What Are The Best Places To See In The Sacred City Of Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka? 

BY  Sibashree Aug 17, 2026

Like everyone, I also had my sights set on the beach resorts of Bentota. I met Aluthgama by accident as I took a wrong turn off the Galle Road, chasing the smell of grilled seafood from a roadside stall.  Aluthgama is beautiful. It is a working coastal town with a river as its lifeline. The mangrove canoes and fishing boats share the water here.  Also, a 160-foot Buddha statue rising from the trees looks over the town.  Once I reached there, I lost track of time, and in this town, the pace of life still runs on tides rather than tourist schedules. Charmed by its art of slow traveling, I ended up staying three days in Aluthgama.  Where Is Aluthgama? What Is So Special About The Location?   Aluthgama is a coastal town in the Kalutara District of Sri Lanka's Western Province.  Also, it is about 63 kilometers south of Colombo, and its distance from Galle is around 68 kilometers.  This strategic position helps Aluthgama enjoy proximity to Colombo, the capital of the country. You can reach it from Colombo with an easy day drive or scenic coastal train ride.  However, the distance of 63 kilometers is enough to keep the unmistakable slower rhythm of the south coast intact in Aluthgama. Furthermore, the Bentota River creates a natural boundary between Aluthgama on the northern bank and Bentota on the southern bank.  These two are like twin towns; Bentota is more famous, though!  Aluthgama is very much a lived-in coastal town with a busy market and a fish market that starts operating before sunrise.  I also found the streets busy with tuk-tuk drivers. However, this crowd around the markets and the tuk-tuks ruling the streets do not make Aluthgama a tourist town.  It does not have anything pretentious about it, and that is most impressive. How To Reach Aluthgama From Colombo Fort? For the most authentic experience, you can take a train from Colombo Fort to Aluthgama. However, by road travel options are also available.  By Train  Trains such as Ruhunu Kumari (Maradana → Matara), Samudra Devi (Maradana → Galle), and Maradana → Aluthgama.  The train ride of around 59.67 km takes between 57 minutes and 2 hours and 10 minutes.  Furthermore, the ticket price for this class is LKR 140, second class is LKR 300, and first class is LKR 600.  By Road You can opt for a private car/taxi ride for two hours. It will cost you around LKR 12000 to 15000. Also, you will get state-run CTB buses to Aluthgama from the Colombo Central Bus Stand. The travel time in these buses is around 2.5 hours, and the ticket price is between LKR 800 and 1100.  However, if you want a more comfortable experience, you can board the private buses from the Bastian Mawatha Bus Station. The ticket prices will be around LKR 1200.  What To Do Or Try In Aluthgama? A Quick Summary Of The Top Attractions CategoryWhat to Try / Do in AluthgamaSignature DishFish Ambul Thiyal (Sour Fish Curry with Goraka)River ExperienceMangrove Safari on the Bentota River, and Spotting Crocodiles, Kingfishers, Water MonitorsLandmarkKande Vihara Buddha Statue with a Height of 160 Feet and Depicting the Bhoomisparsha MudraWatersportsJet SkiingBanana BoatsSpeedboat Rides Near the River MouthShoppingGem and Jewelry Shops (Notably Blue Sapphires)Local Market for Spices and ProduceDay TripsKosgoda Sea Turtle Conservation ProjectMadu Ganga boat safariAmbalangoda Mask MuseumGalle FortDistance from Colombo63 km southDistance from Galle68 km northBest base forTravelers wanting a quieter, more local alternative to Bentota's resort strip The Bentota River Is The Heart Of Aluthgama  If you are planning a stay in Aluthgama like me, all the activities and attractions here center around the Bentota River.  From a slow paddle through the mangroves or an afternoon of watersports, every activity here is dependent on the river.  Mangrove Safaris And Wildlife In Aluthgama  I was not expecting much from the mangrove safaris here. I thought that it would be a slow boat ride and some birdwatching.  However, it turned out to be a two-hour adventure weaving through narrow mangrove channels so tight the branches brushed both sides of the canoe. I could also spot monitor lizards sunning on exposed roots and a small resident population of mugger crocodiles that our boatman pointed out with far more enthusiasm than I felt. Then, there were kingfishers! They flashed between the mangroves throughout the journey. Then, finally, the channel opened, and we reached Cinnamon Island. We explored the short loop past cinnamon trees.  It was amazing to see cinnamon being cultivated much as they were during the centuries when Ceylon cinnamon was one of the most valuable commodities on earth. I chose a shared safari, and that cost around 3000 LKR for me. However, you can also take a private boat for a mangrove safari, and that costs close to 6000-6500 LKR.  Watersports On The Bentota River  Along with the paddle boat ride across the mangroves, you can also try jet skiing, banana boat rides, and being towed behind a speedboat on an inflatable "sofa." You will mostly find these organizers and operators near the river mouth and along the Bentota side.  This section is touristy. So, the watersports services are well organized, and the charges are also quite reasonable.  Check out the table below for an estimate of the prices for watersports on Bentota.  ActivitiesCost Per Person (LKR)Jet Skiing (10/15 Minutes)3500-12000Banana Boat Rides (Per Round)1000-3000Sofa / Tube Rides (Per Round)1000-3000Paramotoring15000-20000Flying Activities15000-20000 Malu Banna Watersports & Activities Centre and River Adventure - Water Sports Center are some popular organizers of watersports on Bentota. The Buddha Statue: The Guardian Of Aluthgama  Kande Vihara temple in nearby Aluthgama-Dharga Town is a short distance from the town center.  As I reached the Kande Vihara temple, I saw one of the tallest Buddha statues in Sri Lanka. This seated statue of Buddha is around 160 feet tall, and what is more captivating is its bhoomisparsha mudra. It is an earth-touching gesture associated with the moment of the Buddha's enlightenment. I had seen the photographs of this Buddha statue, but I did not expect to find it in Aluthgama.  It was overwhelming as I did not think that turning a wrong corner on a fairly ordinary road would lead me to a statue of that scale rising above the tree line.  This is life in a nutshell! There is a reason why I believe that traveling connects you to the mysteries and beauty of life more.  You get the most amazing things when least expected.  I saw locals visiting the Vihara to make offerings. The grandeur of the Buddha Statue and the overall ambiance reminded me of the Dambulla Royal Cave Temple.  The Vihara did not have much of a crowd. So, it saved me from the queued, roped-off feeling that is common in many religious sites of Sri Lanka.  Also, it was late afternoon, and the light caught the gold plating of the statue. Even the existing crowd started thinning out, and the silence was precious.  I missed Somraj, my partner here, as he adores quiet places and his love for Buddha and Buddhism is intense.  How To Reach The Kande Vihara Temple?  The distance is around 2.5 kilometers, and a tuk-tuk ride takes around 7-8 minutes. The driver charged me LKR 300 and told me that he would wait for 1 hour and bring me back if I gave him LKR 1000.  I was not ready to compromise my flexibility. So, I chose a one-way trip.  Aluthgama: A Market Town With Its Own Character  The temple and the river are the highlights for someone planning a trip to Aluthgama.  However, Aluthgama's real personality shows up in its everyday routines, including the market stalls, the gem shops, and the food that's cooked for locals as much as for visitors. Shopping And The Local Market  As I said, the town center of Aluthgama never tries to be what it is not. It is charming even without the polish of Bentota.  The main market is functional, with vendors selling fresh produce, dried fish, spices, and household goods.  There is an old-world charm as spices here are not packaged. They are sold loose by weight. So, you will get the whiff every time you pass a spice stall.  Also, if you want to buy some jewelry, you can visit the small but well-regarded cluster of gem shops. Ask any tuk-tuk driver to take you to the shops.  The part of the coast on which Aluthgama sits is within reach of Sri Lanka's gem-trading networks.  A few local shops here have built reputations for genuine sapphires, which draws buyers who would rather shop here than in the more heavily marked-up tourist circuits further south. What To Eat In Aluthgama?  Food in Aluthgama is about fresh seafood, and the southern coast does it best.  I had the signature fish ambul thiyal there. It is a sour, dry fish curry cooked with goraka. Wherever you go to eat, you will find it at the top of the menu.  Also, Kottu roti, hoppers with that distinctive crisp-edged, custardy center, and pol sambol rounded out most meals. Furthermore, near the market, you will find stalls bringing seafood straight off boats and grilling it live for you. Day Trips You Can Plan From Aluthgama  What sold me on staying longer than planned was realizing how much sits within easy reach, both along the coast and inland. 1. South Toward Galle If you take the coastal road toward the south, you will find a series of worthwhile stops.  The Kosgoda Sea Turtle Conservation Project (Distance: Around 15 Kilometers) The Kosgoda Sea Turtle Conservation Project is the first stop, and I have already discussed it in my Bentota and Kalutara Guide.  Here, hatcheries work to protect several endangered turtle species that nest along this stretch of coast.  Madu Ganga Boat Trip (Distance: Around 19 Kilometers) Next, you can plan an extension to your mangrove safari on Bentota with a boat trip on the Madu Ganga estuary near Balapitiya.  It offers a slower experience. However, it is even more biodiverse than the Bentota mangrove ecosystem.  The Ariyapala Mask Museum In Ambalangoda (Distance: Around 25 Km) This is a delightful cultural experience. You will find elaborately carved devil-dance and ritual masks the region is known for in the museum.  Along with the Kolam, Sanni, and Raksha masks on display, the museum also allows you to see the local artisans making the masks.  I interacted with them, and they shared the story behind the mask they were making.  The Meetiyagoda Moonstone Mines (Distance: Around 34 Km) It is one of the few places in the world where the blue-sheened gem is found in commercial quantities.  You can also see the miners at work here.  Galle Fort  Push on further, and you reach Galle itself. It has a UNESCO-listed Dutch fort still ringed by ramparts and colonial-era buildings that make for one of the most atmospheric walks on the island. Inland Excursions You can also plan a day trip to the cultural triangle of Sri Lanka, including Sigiriya rock fortress and Dambulla's cave temples.  Furthermore, you can opt for wildlife safaris to Udawalawe National Park, known for reliable elephant sightings. Why Is Aluthgama Worth A Visit And Stay?  Aluthgama has more diverse accommodation options than you would expect in a quaint coastal town in Sri Lanka.  However, these setups have not impacted the natural rhythm of the town that would carry on much the same whether or not anyone stopped to look.  So, it is the perfect base, spending your days drifting through the mangroves and climbing up to see the Buddha statue at Kande Vihara. Also, eat more seafood than seems reasonable, and let Bentota's beaches be the postscript rather than the whole story.m

BY  Sibashree Sep 24, 2021

I have been to Japan many times, and the cultural richness and the sensory delights the country offers make the experience worth it!  However, these days, I see a lot of people asking, “Is Japan expensive to visit?”  Another question in this regard is why Japan is witnessing a major boost in travel booking.  Now, first, let me answer that Japan is not as expensive as people are projecting it. Be it the day trips from Tokyo or exploring the cherry blossom season in Kyoto, if you plan an itinerary and the modes of transport well, you can complete the trip within a decent budget.  Furthermore, thanks to smart tools such as the Japan Rail Pass, you can now make transport more convenient and flexible.  Also, whether Japan is expensive or not will depend on the country you are traveling from and how the currency of your country fares against the Japanese Yen.  On the other hand, Japan is enjoying a massive surge in popularity among Gen Z tourists due to many reasons. However, sushi, manga, and anime are the three major factors driving this rise.  While Japan can be managed on a moderate budget, and I have shared the three main reasons behind the rising popularity of Japan, let’s delve deeper into how much a trip to Japan costs and the other factors causing a rise in Japanese tourism.  Why Is Japan Expensive To Visit? Is It The Growing Craze?  Do you know that American Express Travel data shows a 1300% hike in the number of Americans visiting Japan since 2019?  Furthermore, Netflix has confirmed that Anime viewership has gone 3 times up in 2025.  Now, these pieces of information show how young Americans, especially the Gen Z travelers, are passionate about Japan.  The country is now a cultural superpower with its “Soft Power” that it has used to build the global landscape of entertainment, aesthetics, and ideas.  Joseph Nye, a political scientist at Harvard University, has highlighted the strength of Japan’s soft power.  Overall, Japan is not just a new country to visit for these young travelers. It is an escape to the land of rich culture, great food, and soaking in the spirit of slow tourism.  However, the rising craze among young travelers is not the reason behind Japan being labelled as an expensive destination.  In fact, it is amazing to see tourism in Japan growing despite the high travel expenses being  high.  Key Reasons For Japan Being An Expensive Destination To Visit  Japan is expensive as a destination primarily for three reasons. First of all, the Shinkansen bullet trains, extensively used for transportation, are very expensive.  Also, while I found Osaka food from the street stalls quite affordable, trying Sushi, Ramen, or other Japanese staples in a fine dining restaurant can be very expensive.  Furthermore, Japan almost entirely depends on imported energy.  Despite an improvement of 22.4% in the net energy import during the period of 2020 to 2024, the net energy import of Japan in 2024 was 87.4% of the total energy supply, according to the International Energy Agency (IEA).  Thus, the fuel cost is always high in Japan, impacting the transportation expenses, the cost of essential commodities, and every other sector in a direct or indirect manner. Is Japan Expensive To Visit? A Breakdown Of Tourist Costs  So, Japan is expensive to visit. However, what can be the overall expense tentatively?  What will be the expenses on food, transportation, and accommodation? Here is a detailed breakdown.  1. Tourist Accommodation Cost In Japan Japan is very sincere about the hospitality it offers. So, even if you are staying at a budget hotel or hostel, you will find good hygiene and the basic amenities.  Furthermore, along with hostels, Japan has unique accommodation provisions such as the capsule hotels.  These are basically sleeping pods, and the cost is similar to staying in hostels.  On the other hand, you will find a minshuku, which is like a Japanese version of homestays. You will get bed and breakfast facilities at these accommodations run by local families.  Nevertheless, have a look at the table below to understand the different types of accommodation for tourists in Japan and their average costs.  Types of Tourist Accommodation in JapanTentative Cost Hostels and Capsule Hotels2000-4500 JPYBudget Hotels5000-10000 JPYBread and Breakfast 5000-8500 JPYStandard Hotels10000 JPY Onward Moreover, if you’re looking to move to Japan after your trip there, check out reliable websites to know the best places for foreigners where you can call home. 2. The Cost Of General Public Transport In Japan  The Japanese Bullet Train or Shinkansen is the most preferred mode of transport in the country.  The Cost Of Traveling In A Bullet Train And The JR Pass However, the travel cost is very high if you are traveling by these bullet trains.  On average, and based on the departing station or the destination, the cost will be around 16000-20000 JPY per ride (the ticket price can go much higher).  For example, if you take a bullet train from Tokyo to Shin Amori, the price for a reserved seat will be 21340 JPY.  On the other hand, for the Green Seat and the GranClass Seats, the ticket prices will be 27410 JPY and 34410 JPY, respectively.  On the other hand, a Tokyo to Kyoto bullet train ticket starts from 16550 JPY.  Now, this is where a Japan Rail Pass becomes handy. As a tourist, you can buy a Japan Rail Pass for 7 days, and the cost starts from 50,000 JPY for an adult. For a child, it is 25000 JPY.  You can even buy passes for 14 days or 21 days. With this pass, you can enjoy unlimited rides during the validity period.  Moreover, if you want to focus on Tokyo and its nearby areas, the Regional Pass will be a more budget-friendly option.   Also, cabs are pretty expensive in Japan. For a ride of 1 to 2 kilometers, you will have to pay around 500 to 700 JPY.  After that, a fee of 80-100 JPY will be added for traveling every 250 to 300 meters.  3. The Cost Of Hiring A Tour Guide In Japan  The cost of hiring a tour guide in Japan is between 25000 and 60000 JPY per month. However, the cost of the travel guide will depend on the services you opt for.  You can choose a guide for a full day, and the cost can be up to 80000 JPY, and for a half day guide, it will be around 25000-47000 JPY.  Furthermore, if you are traveling in small groups or vans, the cost of hiring a guide will be around 24000 JPY.  So, hiring a personal travel guide is expensive in Japan. However, you can save the cost of hiring a guide by seeking help from the local tourist centers or the national tourist departments.  4. Food And Drink Cost In Japan Food is one of the most important factors for Gen Z travelers visiting Japan. A survey said that around 50% of the visitors planned a trip just because they wanted to visit a restaurant or try some specific food.  Also, food and drinks are available in various cost ranges. So if you are planning to take the authentic taste of sushi, you will get plenty of options available there.  From the expensive designer boutiques to Kaiten-zushi style shops everywhere, the multiple authentic sushi dishes are valuable.  You can select the place according to your requirements.  In the boutique’s style restaurant, you have to spend nearly 51000 JPY for sushi, but if you prefer the sushi in a low-cost range, you have to spend only 1593 JPY for sushi.  If you want to explore Japan on a budget. You can quickly shift your choices to Japanese cuisine and cut your travel budget by cutting the foreign food items. How To Plan Budget-Friendly Travel In Japan? Do you want to travel in Japan on a budget? Here are the tips you can follow.  1. Make A Tour Plan In The Off Season  Off-season tour plans are always budget-friendly. The Autumn season is an off-season to travel in Japan, and this time the tourist rush is not very high. 2. Take The Railroad  Take the railroad to explore the city and buy the railway card to see the tourist places in the country. 3. Focus On Local Cuisine  Focus on the local, authentic, fresh Japanese dishes. If you’re looking for cheap food in Japan, you can buy it in small restaurants, street food stalls, and even vending machine cafes.  However, if you stay in the country for an extended period, you can save money on your travel by preparing and cooking most of your meals from scratch. 4. Find An Accomodation Far From The Main Crowded Cities  Try to find accommodation that is a little bit far from the main crowded cities. Make sure to book your accommodation ahead of time to save a lot of money. Hostels and the local guest houses are also charming, clean places to stay. However, when planning a Japan tour, it is better to keep away from the expensive luxury boutique-type accommodations. 5. Look For Free Attractions  Look for free attractions and events to save money.  Whether you want to spend a fun day in a national park or visit a museum, there are incredible activities that allow you to enjoy Japan without paying anything.

BY  Sibashree May 11, 2026

How many places have you been to where you can see peacocks and the mischievous chipmunks everywhere you look?  This is Mirissa for you! One of the quietest beach towns in Sri Lanka.   Also, if surfing at Hiriketiya Beach was a lot of fun, you can plan a one-hour drive to Mirissa for whale watching.   Mirissa has the turquoise Mirissa Beach, the Instagram-favorite coconut tree hill, the secret beach, the parrot rock, and many other natural attractions.   Also, this quaint beach town is the ideal place to attend a cooking class, enjoy a happening nightlife, and indulge in a relaxing spa experience.    Furthermore, whale watching and surfing with turtles are some of the most exciting things to do in Mirissa.   And once you are done exploring Mirissa Beach, you can take a short tuk-tuk ride to Weligama Beach, which is a beginner-friendly surfing destination.   Here is more about why I loved the Mirissa Beach and town.   What Are The Things To Do In Mirissa?   Mirissa was still an emerging destination when I last visited Sri Lanka. Then, it was a welcome break from surfing at Ahangama or Hiriketiya simply because it was less crowded.   However, thanks to Instagram now and especially due to the popularity of Coconut Hill, it is not a hidden gem anymore.   Nevertheless, don’t miss these activities when you are in Mirissa.   1. Spending A Relaxing Time At Mirissa Beach    I am not a diver, but I saw a couple renting gear on the beach for diving and spotting turtles. I talked to them as they came out. It was nice talking to Liam and Saoirse.   I am quoting what Saorise shared,  “The water here is calm, and you just need to go down very little to find the turtles swimming.   Next, we are going to try Weligma Beach.”   Nevertheless, for me, Mirrissa Beach was impressive due to its laid-back charm. Like Delft Island in Jaffna, Mirrissa Beach also appeared to be an ideal destination for backpackers.   It was sunset time, and as the sky started turning the darkest red, the cafes around the beach came to life.   I took a stroll toward the Parrot Rock and climbed it to see how the Sun is going to sleep in the ocean.  If you are not planning to see the sunset here, you can take a 40-minute tuk-tuk ride to Kudawella Beach. There, you will see the Hummanaya blowhole, the second-largest in the world.   2. Enjoying Solitude At Secret Beach  Solitude! This is what I enjoyed at the Secret Beach. It is secluded and does complete justice to its name.   Furthermore, this is a beautiful beach where the sea and the jungle blend.   Also, this beach has shining golden sands, and the palm trees are so well aligned that they look symmetrical.   In addition, I enjoyed sunbathing, swimming, and watching the sunset at Secret Beach.   Now, comes to how I reached the Secret Beach from Mirissa Beach. I took a short tuk-tuk ride for 15 minutes from Mirissa Beach, and it cost me around LKR 300.   From the spot, you will have to hike for around 200 meters to reach the beach.   Also, no one talks about the cliff behind the Secret Beach. I had to just take a short walk, taking the left side path from the beach to reach the cliff.   You can enjoy a 360-degree view of the ocean from the cliff top.   3. Whale Watching  Visiting Mirissa Beach during sunset time was worth it.   I returned the next morning for the whale-watching tour to start. The tour started at 6 AM, and it was a 4-hour tour. The cost was ₹1948 or around 6500 LKR.   Early morning is the best time for whale spotting at Mirissa Beach, as the water starts getting choppy as the hours pass.   Furthermore, November to April is the best time for blue whale spotting here, and March and April are the peak months.   Also, on my tour, along with the blue whales, I also spotted humpback whales, turtles, and dolphins.   4. Watching Sunset From The Parrot Rock  As I mentioned earlier, Parrot Rock offered the best sunset viewing point on Mirissa Beach.   This rock island is just a 5-minute walk from the main beach. However, I had to wade through water to find the base of the staircase leading to the top of the Parrot Rock.   During high tide, the water can be knee-deep. So, here you will need some local guidance regarding when to cross the water.   So, be careful and carry a small bag and only the things you need if you want to climb up the Parrot Rock.   5. Exploring The Cocount Tree Hill   Now, this Coconut Tree Hill is a rage on Instagram and somehow overhyped.   However, the tangerine soil and the series of trees here look picturesque, and the views from here are amazing.  Before I got to the top of the Coconut Hill, I enjoyed a swing ride just below.   I visited it very early in the morning. The plan was to see the sunrise from the Coconut Tree Hill and then start the whale tour.   Furthermore, the hike was easy, and it was almost a no-sweat climb.   6. Enjoying Sunset Drinks, Bites, And Beats  Mirissa has a really cool nightlife. However, I found the cafes here a little overpriced. Instead, I found a place to relax and watch over the activities on the beach after sunset hours.   After watching the sunset from the Parrot Rock, I was planning a return for the day, and then I found Petti Petti.   It has an elevated infinity pool, which is magical. You can even relax sitting in the comfortable beanbags and sip the most refreshing cocktail.  Petti Petti remains open from 8 AM to 10:30 PM every day.   7. Surfing At Weligama Beach  Surfing at Mirissa Beach is not a pleasant experience. So, it is always better to take a bus ride for 15 minutes to Weligama Beach.  With a sandy bottom and gentle waves, it is a beginner-friendly place for surfing. I surfed with the AMA Surf School there, and the cost was around ₹7000, and the surfing tour was for 1 hour and 15 minutes.   8. Enjoying The Cafe Vibe In Mirissa  Mirrissa has some amazing cafes, but they are still overhyped if you compare them with the craze on Instagram.   Nevertheless, I loved Aloha Coffee Gallery, which is very close to the Main Street of Merissa.   I had a French Press coffee and toasts there. Also, I found many young professionals working there, and the Wi-Fi connection was pretty good.   I found that the place was quite popular among youngsters and digital nomads.   9. Spotting The Turtles   Now, many people tell you that Turtle Beach is the best place to spot turtles in Mirissa, and it’s a lie.   When I reached it at around 10 AM, the beach was already crowded, and naturally, the water was murky.   I could spot two turtles, but they looked stressed and in a hurry to hide.   Then, a local told me about a place that was a walk of around 10 minutes west of the beach. There is a Roti shop nearby, in the name of DewMini Roti Shop.   That was indeed a great place for seeing turtles, as there were no boats and only a few locals hanging around.   Again, from there, I took a local bus to Polhena Beach, and the ticket price was ₹30. There, the reefs were shallow, and thus these reefs and the turtles were easily visible.  10. Visiting A Tortoise Hatchery   I love turtles. So, when I got to know about the Kosgoda Sea Turtle Conservation Project, I decided to take a drive for 2 hours and visit it.   This conservation center is, in fact, closer to Galle, and there, I saw Hawksbill turtles, Olive Ridley turtles, and loggerhead turtles.   Many injured or disabled turtles stay in this conservation center, and you will even find baby turtles that are just 3-days old.   The conservation center also has a program in which you can release the baby turtles into the ocean water.  Behind the conservation center is a hatchery. There, all the eggs are kept buried for hatching. The conservation center buys these eggs from local fishermen who collect the eggs so that poachers do not take them or predators do not eat them.   The conservation center remains open from 8:30 AM to 6 PM, and the entry fee is LKR 1000.