We left Colombo at the crack of dawn, ten of us spanning generations from 19 to 85. The city was still half asleep as we drove out. Ampara was nearly 450 kilometers away – a long drive that carried us through ever-shifting landscapes: sleepy towns, sun-baked paddy fields, and stretches of road that felt endless until the…
Category: Sri Lanka
Riverston Revisited. Illukkumbura Sri Lanka
Third time’s the charm. That’s what I kept reminding myself as we wound our way up to Riverston in Illukkumbura, the road curling through valleys that, for once, seemed in no rush to slip behind clouds. Two nights and three days here lay ahead, and I had unfinished business — to climb Manigala at last…
Between Stone and Splash. Kuruvita Sri Lanka
We left Colombo early Friday morning, escaping the weekday grind in search of something simpler, older, wilder. Kuruvita lay just a few hours away, but far enough to feel like another world. As the city skyline dissolved into misty greens, the road stretched ahead like a promise. This time, the ‘getaway’ group comprised of a lively,…
Chronicles Under Canvas: Kumana Sri Lanka
We had set out for Kumana National Park, tucked away on Sri Lanka’s remote southeastern edge, craving wildness, stillness, and a little leopard luck. What we got was something far more unforgettable: four days of glamping beneath the stars, river baths, ranger stories, dunes and deities, near-bear encounters, and more leopards than we could count. This is…
Govinda Hela: The Forgotten Fortress. Siyambalanduwa Sri Lanka
Hidden in the far reaches of Siyambalanduwa, where the land grows wild and time feels suspended, stands a sleeping giant — Govinda Hela. A monolithic rock scarred by centuries of history, crowned by drifting clouds, and whispered about in legend. During the colonial era, the British called it “Westminster Abbey”, not for any religious connection, but because its…
Scenic Views and Surroundings. Pekoe Trail 17. Hali Ela Sri Lanka
We kicked off Stage 17 of the Pekoe Trail just after 6:20 a.m., fueled by excitement, good company, and the cool, sweet air of Demodara. But before taking even one step, we paused for a bit of Sri Lankan magic: the moment the iconic blue train snaked its way (sharp on time at 6:24 a.m.),…
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…
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