Nurturing Young Explorers: The Benefits Of Beach Camps In Nurturing Curiosity And Resilience

BY  Sibashree Mar 5, 2026

I have just shared my story of climbing the Sigiriya Rock. It’s huge, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with the 660-foot stone remnants, is the perfect postcard of the cultural richness of Sri Lanka.  I visited the Hindu temples of Jaffna and experienced their grandeur. I have also experienced the somber vibe and wondered at the architectural marvel of the Ritigala Forest Monastery.  Now, if you think of the Pidurangala Rock, it is not the bucket-list material like the three places I have mentioned. I initially planned a hike of the Pidurangala Rock to have a different perspective of the Sigiriya Rock.  The view from the top is mesmerizing.  However, the Pidurangala Rock is not just the lesser-known neighbor of the Sigiriya Rock. It was an ancient Buddhist Monastery and is famous as the home to a 1500-year-old massive statue of Lord Buddha.  Also, watching the sunrise from the top of the Pidurangala Rock is an ethereal experience.  I hope you have guessed by now. In this blog, I will share my experience of climbing the Pidurangala Rock, watching the sunrise from there, its history, and other details.  The History Of The Pidurangala Rock The history of the Pidurangala Rock is over two millennia old. King Kashyapa made the Sigiriya Fort his seat of power and asked the monks to shift here. He made suitable arrangements to build amenities for the resident monks here.  In fact, the rock gets its name from "Pidu + Ran + Goda." It means the offered piles of gold. Thus, the name itself explains how King Kashyapa made donations for the development.  Furthermore, the Sigiri Pidurangala Raja Maha Viharaya temple is still inside the caves.  Also, the site has a 1500-year-old massive Buddha Statue in a reclining position. The treasure hunters ruined it partially in the 1960s. However, it has been restored.  Today, the Pidurangala Rock is a protected archaeological site containing ancient caves, a 5th-century stupa, and remains of a second stupa on the summit. How To Reach The Pidurangala Rock From Kandy? Hiking the Sigiriya Rock and Pidurangala Rock can be an extension of the mixed bag of things to do in Kandy.  The journey from Kandy to the Pidurangala Rock 1. The Long Haul From Kandy  You can catch a bus from the station behind the Kandy train station to Dambulla. This is a journey of 2 hours and 15 minutes.  Furthermore, the ticket will cost you around 1.14 USD or 200 LKR.  2. The Short Haul From Kandy  Once you reach Dambulla, you will get local buses to Sigiriya. The ticket price is around 40 LKR, and the travel time is just 30 minutes.  What Is The Entry Fee For Pidurangala Rock? While researching Sigiriya Rock, I was shocked to find that the entrance fee is $36 USD per person. a steep price tag considering how affordable the rest of Sri Lanka is.  Aside from our $35 USD Yala National Park safari, it was the only major expense I encountered during my entire month-long trip. In fact, my 5 days in Jaffna were quite a budget-friendly affair.  However, the Pidurangala Rock was a stark contrast. I paid only 300 LKR, which was less than 3 USD at that time.  Want to know more about my holiday in Sri Lanka? Read my guide on the Ambuluwawa Tower and things to do in Trincomalee.  I also visited Mount Lavinia Beach.  Hiking The Pidurangala Rock The hike to the Pidurangala Rock took me around 20 minutes. However, my heart was really pumping.  I climbed up a steep set of stairs, and that was an excellent morning workout for me.  Then, the trail ran into a scramble, and here, I found some large boulders.  You don’t need to use your rock climbing skills here. However, you will definitely need your friend’s hand to hoist yourself up.  Now, as I reached the top, I saw the long-awaited silhouette of the Sigiriya Rock. It looked magical against the backdrop of a golden morning sky.  The only complaint I had was the crowded main viewpoint. A local guide showed me a place that was around 20 feet down.  There was hardly a soul, and the view was unobstructed.  The Sunrise Mission On The Pidurangala Rock Hike the Pidurangala Rock before or during the sunrise to be a part of nature’s magic. See how colors form before your eyes.  Do not walk or hike at the site once the Sun is down, as the elephants are out then. I took a tuk-tuk before sunset to reach the base.  It cost me around 500 LKR.  The trail begins at the ancient Buddhist temple. So, you have to be respectful in your attire and demeanor.  How To Have The "Perfect" Sigiriya Day? If you are an adventurous soul, you can actually climb both the rocks in one day. You can see the sunrise at Pidurangala and be back at Hotel Sigiriya to catch some quick refreshment and relax.  Then, in the late afternoon, you hike the Sigiriya Rock for the best sunset experience.  Where To Eat And Sleep In Sigiriya? Sigiriya is small and spread out, so stay near the "center" (look for Pradeep Restaurant on the map). I loved Kalana Homestay. A cheap, friendly, and right in the mix. If you want luxury, Heritance Kandalama is an architectural masterpiece built into the cliffs further out. Moreover, Pradeep Restaurant and Shenadi are the two places where you will find the best meals.  What To Bring For A Hike To The Pidurrangala Rock? Since the hike begins near a Buddhist temple, women are asked to cover their shoulders and legs out of respect.  Because of the heat, a sarong is the perfect solution. You can stay cool and easily tuck it away once you’ve passed the temple grounds. Forgot to pack something modest? Don't worry, as the ticket office usually has scarves available to borrow.  Just make sure you’ve also packed sturdy shoes, insect repellent, and plenty of water to stay comfortable on the trail!

BY  Sibashree Mar 21, 2025

If you want to come, book slots for any time between Autumn and Spring. The season lasts from September to November and from March to May. That’s the Best Time to Go Trekking in Nepal.  If you're here only for the climate and the peaks, come anytime. Barring the rains. Otherwise, Nepal offers mild temperatures, good food, cozy retreats, and marvelous nature.  The Himalayas  Nepal is your doorway to the Himalayas. Best of all, Nepal suffers the least from sudden snowfalls and rain. So, you can surely enjoy a delectable trekking experience here. Clear skies and soothing weather will help.  Ideals Times for Trekking In Nepal (Autumn And Spring)  Do you know which is the Best Time to Go Trekking in Nepal? Autumn and spring, for sure. What else? Autumn (September To November)  This post-monsoon season is considered the best time for trekking in Nepal. This season brings stable weather that is perfect for trekking. In addition, the skies are clear, offering great views of the snowy peaks. The autumn air is fresh and cool. The post-monsoon landscapes are lush and green, making them phenomenal for trekking. There are no dusk clouds. So visibility is never an issue. You will also get a magnified view of the ranges that stand tall before your eyes. Meanwhile, an exceptional view of the unfrozen alpine lakes waits for you in Nepal.  In essence, you can book the popular Gokyo Lake Trek. The trek is best during the autumn. At this time of year, you get the best views of the clean, vibrant Gokyo Lakes. Likewise, you can also opt for the Annapurna Circuit Trek, this month.  Choose this trek if you want to see the virgin beauty of Gangapurna Lake. At the same time, try the Tilicho Lake Trek! The Ranges In Sight  Other than lakes, the mountain peaks are there to amaze you. If you’ve selected the Langtang Trek, you can enjoy the retreat of the popular Kyanjin Ri. Then, the glamorous Langtang Lirung and other peaks are right in front of you. Trot some kilometers from there, and you can see Naya Kanga. That and many other amazing ranges can be accessed from this vantage point.  Other Peaks  At the same time, you can enjoy breathtaking views of Dhaulagiri, Tukuche, and, most importantly, Annapurna in Nepal. When you climb Poon Hill, you can see all these peaks and much more in one go.  But here’s the catch. To see these beauties, you have to do the Annapurna Base Camp Trek. Along the way, you can also see the exceptional Kala Patthar and Mt. Everest.  If you want to see these peaks and treat yourself, come in autumn. At other times, the weather is overcast. Or snows impair your visibility.  You may also get caught in high winds or heavy rainfall during treks. So, it is best to avoid the unpredictable seasons. For an uninterrupted journey, choose the two seasons I spoke of.  Spring (March To May) During Spring, you can witness Nepal 2.0. This is one of the best times to Go Trekking in Nepal. Most importantly, the weather is fine, and temperatures are moderate. Moreover, clear skies will welcome you. So you can enjoy warm, often breezy mountain views.  Trekkers say it's ideal for trekking to Base Camp, or you can also choose the Manaslu Circuit Trek.  Additional treats  If you trek in spring, here are some of the pleasures you will come across. Don’t miss the rhododendrons. The rest of the flora is also surreal. No wonder, more than 50% of the trekkers choose springtime treks in Nepal. But you can come here and amaze yourself with something else.  Daylight lasts until 8 p.m. during spring. So you can trek for a long. Or view the serenity of the trekking paths for a long time.  But the peak areas may still be frozen. So, don’t forget your woolen and trekking jumpers when you visit Nepal in spring. Over time, temperatures gradually rise. In late May, you may also see rain showers. So, don’t leave without rain gear if you plan to extend your stay.  Reservation Spring is one of Nepal's most popular travel seasons. So, you must book your slots in advance. You may book teahouses while trekking. But you need to book in advance if you want to secure the popular ones along the trail.  The Annapurna Base Camp trek has many teahouses along the way. And almost all of them accept advance online booking. You may also book your teahouse from Kathmandu city offices.  Trekking In Off-Seasons  Off-season treks may be your thing if you want to see another side of Nepal. How’s the weather, and what are the challenges of coming here during these months?  Winter Season (December to February) Winter trekking is serene, but it is also challenging. During this season, high-altitude trails are covered with a thick layer of snow. In addition, temperatures drop significantly during this time.  Therefore, trekking can be challenging for those not accustomed to cold mountain weather. While moderate-altitude treks can be completed smoothly, high-altitude treks require proper planning, support from expert guides, and thoughtful packing. Check the weather regularly before heading out on winter treks. High-altitude passes like Larkya La on the Manaslu Circuit and Thorong La on the Annapurna Circuit Trek can be impassable or difficult to navigate. Heavy snowfall poses significant challenges.  In addition, accommodation may not be available at higher elevations as locals shift to lower elevations because of the bitter cold. Thus, it is essential to check accommodation availability before planning high-altitude treks. Even with significant challenges, the winter landscapes are ethereal. You can witness the beauty of a winter wonderland and feel nature's serenity, as there are fewer people on the trails. In addition, experienced adventurers who are experienced can be thrilled to traverse the snowy winter paths. The views of peaks covered with dense snow in this season are majestic. Because higher altitudes are bitterly cold, pack down jackets, sweaters, gloves, socks, warm caps, sleeping bags, and layers of insulated clothing. If you are well prepared and navigate with caution, then you will have a wonderful time trekking in Nepal this season. Monsoon/ Summer Season (June to August) During the Monsoon/Summer season, trekking regions in Nepal receive heavy rainfall. The trails are slippery and muddy, making navigation challenging. In addition, leeches may be found in the forest areas of the trekking sites, which can make the journey unpleasant.  The weather is unpredictable during monsoon/summer months, with frequent rain showers that may reduce visibility and make traversing difficult. In addition, landslides can block trails and interrupt the trek.  However, monsoon trekking also presents some unique rewards. The views of misty mountains and ethereal cloud formations are fascinating. Rainfall nourishes the landscape, turning it into a green paradise.  Even popular trek trails feel serene, as fewer trekkers venture out at this time. So, it can be a good choice for those who are seeking a tranquil journey in the Himalayas.   There are indeed some good sides to trekking in this season. However, it is important to consider the challenges. You need to be well prepared for the trek and check the weather forecast. Being flexible and cautious helps you ensure a smooth journey during this time. The Final Call The climatic conditions influence the overall trekking experience. When you know the best Time to Go Trekking in Nepal,  you can complete the trek with maximum safety and comfort. In addition, most trekkers want to witness exceptional mountain scenery and connect with nature.  The best times to visit Nepal are autumn and spring. Other seasons can present challenges for tourists. But these two seasons come with decent weather, moderate climate, and visible trekking trails. So, go on and enjoy your trekking experience. 

BY  Abdul Aziz Nov 28, 2022

If you're looking for a romantic weekend away in Scotland, then consider a weekend break in the country's fabled Highlands. There are plenty of activities, attractions, and hotels to choose from in the Highlands. You can spend a night or two in a charming Highland hotel or log cabin. Click here for more information about this destination. Many of these accommodations have private hot tubs so you can relax in the tub in the evenings. Romantic Weekend Breaks Scotland | Make The Most Of Your Couple Trip  Scotland is a place with thriving honeymoon tourism. Further, recently, The Times has named a Scottish location as one of the best honeymoon destinations in the world. Wester Ross, the Scottish Highland, is now basking in its new-found glory.  The Times has called this place “wildly romantic.” Furthermore, the Torridon Hotel adds to the romantic charm of the Scottish highland.  https://www.instagram.com/bamford/reel/DDUDYUNN0TN/ On the exterior, the hotel looks like a Victorian house. However, as you enter it, you will find the best amenities, like whiskey bars and luxurious suites. The whiskey bar here serves the best single malts.  Do you want to know about other options for romantic weekend breaks Scotland? You can check these Tour and Travel favorites. Orkney is an archipelago off the northeastern coast of Scotland Ideal for romantic weekend breaks Scotland. They are located off the northeastern coast of Scotland, 16 km north of the mainland. The islands are separated from the Shetland Islands by the Fair Isle Channel. The islands are approximately 202 square miles in area, making them the sixth-largest Scottish island and ninth-largest island group surrounding Great Britain. The islands are divided into three distinct regions. The Mainland, also known as the Hrossey, is the largest and is home to the main settlements. It also serves as the transport hub of Orkney and has many connections to the outside world. The Mainland is heavily populated, making up about 75 percent of the total population. The Mainland consists of two main areas: the East Mainland, which consists of four parishes, and the West Mainland, which contains the largest settlement, St Ola. Loch Ness If you love the outdoors, then you will love a weekend break in Loch Ness. This large freshwater loch is located in the Highlands and has more water than all of the lakes in England and Wales combined! The loch, close enough to be considered in your list of short break options, is also renowned for its spectacular scenery and adventure sports. If you're looking for an authentic experience, consider staying in a Highland lodge. If you're interested in hiking, there are several great options for you to explore. Besides the loch, you can take a walk along the Affric Kintail Way, a 44-mile cross-country route. Another option is the Great Glen Way, which runs from Inverness to Fort William. If you'd like to spend more time on the loch, you can also check out the South Loch Ness Trail, a 28-mile route that runs down the side of the loch. This route will also take you to the Falls of Foyers, a 165-foot waterfall. Inverness If you're planning a romantic getaway to Inverness, Scotland, there are many options for hotels and accommodations. For instance, you can book a room at the Holiday Inn Express Inverness, which offers free parking and free breakfast. The hotel is also a short walk away from the city's main attractions, including Victorian Market, the Inverness Castle, and Eden Court Theater. The capital of the Scottish Highlands, Inverness is an exciting place to take a weekend break. This city is home to award-winning 5* hotels, quality restaurants, and traditional Highland accommodations. There are many options to suit any budget, including themed breaks. There are also plenty of places to eat and drink, including a variety of excellent pubs, bistros, and restaurants serving local dishes. Highlands Highlands is a stunning region in the British Isles. Weekend breaks to the Highlands are both action-packed and relaxing. Click the link: wikihow for tips on how to plan a trip. There are many hotels to choose from and there are package deals available too. Whether you want to get away from it all and relax, the hotels in Highland have something for everyone. The Highland Hotel is set in a glen with scenic views of the Cairngorms National Park. It offers rooms with balconies, and you can choose from Double and Twin rooms with a view. The hotel also serves traditional Scottish cuisine and has a bar with over 250 whiskies and 110 gins. Guests can dine in its elegant 1887 Restaurant or enjoy casual fare in the Bo & Muc Restaurant. Both restaurants offer menus featuring local produce and are renowned for their extensive collection of malt whiskies. While you are in the Highlands, don't miss the chance to visit Stirling. This historic city once served as the capital of Scotland. King Robert the Bruce defeated the English at Bannockburn and later, William Wallace battled the English army in Stirling, resulting in the creation of the Scottish nation. Kelso - The Best Place For Romantic Weekend Breaks Scotland In Winter If you are looking for romantic weekend breaks Scotland, you must be aware of #Kelso. Kelso is a rage these days on Instagram, and it is now the most scenic place in Scotland to visit during winter. Currently, #Kelso has more than 181k posts on Instagram. Furthermore, this place is close to the Scottish borders, and its scenic beauty is mesmerizing. Moreover, this market town is surrounded by countryside. So, here, you will find the best of both worlds.  In addition, the proximity of Kelso to Newcastle, Carlisle, and Edinburgh makes it easily accessible for romantic weekend breaks in Scotland.  You will love Kelso in winter as it has the beautiful Border Ice Rink. Some other attractions here are the Floors Castle and Kelso Racecourse. So, throughout the year, the town organizes many events for the locals and tourists.  Do you also want a farmhouse experience with your partner? You can visit Beirhope Farmhouse. It promises the most unique alpaca experience, and with the backdrop of an amazing scenic view, it can be your ideal staycation destination.  For a stay or visit to the Beirhope Farmhouse, you can get in touch with them at 01573 440631/07900 681756.  Additional: Top 10 Best Travel Sites For Tour In 2022 What Are The Places To Visit In Meghalaya? – Travel Guide Top 3-Week Itineraries For A Perfect Tour Of Europe : T AND TB The Top 5 Reasons To Visit Edinburgh: From Castles To Culture, This City Has It All!