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…
Tag: Travelblogger
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…
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…
Where the Mountains Weave. Mongar Bhutan
We left Jakar Village Lodge reluctantly. That warm timbered homestay had made us feel like part of the family—endless cups of brew, gentle laughter, and food that’s to die for. But it was time to move on. The road was calling again, and so was the ride. We’d already clocked nearly 400 kilometres since leaving Paro—crossing mountain…
Through Passes and Time. Bumthang Bhutan
Day 4 of our ride began with an unexpected delight. Over breakfast, just as everyone was preparing for the long ride ahead, I brought out a bottle of Seeni Sambol—that bold, fiery essence of Sri Lanka. The surprise lit up their faces, and soon it was being heaped generously onto eggs and toast. In that…
From River Valley to Crane Country. Gangtey Bhutan
It’s Day 03 of our ride, and we’ve still not hit the halfway mark. The journey through Bhutan is slower than expected—but not in a bad way. Everyday brings new experiences and memories to keep for a long time. We rolled out of Punakha early this morning, reluctantly packing up after an indulgent night at our resort….
The Last Shangri-La and Its Sacred Climb. Paro Bhutan
There are airport landings—and then there’s Paro. Nestled in a narrow valley flanked by towering Himalayan ridges, Paro International Airport is one of the most dangerous and visually spectacular runways in the world. Only eight specially trained pilots are certified to land here, navigating between 5,500-meter peaks using only visual guidance. No autopilot. No instrument landing system. Just raw skill…
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…
Dust & Detours. Queen Elizabeth National Park Uganda
At this point in the journey, I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve washed my clothes. T-shirts have been rinsed and wrung out more often than they’ve been worn fresh, and let’s not even talk about the socks. Safari life is glorious—but it’s also dusty, sweaty, and delightfully unpredictable. We started day 13 with a…
Mihipedia.lk 