two individuals driven by great art, or more specifically its exploration for the sake of refining ourselves as human beings and its safeguarding for future generations. But we would like to say a bit more!
Art is what it boils down to, is it not? Be it the practice of reviving the fortunes of an heirloom tomato variety through permaculture techniques, adding to the gem trade’s intrigue by engaging in a bit of experiential storytelling, or the mixing of stone powders and plant pigments to paint traditionally carved masks, there is a powerful sense of artistic expression in each of these activities.
We are deeply moved by such expressions of art and firmly believe in their power to not only educate and entertain, but transform our understanding of the full richness of the human experience. Ceylon Soul enables this for many, and so the two of us are contented and fulfilled by the work that we do. Ceylon Soul is the two of us, it is the many characters whom we create experiences around, and it is most certainly you.
A brief note on each individual follows:
Shehan De Silva: Shehan, or ‘Sk’ as he is affectionately known, has steadily cultivated a habit of furthering sustainable practices through each of his professional and personal endeavours. Whether it is in his role consulting for the Biosfera foundation, which formulates sustainable design-based solutions for agriculture and construction, the hosting of an immersive ‘Farm-to-table’ food experience involving organically sourced produce, or his keen interest in heirloom varieties of rice in Sri Lanka, there is a conservation-oriented tinge to most of his activities. The various experiences that he hosts and curates, the local characters and artisans who form their basis, and the discerning guests whose lives Ceylon Soul wishes to enrich, allow him to actively promote sustainable behaviour in a practical and concrete manner. His Sinhalese and Burgher (Eurasian) heritage allows him to offer some unique perspectives on the multicultural aspect of Ceylon Soul’s offering.
Atheeq Ifthikar: Atheeq hails from a long, illustrious line of Galle-based gem merchants. He draws heavy inspiration from the areas of tourism, entrepreneurship and the visual arts, in carving out a niche market for Ceylon Soul. An artist who expresses himself through the still camera lens, he has now also taken several decisive steps toward establishing himself as a filmmaker. He strongly believes in the power of motion pictures to, literally, move people to be better and more aware human beings. From short historical documentaries highlighting legendary local personalities, full length commercials for independent, artistically-driven brands such as ‘Sithuvili’, to the ‘Click Trail’ photography experience where Atheeq takes you through the cultural labyrinth that is the Galle Fort, there is a strong visual element to all of his work. Of Sri Lankan Moor (Muslim) descent, through Ceylon Soul he has a platform through which he can strengthen his efforts to preserve the colourful cultural heritage of Sri Lanka.
What we passionately do: Ceylon Soul is a well-thought-out effort at preserving the many elements of our multicultural heritage, and an underlying theme of social entrepreneurship pervades what we do. Even within the rich socio-cultural environment that we are privileged to operate amidst, changes in perspective and fissures have begun to appear. Let us take Ceylon Soul, or rather its base or hometown of Galle, for example. A bastion of Southern Sri Lankan history and culture, rapid urbanization and other patterns of modernization have led to many leaving behind the traditional way of life and adopting new professions. This is expected due to the economic constraints of the 21st century.
In many ways, Ceylon Soul’s role helps reverse this and safekeep tradition and culture, as we offer these individuals or artisans an added incentive to continue their beautiful, important work. In offering you a range of neatly curated alternate experiences, we contribute to the maintenance of centuries-old vocations and habits. Therefore, we are passionately in love with our offering to you, and we constantly look to improve how you receive the local experiences that we facilitate and to further their breadth. We also consistently encourage sustainable practices, in the form of rain water harvesting, organic produce, chemical-free agriculture, permaculture, natural paints and pigments, no plastics, and a list of other simple yet practical methods aimed at conserving our environment.
Where we call home: Since time immemorial, our island has been spoken of with an almost mystical tone and, therefore, received the deep affection of explorers, intellectuals, traders, artists and adventurers of old. And so, many are the interesting characters and stories that form the nation’s identity. The Moors from North Africa, the Malays from the island of Java in modern-day Indonesia, the Sinhalese said to be originally from the Bengal region straddling current-time Bangladesh and West Bengal in India, the Burghers — Eurasian descendants of primarily the Portuguese and Dutch colonizers, the Tamils originating from Tamil Nadu and other parts of South India, the native Veddha people, and a host of other ethnicities in smaller numbers, form the cultural makeup of present-day Sri Lanka.
Galle, Ceylon Soul’s base, is home to formidable numbers of each of the above mentioned groups of people. It serves up a delightful cross section of the full Sri Lankan experience with a Southern slant. Galle’s unique standing in Sri Lanka’s native and colonial history adds much spice to its story. Due to its geographic position, it has served as a confluence of people and culture for thousands of years. And now, it also boasts modern amenities on par with any city around the globe. It makes for an ideal environment to absorb the fascinating set of local experiences that Ceylon Soul offers. Naked and unadulterated, let us share with you what makes us a fiercely proud people — our multicultural heritage.
Our unique offering to you: We are able to do what we do only due to the healthy relationships that we have formed with the individuals our experiences are centred around. What we offer you is a unique perspective on their daily routines and lives, and this is often a highly personal affair for all involved. Therefore, there is a shared sense of camaraderie between the experience providers, who we have carefully picked, and Ceylon Soul. It definitely sets us apart in our delivery of the best local, alternate experiences.
The service attribute mentioned above plus the sheer novelty of what we facilitate, further strengthen our esteemed status within the niche experience-market in Sri Lanka. ‘The Mask Man’, for example, is a foray into the life of a local artist, who displays and narrates his hometown’s ancient tradition of mask carving, mask painting, and visual storytelling. This art form is endemic to the Southern coastal town of Ambalangoda, and is seldom arranged and discovered through other avenues. Or take the ‘Gem Stories’ series, which is hosted by an eminent gem merchant from Galle’s influential Sri Lankan Moor community. This branch of Sri Lankan Muslims have for centuries closely nurtured the island’s gem trade, and the fascinating stories that he recounts over a scrumptious homemade lunch prepared by his equally engaging wife, will slowly unravel an experience that simply cannot be replicated elsewhere.
Being mindful contributes much to our final product, service, and perspective; mindfulness in attending to the intricate details of each experience and mindfulness in being wholly present when hosting the various encounters. This is another attribute unique to our offering.
