Why Is Bentota Beach, Sri Lanka, Famous? Know About Bentota Beach, River Safari, And More

BY  Sibashree Jan 13, 2026

The city of temples. The Tamil heart of Sri Lanka. The cultural hub of Sri Lanka.  All these things are true about Jaffna, the northern city.  It’s not just about the Nallur Kandaswamy Kovil or the Naguleswaram Temple. There are two temples on average in the streets of Jaffna. Along with the temples in Jaffna, the food, the festivals, and the warm hospitality make it a city to be explored, felt, and soaked in. Had I not been to Jaffna, I would have probably loved the average “3-day Jaffna travel itinerary” every blog is offering. However, a city that wakes up to the sound of the temple bells and the smell of jasmine and follows the custom of Jaffna Siesta cannot be explored in three 3 days. You will at least need 5 days to know the spirit of Jaffna. Also, it’s cruel to say that you can walk to the Jaffna Fort at noon. So, the average Jaffna travel itinerary you are going through now is unrealistic, and I am not sure how authentic it is. So, here are the things to do in Jaffna for 5 days and how to explore the city. Jaffna Travel Itinerary: It All Starts With The Colombo To Jaffna Train Journey If you want an iconic train journey from Combo to Jaffna, take the Yal Devi Express from Mount Lavinia. The train starts from Mount Lavinia, and Colombo Fort is the 5th station on this route. You can board the train from Colombo Fort at 6:40 AM. The train will reach Jaffna at 2:33 PM, and it is the 31st station on the route. The last, or the 34th station on the route, is Kankesanthurai. The ride in this AC Saloon car costs LKR 2800 per person. You can also take the 444421 InterCity Express from Mount Lavinia to Kankesanthurai. This train departs from the Combo Fort Station at 5:45 AM and reaches Jaffna at 11:49 AM. The ticket price is LKR 3200 per person. This train ride is not just about traveling to Jaffna from Colombo. Here, you will pass through the Elephant Pass, which has expansive lagoons. Also, as a war memorial and as the military base of the First Battle of Elephant Pass (Operation Aakaya Kadal Veli or Air-Sea-Land by the LTTE). It is an important landmark for cultural tourism in Jaffna. Getting Around Jaffna: Why Do I Need A Scooter For Rent?  You can take a scooter for rent for a budget-friendly and flexible experience in Jaffna. Be it Casuarina Beach or other beaches of Jaffna or the historical Jaffna Fort, a scooter or moped will give you the ultimate freedom to make your itinerary for Jaffna travel. The charges for a bike rental will be around LKR 2500 per day. If you don’t ride and need a more relaxed experience, you can take a tuk-tuk on hire, and the cost will be around LKR 4000-5000 per day. 5-day Jaffna Travel Itinerary: Soaking In The True Spirit Of Jaffna From exploring Jaffna City to exploring the islands and temples, there is a lot to do in the Northern City of Jaffna. Also, culinary tourism in Jaffna is a real thing! So, let’s make the most of these 5 days in Jaffna. Day 1: Arrival At Jaffna And Exploring The City  How about starting your day in Jaffna with the famous Jaffna coconut water or the signature ice cream at Rio Ice Cream? Here are the things you can do once you reach Jaffna after a long train journey from Colombo. 1. Morning: Check-In And Visit Rio Ice Cream For The Legendary Welcome  Rathinam Industrial Organisation(RIO) is a legendary landmark in Jaffna. It is like a community center where the locals love to have some refreshment in the middle of the day or at the end of the day to fight the soaring temperature. Special Rio Sundae with the ultra-sweet syrup and nuts is the main attraction of Rio Ice Cream. Also, the ice cream here is completely natural and chemical-free. 2. Afternoon: Visit The Jaffna Public Library  The Jaffna Public Library is a must-visit if you want to know about the local Tamil culture and heritage. It became a part of the Jaffna Town Development Board on 1st January 1935. As of today, the library has a collection of more than 117199 books, 37968+ in the lending section, and more. The library remains open from 8:30 AM to 6 PM from Tuesday to Sunday. On public holidays and Mondays, only the study hall and the magazine and newspaper sections remain open from 8:30 AM to 5:15 PM. However, the public viewing hours are from 4 PM to 6 PM. 3. Evening: Visit The Jaffna Fort For A Sunset Walk On The Ramparts  Visiting the Jaffna Fort and walking on its ramparts after sundown are the best ways to familiarize yourself with the city's history. You can explore the walls and the barracks where thousands of civilians and military personnel used to live. Furthermore, you can enjoy the beautiful view of the city and the Jaffna lagoon from the ramparts. A Brief History Of The Jaffna Fort Built in 1619 by the Portuguese colonists. Served as the base for combating three Sri Lankan rebellions against the rule.  Got captured by the Dutch in 1658.  Got the famous defensive triangle in 1792.  The British took control of the fort in 1795.  Sri Lanka became independent in 1948.  However, even after independence, the Fort has been at the center of friction. The friction has been between the Sri Lankan government and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE or Tamil Tigers). So, 1990-2009 was a volatile period for Jaffna, and the Jaffna Fort witnessed many occurrences. However, post-2009, the restoration work for the Jaffna Fort was started with the financial aid of the Dutch Government. Also, the Jaffna Fort still stands today because of that. 4. Having Dinner At Malayan Café (Dosas And More)  Having dinner at the Malayan Café is the quintessential Tamil experience you want in Jaffna. The decor is quaint, with marble-top tables, and steaming hot dosas and Idlis here are served on banana leaves. You will also get parathas and chutneys here. Don’t forget to bring cash because it does not have a digital payment facility. Day 2: Hopping The Delft And Nainativu Islands  Let me share one update when you are making a trip to the Delft and Nainativu Islands. Only one boat is available from the Kurikadduwan Jetty at 8 AM. So, if you miss the boat, unfortunately, your entire day is ruined. Nevertheless, here is how you will spend day 2 in Jaffna. Morning In Delft Island  The Portuguese Fort and the ruins of the Old Stupas are the primary attractions on Delft Island. You must also see the iconic Baobab Tree and the wild horses roaming on Delft Island. Take a ferry from Delft Island to reach Nainativu. Afternoon At Nainativu Nagapooshani Amman Kovil  The Nagapooshani Amman Temple has Nagapooshani Amman, a form of Goddess Durga, as the presiding deity. The statue of Goddess Nagapoosani here is accompanied by a Shiva Lingam and the ten-headed statue of Ravana at the base. It features Dravidian architecture with some modern features. This is because the current structure was rebuilt between 1720 and 1790 after the Portuguese destruction in 1620. Returning To Jaffna By Boat And Having A Seafood Dinner At Mangos Take the return boat from Nainativu, and the last ferry is available at 4:30 PM. Then, end your day on a relaxing note with a hearty seafood dinner at Mangos. Day 3: Soaking In The Spiritual Vibe Of Northern Sri Lanka  Start your day three in Jaffna with a visit to the Nallur Kandaswamy Kovil early in the morning. Be a part of the 10 AM Puja.  Then have traditional crab curry and rice for lunch before starting a drive to Point Pedro. If ordering Crab Curry, know that one portion is usually enough for two people. It is rich, spicy, and heavy.  The distance between Jaffna and Point Pedro is around 32 km. Known as Paruthithurai in the local Tamil language, Point Pedro is the literal top of Sri Lanka. Despite being a crucial maritime getaway, Point Pedro has a pristine landscape, and it has maintained its authentic Tamil vibe. Vallipuram Alvar Kovil and the Sakkotai Cape sign are important stopovers on the Jaffna to Point Pedro journey. The Vallipuram Alvar Kovil is one of the oldest Hindu temples in Jaffna. Archaeologists found a 2nd-century gold plate here, and the temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The Sakkotai Cape is the northernmost point of Sri Lanka. It has a concrete sign and an inscription: “Unity in Diversity is the Strength of Sri Lanka.”  The famous concrete sign saying "Point Pedro" is actually at Sakkotai Cape. It is a few kilometers away from the Point Pedro town center.  Don't get confused by Google Maps. Day 4: Exploring The Ruins, Springs, And Myth Of Jaffna  You can start your day four in Jaffna with a sacred bath at the Keerimalai Freshwater Springs next to the ocean. The water here is believed to have healing power. At midday, you can travel to Dambakola Patuna from Jaffna. It will take around 34 minutes. It is the place where Sanghamitta, the Buddhist daughter, and Great King Ashoka brought a sapling of the Bodhi Tree in the 3rd Century BCE. Finally, in the afternoon, you can explore the mysterious mini-stupas or the Kantarodai Ruins, around 12 km away from Dambakola Patuna. It is an archaeological site, and you must also visit the ancient Kadurugoda Vihara here.  Day 5: Getting Familiar With The Local Life Of Jaffna And Departing For Colombo  On day 5, explore the local Jaffna market to buy some Jaffna specials, including palmyra jaggery and curry powder. Enjoy your last feast in Jaffna with Dosa and Vadai. Then, you can plan your return to Colombo. What Are The Expert Tips For Jaffna Travel Itinerary?  Did you know that the Sri Lankan Navy runs the boat to Delft? It is always overcrowded, and the passengers wait at the Kurikadduwan Jetty. So, if you want to catch the boat at 8 AM, you have to get there by 7:30 AM. Do you want to know more such expert tips for your next trip to Jaffna? Check out the following points.  1. Bring Your Passport  When you are traveling from Jaffna to the nearby islands, you will have to cross military or navy checkpoints. So, if you are from any other country, you will have to show your passport. 2. Sunday Is Dead  Jaffna celebrates Sundays as a real holiday, and most local shops and markets remain closed on Sundays. So, choose a weekday if you want to explore the City Markets. 3. Cash Is King When You Are In Jaffna You will find ATMs in Jaffna town. However, when you are driving to Point Pedro or taking a ferry to Delft Island, you will need cash.  Even small shops and the markets in Jaffna may not always accept cards. So, you have to carry small coins such as 100 and 500 LKRs.  4. You Must Cover Up At Nallur Your clothing has to be respectful when you are in Nallur Kovil. If you are a woman, you have to cover your knees and shoulders. Also, men must be shirtless when entering the temple. If you do not follow the clothing norm, you will be turned away at the gate. 5. Book Return Trains Early  If you are traveling from Colombo to Jaffna by train, you will have to book the tickets for Yal Devi and other passenger trains well in advance. The first- and second-class tickets get booked fast. Ideally, you must book the train tickets 30 days before starting your journey. 6. Drink "Nelli" Cordial  Instead of Coke, try the local Nelli (Gooseberry) crush. It’s a Jaffna specialty and incredibly refreshing in the heat.  You can even drink the big coconut water. 7. Respect The "No Photo" Signs  Photography is not allowed in the inner sanctum of the Jaffna Kovils or temples. The priests are vigilant. So, do not even try breaking the norms. Also, if you're taking photos of the locals, always seek permission. Authority Voices: What Experts Say About Traveling To Jaffna? •The Common Wanderer (Travel Bloggers): “Jaffna feels like the Sri Lanka of 20 years ago. No smoothie bowls, no yoga retreats—just raw culture, heat, and the most incredible hospitality.”  •Rough Guides: “The journey to Delft Island is a rite of passage. The choppy ferry ride and the desolate coral landscapes make you feel like you’ve reached the edge of the world.”  •Chef Peter Kuruvita: “To understand Sri Lankan food, you must go North. The cuisine here is uncompromised by tourism.”  Jaffna Travel Itinerary: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)  Here are the frequently asked questions and answers about the Jaffna travel itinerary. 1. Is Jaffna Safe For Tourists?  Yes, Jaffna is a safe city for tourists. The strong presence of Tamil culture and a conservative society make it an ideal location for family trips. Also, according to Numbeo, the crime rate in Jaffna is 50, which is moderate. However, Jaffna has been hit by civil wars time and again, and the rampage of Cyclone Ditwah in November 2025 has been devastating. Jaffna is still recovering from the aftermath. 2. What Is The Best Way To Get Around Jaffna?  Hiring a Tuk-Tuk is the most comfortable way to get around Jaffna. You can even book a scooty or moped to explore Jaffna at your own pace. However, for the island visits, you will have to rely on the ferry services.  3. Can I Do Delft And Nainativu In One Day?  Yes, you can visit Delft and Nainativu in one day. However, to make your plan a success, you will have to start early from the Kurikadduvan beach. Once you reach Delft, you can book a Tuk-Tuk or a moped to explore its important landmarks. Then, take the ferry to reach Nainativu Island. 4. Is There A Dress Code For The City?  There is no official dress code for the city of Jaffna. However, it is a culturally rich city with a conservative Tamil society. So, you must opt for modest clothing such as sarees, full pants, long skirts, and tops and shirts with sleeves. 5. Can I Find Beer Or Alcohol In Jaffna?  Yes, you can have beer or alcohol in Jaffna. The Thalsevana Resort on the Kankesanthurai (KKS) Beach is the best place to have a chilled beer. You will also find beer in the hotels. However, alcohol in Jaffna is expensive. You can do some duty-free shopping at the airport. Furthermore, for the most authentic experience, you can try local brands such as Lion Lager or local spirits like Arrack. 6. Do They Speak English In Jaffna?  Yes, people speak English in Jaffna.Especially people in the hospitality industry, the medical profession, or the legal field can speak the language fluently. Also, you will find many people in Jaffna City speaking English. However, when you explore the villages or remote areas, people may not be fluent in English. 7. What If I Am Vegetarian?  Even if you are a vegetarian, the Jaffna cuisine has many delicacies for you. You can have Idli and dosa, which are vegetarian and vegan.  Also, Rasam, Sambar, and the curries made using pumpkin, drumsticks, and other vegetables are quite delicious. Vegetarian food is available in Jaffna in abundance and with a variety because of the strong Tamil presence in the city. Most people here worship Lord Shiva and Vishnu.  8. How Long Is The Ride From Colombo To Jaffna?  A journey from Colombo to Jaffna takes around 7 hours if you are traveling by the Yal Devi AC saloon car or bus. However, you can also take a flight from Colombo to Jaffna, and the travel time is around 1 hour and 30 minutes.  9. Is The Water In Jaffna Safe To Drink?  No, the water in Jaffna is not safe to drink because saltwater intrusion and groundwater contamination are quite high. The groundwater in Jaffna is contaminated by agrochemicals, sewage, and harmful bacteria. So, it is safe to drink bottled water and water from filter dispensers.

BY  Sibashree Mar 31, 2026

If you want to explore offbeat Japan, you can surely visit Sapporo, the capital of Hokkaido Island.   Hokkaido Island,anyway, teaches the art of slow living and slow traveling.   The scenic beauty here is amazing, the winters are snowy, and the food and beer here are amazing.   Also, it is an amazing year-round destination, and the things to do in Sapporo are as diverse as they can be.   And here are the details. However, before that, let us talk about the best time to visit Sapporo.  What Is The Best Time To Visit Sapporo?   As I have mentioned, you can visit Sapporo throughout the year. However, December to February is the best time to plan a visit.   Especially, February is the month of the winter festival in Sapporo.   Moreover, April to May is the ideal time if you want to experience the Cherry Bloosm Season from the Hokkaido Shrine and Maruyama Park.   Also, the warm and humid summer months are ideal for enjoying the “beer garden events.”   In addition, from September to November, or the autumn months, are great for seeing the fall foliage, hiking, and attending the food festivals.   What Are The Most Unique Things To Do In Sapporo?   More than ticking the bucket list, in Sapporo, you need to soak in the laid-back vibe.   It is way less crowded than Osaka and Tokyo, and despite that, it has an important role to play in the tourism industry of the country.   That is why many people travel from Tokyo to Hokkaido.   1. Visiting The Parks And Gardens  As a nature lover since forever and daily walking the streets and parks of Sapporo, I have learned that Sapporo has lots of green spaces where you can enjoy nature.  The parks of Sapporo are the city's heart.   Odori Park is my usual starting point in the morning when I first walk.   This park is located in the center of downtown and is an ideal and convenient place to take a refreshing morning walk before starting your day.   On days when I want to be more active, I cycle, jog, or photograph all the amazing trees and flowers at Moerenuma Park. It is absolutely stunning how vast the area is!  You will probably find me at Maruyama Park, located next to Hokkaido Shrine, during the spring and fall months.   It’s an incredible place to see the cherry blossoms in full bloom, and it’s usually very pretty to see the fall leaves change color from green to red.   During the wintertime, it becomes a wonderful family-oriented ski resort that I simply love!  For a bit of a deeper dive, I love visiting the Hokkaido University Botanical Gardens. It’s a peaceful retreat where I can admire rare plants and learn about the indigenous Ainu culture.  2. Exploring The Galleries And Museums  Upon arriving in Sapporo, I did not take long to figure out that this is a city that has beautifully integrated its history with modernity, which is a masterclass.   I spent the first day of my trip exploring the history of the island of Hokkaido by visiting the Hokkaido Museum.  Then, I went to the Historical Village, which showed how the early infrastructure and primitive architecture were examples of the area's strength.   The Hokkaido University Museum is also a majestic place, with its enormous collection of extensive academic research and archaeological artifacts through the ages.  Of course, I couldn't resist a detour to the Sapporo Beer Museum. Learning the history of Japan’s iconic brew made that final tasting session feel well-earned.  As a fan of art, I was spoiled for choice with several locations from which I could pick my favorites.   The JR Tower Art Gallery has an impressive array of artwork, and at the Sapporo Art Park, there are some unbelievably large sculptures sitting throughout the grounds.   I was amazed at how much creativity and energy could be found in the city of Sapporo.   While looking at all the galleries, you can also plan a trip to Uji, located approximately 500 km south.   A visit to Japan would not be complete without enjoying a cup of matcha at this city's matcha capital.  3. Visiting The Shrines And Temples  Kyoto may have the most amazing shrines, but Sapporo also has some beautiful ones.   The Hookaido Shrine is the most popular among them, and you will find it just next to the Maruyama Park.   Furthermore, the Sapporo Suitengu Shrine is another place where families and pregnant women visit for a healthy baby.  Moreover, if you are a seeker and want some spiritual guidance, Joganji Temple is your place. It has the most meditative environment.  4.  Exploring The Historical Landmarks Of Sapporo  Sapporo has many historical places to visit, and you can start with the “Former Hokkaido Government Office.”   It has beautiful gardens, and with its insightful exhibitions, it offers a deep understanding of the local history.   The next place you can visit is the Sapporo TV Tower. It is an important landmark for broadcasting and tourism.   Furthermore, from the TV Tower, you can enjoy an amazing view of Odori Park and its surroundings.   The Clock Tower is another important landmark in Sapporo. It has been standing there since 1878.   However, for me, the most iconic historical landmark in the city was the Hoheikan Guest House.   This 1880 guest house in Nakajima Park had many important guests, including the royal family and important foreign guests.   In addition, for a culturally immersive experience, you can explore the Hokkaido historical village. It is like an open-air museum with distinct architecture, buildings, and Japanese townscapes.  5.  Souvenir Shopping   It’s a sin to visit Sapporo and not do some serious shopping.   Furthermore, souvenir shopping is one of the best things to do in Sapporo because of the diversity of stuff you can procure.   Firstly, the sweets here are amazing. You must try Marusei butter sandwiches and Royce chocolates.   Also, you will find skincare products made of horse oil.   In addition, you will love local crafts such as Ainu crafts and Otaru glassware.   Moreover, the best places for shopping in Sapporo are “Ario Sapporo Mall,” “Apia Mall,” “Sapporo Stellar Place Mall,” and “Tanukikoji Shopping Street.” 

BY  Sibashree Sep 29, 2026

Lankathilaka Viharaya welcomed me with two towering walls on both sides of the path leading to the iconic Buddha statue.   This clay-brick statue of Buddha has been lying headless for centuries now. It could be wear and tear or vandalism, leaving such a magnificent work of art destroyed.   Luckily. I reached Lankathilaka Viharaya on a weekday morning, and it was before the tourist buses arrived.  So, I enjoyed the calm ambiance of the image house and the other surrounding ruins in the complex.   On the way to the image house, I noticed many ruins, including stupas and small pillars, which looked like they had been cut off at the top.   Nevertheless, as I reached the image house, the main attraction of the site, this is what I saw.   Lankathilaka Viharaya At A Glance  Detail Fact Location Alahana Pirivena, Polonnaruwa ancient city, south of Kiri Vehera Builder King Parakramabahu I (1153–1186) Restored Under King Vijayabahu IV (inscription, 1270–1272) Type Gedige (vaulted) brick image house. It used to have five storeys. Height About 17 Meters The tallest entrance pillar is 17.7 Meters.  Wall thickness About 4 Meters Headless Buddha statue Made of clay bricks The original height of the statue was around 12.5 meters.   Time needed 30 to 45 minutes.  My Walk Into The Nave Lankathilaka is in the northern monastic zone of Polonnaruwa.  So, this time I reached it by bicycle from the main ticket office and museum. The rental charge was LKR 400 for a day.   The Approach And The Twin Pillars  The brick pillars framing the entrance were enormous. The tallest pillar still has a height of around 17.7 meters.   The carvings on the pillars were intricate. However, I could not decipher what those figures were.   Inside The Headless Buddha’s Chamber  Barefoot on warm stone, I walked a narrow aisle between walls about 4 meters thick, and the standing Buddha appeared at the far end, cut off above the shoulders.   The chamber does not have a roof. So, daylight completely bathes the statue and the chamber.   Also, the image house has two stairways that lead to the entrance.   Each step is around 4 inches in width and 1 foot in height. Furthermore, the steps run in an ascending order.   So, you have to walk sideways on the steps, avoiding turning your back on the standing Buddha statue. Here, your back will stay against the wall.   The Unique Architectural Style And Elements  The image house has a Geḍi-ge architectural style, in which a semi-spherical or arched-shaped vaulted roof is the signature.   Today, you cannot see the roof. However, the remains speak for the sophistication of the architecture.   Furthermore, I saw the depiction of a Nagini on the balustrade here.   Usually, we see a Naag, or male serpent, with guard stones and a moonstone at any temple entrance.   So, the Nagini structure here is rare.   Here, it is carved on the inner face of the balustrade near the entrance. It has equal hoods as the male counterpart carved on the opposite side.   I am not sure about the interpretations. However, apparently, it looked like the equal role and power of the male and female serpents as guardians of the place.   Light, Sound And Stillness  I was standing halfway down the aisle.   Standing there, I could only listen to my footsteps and distant birdsong. The walls were so thick that they muffled the noise of the outside world.   This silence is what makes the place feel so devotional, even when the scorching rays of the sun reach the chamber and statue without any shelter.   I stayed there for 1 hour, and along with the headless Buddha statue, the Nagini carvings stayed with me.   I come from a land where the divine feminine and the divine masculine are one, and they are incomplete without each other.   Did the Nagini carving opposite the Naag carving here also indicate the same? I am not sure, but I had this thought even after leaving Lankathilaka Viharaya.   History: Why This Image House Exists Polonnaruwa was a royal capital from the 11th to 13th centuries.  Also, King Parakramabahu I turned it into a city of monasteries, reservoirs, and shrines.  Parakramabahu I And The Alahana Pirivena  Lankathilaka was under the Alahana Pirivena monastery.  Also, it is the largest image house of ancient Sri Lanka.   Furthermore, it is one of three gedige shrines at Polonnaruwa, alongside Thuparama and Tivanka.  The Vijayabahu IV Restoration  An inscription records that Vijayabahu IV renovated it about a century later.   These repairs changed a lot of the original architecture of the image house.   Also, if you visit the National Museum in Colombo today, you will find dwarf-like stucco heads from Tivanka and Lankatilaka.  From Abandoned Capital To World Heritage  By the early 14th century, Polonnaruwa had been abandoned, and the jungle slowly covered its monuments until 19th-century excavations began.   UNESCO listed the city in 1982.   Walking the nave today, I found it hard to believe this shell sat under vegetation for centuries.  How Lankathilaka Compares With Polonnaruwa’s Other Gedige Shrines Polonnaruwa has three vaulted image houses, and I visited all three in one day.   Seeing them back to back showed me what makes Lankathilaka special with its sheer scale.  Shrine What stands out Lankathilaka Walls about 17 meters high Colossal headless standing Buddha Thuparama Gedige Best-preserved early brick-and-stone temple, with a barrel-vaulted roof. Tivanka Image House Largest thrice-bent Buddha image, with surviving Jataka murals.  If you only have time for one, I would choose Lankathilaka for drama and Tivanka for painted detail.  Planning Your Visit  Lankathilaka needs no separate ticket as the Polonnaruwa ancient city ticket covers all sites.  Tickets And Timings  Item Detail Foreign adult ticket US$25 Site hours 7 am–6 pm daily CCF ticket counters 7 AM to 5 PM Online tickets Valid for 90 days Guide Charges LKR 2500-3000 for three to four hours.   Pair It With Kiri Vehera And Gal Vihara  Time Stop Notes 7:30 AM Lankathilaka About 40 minutes 8:20 AM Kiri Vehera About 30 minutes 9:00 AM Gal Vihara About 45 minutes  Is Lankathilaka Worth Visiting?  Yes, Lankathilaka Viharaya is worth visiting.  It is compact, and a ticket to this Vihara is included in the ancient city ticket.   Furthermore, for photographers, it is a favorite spot because of the scale it offers. Bring a wide-angle lens or use the ultra-wide mode of your phone to capture the stupa perfectly.   Also, if you are facing a shortage of time, visit Lankathilaka Viharaya on a combined trip to Gal Vihara.