Where Shadows Tell Time. Manigala Sri Lanka

Nestled near Pitawala Gama, along the road to Illukkumbura, lies Manigala, a popular hill station located within the Knuckles Range. The journey to this haven of natural splendor begins from Riverston, winding its way from the Knuckles Conservation Center through mountains, plains, and parks, offering a glimpse into the biodiversity-rich ecosystem of the Dumbara or…

Devil’s Staircase Dare. Ohiya Sri Lanka

It’s Easter Sunday, and a beautiful day here in Ohiya. We awake to the promise of another challenge and adventure. Today, we’re taking on the Devil’s Staircase, a spur-of-the-moment plan! Needless to say, we are excited to descend this legendary trail, starting from the top and winding our way down to Kalupahana. After a hearty…

Tale of Two Landscapes. Pekoe Trail 10. Horton Plains Sri Lanka

Setting off on the Pekoe Trail 10 in reverse, we commence our adventure at 8 a.m., starting with a 4-km trek through the enchanting landscapes of Horton Plains. The crisp morning air greets us as the seven of us set foot on the trail, eager for the adventures that lie ahead. It is mandatory to…

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…

Paragliding: Soaring High for Adventure. Sarangkot Nepal

After another beautiful morning sighting of the Annapurna Range and a hearty breakfast, it is time to get back on the trail. This time we descend most of the way and reach Kande where we hop into a vehicle that drives us to our little motel in Sarangkot where we rest up for the next day’s…

Trekking to Australian Base Camp. Dhampus Nepal

After an exhilarating adventure of white water rafting, we continue our journey to the town of Pokhara, known as a paradise for trekkers and adventure enthusiasts. Our next thrilling adventure awaits us at the Australian Base Camp, a gem nestled in the Annapurna region. Our two-day trek commences from a quaint roadside village called Phedi,…

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….

The Peace Wall. Belfast Ireland

I’m in Ireland for a week. Belfast to be exact because I would need a different visa to get across to Dublin. Of all the things I’ve heard about Ireland, it is “The Troubles” that stand out most. The Troubles took place during a period of ethno-nationalist conflict and political violence in Northern Ireland that…