It is the steep and formidable stone stairway that makes this fortress unique. The stone steps are narrow (in width) and are at a 70-degree angle reaching up to a height of about 92m (300ft). Although I am not scared of heights, I am careful climbing up because a misstep would mean an unnecessary, Read More
Imagine over 500 monks living and meditating silently in a thickly forested, 1,600 acre, mountainous monastic retreat which has architecturally faultless waterways, drip ledges, stairways cut into stone, naturally ‘air conditioned’ caves, toilets, monuments, artefacts and other cool stuff. Now imagine all this happened over 3000 years ago! This is Rajagala, a sprawling Buddhist, Read More
COVID-19 disrupted a lot of my travel plans throughout 2021. The frequent lockdowns and travel restrictions meant that pre-booked destinations had to be postponed indefinitely. One of which was my trip to the Ahaspokuna in Belihuloya where I was to go in April 2021. Now, nine months later, I am finally on my way., Read More
It is easy to miss the inconspicuous turn off to the Kudumbigala Archaeological Site on the main road en route to the entrance of the Kumana National Park. However, the Kudumbigala rock can be seen from this far, standing like a sentinel overlooking the Park below. Even from this distance, the ancient cylindrical dome, Read More
Scrambling through the Sinharaja Rainforest is not just about plucking slimy leeches off my clothes. Once I perfect the art of annihilation or flicking them away, it is good to enjoy and appreciate the amazing foliage around me, especially the colourful and intricate lichen. The Sinharaja Rainforest is an amazing bio hotspot and unique, Read More
It’s 5:30 a.m. and the lobby of the Deer Park Hotel is buzzing with excitement …or is it anticipation? Today we try to summit the much-talked about and carefully planned hike to the top of Danigala. This rock is also known as the Alien Mountain because of its unique semi-circular shape caused by geological, Read More
There are four vehicles with 20 excited travellers, all prepped and ready for a weekend of serious climbing. We leave Colombo at 4:30 a.m. and journey on the Minuwangoda – Giriulla – Narammala – Wariyapola – Maho – Madagalla road towards Nikawewa. Our first stop is the Sri Nagala Rajamaha Viharaya, that lies at, Read More
Having visited the majestic Sinharaja Rainforest from the Pitadeniya entrance just last week, this weekend we are on our way to Morningside. I’ve heard too much about this side to miss this opportunity. Morningside is in the eastern side of the Sinharaja, hence named by colonial tea planters of the Lankaberiya Estate. It is, Read More
Looking for someplace closer to Colombo to travel to, I stumbled upon The Ark in Matugama. The journey along the Southern Expressway was less than an hour and yet the steep climb in the latter part of the trip makes it seem as if I am in the central province. The narrow winding road, Read More
So it’s back to the Rainforest Eco Lodge for a birthday celebration. This time, the Southern Expressway cuts down my travel time considerably although the last hour of the road condition leading up to the Lodge is pretty messed up. Once I pass the Park Office gates and enter the protected forest area, the, Read More