What Is The Colombo To Kandy Distance? Know How To Travel By Car, Bus, Tuk-Tuk And Train 

BY  Sibashree Aug 22, 2026

I met Ravana Falls on the way from Ella to Wellaway.  I pulled up on a tuk-tuk and found a wide and tiered curtain of water falling down on an oval rock face.  Ravana Falls is not the tallest or most powerful waterfall you will see in Sri Lanka. However, the mythological significance and its easy accessibility from Ella make it a must-visit.  Some Quick Facts About Ravana Falls, Ella FactsDetailsOfficial NameRavana Falls (Ravana Ella)LocationElla, Badulla District, Central Highlands, Sri LankaHeight25 MetersWaterfall TypeA Three-Tier CascadeWater SourceKirindi Oya (River System)Mythological LinkThe RamayanaAccessibilityRoadside Viewpoint with No Trekking RequiredBest Time to VisitOctober to January for Maximum Water VolumeEntry FeeFree Where Is Ravana Falls Located?  The Ravana Falls shows its prowess along the Ella–Wellawaya road (the A23). It is around 6 to 8 km south of the beautiful Ella Town.  Also, it is close to the 12th–13th mile markers in the Badulla District. At an elevation of around 1050 meters, this waterfall drops around 25 meters, and it is one of the widest in Sri Lanka.  Furthermore, this waterfall within the compact Ella Wildlife Sanctuary is at the epicenter of an ecosystem with birds and small mammals. Overall, it is amidst a landscape typical of the mid-elevation forests of Sri Lanka.  How To Reach Ravana Falls A tuk-tuk ride from central Ella to Ravana Falls takes around 10-15 minutes. You can also take a taxi ride.  As you proceed toward Wellawaya along A23, you will see this waterfall from the roadside.  Public buses also run along this route, and drivers are used to being asked for a drop-off here. Moreover, you can reach the Ravana Falls from Bandarawela. You can reach the waterfall by traveling around 10 km toward Wellawaya from Kubalwela Junction on the Badulla–Bandarawela road. Ravana Falls And The Legend Of King Ravana  The most intriguing thing about the legend of Ravana Falls is that every guide will give you a different version.  However, the most popular is that King Ravana, the demon king from the Ramayana, hid Goddess Sita in a cave behind this waterfall after abducting her and bringing her back to Lanka.  The waterfall is also close to the Ravana Ella Cave, which is perched on a cliff face about 11 km from Bandarawela. The archaeological evidence in the area has proven the presence of older human habitation. So, myth aside, it has been an important location for human habitation for a long time.  What To Do At Ravana Falls? The best vantage point for this waterfall is the road and the small bridge nearby. If you want to go closer to the base, you will have to walk down a little.  As you reach the base, you can climb over some of the rocks.  Here, you have to be very careful as these rocks are very slippery irrespective of the season.  Furthermore, for a proper look at the multi-tier cascade, I waded in the lower pools.  However, I could not climb higher up the falls toward the upper cascades as that route is now restricted due to past accidents.  So, I had to stick to the lower areas.  Moreover, I spotted many troops of wild monkeys near the waterfall. So, be careful about what you carry and be respectful to them.  Other Nearby Places You Can Visit With Ravana Falls  After exploring Ravana Falls, you can come back to Ella and find some of the photographed attractions in Sri Lanka. Visit the Nine Arch Bridge, Ella Rock, and Little Adam's Peak. Once again, due to the proximity to Ella, Ravana Falls fits naturally into a half-day loop rather than requiring a dedicated trip. Moreover, just two hours away, the Horton Plains National Park awaits with a completely different high-altitude landscape.  Practical Travel Tips For Visiting Ravana Falls Ravana Falls is one of the best places to visit in Sri Lanka for budget travelers as it offers free entry.  You must wear shoes with good grip if you have plans of climbing over the rocks near the base. Once again, avoid the temptation to go beyond the marked and accessible sections.  A Quick Note On Safety Follow the restrictions seriously, and there is no need to push barriers for a better photo, risking your safety.  Like the other waterfalls in Sri Lanka, Ravana Falls should also be visited with prior local advice.  Only a local guide will be able to help you find out the safer pool.  Where To Stay Near Ravana Falls? Ella town is the obvious base, and it is small enough that nowhere is more than a short tuk-tuk ride from the falls.  Guesthouses and small boutique hotels line the roads toward Passara and Wellawaya. Many of these guesthouses offer valley or mountain views. Also, the range of options runs from simple backpacker stays to higher-end villas overlooking the tea country.  Photography Tips The falls face a direction that catches strong midday light.  That light tends to wash out the detail in the water and flatten the surrounding greenery, so early morning or late afternoon visits give noticeably better results.  A polarizing filter helps cut glare off the wet rock if you are shooting with a proper camera, and a slower shutter speed, even just a fraction of a second, brings out the silky texture the falls are known for during wetter months.  Because the waterfall is visible and photographable straight from the road, it's also one of the easier hill-country shots to get without carrying gear down a long trail. Best Time To Visit Ravana Falls Ravana Falls changes character dramatically with the seasons.  During the wetter months, the water is said to resemble an areca flower with drooping petals as it spreads across the rock face. It is genuinely one of the more striking waterfall shapes I have seen in Sri Lanka.  In the dry season, the flow drops off considerably, and the falls can look thin by comparison.  December to April tends to bring more reliable water levels alongside decent weather for the rest of an Ella itinerary. So it is a reasonable window if you want to see the falls at something close to their best.

BY  Sibashree Jun 22, 2026

Macau is a small East Asian City. It is west of Hong Kong and on the south coast of China. Macau is 64 kms away from Hong Kong, and it has the City of Zhuhai in Mainland China to the north. Then, the Pearl River Delta is to the south and east.  It was a Portuguese colony once, but now it is an autonomous territory. Also, even today, Macau shows an influence of ancient Chinese culture.  However, this ancient Chinese culture has created a fusion with new-age European influence. The cuisine of Macau explains it best, and that’s why you need to visit the best restaurants in Macau. You will especially experience a blend of Cantonese and Portuguese flavors.  What Are The Top 10 Restaurants In Macau?  Macau has many top restaurants to eat at. Along with the starred restaurants, there are also bakeries, taverns, street food corners, and age-old tea houses.   Furthermore, freshly baked almond cookies, egg tarts, and slices of beef and pork jerky are some of the best delicacies to try in these restaurants.   Also, thanks to the culinary legacy of over 400 years, there is a global interest in Macanese cuisine.   Moreover, Irina Bokova, the Director-General of UNESCO, has designated Macau as the UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy.   Nevertheless, visiting all the restaurants in the city is not possible logistically. So, I have 25 places and picked 10 among them.   I have further divided the top 10 Macau restaurants into two categories: luxury restaurants and budget-friendly restaurants.    It’s time to celebrate Macanese history and the eclectic culture of the city. Top Luxury Restaurants In Macau  As I have mentioned, Macau is a global gastronomic destination, and it is home to names such as The Ritz–Carlton Cafe, which is a Michelin Guide restaurant.  So, let’s find out the top names on our list of the luxury restaurants in Macau, along with The Ritz–Carlton Cafe.  However, before I give brief details about the restaurants with you, I want to share a table or a quick summary comparing the names I have chosen.  A Quick Summary  Best Luxury Restaurants in MacauCuisine Type and SpecialtyAverage Price Range Per Person (₹)Ideal Dining OccasionLocationThe Ritz-Carlton CaféFrench Brasserie and Classic Desserts2,500 – 15,000- Romantic Dates- Group Dinners- Family DiningGround Floor, The Ritz-Carlton Macau, Estrada da Baía de Nossa Senhora da Esperança, CotaiThe Manor (St. Regis)Seafood, Oysters, and Robata Grilled Meats2,500 – 15,000- Romantic Dinner - Dates- Trying Local Cuisine - Family Dinners1st Floor, The St. Regis Macao, The Londoner Macao, Estrada do Istmo, CotaiLai HeenMichelin-Starred Haute Cantonese and Vegan Options2,500 – 13,000- Private Dining- Intimate Family Gatherings51st Floor, The Ritz-Carlton Macau, Estrada da Baía de Nossa Senhora da Esperança, CotaiVida Rica (Mandarin Oriental)Classic Cuisine with Modern Twist and Cheese Wheel Risotto2000+- Panoramic Waterfront Views- Bar Scene- Romantic DiningMandarin Oriental Macau, 945 Avenida Dr. Sun Yat-Sen, NAPE, Macau PeninsulaBelon Restaurant (Banyan Tree)Marine-Themed International Seafood and Dry-Aged Ribeye6000+- Sunday Champagne Brunches- Kids Lunch- Romantic Events31st Floor, Banyan Tree Macau, Galaxy Macau Resort, Estrada da Baía de Nossa Senhora da Esperança, Cotai 1. The Ritz-Carlton Café One of the best restaurants in Macau, China, the Ritz Carlton Cafe is the ultimate spot if you are looking for a French brasserie.  It exudes the charm of a quintessential French Cafe. Also, it is a fusion of sophisticated decor and flavorful food that stands out because of its simplicity.  Furthermore, based on the group size, you can choose between its two and four-seater intimate seating arrangements.  Also, it offers a wonderful view of the shopping area.  2. The St. Regis Macao I had the finest oysters in Macau at The Manor. This signature grill restaurant and oyster bar of St. Regis Macao also serves prime cut meats.  Furthermore, its wine list is exquisite, and it is one of the topmost restaurants in Macau to follow the unique Robata technique for grilling.  In the Robata technique, Northern Japan’s “white oak Bincho-tan” is used for the perfect grilling of the meat.  As a result, the meat gets a charred texture on the outside, and it remains moist in the center. The subtle smoky aroma makes it all the more appetizing.  You can also try Portuguese chouriço and squid ink here, and Instagram celebrates its cross-cultural plates, such as the Glacier 51 Toothfish.  3. Lai Heen Lai Heen is a Michelin-starred restaurant in Macau and one of the best in the city for vegetarian food.  The atmosphere of the restaurant is sophisticated, and a lot of experimentation with haute Chinese cooking happens here.  Furthermore, the Chef's Creations served here are innovative, and they celebrate the modern spirit of the city.  Along with vegetarian cuisines, it also has custom-made vegan options such as “Asparagus Barley Risotto with Morel Mushrooms.” So, if you are a vegetarian and looking for an Indian restaurant in Macau, you can choose Lai Heen.  However, please mention your vegan preferences to them well in advance before visiting the restaurant.  4. Vida Rica, Mandarin Oriental I visited Vida Rica to try delicious cakes and an assortment of cocktails. However, as soon as I stepped inside, I was bowled over by the amazing glass wall.  It offered a brilliant view of the Nam Van Lake and the South China Sea.  Furthermore, the seating arrangement of the restaurant was unique. Every guest could see how the executive chefs interpret the classic cuisine.  I loved the red curry prawn bisque there, and they make brilliant risotto.  5. Belon Restaurant: Banyan Tree Belon Restaurant has a marine theme, and it felt like dining under the ocean. You will notice the inspiration of the marine life even in the dishes such as smoked scallop.  Along with being one of the top dining restaurants in Macau, it is also a popular spot for a Sunday Brunch.  It got its name from the famous flat oysters from France, Belon. Furthermore, Hong Kong Tatler designated it as one of the best restaurants in Macau in 2017.  What Are The Most Affordable Restaurants In Macau?  Budget-friendly dining in Macau is not limited to the local eateries or Cha Chaan Tengs. You will also find many affordable restaurants here.  A Quick Summary Of Budget-Friendly Restaurants In Macau  Affordable Restaurants in MacauAddressAverage Price Per Person (₹)Must-Try DishesIdeal ForTerrazza In Galaxy MacauShop 2001, 2nd Floor, Galaxy Macau Integrated Resort, Estrada da Baia de Nossa Senhora da Esperança, Cotai, Macau4300- Country Style Suckling Pig- Tuscan delight with the Paccheri Pasta and Carabinero Prawns- Eggplant Parmigiana- Classy Wine and Portuguese Dining- Dining with Kids- Romantic Dining- Group DiningDragon Portuguese Cuisine In BroadwayBroadway Food Street, Shop A-G005–G009, Broadway Macau, Avenida Marginal Flor de Lotus, Cotai, Macau1500- Baked Duck Rice- Baked Suckling Pig, - Homemade Curry Crab- Family Dinners- Casual DiningCafe Deco Restaurant – The VenetianShop 1036, Level 1, The Venetian Macao-Resort-Hotel, Estrada de Baia de Nossa Senhora da Esperança, Taipa, Cotai, Macau1277- Crab Legs- Wood-Fired Pizza- Pastries- Family Gathering- Dining with KidsMIAN In Studio CityShop 1181, 1st Floor, Studio City Macau, Estrada do Istmo, Cotai, Macau1550- Barbecued Iberico Pork and Ramen- Prawn and Seafood Hokkaido Miso Soup Ramen- Grilled Eel Kamameshi- Date Nights- Family DinnerLe BuffetShop 3100, Level 1 (Ground Floor Lobby Area), The Parisian Macao, Estrada do Istmo, Cotai Strip, Macau1700- Fresh Seafood from the Buffet's Seafood Table- Ham- Cured Meats (like Prosciutto)- Romantic Dinner- Family Dining 6. Terrazza In Galaxy Macau Terrazza in Galaxy Macau celebrates the love for Italian cuisine in Macau. It has prestigious listings in Ospitalita Italiana and the Michelin Guide.  Furthermore, beyond the food, it is the wine cellar of the restaurant that stands out.  Also, from the restaurant, you can enjoy amazing views of Cotai.  7. Dragon Portuguese Cuisine In Broadway One of the top Portuguese restaurants in Macau, Broadway's Dragon Portuguese Cuisine has dishes that present the perfect fusion of Macanese and Portuguese dishes.  Despite the sophisticated setting and the excellent quality and innovation in the dishes served here, the prices are moderate.  Moreover, the food served here has the comfort of a home-cooked meal. Also, it has a “Galatian-inspired” setting that makes the ambiance vibrant and cozy.  8. Cafe Deco Restaurant: The Venetian Cafe Deco Restaurant is one of the most affordable Chinese restaurants in Macau.  However, along with traditional Chinese food, it also serves local Macanese cuisine and International delicacies made with fresh seafood.  Also, boasting a soothing and classy setting, the restaurant serves a full-course buffet including soups, appetizers, fresh seafood, salads, and desserts.  9. MIAN In Studio City MIAN in Studio City serves the best Japanese cuisine in Macau. In the classic Japanese dishes it serves, the restaurant uses homemade soup bases and noodles.  Furthermore, it has an open kitchen. So, watching the delicacies being made is quite an experience.  Also, it has a dim lighting setup. So, you can enjoy a romantic ambiance.  10. Le Buffet At Le Buffet, I saw the chefs making the European delicacies at live counters.  While it is very European in the cuisine served, the decor is Persian with muted colors and grilled walls.  Furthermore, the desserts at Le Buffet deserve special mention, and the mini Eiffel Tower dessert tower is the most creative among them. Beyond The Restaurant Scene: Macau's Street Food And Local Markets  While the luxury dining rooms and the budget-friendly sit-down restaurants tell one story about Macau, the street stalls and wet markets tell another.   If you want to understand how Macau actually eats on a daily basis, you have to step away from the hotel lobbies and into the narrow lanes of the historic centre.  Rua da Felicidade, once the city's red-light district, is now lined with red-shuttered shopfronts selling the following must-try delicacies.  Pork Chop Buns  Almond Cookies  Dried Meat (Rou Gan)   Among these, the dried meat is grilled to order over charcoal.   Vendors slice it thin, char it slightly, and hand it to you wrapped in paper. It is one of the cheapest and most memorable bites in the city, usually costing less than MOP 20 for a generous portion.  Around the Senado Square and São Domingos Market area, you will find stalls selling egg tarts that rival anything served at the five-star hotels, often for a fraction of the price.  Lord Stow's Bakery, on Coloane Island, is the most famous name associated with the Portuguese egg tart in Macau. A pilgrimage there is practically a rite of passage for first-time visitors.  The Red Market (Mercado Vermelho) near the Iao Hon district is one of the city's oldest wet markets and a genuine slice of local life.   Early mornings bring fishmongers, butchers, and vegetable sellers. Furthermore, by mid-morning the surrounding streets fill with congee shops and noodle stalls serving breakfast to market workers and office staff alike.  For a more contemporary street food experience, the Taipa Village area combines old Macanese shophouses with newer food stalls.  You will find here versions of the Macanese pork chop bun, minchi (a Macanese comfort dish of minced meat and potatoes), and serradura, a layered pudding dessert made with crushed biscuits and cream.  A Quick Guide To Street Food Budgeting  Street Food Item  Typical Price (MOP) Where To Find It  Pork Chop Bun   25–35  Rua da Felicidade, Taipa Village  Portuguese Egg Tart   10–14  Lord Stow's Bakery, Senado Square stalls   Dried Meat (Rou Gan)   15–25 per portion  Rua da Felicidade  Congee   20–30  Red Market area  Serradura   15–20  Taipa Village  Unlike the reservations and dress codes that come with the city's Michelin-listed restaurants, the street food scene in Macau asks for nothing more than cash in hand and an appetite.   It is also where you are most likely to overhear Cantonese and Portuguese mixing in the same conversation.  It is further a reminder that Macau's food culture was never really built in dining rooms. On the contrary, it was built on these streets.  Some More Information You Need To Know About The Top Restaurants In Macau  If you are looking for Indian restaurants in Macau, you can explore options such as Macau City, Indian Spice, and The Golden Peacock.  Furthermore, if you are searching for authentic Italian restaurants, you must try options such as La Cucina Italiana, Portofino, Bene, and Don Alfonso 1890.  Also, if you want to have vegetarian food, consider places such as Vida Rica Restaurant, Blissful Carrot, and Lai Heen.  Celebrating The Fusion Of Local And Global Cuisines  The top restaurants in Macau celebrate the words of George Bernard Shaw, “There is no love sincerer than the love for food.” Also, what makes the gastronomic experience in Macau special is the eclectic influence and the rich history of over 400 years.  So, let’s indulge in great food in Macau. Bon Appétit! Read Also: What Are The Best Restaurants In Cape Town? Eat Like A Local In South Africa What Are The Restaurants In Australia Worthy To Have An Experience? Top 10 Most Romantic Restaurants in Rome for the Perfect Date Ever!

BY  Sibashree Mar 31, 2026

From enjoying a train ride on the Nine Arch Bridge to Ella Rock, Ella has endless adventures to offer.  Exploring the things to do in Ella is also easier as the Ella Hotels offer the most comfortable and safe accommodations.  As a backpacker, I chose to stay in a hostel on my first visit. However, you can find many budget, mid-range, and luxury hotels in this beautiful hill country town.  So, here is a list of the best hotels to stay in Ella.  What Are The Best Ella Hotels?  I have divided the best Ella hotels into three different categories. So, you will find a good mix of luxury hotels, mid-range hotels, and budget hotels. Furthermore, I have also included the hostels and the eco-stays here.  And here are the details.  1. Luxury Ella Hotels There's a quiet magic when birds sing in the morning, and mist hangs on the tea bushes.  Moreover, Ella has upgraded its luxury offerings, blending colonial roots with modern sustainable design. • Nine Skies: Colonial Elegance Just outside Ella in Demodara, Nine Skies is a five-bedroom tea bungalow restored from old stock.  Furthermore, it sits like a piece of the English Lake District transplanted into the tropics.  Also, you begin your day with a Sri Lankan breakfast and then swim in an infinity pool that stretches over endless tea fields.  Moreover, the lifestyle is classic tea country, wrapped in a dream-like hotel setting. • 98 Acres Resort And Spa: Eco-Luxury Overlooking Little Adam's Peak, 98 Acres stands out as the region's top hotel.  Furthermore, the chalets use upcycled railway sleepers and local granite, with genuine, hands-on design.  Moreover, their spa features treatments with herbs grown on-site. Just a 15-minute walk from the Nine Arch Bridge, it's ideal for morning shots.  So, what else is there to say about this place? • Hide Ella: Modern Panoramic Views Hide Ella sits right into a 60-degree slope.  Every room faces the Ella Gap with clear, sweeping views.  The pool dips into the trees like you are floating through the canopy. It's a clean, sharp design, with no frills. Furthermore, it offers just pure view-focused living.  Why would anyone want anything else in Ella? 2. Mid-Range Ella Hotels For a bed that works, a shower that flows, and a balcony with real views, without the honeymoon price!  Ella's mid-range picks offer the best trade-off. Most focus on the view, which is Ella's strongest selling point. • Chill Ville Viewpoint Hotel It is set into the mountainside, and it is the most welcoming.  Cabins are clean, modern, with wood and concrete finishes.  They even include Yoga mats for stretching in the morning light.  If you want to go early to the Nine Arch Bridge, this is your only real shot, and it's just 800 meters away.  It seems like a good fit for quiet travelers who value space and scenery. • Country Homes Ella  It looks more like apartments than hotels.  Warm pine decor gives each suite a cozy feel.  The wide valley view from your room makes it hard to leave. In particular, when you know breakfast is often brought right to your balcony by the owners.  You get coffee at the same time clouds drift through the gap, arguably one of the most consistent perks in town. • Boutique Vibes: Morning Dew, EKHO, And Tip Top It seems to be a recurring motif in Ella. These hotels offer really amazing views and somewhat old-fashioned rooms.  Morning Dew, EKHO Ella, and Tip Top Boutique Hotel are, to some extent, this kind of hotel.  The furnishings in these places might give the feeling of the 1990s, but the rooftop pools and jacuzzis with a stunning view of Ella Rock offer a 5-star experience.  One of the advantages of choosing Tip Top is that you get the opportunity to see the train passing the Nine Arch Bridge from your private balcony. 3. Budget-Friendly Ella Hotels  Guesthouses once pulsed with life in Sri Lankan tourism.  Staying with a local family still gives the truest view of Ella.  You learn how daily routines move through the village. Nobody makes curry like a Sri Lankan grandmother. • Rowinrich Cottages: The Jungle Hideaway These loft-style cottages sit above a valley wrapped in jungle.  Backpackers find them ideal, glamping without dorm-sharing.  Forest sounds carry through at night.  Sunrises stretch across your terrace each morning. Just be warned: the road up is narrow and full of potholes. It's not easy to drive. • The Original Homestays: Idyll And Chamodya Idyll Homestay opened early in town.  Anil, who once worked on tea plantations, now manages one of Ella's most trusted homes.  Chamodya offers a clear view of Ravana Falls.  Both serve breakfasts packed with string hoppers, dhal, and fresh fruit, more than enough for hiking up Ella Rock. 4. The Hostels In Ella: The Most Happening Social Hubs  Like my trip to Jaffna, I also chose a hostel to stay in Ella.  The hostel scene in Sri Lanka has really taken off over the past few years.  Nowadays, staying in a hostel is not only about finding a cheap bed; it is also about experiencing a community, having superfast Wi-Fi, and going on shared adventures.  • Bunk Station A fairly new place in a peaceful and friendly atmosphere.  It's a quiet location away from the noise, but you can still walk to the town in ten minutes.  • Hangover Hostel Being part of a well-known chain of hostels in Sri Lanka, it is the best place to experience a social atmosphere. You will get AC rooms here, and the location is very central near the train station. • Backpacker's Paradise  If you are looking for the genuine "simple life" experience, you can camp in tents that are set up under thatched roofs.  Moreover, it is a very basic, cheap option, and they even have their own little dogs as residents.  So, what else do you need? 5. Eco-Friendly Stays In Ella  Ella is a place that feels like home.  Furthermore, Ella's environment is delicate, and these eco-friendly stays are actively preserving it. • Living Heritage Koslanda It lies halfway between Ella and Horton Plains.  Over the years, they've restored the forest and prioritized hiring local women, often left out of tourism jobs.  The place feels like a quiet, natural escape. • Arana Eco-Lodge And Yoga Center The lodge sits just ten minutes from town.  Rooms are treehouses built around living trunks.  Moreover, it operates like a forest monastery.  Also, electronics are minimal here. So, you can take part in sessions of Kundalini yoga and meditation here.  Moreover, vegan Sri Lankan meals take center stage here. You disconnect from Main Street noise and return to the wild.