The Soul of Sembuwatta. Elkaduwa Sri Lanka

After a couple of hours of twisting uphill from Kandy, we finally arrived at what felt like the edge of a storybook, Sembuwatta Lake. Tucked away in Elkaduwa, Matale, and perched at a breezy 1,084 meters above sea level, Sembuwatta is one of those places that makes you pause, and remember how beautiful Sri Lanka…

Hiking Against the Forecast. Pekoe Trail 21 Kandapola Sri Lanka

Stage 21 of the 300km Pekoe Trail is typically hiked from Uda Pussellawa to Kandapola, but for our adventure, we decided to do it in reverse—to avoid much of the climb. Covering a total distance of 19 kilometers over seven hours, this hike turned out to be a journey of changing landscapes, local hospitality, and…

Mountain Diaries

Exploring the Majestic Mountains of Sri LankaMountain climbing is more than a hobby for me—it’s a journey of endurance, connection, and discovery. Each ascent presents challenges of steep trails and rocky terrain, accompanied by the reward of fresh air and breathtaking views. Reaching the summit offers a sense of triumph, as each peak carries its…

Sunrise Safari. Yala National Park Sri Lanka

A morning safari at Yala National Park is an adventure like no other, and Fiona, Kumi, and I are excited to immerse ourselves in the wonders of the wild. The day starts early, with our safari jeep pulling out of the Hilton Yala driveway at 5:15 am sharp, ensuring we reach the ticket gate at…

Ropes and Rocks: The Ultimate Mountain Experience. Arangala Sri Lanka

The journey begins early on this Sunday morning and the air crisp and refreshing as we set out from the Arangala Forest Lodge. I’m filled with excitement, unsure of exactly what awaits on the climb ahead to the top of the Arangala Mountain, but certain it’s going to be a challenge. We, my brother Arittha, Avi…

A Hike of Unexpected Twists: Pekoe Trail Stage 3 Loolecondera Sri Lanka

Our day begins in the sacred city of Kandy at 5 a.m., where we arrived just yesterday afternoon. With backpacks stuffed with breakfast, lunch, plenty of water, and snacks, we reach Loolecondera Tea Estate two hours later by hired van, the starting point of Pekoe Trail Stage 03, considered to be the hardest of the…

Pada Yatra: A Journey of Faith and Perseverance. Kumana Sri Lanka

It’s 4:30 in the morning, and Arugam Bay, located in Sri Lanka’s southeast coastline is cloaked in the pre-dawn darkness. The air is filled with a mixture of anticipation and quiet resolve as we gather our belongings. Ashan, from Little Adventures, the inspiration and organizer of this walk has arrived to pick us up. Our…

A Cold Ride Through History and Nature. Chang La Pass Ladakh

It’s an early morning wake-up call for us as we reluctantly roll out of bed for day six, and the last day of our amazing ride. The thermometer shows a biting 1°C outside. A hot mug of coffee brings some life back into my cold body and the others too are grateful for the hot…

Rare Sightings in Remote Surroundings. Pangong Ladakh

It’s day 5 of our amazing journey and so far the daily dose of Diamox (to help with altitude sickness) has sustained us. A little nip of the Old Monk every night seems to also help! Today we decamp and move onwards and upwards to Pangong which is at an altitude of 4,225m (13,860ft). Leaving…

Riding to the End of the Road. Turtuk Ladakh

Day five dawns cold and bright and the morning sun peeks over the mountains towering above the Paramount Camp as we gear up for another adventure. Today, we ride from Hunder in the Nubra Valley to Turtuk, a village nestled between the Karakoram Range and the Himalayas. While the rest of our group rests, three…