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BY  Sibashree Mar 31, 2026

The scent of that first Japanese temple I visited, full of damp cedar, ancient dust, and high-quality incense, immediately slowed my pulse.   The architecture felt magnetic, heavy with history that seemed to settle into your bones.   Furthermore, these temples aren't just buildings.  They've stood for centuries,  and are a part of Japan's cultural fabric.   Moreover, the connection between nature and devotion isn't just symbolic here, and it's real.   Also, every temple holds stories passed down through generations.   A single stone path or carved gate can carry centuries of meaning. You don't just walk past them. You feel their presence.  How Buddhism Shaped The Island And Each Japanese Temple   Buddhism started in India, the land I come from.  Then it moved through China and Korea before reaching Japan in the 6th century.   Now, the first official step came when King Seong of Baekje sent Sutras and a Buddha image to Emperor Kinmei.   1. The Rise Of Sects   Over time, new sects poured in from China, changing how Buddhism looked here.   Saicho brought the Tendai sect in 805.   Kukai, later called Kobo Daishi, founded the Shingon sect in 806.   Then, Zen arrived in 1191, and it shifted Japanese art, tea traditions, and samurai life.   Now, Buddhism shares space with Shinto, the local religion.   So, the two coexist side by side without conflict.   Though it's not perfect, that's how things work now.  The Architectural Layout Of A Japanese Temple   Once you enter a Japanese temple, you will find the main hall, or Hondo. Furthermore, the table below explains the other key features of a Japanese temple.  Features of a Japanese Temple Details  Pagodas •These have three to five stories.   •Furthermore, these are the repositories of sacred relics.  Lecture Halls Monks study and teach here.  Belfries These house massive bronze bells that are rung during the New Year. Cemeteries Often located on the grounds, these emphasize the Buddhist focus on the afterlife and ancestors.   What Is The Best Japanese Temple?   I cannot pick a favorite when it comes to choosing the best Japanese temple. However, these are the ones I loved visiting.   1. Kinkaku-ji (The Golden Pavilion), Kyoto  Kyoto is not just famous for its cherry blossom season. It also has the Golden Pavilion.   This is the "poster child" of Kyoto, and for good reason.   Two levels of this Zen temple have a covering of gold leaf.   Seeing its glittering reflection in the "Mirror Pond" is one of those travel moments that actually lives up to the hype.   It was originally built as a retirement villa for a Shogun, which is why it has a slightly "king-of-the-hill" air.  2. Todai-ji Temple, Nara  A visit to the Todai-Ji Temple is one of the best things to do in Nara.   Standing in front of the great Buddha Hall (Daibutsuden) makes you feel incredibly small.   The structure was once the largest wooden building ever built, and even now, at two-thirds its original size, it still stands with quiet power.   Inside, a 16-meter-tall bronze Buddha dominates the space, and it was cast in 752.  3. Senso-Ji Temple, Tokyo   As Tokyo's oldest temple, Senso-ji pulses with color and movement.   Daytime visits pull you into a sea of people.   After dark, though, the scene shifts entirely.   Vermilion walls glow warmly under lanterns, the air settles, and the five-story pagoda rises softly against the sky. That night view became my favorite moment in four days in Japan.  4. Sanbutsu-Ji Temple, Misasa  Here is a temple for the daring ones.   To get a glimpse of the inner hall, Nageiredo, I had to do a really challenging hike up Mount Mitoku.   The hall can be seen right on the cliff's face, supported on stilts over a dangerous drop.   Whenever I looked at it, I kept asking myself how 8th-century monks could have built it without falling off the mountain.  Besides, this "National Treasure" might even have to stand up to a scene in an Indiana Jones movie.   5. Tenry-Ji Temple, Kyoto   This temple is right in the heart of the Arashiyama district and is also famous for its garden.   The landscaped grounds of the 14th century surround the central pond walkways.   It was cherry blossom season when I dropped by. The view of the weeping cherry trees against the forested mountain is a picture I still take out whenever I am stressed.  6. Kongobu-Ji Temple, Koyasan  For a deeply immersive experience, head to Mount Koya.   Kongobu-ji, the main temple of Shingon Buddhism, houses the largest rock garden in Japan.   The granite rocks have been carefully arranged to depict dragons arising from a sea of clouds. It's an excellent venue for peaceful meditation.  7. To-Ji Temple, Kyoto  While there are other things to see in To-ji, its five-story pagoda is the main draw.   At 57 meters high, it is not only the tallest in Japan but also a city landmark.   Plus, when it is lit up at night in spring, it appears like a golden light rising from amidst the cherry trees.  What Are The Best Offbeat Japanese Temples?   Aside from the well-known "Golden" and "Great Buddha" temples, there are also sites to connect more closely with nature and pilgrimage traditions.   It is at these places that I experienced the most "human" contacts. I observed pilgrims dressed in white robes or witnessed monks conducting their daily rituals.  1. Daisho-In Temple, Miyajima  While most tourists to Miyajima are attracted by the floating torii gate, Daisho-in, situated at the base of Mount Misen, is the island's true spirit.   The most memorable feature? The 500 Rakan figures. Each one has an entirely different face. So, some are laughing, some are grumpy, and some look like they're whispering a secret.  2. Seiganto-Ji Temple, Nachisan  There is probably no other place on the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage that has been as pictured as this one.   You have a vivid red pagoda in the front, and Nachi Falls is the highest waterfall in Japan, thundering down in the background.   It is a wonderful site where the noise of the water and the quietness of the temple together form an ideal spiritual harmony.  3. Zenko-Ji Temple, Nagano  The temple sits in Nagano, a town that grew around it.   This is where Japan first received a Buddhist statue.   Though the statue itself isn't visible, you can walk into a pitch-black tunnel under the altar.   The goal? Try to touch the "Key to paradise." It's creepy, but there's something real about it. A genuine cultural moment.  4. Horyu-Ji Temple, Nara  Located just outside Nara, this site holds the oldest wooden buildings still standing.   These structures date back to 607. Standing in them feels like stepping into Japan's earliest days. History lives in the wood and silence of the halls.  How To Visit A Japanese Temple Like A Local?   Visiting A Japanese temple is not just about seeing but also experiencing it.   One way to do this is through politeness, talking softly, and following a few simple etiquette rules.   You will find a large incense burner (Jokoro) at the temple entrance.   A common practice is to fan yourself with the smoke, as it is said to have medicinal effects.  1. Getting In And Praying  You'll most likely have to take off your shoes before going into a building (make sure you have stylish socks! ).   Once inside, you can go up to the altar, put a small coin in the donation box, and silently make a respectful gesture.   In contrast to a Shinto shrine, at a Buddhist temple, you shouldn't clap.   Only a silent bow with hands in the prayer position is the right way to show reverence.   2. Taking Photos In A Japanese Temple   Generally, temples are okay with you taking photos in the outdoor areas.   However, you cannot take photos inside the main worship halls where the statues are.   Also, personally, I feel that when I put my camera away and spend five minutes just sitting on the tatami mats in silence. What I get is a more vivid "picture" than any photo could ever represent.  3. The Water Purification Ritual (Temizuya)  Before you pray, take a moment to cleanse your mind and body at the Temizuya or the stone water pavilion near the entrance.   Watching a local glide through this ritual can look intimidating. However, it follows a simple, beautiful sequence using a single scoop of water.  Purify your left hand: Pick up the wooden ladle with your right hand, scoop up water, and pour a small amount over your left hand.  Purify your right hand: Switch the ladle to your left hand and wash your right hand.   Rinse your mouth: Switch the ladle back to your right hand. Pour a little water into your cupped left hand.  Then, use it to rinse your mouth softly, and spit out the water into the drainage trough beside the fountain.  Next, never put it back into the main pool. Do not drink directly from the ladle.   Clean the ladle: Tilt the ladle vertically so the remaining water runs down the handle, washing it clean for the next visitor. Place it face down.  4. The Temple Stamp (Goshuin) Tradition  If you want a physical memory of your journey that goes deeper than a digital photograph, look for the temple’s stamp office (Goshuinjo).   Before you start your trip, purchase a Goshuincho.  It is a specialized accordion-style book designed specifically for collecting sacred temple stamps.  For a small offering (usually 300 to 500 JPY), a monk or temple calligrapher will hand-ink a stunning, highly detailed page just for you.   They stamp the page in bright vermilion ink and write the temple’s name, the date of your visit, and a sacred Buddhist phrase in elegant, sweeping calligraphy.   It is a deeply respected tradition, transforming your travel itinerary into an authentic, personalized pilgrimage logbook.  Visiting Hours And Entry Fees At These Temples  Temple City Typical Hours Entry Fee  Kinkaku-ji  Kyoto  9:00 AM - 5:00 PM 500 JPY  Todai-ji  Nara  7:30 AM - 5:30 PM (seasonal)  800 JPY (Daibutsuden) Senso-ji Tokyo Grounds open 24 hours  The main hall is open from 6:00 AM - 5:00 PM.   Free Tenryu-ji Kyoto  8:30 AM - 5:00 PM  500 JPY (garden) and 300 JPY for buildings   Kongobu-ji  Koyasan 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM 1,000 JPY  To-ji   Kyoto  9:00 AM - 4:30 PM (grounds later)  500-800 JPY (varies by season, pagoda access)  Fees and hours shift seasonally.  Also, several of these temples charge extra for special exhibitions or evening illuminations during cherry blossom and autumn foliage season.  So it is worth checking the specific week you're traveling rather than relying on a fixed number.   Senso-ji is the one genuine exception on this list.  It is free and open around the clock. So, its night-time atmosphere, mentioned above, is worth planning for specifically. Read Also: Haneda Vs Narita: Which Tokyo Airport Should You Choose For Your Next Trip? Are You Planning A Trip To Osaka? This Is Your Quintessential Guide Is an Mt Fuji Day Trip From Tokyo Worth It? How To Plan It?

BY  Sibashree Jun 3, 2026

Polonnaruwa is filled with ancient structures, shrines, and temples. So, it draws the attention of people who are interested in visiting a place of great historical importance. In this article, I will give you some important tips and talk about the places, sites, and the history of the place that drew my attention. A Brief History Of Polonnaruwa Before getting into other details, we should take a look at the history of the place. Furthermore, knowing the history of Polonnaruwa will make the trip more interesting. Polonnaruwa was the second major capital of Sri Lanka, which came to prominence after the destruction of Anuradhapura in 993 AD. Moreover, it was the most important commercial and religious center of that time. Polonnaruwa reached its golden age in the 12th century under King Parakramabahu I.  The Chola Period (10th Century To 11th Century) The South Indian Chola dynasty conquered the ancient capital of Anuradhapura and made Polonnaruwa their new capital. Moreover, they renamed the city Jananathamangalam and built several Brahmanical monuments like the Siva Devale temple. Furthermore, the Cholas chose Polonnaruwa over Anuradhapura as the capital because it was positioned strategically in the heart of Sri Lanka. Additionally, the position of the city also gave them protection against the rebellion of the Ruhunu Sinhalese kingdom. Sinhalese Golden Age (11th Century To 12th Century) The strategically positioned capital couldn't stay protected from the Sinhalese. Eventually, in 1070, the Sinhalese King Vijayabahu I defeated the Cholas and restored Sinhalese rule. He also kept Polonnaruwa as the capital of the Sinhalese kingdom. The city reached its highest glory under his successors: King Parakramabahu 1 (1153 to 1186): King Parakramabahu 1 is often called the Great. He turned the city into a beautiful garden city during his rule. Additionally, he built Vaijayanta Pasada (Royal Palace) and intricate temples like the Lankatilaka Temple. Moreover, he built a massive 25-square-kilometer artificial lake known as Parakrama Samudra to secure water for his people. King Nissanka Malla (1187 to 1196): King Nissanka Malla also tried to match his predecessors' construction projects. In trying to do so, he ended up bankrupting the kingdom. Decline And Rediscovery (13th Century Onwards) There were several invasions and turmoils going on because of which the city’s resources and administrative system collapsed in the early 13th century.  The capital moved to the southwestern side of the island, and gradually, the jungle spread through Polonnaruwa. Finally, archeologists rediscovered the ruins of Polonnaruwa in 1860, and the forgotten city stands as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Places To Visit In Polonnaruwa Polonnaruwa is a place of historical significance. The ancient structures, shrines, and temples draw the attention of visitors.  What amazed me was the well-preserved ancient remains. Moreover, I feel that a bicycle is an amazing option for traveling through the city. Places I found most amazing in Polonnaruwa are: The Gal Vihara The Gal Vihara is four giant Buddha statues, which are carved out of a large granite gneiss rock. The images consist of a large seated figure, another smaller seated figure inside an artificial cavern, a standing figure, and a reclining figure. Additionally, King Parakramabahu I fashioned this rock structure in the 12th century. Moreover, there is a story regarding this rock structure, which is one of the four statues, that isn't actually Buddha. Many people say that it is one of his grieving apprentices. The Polonnaruwa Vatadage Remaining unnoticed for several centuries, the excavation of Polonnaruwa Vatadage started in 1903. Many people believe that Parakramabahu 1 built this place to hold the relic of the tooth of Buddha. Moreover, another group of people believes that King Nissanka Malla built this place to hold the alms bowl used by Buddha. Additionally, the structure has two stone platforms decorated with stone carvings. You can enter the lower platform through a single entrance, which is facing the north. You can enter the second platform through four doorways facing four cardinal points. Hatadage Hatadage is another place that I found very fascinating. This place is found next to the Vatadage. This place holds a historical importance for tourists. Hatadage is located in the ancient city of Polonnaruwa. According to historians, King Nissanka Malla built this place. Moreover, Nissanka Malla built this place as a shrine to keep the relic of the tooth of the Buddha. Furthermore, many people say that the place holds sixty relics. I found this place very fascinating to visit. The Lankatilaka Temple The Lankatilaka Temple is another interesting place to visit. The temple is located on Panhalgala Rock in Udunuwara. Moreover, King Bhuvanekabahu 4 constructed this temple. Additionally, the temple has beautiful stonework, rock inscriptions in both Sinhala and Tamil, and a striking dragon arch. The walls of the temple reach 17 meters in height and have a large statue of Buddha. Furthermore, the design of the stairways of the temple drew my attention. Every step of the stairway is only 10 centimeters wide. So, it is difficult to climb. Moreover, with such short steps, the only way to climb down is sideways. While climbing down this manner, you won't be able to turn your back towards the statue of Buddha, which is also considered disrespectful. Rankoth Vehera Stupa The Rankoth Vehera Stupa is the largest stupa in the ancient city of Polonnaruwa. King Nissanka Malla built it. The fascinating part of the stupa is that it is built entirely of brick, and it is set upon a large square terrace. When you walk around the stupa, you will get to know how big it is. How To Go Around Polonnaruwa? There are several ways to go around Polonnaruwa. The two most convenient ways are: Bicycle According to me, the best way to see Polonnaruwa is by bicycle. Moreover, there are many ruins spread out throughout Polonnaruwa, and a bicycle will let you move freely from one place to another. Furthermore, there are many hotels and shops in Polonnaruwa from where you can rent a bicycle. Finally, renting a bicycle will make your trip convenient and budget-friendly. Tuk Tuk  Tuk-tuk is also a good option for going around in Polonnaruwa. Moreover, hiring a tuk tuk will also provide you with a driver as a guide, which is very amazing to see the ancient city. Furthermore, you should choose a tuk-tuk if you are in a hurry. Though I prefer renting a bicycle. How To Reach Polonnaruwa? I will give a few routes for Polonnaruwa with cost and travel time. You can choose the convenient one for you. From Sigiriya To Polonnaruwa Bus: Sigiriya – Inamaluwa – Polonnaruwa – Kaduruwela | After a short tuk-tuk journey from Sigiriya to Inamaluwa, jump on the bus to Kaduruwela. Cost: Tuk-tuk from Sigiriya to Inamaluwa 500 LKR, ($2.8) | Bus from Inamaluwa to Polonnaruwa 200 LKR, ($1) per person Travel time: 1.5 hours From Dambulla To Polonnaruwa Bus: Dambulla – Polonnaruwa – Kaduruwela | Take a direct bus that heads for Kaduruwela from the Dambulla Main bus stop. The bus leaves every 20-30 minutes starting from 7 am. Cost:  Bus from Dambulla to Kaduruwela – 220 LKR ($1) per person Travel time: 1.5 to 2 hours From Trincomalee To Polonnaruwa Bus: Trincomalee – Habarana – Polonnaruwa | A quite difficult journey. From Trincomalee, take a bus heading for Dambulla or Colombo. Tip: Before entering, ask if the bus driver stops in Habarana and if there is a connection to Polonnaruwa. Generally, you’ll find buses that stop in Polonnaruwa at the Habarana Junction. Cost: Bus from Trincomalee to Habarana – 120 LKR, ($0.70) | Bus from Habarana to Polonnaruwa – 80 LKR, ($0,50) Travel time: 4 hours From Colombo To Polonnaruwa Train: Colombo Fort – Polonnaruwa | A rough journey that is packed and heads out to the east coast of Sri Lanka. Personally, I recommend visiting Kandy and Sigiriya in between. Cost: 2nd class: 350 LKR ($2) per person, 3rd class: 200 LKR ($1) per person Travel time: 6.5 hours What To Eat In Polonnaruwa? In Polonnaruwa, you should always go for authentic Sri Lankan rice and curry. I will mention some of the best dishes according to my choice: Traditional Rice And Curry There are many places in Polonnaruwa where you can get an authentic Sri Lankan platter or buffet. In this platter, you will get 10 to 30 freshly made vegetable and meat curries. Moreover, this will be served on a lotus leaf. String Hoppers String hoppers are a breakfast and dinner dish. It is made of steamed rice flour noodles. Additionally, they serve it with spicy coconut sambal (Pol Sambol) and dal (Lentil) curry. Polos (Young Jackfruit) Curry It is a green jackfruit curry. It is cooked slowly and looks like meat. Additionally, they cook it with regional spices, which enhance the taste of the dish. Where To Eat In Polonnaruwa There are some places you can go to get high-quality, authentic Sri Lankan food. I will share some places that I liked. Jaga Food It is a good place you can go to have your Sri Lankan buffet prepared in a traditional clay pot. Moreover, this is a place with an excellent outdoor seating arrangement. Priyamali Gedara It serves authentic, high-quality local home-cooked curries. Tree Hut Restaurant I found this place amazing because of its blend of traditional local dishes with Chinese-inspired options.

BY  Sibashree Mar 24, 2026

Ella is one of Sri Lanka's most beautiful towns.  Also, Ella is a place where many of my favorite Sri Lankan adventures took place.  My first sighting of the famous Nine Arch Bridge! One of my first hikes at Ella Rock, standing at the edge of the roaring Diyaluma Falls, and many more!  Perhaps the most famous train ride in the world, from Kandy, passes through Ella as well. Ella is a quaint and beautiful town and is a great place to escape the heat of the southern coasts. However, over the last decade, this quaint little hamlet has become a large tourist destination.  Unfortunately, the growth has also brought some concrete eyesores to the village.  There is still plenty of magic to be discovered here, if you are willing to move beyond the Instagram hotspots. I have undertaken two comprehensive visits to this beautiful hill-country retreat. Here, I have compiled the ultimate portfolio of things to do in Ella, Sri Lanka. What Are The Things To Do In Ella, Sri Lanka?  Despite the changes in Ella, Sri Lanka, the mountain ranges are just as majestic as they were years ago. Furthermore, the tea served is still some of the finest in the world. Moreover, people here are still warm.  And the most fascinating part?  Ella always brings out the explorer in you. How can you avoid the lure of riding in an open-air train or leaning over the edge of a waterfall?  Here is more about the exciting things to do in Ella, Sri Lanka.  1. Riding The Iconic Kandy To Ella Train The Kandy to Ella train ride is the best thing you will do in Sri Lanka.  The train passes through tea plantations and crosses gushing streams.  And you cannot expect less from a route that has been labelled by many as the most picturesque train ride in the world.  However, the train ride also allows you to indulge in the local vibe. You will travel with local vendors hawking through the rush and the local boys singing and playing drums during the journey.  Also, the Nanu Oya to Ella stretch is the most beautiful in the entire route. Furthermore, don’t go for a 1st class ticket, and reserve a 3rd class ticket to enjoy the views through open windows.  2. Admiring  The Famous Nine Arch Bridge It is astonishing to think that a single bridge could drive tourists in droves to a small town. However, the Nine Arch Bridge is an engineering marvel that demands to be seen.  Standing 24 meters high and spanning 91 meters, it was completed in 1921 using only brick, rock, and cement. There is no metal at all. When the mist hangs low in the valley, the bridge takes on a moody, mystical feel.  You can walk along the tracks or look down from the tea plantations below. However, my favorite view is from the cafe platforms in the surrounding hills.  Watching the blue train slowly crawl across the arches is a sight I will never forget. 3. Hiking The Mighty Ella Rock  The hike to the Mighty Ella Rock starts from the Ella railway station. It was a walk with waterfalls and small homes on the way.  Then, the steep ascent began.  After reaching the top, you will get a beautiful view of Adam’s Peak and Ella Gap. 4. Watching Sunset At Little Adam’s Peak The hike to Little Adam’s Peak is a gentler alternative to the hike to Ella Rock.  I walked through the lush tree plantations. And once I reached the top, the panoramic view before my eyes was nothing short of a movie frame.  Plan your hike in the late afternoon to enjoy the most amazing sunset views from Little Adam’s Peak. 5. Chasing The Diyaluma Falls I started from Ella to Poonagala, the starting point for the Diyaluma Falls hike, by taking a tuk-tuk.  The tuk-tuk took 1.5 hours.  Furthermore, from Poonagala, it was a downhill hike to the Upper Diyaluma Falls, which had a 220-meter drop.  There are natural infinity pools right at the edge where you can swim during the dry season.  From the Upper Diyaluma Falls, it is another 30-minute hike to the Lower Diyaluma Falls.  6. Feeling The Mythological Connection At Ravana Falls  Ravana Falls is right by the road south of Ella.  Locals say that King Ravana took Princess Sita and hid her in the caves behind Ravana Falls.  Furthermore, you can see Ravana Falls from the road. However, it is best if you hike to the second and third tiers.  7. Taking A Seat With Sir Thomas Lipton Tea is the lifeblood of this region, and a visit to Lipton’s Seat is a journey to the source.  This is the exact spot where tea mogul Sir Thomas Lipton used to sit and survey his empire.  On a clear day, you can see all the way to the south coast. I visited the tea plantation on a foggy day. Sipping a fresh cup of Ceylon tea while the clouds swirled around the summit was incredibly atmospheric. 8. Taking A Tour Of The Dambethenne Tea Factory When you go to the high country, you must learn the actual science of the making of your brew. I visited the tea company founded by Lipton himself in 1890 and saw how it was picked, wilted, fermented, and graded. All of these were new to me as an individual who drinks a lot of tea.  About 80% of this tea is sold in Colombo and then exported around the world. I especially found the fermenting room to be extremely interesting. 9. Feel The Adrenaline Rush At Flying Ravana If you need a break from the hiking, Ella recently opened Sri Lanka’s first-ever zip-line.  It stretches half a kilometer across the hills and hits speeds of 80 km/h.  For around $20 USD, it’s one of the best value adrenaline fixes I have ever found. It’s located near the 98 Acres resort, making it a perfect way to end a trip to Little Adam’s Peak. 10. Mastering The Art Of The Curry At Ella, Sri Lanka  In my opinion, Sri Lanka has the best food (after my country, of course)! If you want to bring back a little bit of Sri Lanka to your home country, then you should try taking a cooking class.  Also, if you don’t have enough time, just try the food streets.  For me, it was a brilliant culmination of my food tour in Jaffna. Though the food in Ella is creamier and less spicy than in Jaffna.  11. Witnessing The Grandeur Of Bambarakanda Falls The Bambarakanda Falls is the tallest waterfall in the country, and it falls from a height of 241 meters.  You can take a short hike or a tuk-tuk to reach the Bambarakanda Falls from Ella.  Then, stand at the base and feel the sheer power of that vertical drop.  Moreover, to enjoy the best flow of this waterfall, plan a visit between April and September.  12. Spotting The Elephants At Udawalawe Like the Kaudulla National Park, the Udawalawe National Park is also a great place for spotting elephants in the wild.  Ella is the base for a safari in the Udawalawe National Park.  I opted for an early morning safari, and I spotted adorable baby elephants with their mothers.  Don’t Forget To Party And Chill In Ella, Sri Lanka  Like Jaffna, a backpacker’s dream, Ella has also emerged as a hub for backpackers and budget travelers.  Ella Town is still a great place to unwind, and places such as Cafe Chill are at the epicenter of these scenes.  You can have some really good burgers and Lion Beer at some of these recognized cafes.  Moreover, when you spend time at these cafes, you don’t rush from one place to another. Instead, you study the local culture and understand how a country, ridden by cyclones, endless civil wars, and financial crisis, can still be the land of sunshine.