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

BY  Sibashree Mar 24, 2026

Ella is one of Sri Lanka's most beautiful towns.  Also, Ella is a place where many of my favorite Sri Lankan adventures are.  My first sighting of the famous Nine Arch Bridge, one of my first hikes at Ella Rock, standing at the edge of the roaring Diyaluma Falls, and many more.  Perhaps the most famous train ride in the world, from Kandy, passes through Ella as well. Ella is a quaint and beautiful town and is a great place to escape the heat of the southern coasts. However, over the last decade, this quaint little hamlet has become a large tourist destination.  Unfortunately, the growth has also brought some concrete eyesores to the village.  There is still plenty of magic to be discovered here, if you are willing to move beyond the Instagram hotspots. Having undertaken two comprehensive visits to this beautiful hill-country retreat, I have compiled the ultimate portfolio of things to do in Ella, Sri Lanka. What Are The Things To Do In Ella, Sri Lanka?  Despite the changes in Ella, Sri Lanka, the mountain ranges are just as majestic as they were years ago. Furthermore, the tea served is still some of the finest in the world. Moreover, people here are still warm.  And the most fascinating part?  Ella always brings out the explorer in you. How can you avoid the lure of riding in an open-air train or leaning over the edge of a waterfall?  Here is more about the exciting things to do in Ella, Sri Lanka.  1. Riding The Iconic Kandy To Ella Train The Kandy to Ella train ride is the best thing you will do in Sri Lanka.  The train passes through tea plantations and crosses gushing streams.  And you cannot expect less from a route that has been labelled by many as the most picturesque train ride in the world.  However, the train ride also allows you to indulge in the local vibe with local vendors hawking through the rush and the local boys singing and playing drums during the journey.  Also, the Nanu Oya to Ella scratch is the most beautiful in the entire route. Also, don’t go for a 1st class ticket and reserve a 3rd class class to enjoy the views through open windows.  2. Admiring  The Famous Nine Arch Bridge It’s astonishing to think that a single bridge could drive tourists in droves to a small town, but the Nine Arch Bridge is an engineering marvel that demands to be seen.  Standing 24 meters high and spanning 91 meters, it was completed in 1921 using only brick, rock, and cement, and there is no metal at all. When the mist hangs low in the valley, the bridge takes on a moody, mystical feel.  You can walk along the tracks or look down from the tea plantations below, but my favorite view is from the cafe platforms in the surrounding hills.  Watching the blue train slowly crawl across the arches is a sight I’ll never forget. 3. Hiking The Mighty Ella Rock  The hike to the mighty Ella Rock starts from the Ella railway station. It was a walk with waterfalls and small homes on the way.  Then, the steep ascent began.  After reaching the top, you will get a beautiful view of Adam’s Peak and Ella Gap. 4. Watching Sunset At Little Adam’s Peak The hike to Little Adam’s Peak is a gentler alternative to the hike to Ella Rock.  I walked through the lush tree plantations, and once I reached the top, the panoramic view before my eyes was nothing short of a movie frame.  Plan your hike in the late afternoon to enjoy the most amazing sunset views from Little Adam’s Peak. 5. Chasing The Diyaluma Falls I started from Ella to Poonagala, the starting point for the Diyaluma Falls hike, by taking a tuk-tuk.  The tuk-tuk took 1.5 hours.  Furthermore, from Poonagala, it was a downhill hike to the Upper Diyaluma Falls, which had a 220-meter drop.  There are natural infinity pools right at the edge where you can swim during the dry season.  From the upper Diyaluma Falls, it is another 30-minute hike to the Lower Diyaluma Falls.  6. Feeling The Mythological Connection At Ravana Falls  Ravana Falls is right by the road south of Ella.  Locals say that King Ravana took Princess Sita and hid her in the caves behind Ravana Falls.  Furthermore, you can see the Ravana Falls from the road. However, it is best if you hike to the second and third tiers.  7. Taking A Seat With Sir Thomas Lipton Tea is the lifeblood of this region, and a visit to Lipton’s Seat is a journey to the source.  This is the exact spot where tea mogul Sir Thomas Lipton used to sit and survey his empire.  On a clear day, you can see all the way to the south coast. Even on the foggy day I visited, sipping a fresh cup of Ceylon tea (the best I’ve ever had) while the clouds swirled around the summit was incredibly atmospheric. 8. Taking A Tour Of The Dambethenne Tea Factory When you go to the high country, you must learn the actual science of the making of your brew. I visited the tea company founded by Lipton himself in 1890 and saw how it was picked, wilted, fermented, and graded. All of these were new to me as an individual who drinks a lot of tea.  About 80% of this tea is sold in Colombo and then exported around the world. I especially found the fermenting room to be extremely interesting. 9. Feel The Adrenaline Rush At Flying Ravana If you need a break from the hiking, Ella recently opened Sri Lanka’s first-ever zip-line.  It stretches half a kilometer across the hills and hits speeds of 80kmph.  For around $20 USD, it’s one of the best value adrenaline fixes I’ve ever found. It’s located near the 98 Acres resort, making it a perfect way to end a trip to Little Adam’s Peak. 10. Mastering The Art Of The Curry At Ella, Sri Lanka  In my opinion, Sri Lanka has the best food (after my country, of course)! If you want to bring back a little bit of Sri Lanka to your home country, then you should try taking a cooking class.  Also, if you don’t have enough time, just try the food streets.  For me, it was a brilliant consolidation of my food tour in Jaffna. Though the food in Ella is creamier and less spicy than in Jaffna.  11. Witnessing The Grandeur Of Bambarakanda Falls The Bambarakanda Falls is the tallest waterfall in the country, and it falls from a height of 241 meters.  You can take a short hike or a tuk-tuk to reach the Bambarakanda Falls from Ella.  Then, stand at the base and feel the sheer power of that vertical drop.  Moreover, to enjoy the best flow of this waterfall, plan a visit between April and September.  12. Spotting The Elephants At Udawalawe Like the Kaudulla National Park, the Udawalawe National Park is also a great place for spotting elephants in the wild.  Ella is the base for a safari in the Udawalawe National Park.  I opted for an early morning safari, and I spotted adorable baby elephants with their mothers.  Don’t Forget To Party And Chill In Ella, Sri Lanka  Like Jaffna, a backpacker’s dream, Ella has also emerged as a hub for backpackers and budget travelers.  Ella Town is still a great place to unwind, and places such as Cafe Chill are at the epicenter of these scenes.  You can have some really good burgers and Lion Beer at some of these recognized cafes.  Moreover, when you spend time at these cafes, you don’t rush from one place to another, but study the local culture and understand how a country, ridden by cyclones, endless civil wars, and financial crisis, can still be the land of sunshine. 

BY  Sibashree Mar 31, 2026

Shinjuku is a very diverse part of Tokyo with a lot of activity and some rebelliousness, but it’s completely different in style and design compared to the other areas of Tokyo.  As far as contrasts go, Shinjuku is the most contrasting area of Tokyo. You can look at commercial 3D billboards within a couple of minutes’ walk to find very old traditional garden spaces. Shinjuku Station, as the busiest train station worldwide, could be described as a crazy madman's labyrinth for a first visit.  Yet, stepping outside into the bright neon lights of the Shinjuku area exposes a bright, fascinating area to play.  To help you get started, below is a list of “What to do in Shinjuku” as a first timer.  What To Do In Shinjuku As A First Timer?  Shinjuku is a city within a city. It’s loud, it’s crowded, and it’s occasionally a little messy. However, that’s exactly what makes it the most authentic urban experience in Japan.  Here are the things if you are feeling clueless about what to do in Shinjuku.  1. Retro Vibes At Kitamura Camera Kitamura Camera isn't a store. It's a vertical museum built around film cameras.  Rows of vintage gear line the floors, including rare glass lenses and models from the 1930s.  The place hums with quiet energy, untouched by digital noise.  It's tucked into Musashino Street, a lively area where shops mix with daily life. Even pros who shoot in RAW find it worth visiting for its raw craftsmanship and calm atmosphere. 2. The Roar Of Godzilla Road You'll see the Godzilla head before you hear it.   Its massive form stretches over Toho Cinemas, like a guardpost at the entrance to Godzilla Road.  The statue is a fixture in Shinjuku, visible from most sidewalks. Also, Hotel Gracery has rooms shaped like the monster itself. The Toho building bears the giant head of Godzilla, towering over the street corner.  That image sets the tone for everything around it, the kind of visual that sticks in your memory long after you leave.  Hotel Gracery offers themed rooms that let fans step into their favorite scenes.  The area feels unfiltered! Neon signs flash at odd hours, crowds surge during rush times, and alleys smell like food carts and rainwater mixing on pavement. 3. Sky-High Views (For Free!) Most of Tokyo's observation decks are rather expensive, but the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building provides a magnificent view of the city for exactly zero yen.  The queue is very fast at that point. On a clear day, you may be lucky enough to see the famous Mount Fuji.  Even on a cloudy day, you will still enjoy the amazing view of the city.  Insider Tip: Definitely visit the cafe on the top floor. The matcha desserts there go very well with the sunset view of the skyline. 4. The World’s Largest Projection Mapping Show It's all about timing.  If you can, leave the Metropolitan Government Building just when the Sun goes down so that you can see a projection mapping show that has entered the Guinness World Records.  A huge skyscraper's side gets turned into a screen for colorful animations.  The Pac-Man sequence, which was a throwback to the arcade game, was the highlight of architectural lighting during our visit.  It was as if the entire building was a giant glowing game of Pac-Man. 5. The Shinjuku 3D Cat Forget about Hachiko. If you come near Shinjuku Station East Exit and lift your eyes, you will spot a Giant 3D Cat.  This digital masterpiece "resides" on a curved billboard, and its antics include playful meowing and looking down at the crowd of commuters.  It is remarkably realistic and even more enchanting when it shines under the night lights. 6. The Neon Labyrinth Of Kabukicho Welcome to the largest red-light district in Japan.  Kabukicho is a sensory overload in the most enjoyable way. Moreover, it is a center of entertainment that is always alive with bars, restaurants, and the newly changed Samurai Restaurant Time (formerly the renowned Robot Restaurant).  Though it has a somewhat rough image, it is a place that anyone who wishes to see the "Blade Runner" side of Tokyo should definitely go to. 7. Sing Your Heart Out At Karaoke Kan You haven't truly felt Japanese social rhythm until you're in a private booth at Karaoke Kan.  There, you rent a high-tech room with friends instead of singing to strangers like in Western bars.  Moreover, the selection is vast, thousands of songs in English and Japanese, and it's probably the most common cultural milestone for young adults. 8. A Natural Escape: Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden When the neon lights get overwhelming, head to Shinjuku Gyoen.  It's huge, with an area of more than 100 acres, and you might spend hours wandering through traditional gardens with French, English, and Japanese influences.  Moreover, the paths change shape every few minutes. So, you'll likely lose track of time. Must Try: Muroya offers real sweets or a cute sushi set inside the garden.  This place has been going strong for generations. It's more or less certain that your parents were here too, decades back. 9. Breakfast At St. Marc Cafe St. Marc Cafe is better than chains for local flavor.  Furthermore, their ChocoCro is flaky, buttery, and tends to draw long lines.  Also, breakfast sets cost under $10 and keep people energized during long city walks. 10. Nostalgia In Omoide Yokocho (Memory Lane) Tucked away near the tracks is a narrow alleyway known as Omoide Yokocho.  Years ago, it earned the nickname "Piss Alley," but today it’s a charming, albeit cramped, destination for yakitori and beer.  Moreover, the smoke from dozens of small grills creates a nostalgic atmosphere that feels miles away from the modern skyscrapers nearby. 11. Exploring Musashino Street While walking toward the camera shops, you'll likely find yourself on Musashino Street. It’s a delightful shopping district that feels exceptionally safe and welcoming. Shopping Tip: Look for the specialized Don Quijote here. Moreover, unlike the massive, chaotic branches, this one focuses specifically on products popular with tourists, making it a "souvenir shortcut." Yoi ryokō o, guys!  Read Also: What Are The Things To Do In Jimbocho Book Town? Visit The Best Book Stores And Cafes What Are The Things To Do In Nara? How To Plan A Two-Day Trip? What Is Oshino Hakkai Famous For? 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BY  Sibashree Mar 27, 2026

Osaka food is slowly and steadily surpassing Tokyo as the poster for Japanese cuisine.  Furthermore, it has been just a few days since La Cime in Osaka became the best restaurant in Japan in the Asia's 50 Best Restaurants list in 2026.   However, the soul of the Osaka food lies in the streets. The Dotonbori neighborhood was especially the best when I visited.  In fact, I was so much in love with the street food here that I chose to cancel the previous booking and chose a hotel in Dotonbori instead.  Also, the Dotonbori Market was the epicenter of my food exploration in Osaka.  Moreover, how can you ever forget what Anthony Bourdain had to say about food in Osaka? He said,  “I’m a big believer in winging it. I’m a big believer that you’re never going to find the perfect city travel experience or the perfect meal without a constant willingness to experience a bad one.  Letting the happy accident happen is what a lot of vacation itineraries miss, I think, and I’m always trying to push people to allow those things to happen rather than stick to some rigid itinerary.” So, let’s explore Osaka food at its best in Dotonbori. What Are The Best Osaka Food You Can Try On The Streets?  Osaka, despite its funky and vibrant appearance, has a history that goes back to the Edo Period in the 17th century.  Furthermore, it was a major trading hub during that period. Also, it was the same time when Osaka earned the nickname “Japan’s Kitchen.”  Moreover, Dotonbori extends across a canal that reaches out to the sea. So, you will always find fresh seafood in the local delicacies.  Ramen Udon Torikara Takoyaki These are some of the delicacies served by the local vendors in Osaka.  However, just mentioning these names does not justify the tangible experience of Osaka food.  I saw a big red octopus getting dressed and served, and the lobsters were irresistible.  Nonetheless, these are the best street foods you can try in Osaka.  1. Mitarashi-Dango Pocket-Pinch: 150 JPY  Mitarashi-Dango is the most comforting street food you will try in Osaka. Furthermore, these are great for budget-friendly travelers and backpackers like me.  These rice balls are sweet and chewy, and have a hint of burnt taste due to the unique browning process that takes place once the rice balls are boiled and cooled.  Furthermore, the glaze of the sweet soy sauce makes it perfect!  2. Okonomiyaki Pocket-Pinch: 400-450 JPY  Do you like frittata? Then, you will love these Japanese savory pancakes even more.  Okonomiyaki has all the flavors. However, you never feel heavy after having them. Furthermore, these pancakes are simple, as cabbage, flour, and eggs are the main ingredients.  However, the local street vendors add seafood and scallions to the dish for more flavor and color.  Also, they serve it with barbecue sauce.  3. Daifuku Mochi Pocket Pinch: 350-400 JPY Mochi, the round rice cake, is a staple Japanese delicacy.  It has the chewiness of Mitarashi-Dango. However, it has filling as the daifuku part of the name suggests.  I loved the ones with strawberry filling, and you can also try them with other fruits.  4. Torikara Pocket-Pinch: 300-400 JPY If the USA has its deep-fried chicken, Japan also has Torikara.  I loved them, and the fried potatoes and the variety of sauces will be the most amazing additions.  5. Takoyaki Pocket Pinch: 700-800 JPY  Takoyaki is probably the most famous street food of Osaka and Japan.  Japanese people love these octopus balls, and that’s why the Takoyaki stalls in Dotonbori are countless.  Furthermore, the scallions and flakes of dried fish sprinkled on top make the dish really amazing.  Moreover, the batter is gooey, and it will melt in your mouth.  6. Taiyaki Pocket Pinch: 300 JPY This is a fish-shaped pastry and my silent favorite among everything I tried in Osaka.  The smell is irresistible, and the main attraction is to see it getting ready in front of your eyes.  You can have this vanilla-flavored pastry with cheese, custard, and hamburger meat. However, the red bean paste is the ideal choice if you want to follow the grammar of East Asian cuisine. 7. Udon Pocket Pinch: 650 JPY The hot broth and noodles! I know that I have kept you waiting for the longest time to find this lethal combination on my list.  The noodles in Udon are thick, and with the right seasoning, their taste grows on you. That’s why you can eat udon every day and not get bored.  Furthermore, there are many variations of udon, such as the curry udon, yaki-udon, nabeyaki udon, and tempura udon.  8. Soba Pocket Pinch: 400 JPY Soba has buckwheat noodles in hot broth. Furthermore, these noodles are darker and thinner.  Furthermore, the simplicity of the dish and flavors make it a perfect palate cleanser.  I loved a bowl of soba with scallions.  9. Ramen Pocket Pinch: 700-800 JPY Ramen, of course, is the quintessential wheat noodles the whole world has been eating for quite some time now.  I tried different variations of ramen in Osaka. However, I loved the one with pork the best.  10. Yakitori Pocket Pinch: 1000-1100 JPY Yakitori is the Japanese take on grilled meat.  Furthermore, you will get many variations in the meat used here. You will get bone meat, chicken skin, seafood, and many other varieties here.  11. Sushi  Pocket Pinch: 1200 JPY If Sushi is an emotion, then it runs in the veins of Osaka.  From sea urchin to tuna, eel, and salmon, Osaka spoils you with choices in sushi.  Furthermore, the art of eating sushi is something that you need to understand. It is just not about gulping down some food.  It’s also about being a part of the Japanese culture.  12. Taiko Manju Pocket Pinch: 100-150 JPY You may think that Taiko Manju and Taiyaki are the same, but the origin and texture are very different.  Despite the use of the same ingredients, Taiko Manju is fluffier. Furthermore, their drum shape is inspired by the taiko drums, which are integral parts of Japanese festivals.  Read Also: What Are The Best Day Trips From Tokyo? 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