Kala Oya Night Safari. Eluvankulama Sri Lanka

As an unapologetic repeat guest to the Backwaters Lodge, I’m back for the fifth time! This time, the thrill of the night safari along the mystic Kala Oya awaits, and I can hardly contain my excitement. As the sun dips below the horizon, and after savoring yet another fabulous meal, I make my way to the mooring…

Taking on Pekoe Trail 12. Udaveriya  Sri Lanka

Today, unlike yesterday, finds us eager and prepared to tackle the formidable Pekoe Trail 12 early. This 14.8-kilometer trail, notorious for its difficulty, commences in Udaveriya and will ultimately lead us to Haputale. Along the way, we’ll navigate through overgrown paths, traverse enchanting pine forests, wander through tea estates, and flirt with the edges of precipices, all of which…

Reversing the Pekoe Trail 13. Haputale Sri Lanka

It’s been a while since I last ventured onto the Pekoe Trail, and my excitement is palpable. Today, I’m setting out on an adventure along Pekoe Trail 13, a 13.5-kilometer point-to-point hike that promises to lead my four female friends and me through some of Sri Lanka’s most beautiful landscapes. Ideally, Pekoe Trail 13 starts…

Climbing Narangala. Badulla Sri Lanka

After months of planning, it is time to climb the Narangala mountain, and little do I know, this will be one of the most exhilarating experiences of my life. During the initial planning, and closer to the day, I am getting more and more disheartened that this mountain is going to be a bore.  But…

Discovering the Pekoe Trail 01. Hanthana Sri Lanka

It is an early morning start from Colombo and we reach Kandy in time for a hearty breakfast, before we embark on the Pekoe Trail. As an avid hiker and determined to make the most of my 60s, I can’t resist the opportunity to explore this much talked about 300-kilometer Pekoe Trail and document my…

Hiking the Pekoe Trail 06. Watagoda Sri Lanka

As I step onto the Pekoe Trail 06, I’m immediately struck by the beauty that surrounds me. Towering trees loom above me, casting dappled shadows across the winding path ahead. My hiking companions and I set out from Watagoda, eager to explore the 14.8 kilometer trail that will lead us to Kotagala.

Back on the Trail. Pekoe Trail 05 Sri Lanka

It is four days since my last Pekoe Trail, but I am here again, lacing up my travel boots and readying for Pekoe Trail 05. I have high hopes for an exciting adventure, although the reality of the journey may be far from my expectations.

Taking on a Challenge. Pekoe Trail 02 Sri Lanka

After a restful night’s sleep and a hearty breakfast, we set out with eager hearts and renewed energy to conquer the Pekoe Trail 02 from Galaha to Loolcondera, a distance of 14.6 kilometers. Known for its ‘moderately challenging’ terrain and breathtaking vistas, this trail was divided into two sections: Galaha to Deltota and Deltota to…

Stairway to a Stronghold. Yapahuva Sri Lanka

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 tumble….

Ancient Architectural Wonders. Rajagala Monastery. Sri Lanka

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 monastery…