Panorama of Splendor. Gampola Sri Lanka

Nestled amidst the lush hills of Sri Lanka, just off Gampola town, the Ambuluwawa Tower stands tall, beckoning adventurous souls to embark on a journey above the clouds. My recent expedition to this awe-inspiring structure promises both an adrenaline rush and a glimpse into the rich cultural tapestry of the region. With its remarkable height, warnings of…

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.

Star Beds and Bush Baths. Belihuloya Sri Lanka

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. There…

One of a Kind. Kudumbigala Forest Hermitage Sri Lanka

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 can…

Loving the Lichen. Sinharaja Rainforest Sri Lanka

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 lowland…

Where Aliens May Have Tread. Danigala Rock Sri Lanka

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 activities…

Morningside of Sinharaja Rainforest. Suriyakanda Sri Lanka

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 located…

Camping at Kumana Sri Lanka

It’s not authentic camping and neither does it have the trimmings of glamping. But it has got all the coolness of tented accommodation, the buzzing of insects, the sounds of guttural sawing of a lurking leopard, the caressing of warm breezes that waft across the riverbed and the thrill of burying my toes in the…

Trek to Pahanthuduwa Waterfall. Belihuloya Sri Lanka

A short drive up the road right next to the Belihuloya Rest House is a waterfall and natural pool that has been a must-see attraction on my bucket list for too long. I have managed to coax the rest to visit this site and we are finally en route. We park the vehicles at a…

Summiting Nuwaragala. Maha Oya Sri Lanka

It’s a sultry Sunday morning, and even at this early hour of the morning, the heat is rising from the parched earth. I have navigated myself from Mahiyanganaya (where I spent the night) to the Pollebadde Galaasha Road in Maha Oya, as per instructions given to me by Nayaka Aththo (Chieftain). He flags me down…