Roadtripping. Dambulla Jaffna Mannar Kalpitiya Sri Lanka

There are friendships that don’t need warming up, reminders, or those polite “we really must catch up” messages. With Fiona and Kumi, it’s always been simple: make a plan, start the car and go. For us three friends, who once “flew the friendly skies,” our November getaway is practically a standing date. So there we…

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…

Exploring Dunumadalawa. Kandy Sri Lanka

Nestled in the heart of Sri Lanka, Dunumadalawa, also known as Wakarawatte or ‘Walker’s Estate’, overlooks the historic city of Kandy. Spanning over 500 acres, this stunning forest reserve lies off Rajapihilla Mawatha, on the edge of the Hanthana Mountain Range.  Having heard about this place, Krishni and I, along with our knowledgeable guide, Ekanayaka,…

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…

Sacred Rock Sanctuary. Dambulla Sri Lanka

As I ascend the gentle slope of the Dambulla rock, I look forward to yet another visit to this amazing temple complex. The name itself, Dambulla, resonates with significance – a fusion of “Damba,” meaning rock, and “Ulla,” meaning fountain. Fueled by tales that echo with centuries of history, the Dambulla Cave Temple, commonly referred to as the Royal Rock…

Discovering Delft. Palk Strait Sri Lanka

As the ferry approaches the small island of Nedunthivu in the northern stretch of the Palk Strait, I can’t help but feel the anticipation of exploring a place with such a rich history. The island, named Delft on the Admiralty Chart, stands out from its Tamil-named counterparts, showcasing its unique blend of colonial influences and…

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…