How To Create A Travel Journal Or Blog As A New Mother

BY  Sibashree Sep 18, 2026

Jetavanaramaya is in the Sacred City of Anuradhapura, one of Sri Lanka's UNESCO World Heritage Sites.  It is easily the most physically overwhelming structure I have seen anywhere on the island.   Can you believe that this stupa was built using 93.3 million baked mud bricks in 301 CE?  Even today, though the stupa is around half the height of the original stupa, it still impresses, with a towering height of 71 meters.   Furthermore, archaeologists think that a three-foot brick wall could be constructed between London and Edinburgh or New York City and Pittsburgh with these mud bricks.   However, Jetavanaramaya is not just about the imposing height.   It has a rich history and spiritual significance. Also, recent news has put it back in the global spotlight.  I will discuss all these aspects in this article, along with everything you need to plan the trip yourself.  Jetavanaramaya At A Glance  Detail Information Location Jetavana Monastery, Sacred City of Anuradhapura, North Central Province, Sri Lanka Built by King Mahasena (r. 273–301 CE) started the construction  It was completed by his son, Sirimeghavanna/ Maghavanna I Original height Approximately 122 metres  It is the tallest brick structure ever built. Current height Approximately 71 metres, after 12th-century restoration under King Parakramabahu I Bricks used An estimated 93.3 million baked bricks Global ranking (at completion) Third-largest man-made structure on Earth, after the two Great Pyramids of Giza Base area Roughly 233,000 m²  Relic enshrined Believed to be a fragment of a sash or belt worn by the Buddha. UNESCO status Part of the Sacred City of Anuradhapura, inscribed as a World Heritage Site in 1982 Nearest town Anuradhapura city centre, about 4–5 km away  A Recent Spotlight: Jetavanaramaya's 2026 Global Moment Jetavanaramaya does not need an introduction due to its architectural magnanimity or significance in Buddhism.   However, it has become a talking point once again with CNN Travel publishing a detailed feature recently.   In the February 2026 post, CNN Travel has described it as “massive megastructure built for eternity.”   Also, the same post places it alongside the Great Pyramids in terms of ancient engineering ambition.  The piece, reported from Anuradhapura itself, spent time with Godamune Pannaseeha, a senior archaeology officer who has spent years studying the site.  Also, it framed the stupa within the living pilgrimage culture that still surrounds it.  As I have seen it, there were pilgrims in white, monks chanting at dawn, rituals that have continued largely uninterrupted for more than 2,000 years.  The coverage was picked up widely across the US and international outlets in the weeks that followed.  Moreover, Sri Lankan media noted it as a rare moment of global attention for a site that, despite its scale, remains far less visited than Sigiriya Rock Fortress or the Temple of the Tooth.   If you are planning a Cultural Triangle trip in 2026, this is genuinely a good year to see it before the crowds catch up to the coverage.  The History Behind The Tallest Brick Stupa In The World Jetavanaramaya is a physical record of a religious dispute.   Understanding why it exists makes the visit land differently, even if we forget about the height or scale for a while.  King Mahasena And The Sect Rivalry That Built It  King Mahasena began construction of this stupa between 273 and 301 CE.  It was during a period of real tension between two Buddhist sects, the Mahavihara and the more liberal Abhayagiri fraternity.  Mahasena was a patron of the Abhayagiri fraternity.   The stupa became the centrepiece of the Jetavana Vihara, a monastic complex built for the breakaway Sagalika sect.  It was designed, according to archaeologists, to accommodate more than 3,000 monks.   Every structure in the complex was oriented toward the stupa.  It was a daily, physical reminder of where devotion was meant to point.  The Relic Enshrined Inside  Jetavanaramaya is a solid stupa, not a hollow one.  So, you cannot go inside.   What's believed to be enshrined at its core is a fragment of a sash or belt worn by the Buddha.  Thus, it is a cenotaph of deep religious significance rather than a burial monument in the ordinary sense.   Some accounts also connect the site to the cremation of Mahinda Thera, the monk credited with bringing Buddhism to Sri Lanka.  This version about the stupa comes from the excavated ash and charcoal layers found nearby.  Restoration Through The Centuries  Like most of Anuradhapura, Jetavanaramaya fell into decline after the capital shifted away from the city.  It was buried gradually by jungle growth and centuries of neglect.   King Parakramabahu I restored it in the 12th century, bringing it to roughly its current height.   Large-scale conservation further resumed in the 20th century, and it remains an active restoration site today.  Even in its diminished state, it is still the largest man-made brick structure by volume.  What It Is Really Like To Stand Before Jetavanaramaya Honestly, photos do not give a fair idea about the scale of the stupa.  Standing at its base, this is what I actually felt.   The Scale You Don't Expect  A height of 71 metres and made of 93 million bricks!  Reading about these numbers is different from actually walking the perimeter.   Each side of the base runs close to 576 feet, and the entrance staircases alone are around 28 feet wide.   It was a long walk circling the structure once.   However, the brick structure was more fascinating, with a distinct texture and color.   Furthermore, the uneven weathering of this deep terracotta structure is an art time has created.   No photograph truly captures that.   Golden Hour And The Rituals Around It  Afternoon is the best time to visit the stupa.   The heat is less, and the stupa looks warmer with a red-orange hue thanks to the light.   Also, this is the time when pilgrims in large numbers circumambulate the stupa clockwise.  They walk barefoot with flowers or lit oil lamps in their hands, and suddenly you see evening has set in.   Exploring The Jetavana Monastery Complex The stupa is the epicenter of the monastery complex.   However, if you want to know more about the history and soak in the spiritual ambiance, explore the other structures mindfully.   The Jetavanaramaya Museum  This on-site museum is small, but it displays artefacts recovered during excavation.  I saw beads, coins, ivory carvings, pottery, and inscribed stone fragments, along with information panels on the sect rivalry that produced the stupa.   It takes around 30 minutes to explore the museum. However, it is a useful stop, considering the information it provides.   Nearby Ruins Worth Your Time  There are remains of monastic buildings, ponds and boundary walls around the stupa.   The refectory ruins and stone urinals with their surprisingly intricate carved drainage systems especially demand a mention.  These structures hint at an organised monastic life.  Entrance Fees And Tickets Jetavanaramaya is covered by the single Anuradhapura Sacred City round ticket.  So, you do not need to buy a separate ticket for it.   Visitor category Approximate price (2026) Notes Foreign adult (non-SAARC) US$25–30 Covers:  Jetavanaramaya Ruwanwelisaya Abhayagiri Thuparamaya, and other sacred-city sites SAARC nationals US$12–15 Passport required at the counter Children (6–12) Around half the adult rate Under 6 generally free Local (Sri Lankan) visitors Free ID required and a small fee applies only for the site museums Combined Cultural Triangle ticket US$50–60 Covers:  Anuradhapura Polonnaruwa Sigiriya  Dambulla Royal Cave Temple   Note that the Sacred City round ticket does not include Isurumuniya, Sri Maha Bodhi, or Mihintale.  So, you will need smaller entry tickets.   You can buy tickets at the main office near the Archaeological Museum, or pre-book online to skip the queue.  Opening Hours And Best Time To Visit Jetavanaramaya The archaeological sites are generally open daily from around 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM.   Avoid the midday window (roughly 12:00–3:00 PM), when the heat over the open brick platform gets genuinely uncomfortable.   Early morning and the last two hours before closing are both good choices.  The latter also lines up with the evening rituals.   Moreover, December to March is the most pleasant season weather-wise, with lower humidity and less rain.  Getting There  Anuradhapura is roughly 200 km north of Colombo.  The journey takes around 4.5 hours by car.   Also, it is about 65 km from Dambulla.   Moreover, in a Cultural Triangle itinerary, it pairs naturally with Sigiriya, Dambulla, and Mihintale.   Again, since the Sacred City is vast, you can rent a bicycle for the day to move around.   The bicycle rental costs around LKR 1500 for a day.   Furthermore, you can hire tuk-tuks and cars with a driver-guide.  A Suggested Half-Day Itinerary For Jetavanaramaya  Time Stop What to expect 7:00 AM Sri Maha Bodhi Dawn pilgrimage atmosphere at the sacred fig tree. 8:00 AM Ruwanwelisaya The gleaming white stupa and its elephant wall. 9:15 AM Jetavanaramaya Spend at least an hour, and more with the museum. 10:45 AM Jetavanaramaya Museum Excavated artefacts and site context. 11:30 AM Abhayagiri Dagoba The third great stupa, with a quieter, more forested setting. 1:00 PM Lunch in Anuradhapura town Break before the afternoon heat.  Tips From My Visit To Jetavanaramaya A local guide (arranged through your hotel or the ticket office) adds real value here. You cannot know much of the sect rivalry from the on-site signage.  You can take photos here. However, avoid posing with your back to the stupa or in disrespectful positions.   This is an active religious site for Buddhist pilgrims.  Beyond Jetavanaramaya: Continuing Your Anuradhapura Journey Jetavanaramaya fits easily into an Anuradhapura itinerary, including Ruwanwelisaya and Mihintale.  This cluster is the best way to get a full picture of the ancient capital.  Furthermore, you can continue south from here to other major Buddhist sites such as Mulkirigala and Kataragama.  Why Jetavanaramaya Still Matters  The significance of Jetavanaramaya is specific.   It is proof of Sri Lankan excellence in craftsmanship in the fourth century.   Even then, they could organize labor and materials and execute an ambition on a scale that rivalled any civilization of that era.  So, around 1700 years later, when you stand at the base of the stupa, it is like time travel.

BY  Sibashree Jul 10, 2026

There is a particular kind of silence inside a well-driven car.  The door closes softly, and the driver knows the route.  So, the passengers get the ultimate luxury, the privilege of doing nothing.  That is indeed a rare thing in modern-day travel, but luxury chauffeur services promise you that!  But do you know which one to really trust? In this article, I will share the details of the World Travel Tech Awards 2025 winners for luxury chauffeur services.  However, before that, Let’s talk about why premium chauffeur services are so important to cater to luxury travelers today.  Why Are The Best Luxury Chauffeur Services So Important Today?  Traditionally, Chauffeur services have been considered a final detail. We usually explore the options after completing the flight bookings, hotel bookings, and restaurant reservations.  Then, we set up or check the meeting schedules and finally book the chauffeur services.  However, when the sense of luxury is evolving in modern travel, the world is getting familiar with the following. Private Aviation Luxury Hospitality Business Travel High-end Leisure As a result, ground transportation has become part of the experience itself.  Also, once you reach a new destination or country, a chauffeur is often the first person you will meet.  Then, your vehicle becomes the first private space after a long-haul flight. The airport pickup, if handled well, becomes invisible. If handled badly, it becomes the detail everyone remembers. That is why the rise of premium chauffeur booking platforms matters. These companies are no longer simply arranging cars.  They are building the quiet infrastructure behind luxury travel, including: Technology High Service Standards Global Networks Driver Quality Airport Expertise 24/7 Operational Support The Best Luxury Chauffeur Services At The World Travel Tech Awards In 2025, the World Travel Tech Awards recognised this evolution through the category World’s Best Chauffeur Booking Platform 2025.  The shortlist brought together some of the most interesting names in premium mobility, including Limotak, Blacklane, Wheely, LUXY, and Savoya. 1. Limotak: The New-Generation Global Platform Limotak was named World’s Best Chauffeur Booking Platform 2025, a recognition that reflects the growing importance of technology-led chauffeur service in luxury and business travel. What makes Limotak compelling is not only its international coverage but the way it approaches the journey.  The platform was designed for a world where clients may land in London on Monday, Dubai on Wednesday, Paris on Friday, and require the same standard of service in each city. Limotak offers premium airport transfers, hourly chauffeur hire, event transportation, executive travel, and private ground transportation in 100+ countries.  Its audience is broad but distinctly premium:  Travel Agents DMCs Concierge Companies Corporate Travel Managers Luxury Hotels Family Offices Private Travellers Who Expect Reliability. The company’s strength lies in its operational discipline.  A successful chauffeur journey is rarely about a single moment.  It is the sum of many small details:  The Correct Vehicle The Right Pickup Point A Professionally Presented Chauffeur Luggage Assistance Airport Timing Flight Monitoring Clear Communication. Limotak understands that luxury is not loud. It is punctual, prepared, and calm. For travel professionals, this matters deeply.  A chauffeur platform must protect the client relationship, not put it at risk.  Limotak’s model is built around that responsibility, combining global booking technology with human support and quality control. 2. Blacklane: The Established Global Name Blacklane’s strength is familiarity. For many international travellers, Blacklane has become a known reference point for the following services. Pre-booked Airport Transfers Business Rides City-to-City Journeys Hourly Chauffeur Service. The platform helped move chauffeur booking from a traditional offline arrangement into a more accessible digital experience.  Clear pricing, scheduled rides, professional chauffeurs, and international availability have made Blacklane a strong option for business and leisure travellers who want a polished, predictable service. Blacklane’s position is that of an established global brand. It is not trying to feel boutique in every moment.  Instead, its value lies in consistency, reach, and recognition. These are the qualities that matter when travellers need a dependable option in major destinations. 3. Wheely: The Luxury City Specialist Wheely occupies a more selective space. It is less about being everywhere and more about being exceptional in the right places. With a focus on selected premium cities, Wheely has built a reputation for elegant, app-based chauffeur service aimed at clients who value discretion, presentation, and a sense of exclusivity.  Its world is not mass transportation. It is the world of polished vehicles, refined chauffeurs, and private city movement. For high-net-worth travellers and luxury consumers, Wheely feels closer to a private chauffeur experience than a standard ride-hailing product.  Its appeal lies in restraint. The service is designed to feel seamless, composed, and quietly elevated. Where Limotak speaks to global scale and operational reach, Wheely speaks to urban luxury and lifestyle-led mobility. 4. LUXY: A Modern Premium Mobility Option LUXY represents another side of the evolving chauffeur market: the demand for premium transport that is simple to book, professional in delivery, and suitable for both private and business travellers. The platform serves clients looking for airport transfers, private chauffeur bookings, and luxury ground transportation with a digital-first approach.  Its inclusion in the World Travel Tech Awards 2025 shortlist reflects how competitive the sector has become. Today, travellers are not only comparing cars. They are comparing ease, confidence, communication, and the feeling that someone is accountable for the journey.  LUXY sits within this new generation of companies trying to make premium chauffeur service more accessible while preserving the expectations of comfort and professionalism. 5. Savoya: Executive Travel With Precision Savoya is particularly relevant in the corporate and executive travel world.  Its strength is not simply moving passengers, but managing high-stakes ground transportation where timing, discretion, and coordination are critical. For senior executives, roadshows, private aviation clients, and complex business itineraries, chauffeur service becomes a form of risk management.  A missed pickup is not just inconvenient. It can affect meetings, reputations, and carefully planned schedules. Savoya’s positioning is therefore more corporate and high-touch. It is suited to clients who require managed service, detailed coordination, and executive-level reliability. In a market increasingly shaped by apps and instant booking, Savoya reminds the industry that premium ground transportation is still, at its highest level, about trust. A New Era For Chauffeur Booking The future of chauffeur travel will not be defined by the car alone.  The Mercedes-Benz S-Class, the V-Class, the luxury SUV, and the executive sedan will remain important, but they are only part of the promise. The real competition is now in service design. Who can deliver consistency across countries? Who can support travel professionals at scale? Also, who can protect the passenger experience at airports, hotels, private terminals, and events? Moreover, who can combine digital convenience with human judgement? Limotak’s recognition as the World’s Best Chauffeur Booking Platform 2025 places it at the centre of this conversation.  Blacklane brings the strength of an established global brand. Wheely brings the elegance of a luxury city specialist.  LUXY represents the modern digital premium transport space. Savoya continues to serve the executive travel market with precision. Together, they show that chauffeur service has entered a new phase. It is no longer simply about getting from one place to another. It is about arriving well.

BY  Sibashree Sep 18, 2025

A proposal can be a very dramatic event. And it deserves to be: this is a grand, life-defining gesture, and, if you’re the one posing the question, you’ll want the moment to be as magical as possible. Perhaps the most significant factor of all is the setting. While a good solitaire engagement ring is a key consideration, it’s your surroundings that you’ll remember when you reflect on the moment, years from now. The good news is that the world is filled with inspiring places. Many of which will provide a sense of grandeur that you find extremely helpful. Let’s run through some of the best of them. What Are The Best Places To Plan A Destination Proposal? Know The Classical Locations And The Hidden Gems Do you remember the dreamy Ramona Agruma and Rebel Wilson proposal at Disneyland? José Bastón also proposed to Eto va Longoria during a vacation in Dubai. And the list continues… A destination proposal beautifully blends the leisure activities of a vacation with romance. Do you also want to plan an unforgettable marriage proposal for the love of your life?  Check out these best places to plan a destination proposal.   1. United States, Timeless Locations You don’t have to look any further than the United States if it’s inspiration you’re looking for. There are options to suit couples of every taste and inclination.  Do you want an urban proposal? Perhaps as part of a visit to a major city? Then you might look at Baker Beach in San Francisco or Central Park in New York City.  For some, a natural backdrop might be better: the Grand Canyon is an obvious choice, as is Napa Valley, in California. 2. Europe, Romance, and History The so-called Old World can provide a sense of depth and history that the United States can’t match.  Plus, if you’re American, you might be looking for something a little more unfamiliar and exotic. The iconic canals of Venice or Amsterdam might be a great place to start. Many proposals have been made while drifting across the water in these places.  There are also historic city centers, like those of Prague, Paris, and Berlin. Many of these places have romantic connotations of their own, and, by choosing them as a venue for your proposal, you can take advantage of those associations.  If you’re enjoying a candlelit dinner in view of the Eiffel Tower, then the temptation to get down on one knee might be overwhelming. 3. Hidden Gems & Underrated Locales On the other hand, you might prefer to shun the big cities and the obvious (or even cliché) destinations. You may think of something a little more secluded and obscure.  Certain smaller towns, or parks, or stretches of woodland, might have a personal significance for you. Or, they might appeal to your wallet. What’s important is that you don’t feel that you have to visit the same popular destinations as everyone else. You don’t even need to spend a certain amount for your proposal to have value. 4. Romantic Beaches & Coastal Escapes When you’re looking for inspiration and mental refreshment, a trip to the beach is always a good bet. The crash of surf, the salty tang of the sea air, and the beauty of the sunset! These are all the sorts of things that great proposals are made from. In the United States, there are many beaches to consider. Kauna’oa Beach in Hawaii, or La Jolla Shores in San Diego, might be great candidates. 5. The Wilderness Of Africa Did you know that Bollywood star Ranbir Kapoor proposed to Alia Bhatt at the Masai Mara? Such a unique choice, right? This huge natural reserve in Southwestern Kenya is home to elephants, leopards, rhinos, buffalo, and lions, or the big five.  Furthermore, the place, getting its name from the original inhabitants, the Masai people, also helps you experience a unique culture and a specific way of living in close contact with nature.  You can enjoy wildlife safaris at the Masai Mara, and a hot air balloon ride can be the most romantic experience here. Imagine you both enjoying a hot air balloon ride, and when the balloon is soaring high, you take out a ring and propose to your beau.  Magic is made like this! 6. The Magical Middle East  Dubai is the location where José Bastón proposed to Eto va Longoria. Also, if you want a good mix of tradition and modern amenities, Dubai is one of the best places to plan a destination proposal in the Middle East.  Dubai also allows you to indulge in the best adventures and romantic outdoor activities. If you love a serious adrenaline rush, you can take your S/O on a desert safari and propose to them during a candlelight dinner under the stars.  Furthermore, if you want a touch of luxury, you can plan a private yacht cruise in Dubai accompanied by a sunset dinner. You can enjoy the beauty of water and the surrounding landmarks while uttering the three magical words.  Also, do you want to propose to your love mid-air? Why don’t you go for a romantic helicopter tour or a hot air balloon ride?  Moreover, you can keep it simple yet memorable by choosing the Burj Khalifa, Dubai Miracle Garden, or Dubai Fountain as the destination for the proposal.  With all the excitement for the day culminating in a romantic proposal, you can enjoy a relaxing massage at a lavish spa in Dubai and indulge in the ultimate relaxation.  How To Choose The Best Places To Plan A Destination Proposal?  What do you and your partner prefer? Something grand or an intimate moment that will stay in your memory forever? Also, does your partner prefer outdoor locations or adventures, or are they more comfortable in a luxurious indoor setting?  Consider all these questions when you are trying to find out the best places to plan a destination proposal.  Furthermore, if your significant other enjoys the joy of little things and moments, you can choose the place you first visited as a couple for the proposal. With a sincere “Yes” awaiting your proposal, I wish you “Love Forever!”