The Perfect Getaway: Discovering The Closest Beach To Disney World!

BY  Sibashree Mar 5, 2026

Kandy has been in the news recently for the last-over clincher between Pakistan and Sri Lanka in the last ICC T-20 World Cup tournament.  It is also good to see Kandy slowly getting its rhythm back after the major disruption in the beautiful Colombo-Kandy-Ella-Badulla railway due to the impact of Cyclone Ditwah in the latter part of 2025.  With a man-made lake at the epicenter, Kandy, in a bowl of mountains, was home to the last rulers from the Kandyan empire.  Today, it continues to play an important role in the politics, economy, and culture of Sri Lanka as the capital of the Central Province.  Sri Lanka is full of contradictions. From the rich Tamil Culture in Jaffna and the abandoned Buddhist ruins at the Ritigala Forest Monastery, to the bustling city of Kandy, it’s like visiting different countries with a few miles of traveling.  Moreover, Kandy is just 20 km away from Gampola, the home to the famous Ambuluwawa Tower, the symbol of natural diversity and religious inclusivity in Sri Lanka.  Hi, in today’s blog, I will talk about how to reach Kandy, the things to do in Kandy, where to stay, where to eat, and more.  How To Reach Kandy?  Kandy, one of the major cities of Sri Lanka, is easily accessible. If you are a budget traveler and a believer of the LowDownUnder Travel philosophy, you can take a local bus or train for the journey.  1. The Kandy Railway Station: The Major Gateway The Kandy Railway Station is the main gateway to the city if you are traveling from other parts of the island.  Also, this railway station on the beautiful Kandy to Ella line still exudes a colonial charm and shows Victorian influences in its architecture.  A train ride from Colombo to Kandy takes around 2 hours and 30 minutes, and based on the class, the ticket prices cost between LKR 300 and 1200.  You can even take a train on the Kandy to Ella route to explore the tea plantations, mountains, and the highland region.  However, being one of the most scenic railway routes in the world, tickets for these trains are always in high demand.  You can check out the available tickets at the official website of the Sri Lankan Railways. Tickets for a date get sold out even 1 month before.  2. Colombo To Kandy Bus  If you cannot book trains to reach Kandy. Don’t get disheartened, as buses are available from the Bastian Mawatha Bus Station in Colombo.  You can take an ordinary or AC intercity bus to reach Kandy from Colombo. The distance is around 120 km and the travel time is approximately 3-4 hours.  Also, the ticket prices start from LKR 360.  What Are The Things To Do In Kandy?  Kandy is the cultural capital of Sri Lanka. So, no wonder that it offers a good mix of colonial history, spiritual experience, and the serenity of the Kandy Lake.  Also, Kandy is home to the quintessential Singhalese food. I found the delicacies in Kandy to be way creamier and milder than the fiery food in Jaffna.  Nevertheless, I will talk about what to eat in Kandy a little later, and for now, let’s explore the things to do in Kandy and enjoy a mixed bag of experiences.  1. Visiting The Royal Botanic Gardens Hours Open: 7:30 AM to 5:30 PM Entry Fee: LKR 200 for Locals, LKR 3540 for Foreign Visitors From Kandy City, you can take a short tuk-tuk ride to reach the Royal Botanic Gardens. It is home to more than 4000 plants and covers an area of 147 acres.  A green oasis in the overwhelming city landscape, it also has an arboretum and decorative flower beds.  My favorite, however, was the majestic palm tree avenues. However, as the day grew, it got crowded by social media content creators.  Furthermore, there are giant bamboo trees. Another popular photography spot in the national park is the Mahaweli Ganga River suspension bridge. However, more than five people cannot get on the bridge at a time.  So, you may have to wait in a queue if you desperately want a photo for your socials.  Moreover, you will see bats hanging from trees, chipmunks, and monkeys in the botanical gardens. And don’t miss the Spice Garden here.  Also, if you feel hungry, you can buy drinks and snacks from the stalls inside and the local vendors outside the park. 2. Exploring The Udawattakele Forest Reserve Hours Open: 6 AM to 6 PM Entry Fee for Foreigners, LKR 830, For Locals: LKR 70  I walked for around 30 minutes to reach the Udawattakele Forest Reserve. You can even take a tuk-tuk ride from the Centre of Kandy.  It has some of the most famous caves in Kandy and diverse fauna.  However, I did not expect that mother macaque monkeys would welcome me with their babies clinging to them.  After the grand entry, I chose the circular route around the park as I wanted to see the religious caves, the bathing pond, and the city viewpoint.  The Route  The green canopy stands in humility as you advance on the route, and now you are transported to a different world.  The birds were chirping, and I could hear the squeal of monkeys.  However, the highlight on that route was the Liana’s. These tree-sized vines created coils along the oath.  I followed the route upward and reached the City View Point.  The City View Point  From the City View Point, I loved the perspective of Kandy City and Lake. Then, walked further to come across the Cittavisuddhi Lena cave and othe two religious caves.  The cave had beautiful sculptures, paintings, and offerings by pilgrims. These are sacred to the Buddhist people.  However, overgrown trees and the fear of insects and bats deterred me from entering the cave and exploring the two other Buddhist caves.  Despite all the cautions, destiny had something different in store for me. There were leeches all over my legs, and luckily, I was carrying adequate salt to get rid of them.  The fellow tourists also helped to remove the leeches.  3. Visiting The Bahirawakanda Vihara Buddha Statue The Bahirawakanda Vihara Buddha Statue at the top of a hill is the guardian angel of Kandy. You need to take a short and steep walk to reach the Buddha Statue from the town.  You can even take a tuk-tuk.  Once you reach the statue, you can find the steps behind the magnificent statue and climb to higher vantage points looking over the other side of the city of Kandy.  Moreover, there is a small shop from where you can take trinkets and religious texts. The entry fee was 600 LKR when I visited last.  4. Exploring The Kandy Market I mentioned how an old lady in the Jaffna Public Market was the icebreaker during my trip to Jaffna.  In Kandy, it was the Kandy Market, which made me acquainted with the hilly region of Sri Lanka.  The market was near the Kandy Station. I visited it early in the morning and found vendors selling dried fish, bananas, fresh vegetables, and souvenirs.  5. Spending Moments By The Kandy Lake The Kandy Lake, or Lake Kandy, is at the heart of the city and is very close to the Temple of the Tooth.  It is a magnificent man-made lake around which you can take a walk of 2.1 miles. The pathway is called the Cloud Wall, and the highlight of my walk was finding out about the Queen’s bathing pavilion.  This ivory excellence reminded me of the regal past of the Kandy Lake.  I also spotted the ducks, busy schools of fish, and water monitor lizards.  Moreover, there is a well-groomed garden in the center of the lake. When I visited, it was in full bloom.  6. Walking To The Kandy Viewpoint After stretching my legs at the Kandy Lake, I took a short walk to reach the Kandy Viewpoint.  Hiking to the Kandy Viewpoint is one of the most delightful free things to do in Kandy. You can capture panoramic shots of the city from this viewpoint and interact with local hawkers for a meaningful cultural exchange.  7. Visiting The Asgiri Maha Vihara Pirivena - Buddhist Stupa And Temple If you are a Buddhist or someone eager to learn about the religion, visiting the Asgiri Maha Vihara Pirivena is one of the best things to do in Kandy.  This stupa is very close to the city, and I took the stairs across the train tracks to reach the stupa.  For me, the highlight of the stupa was the meditation room on the central floor. The iconographies were grand and meaningful.  Furthermore, the walls there depicted the three stages of decay a body has to undergo after death.  However, I did not yet know what was awaiting me, the dome of the stupa.  Filled with Buddhist artwork, an enormous lotus carving, and eight statues of Lord Buddha, it defined enormity.  The military guide finally took me to the balcony that surrounds the stupa. I found many monks clad in orange robes busy in their rituals, and I also loved the view.  8. Visiting The Temple Of The Tooth A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Temple of the Tooth or Dalada Mandira preserves the canine tooth of Lord Buddha.  It has the Udawaththa Kelaya to the east and the Lake Kandy to the south.  After several invasions and destructions, the temple was finally rebuilt by King Keerthi Sri Rajasinghe, and it is in its current form that we see today.  The temple has beautiful works of ivory, gold, and silver.  More Things To Do In Kandy  Along with being a primary tourist attraction in Sri Lanka, Kandy is also the gateway to many iconic landmarks showing the richness of Sri Lanka in nature and wildlife.  You can take a train ride or a bus ride from Kandy to the Royal Cave Temples of Dambulla. Or, you can attend a wildlife safari in Kaudulla National Park and other national parks of Sri Lanka.  Where To Stay In Kandy? Know The Accommodations I stayed at a hostel near the hillside surrounding the city. It was modest, but the views I got from the room and balcony were amazing.  However, if you are not willing to walk so much, you can choose places such as the Ceyloni City Hotel.  The tariff of this city hotel is around 7500 LKR.  What To Eat In Kandy?  You can choose between vegetarian and non-vegetarian options in Kandy. Balaji Dosai is a nice spot to try vegetarian food, especially dosa.  The Siri Ramya Hotel is the place to try Kottu Roti in Kandy. You can have it as spicy as you want. Also, you can combine them with different types of veggies, eggs, chicken, or mutton.  Another thing you must not miss in Kandy is the snacks available on the bus or train. The fried chips and snacks have a lot of salt and chilli.  However, they are great for the taste buds.  Also, do not forget to try the rice and curry combination at the “famous hole in the wall rice and curry joints” in Kandy.  These offer a nice and filling lunch at the best price.  The Nightlife In Kandy: Where To Drink?  Kandy is not a place famous for its nightlife. However, if you want to cherish some drink after a busy day, you can visit places such as The Stag’s Head Pub and the Royal Bar and Hotel.  Enjoy the beers, cocktails, and your favorite drinks with spicy local snacks, and enjoy the view of the city and lake at night.  Drinking at any of these places will cost you around 790 LKR.

BY  Sibashree Aug 10, 2023

Sevierville, Tennessee, is a charming city. It lies nestled in the breathtaking beauty of the Great Smoky Mountains.  Guess what? Over 10 million people come to Sevierville each year to enjoy a plethora of fun-filled activities. So, you can safely say that Sevierville is the ideal location for anyone seeking a unique and memorable vacation experience.  Every traveler can find something to enjoy in the city of Sevierville, whether you want to engage in thrilling experiences or immerse yourself in the culture and music.  What Are Some Vacation-Worthy Things To Do In Sevierville?  Discover Sevierville’s top features as we guide you through a number of thrilling attractions that will make your trip genuinely unforgettable.  1. Go On The Zipline At Foxfire Mountain Adventures  View this post on Instagram A post shared by Foxfire Mountain Adventures (@foxfiremtn) If you are an adrenaline junkies seeking a thrill, you should really visit Foxfire Mountain Adventures.  Additionally, it is home to the Goliath Zipline. This offers an exhilarating ride at speeds of up to 55 miles per hour! As you soar 475 feet off the forest floor, you are sure to make some amazing memories gliding through the lush green views from this one-of-a-kind vantage point. This two-hour zipline tour promises an unforgettable adventure for those seeking an adrenaline-pumping experience amidst the Smoky Mountains.  2. The Perfect Retreat After A Long Day  After a long day full of adventure and excitement, you will need a place where you can kick back, relax, and enjoy some quality time with your friends and family. With over 1,459 hotels and places to stay, choosing the right hotel in Sevierville TN, can be taxing.  However, looking at user reviews can streamline the decision-making process and help you to highlight the better choices for your stay. The Lodge at Five Oaks, for example, is voted number 1 on trip advisor and is an excellent choice for those looking for a stunning location with exceptional services. 3. Exciting Water Adventures At The Smokies’ Wilderness If you enjoy water parks, then Wilderness at the Smokies is a must-visit destination. This expansive resort boasts three distinct waterparks. So, it offers a plethora of thrilling experiences for all ages. Also, you can see the “Wild Vortex,” a near-vertical, looping body waterslide. It will leave you breathless with excitement as you soar down at exhilarating speeds.  The Timber Rattler is considered the longest tube slide in the entire state. It is further followed by the “Smokies Surf Rider,” which gives you an ultimate surfing experience. It will guarantee hours of laughter, joy, and endless fun. Families with little adventurers can also head to “Cubs Climbing Den,” an interactive playhouse designed to engage a younger demographic with the excitement of adventure.  4. Take A Selfie Around The Statue Of Dolly Parton View this post on Instagram A post shared by Den Martell (@denim1019) A trip to Sevierville isn’t complete without paying homage to the Queen of Country Music herself, Dolly Parton. Head to the Courthouse lawn at Sevier County, where a magnificent bronze statue of Dolly stands tall. Crafted by local artist Jim Gray over 30 years ago, this six-and-a-half-foot-tall sculpture is a tribute dedicated to the legendary performer’s roots.  5. Discover Underground Beauty Across Forbidden Caverns  Delve into the fascinating world beneath the Earth’s surface around Forbidden Caverns, boasting the longest rare cave onyx wall. A guided tour will take you through a mesmerizing underground journey, passing unique formations with towering chimneys and grottos.  6. Animal Encounters At “Rainforest Adventures Discovery Zoo”  View this post on Instagram A post shared by Rainforest Adventures Discovery Zoo (@rainforest.zoo) Embark on a unique animal adventure offered by the classic Rainforest Adventures Discovery Zoo, home to more than 600 animals and representing over 130 species. Among the highlights are the adorable golden-headed lion tamarins, one of the smallest and rarest species of monkeys.  Visitors can also meet other exotic creatures, such as African crested porcupines, poison dart frogs, and rose hair tarantulas. This fascinating zoo offers a rare opportunity to encounter and learn about diverse and rare creatures from around the world.  7. Breathtaking Panoramas From Clingmans Dome  If you're a nature lover or someone who enjoys hiking, Clingmans Dome should definitely be on your bucket list. It's an incredible spot, reaching 6,643 feet, making it the highest point in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and even along the entire Appalachian Trail.  The hike to the observation tower is short but challenging, with a steep paved trail that leads you up to some breathtaking views. Once you reach the top, you'll be greeted with a stunning 360-degree panorama of the Smoky Mountains and the surrounding landscape. On clear days, you can see for over 100 miles in every direction! Standing at this remarkable peak, you can really soak in the peace of the wilderness and appreciate the awe-inspiring beauty of nature. It's truly a moment to cherish.  8. Exciting Baseball Action At Smokies Stadium  View this post on Instagram A post shared by Live Wide (@live_wide) If you're a sports fan, you’ll feel right at home in Sevierville when you visit Smokies Stadium. It’s a great spot to catch a game featuring the Tennessee Smokies, the Double-A affiliate of the Chicago Cubs. What really makes this ballpark special is the nod to the charm of Wrigley Field, creating a cozy atmosphere where you can really connect with the game and the players. And the fun doesn’t stop between innings! You can join in on outdoor games and activities that keep the excitement alive. Spending an afternoon at Smokies Stadium is more than just a game; it’s a chance to create some wonderful memories while celebrating America’s favorite pastime.  9. Explore Ancient Treasures At Smoky Mountain Relic Room  View this post on Instagram A post shared by Relic Room (@smokymountainrelicroom) History buffs and collectors will find their haven at the “Smoky Mountain Relic Room.” Step into a treasure trove of artifacts spanning over 3.5 billion years, representing various geological eras and human history. Browse through tons of relics as well as fossils, each with its own unique story to tell.  From prehistoric fossils to ancient artifacts, this collection is guaranteed to ignite your curiosity and appreciation for the past. The epic Relic Room, nestled within “Smoky Mountain Knife Works,” also offers an impressive array of knives and blades, from historical pieces to modern marvels, making it a haven for collectors and outdoor enthusiasts alike.  10. Tennessee Museum Of Aviation’s Sky-High Adventure  View this post on Instagram A post shared by TN Museum of Aviation (@tnairmuseum) Sevierville is home to one of America’s most prominent aviation locations; the Tennessee Museum of Aviation! This marvelous location is home to hundreds of historical artifacts and exhibits that bring the fascinating history of flight to life. You can even climb into an A-4 Skyhawk Cockpit and look at the world through the eye of an experienced pilot.  The aircraft collection at this museum is stunning in its own right! Featuring airworthy warbirds and vintage planes, this museum is the only one in the U.S. housing two airworthy P-47 Thunderbolts.  10 Vacation-Worthy Things To Do In Sevierville Explained  Tennessee’s Sevierville offers visitors an unbeatable combination of: Breathtaking natural scenery  Fascinating history  Exhilarating experiences  Everything about being here is exciting, from paying homage to the legendary Dolly Parton to flying through the treetops. ‘  Whether you are traveling with family or seeking solo adventures, Sevierville offers an abundance of unique experiences that will leave you with cherished memories for years to come. Read Also: Pigeon Forge Indoor Adventures: From Go-Karts To Laser Tag Eight Outdoor Attractions In Pigeon Forge For Thrill-Seekers Your Guide To The Perfect Pigeon Forge Vacation

BY  Ankita Mar 4, 2024

Being a single parent can be a wonderfully rewarding experience, but there’s no denying that it comes with its fair share of challenges. Not least of which is choosing how and where to go on vacation. A family vacation is a joyous thing but when you are the sole parent it comes with plenty of responsibility and needs careful thought. Cruising is a brilliant way to take a lot of the stress out of a vacation as a single parent and can be a brilliant adventure to have with your kids. With its all-in-one entertainment and wide range of activities and amenities, as well as the chance to see a wide range of exciting destinations in just one trip, cruising can offer a great way to explore the world as a single-parent family. So if you like the idea of a Western Caribbean cruise or a voyage up the Pacific Northwest, here are a few Cruising tips and tricks to help you enjoy a smooth and memorable experience. Single Parent Cruising Tips and Tricks for a Memorable Adventure Did you know that solo parenting is important while you are traveling with a child? Above all you can get multiple new challenges which are added on the top of the list. Below I am going to discuss single parent cruising tips and tricks for such a memorable adventure. 1) Choose the Right Cruise Line As with any family cruise, it is extremely important to pay careful attention to what the cruise line you choose offers. You will want to take into account things like the amenities your chosen ship offers, what children’s programs and clubs it has, and whether it has sufficient family-friendly activities to keep your little ones entertained. For single parents, this is even more important as you will need some time to yourself, so things like dedicated kids’ clubs and babysitting services are vital. 2) Book a Family-Friendly Cabin Your choice of cabin will also have a big impact on your cruise, so choose wisely. It is worth spending a little extra to get a cabin with enough space for your whole family to relax and unwind, and even thinking about one with a balcony or ocean view so you can enjoy some of the best bits of a sea voyage without having to leave your room. 3) Plan Ahead It is incredibly important to plan your vacations carefully as a single parent, and this is even more relevant on a cruise. Doing your research in advance about ports, shore excursions, and activities means you can ensure that your kids are always entertained and that the trip includes a good mix of activities for you and them. 4) Pack Wisely Packing for a family vacation is a skill and one that can make or break the trip, particularly as a single parent. If there’s just one of you, it is that much harder to head off to find things you’ve forgotten, so making sure that you’ve got everything you need is essential. That said, if there’s only one of you to carry the bags, you should also try to pack as light and efficiently as possible, to give your back a break! 5) Connect with Other Families A family-friendly cruise can be an incredibly sociable affair so don’t be afraid to socialize and connect with other families on the ship. Not only is this a nice way for your little ones to make new friends, but it offers some adult company for you as well, and can help spread the childcare load a little! 6) Take Time for Yourself While spending time with the kids is essential, you should carve out a few moments to relax and enjoy yourself on your own. Whether it's an onboard spa, a few solo workouts, or just an evening with a good book and a glass of wine, pampering yourself with a bit of your time will give you energy. This means the energy you need to make the whole adventure unforgettable for your kids from start to finish! 7) Meals Can Be Tricky But Fun Little kids often go on partial food strikes outside their comfort zone. This is all about refusing to eat your favorite foods at home. People usually claim that their children are mainly used to having cereal, dessert, pasta, milk, hot dogs, and so on, which was not cutting this. Once you accept such things, you will have food at home again. This is, of course, fun watching their eyes lighten up. 8) The Kids Club is a Blessing Another single parenting cruise tip is to engage your child in a kids club. After all, if you enjoy such grown-up ship entertainment, this is quite similar to a massage or comedy show. In this case, this was an excellent art activity, and these are also great cartoons. Even this would work like a water play table. Ensure you have explained exactly how long they will be going to stay and be able to discuss their activities. This would also keep you from wandering while your dad or mom is back. 9) Bathroom Breaks are Complicated Group Endeavor Despite begging, bribing, or even threatening kids, they always refuse to use dinner while using the bathroom before dinner. In this case, being a single parent, you always need to alert the waiter before they provide food for your child. Solo parents who can't win this one will always try to use the bathroom in the cabin as much as possible. 10) The Ship Can Be Your Biggest Ally If you are making a massive difference in achieving success on your single mother-daughter adventure, then the ship can be your biggest ally. The main pools here were crowded and deep; we would have had more fun with them. 11) Familiarize with and Use The WiFi App Suppose you enjoy the Disney Cruise and would only have wifi if you could purchase this. On the other hand, they didn't have any app where you could use the wifi for free. That is why several people found that the Disney app is handy to use. This means we could easily track what events were happening on board, and you could even track what time you must go for dinner. Being with a five-year-old child is easy to manage once you can track such records. 12) Take Advantage of The Childcare Did you know that childcare offered on any cruise tour is the biggest part of what has made this so relaxing for every single parent? This is also fun. A 5-year-old child who is capable by herself can go to the Oceaneer's Club. In this way, she can have lots of fun there with significant and stimulating activities and several other character visits. 13) Start or Join the Facebook Community for The Cruise That You Will be on If it won't be possible for you as a single parent to engage with the cruise tourists community by leaving your child alone, join the FB cruise community. With the help of the Facebook cruise group, you can interact with others on the same cruise as you would be there.  Being a single parent, Facebook cruse groups are also helpful, such as:  You could connect easily with other single parents. Arrange some better things together with children of the same age as yours. This might be helpful in case your child is an only child. In Conclusion In this article, I have discussed single-parent cruising tips and tricks for a memorable adventure above. Before heading for any solo parenting, there are some tips and tricks that you have to know. This might happen if you are facing several new challenges at that time. Having these ideas would help manage. Also, solo parenting with your kids is always luscious if you know how to work properly. I hope you liked this article. If you have queries, please comment below! Read Also: A Cultural Adventure: Dhow Cruise Trip In Dubai The Role Of Self Storage In Extended Cruise Travels Wellness At Sea: Health And Spa Facilities On Cruise Ships