Devon Falls, Nuwara Eliya: Know The Timings, Entry Fee, Experience, How To Reach And More

BY  Sibashree Mar 26, 2026

Planning a day trip from Tokyo? Mount Fuji is the most obvious destination for such a trip.  But do you know how to travel for a Mt Fuji day trip from Tokyo and why it is so special?  Let’s find all the details in this blog.  Why Is A Mt Fuji Day Trip From Tokyo Special? Is It Overhyped? The volcanic mountain, Mount Fuji, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Furthermore, the Fuji Five Lakes area in Kawaguchiko offers amazing scenic views.  Though a rewarding day trip, these days it is often overhyped by Instagram and other social media platforms.  In most of the pictures, you will find a half-snowy Mount Fuji with its stunning landscape.  However, you have to remember that Mount Fuji is also called the “Shy Mountain.” True to its name, it is only visible around 70-80 days in a year.  That is why it is very important to plan the Mt Fuji day trip from Tokyo at the right time.  Do you think the summer months are the best for visiting Mount Fuji? You are making a mistake.  In fact, the summer months are the most humid and the rainiest in Japan.  So, clouds and mist make Mount Fuji rarely visible. Thus, winter months, which are also drier, are the best for a Mt Fuji day trip from Tokyo.  Climbing And Touring Mt Fuji: Which One Is Better?  If you are planning to climb Mount Fuji, you will need at least 2 days for the trip from Tokyo.  However, if you want to take a tour of the mountain from the surroundings, it can be completed comfortably in a day.  So, here is a comparison of climbing Mt Fuji vs. taking a tour of Mount Fuji.  1. Climbing Up Mount Fuji  A sunrise trek to Mount Fuji is very popular, and you will find multiple stations on the trek route.  Furthermore, climbing up the mountain is no easy task, and it takes 5 to 10 hours to complete this high-altitude trek.  Though the Yoshida Trail, among the four trails leading to the summit, is beginner-friendly, you still need training, proper gear, and preparation to complete the trek.  2. Taking A Tour Of Mount Fuji  This is the usual option for regular tourists. You will visit the Fuji Five Lakes and beautiful villages on the way.  Also, if the weather conditions are good, you will get a good view of Mount Fuji.  How To Travel For A Mt Fuji Day Trip From Tokyo?  Yes, you can take a car on rent for a Mt Fuji day trip from Tokyo. However, Japan is famous for its trains.  It also has a well-managed bus network.  So, for a local experience and budget-friendly travel, these are the best options you can opt for.  1. Mt Fuji Day Trip From Tokyo By Train Japan Railway (JR) has a limited express train service called the Fuji Excursion Train. The train runs between the Shinjuku Station and the Kawaguchiko stations and the Mount Fuji Station is between them. The Shinjuku Station is at a distance of about 5 km from Tokyo City.  The train ride takes about 1 hour and 54 minutes, and the ticket price is ￥600 for adults and 400 for children.  Check out the timings of trains from Shinjuku Station and Kawaguchiko, and when they reach the Mount Fuji Station.  I have enlisted the timings for the weekdays. Train timings differ on weekends and holidays (Source: Fujikyu Railway).  Table 1: Train From Shinjuku Railway Station To Mt Fuji  DepartureArrival 7:30 AM9:23 AM8:30 AM10:21 AM9:30 AM11:23 AM10:30 AM12:19 PM11:34 AM1:25 PM Table 2: Train From Kawaguchiko Railway Station To Mt Fuji DepartureArrival 2:08 PM2:16 PM2:58 PM3:06 PM3:39 PM3:47 PM4:48 PM4:56 PM5:41 PM5:49 PM You can directly book the train ticket from the online reservation service of the Japan East Railway. You can also buy a Japan Railway Pass for similar excursions.  Mt Fuji Day Trip From Tokyo By Bus You can also plan a Mt Fuji day trip from Tokyo by bus. Take the Mt. Fuji Highway Bus from the Shinjuku bus stop and get off at the Mount Fuji 5th Station.  Also, the travel time is about 2 hours and 25 minutes.  Furthermore, the ticket price is 3800 JPY for adults and 1900 JPY.  Moreover, you can book the ticket online from Highway-buses.jp.  How To Explore Mount Fuji? You can explore Mount Fuji in a car. However, it is super expensive and costs up to JPY 15000-20000 JPY a day.  Furthermore, if you are planning to drive in Japan, you will need a 1949 International Driving Permit (IDP) as an international tourist.  Overall, it is a lot of hassle.  So, you can choose the bus services available in Mount Fuji to travel in and around the area.  1. Fujikyu Or Omnibuses You can book the Fujikyu Omnibus sightseeing pass for 1 day or 2 days. The pass for 1 day costs 1500 JPY, and for two days, it costs 2000 JPY.  Moreover, these bus services operate in three lines: the Red Line, Blue Line, and Green Line.  So, check your itinerary first and the places you want to explore before boarding a bus.  2. Climbers Bus Are you planning to climb up Mount Fuji? Then, you can plan to take this bus service. However, many of these services are seasonal, and here are the details.  Moreover, these buses depart from the 5th Station and circle the mountain.  Climber Bus RouteLineSeasonal Availability Fuji Subaru Line 5th StationM-LineEverydaySubhasiri 5th Station Q-LineSummer SeasonGotemba New 5th StationZ-LineSummer SeasonFujinomiya 5th StationL-LineSummer Season 3. Bus-Boat Kaba This is a special bus service on water. You can board the bus-boat Kaba and cruise through Lake Yamanaka.  Furthermore, in usual seasons, the ticket price is 3800 JPY for adults, 1900 JPY for children, and 500 JPY for infants. Prices can further go up in the peak tourist season.  Moreover, on weekdays, the bus boat services will run from 11:30 AM, 1:10 PM, 14:00 PM, and 15:40 PM from 1st April, 2026.  On weekends, there are additional services (along with the usual times) at 9:50 AM, 12:20 PM, 2:50 PM, and 4:30 PM.  Moreover, from April to September, there is a bus service at 5:20 PM on weekends.  5. Local Route Bus  You will get buses departing from Mt Fuji and Kawaguchiko Stations to Fujinomiya, Shin-Fuji Station, Kofu, Isawa Onsen, Mishima, and Gotemba.  What Is The Best Time To Plan A Mt Fuji Day Trip From Tokyo? The winter months are ideal for visiting Mount Fuji. Dry weather conditions and a lack of humidity in the air make it ideal for visiting Mount Fuji. Furthermore, spring and autumn months are ideal for a Mt Fuji day trip from Tokyo. These months coincide with the cherry blossom season in Japan and the autumn foliage. Read Also: Tokyo To Hokkaido Distance: Know About Various Modes Of Transportation Are You Planning A Trip To Osaka? This Is Your Quintessential Guide Best Places To Travel Around The World And To See Flowers

BY  Sibashree May 4, 2026

Once you cross the massive bay of Weligama, you will find many hidden beaches and coves on the south-western coast.  There is a stretch that goes through small inlets and has beautiful golden sands. These inlets with coconut palms are called Midigama collectively.  While Midigama will win your heart with its quaint beauty at first glance, it is more popular as a surfing spot for intermediates.  It is no less than a treasure hunt with unexplored reefs and secret waves.  Moreover, the surf spots of the Midigama Beach, such as Lazy Left or Ahangama, are diverse and unique in the experience they offer.  However, a local professional surfer confided that the Coconuts are the best surfing spot if you already have some skills.  Hi, are you planning a trip to Midigama Beach anytime soon? Read this blog to know about the location, surfing sports, and more about this beautiful beach.  Where Is Midigama Beach?  The cluster of beaches, known as the Midigama Beach, is between Weligama and Ahangama, a popular beach town and surfing spot.  Furthermore, the beach spans an area of 6 kilometers, including the clusters of inlets.  The best and most budget-friendly way to reach Midigama. It is a train ride of around 3 hours and 15 minutes, and the ticket cost me around Rs. 240.  I took the train from Colombo Fort at 6:15 PM and reached Midigama at 9:25 PM, and the ticket price was Rs 550 for the second class.  Where To Surf On Midigama Beach? I have already shared that the surfing spots in Midigama are diverse. So, the size, the type of breaks, and the surfing style will be different from one surfing location to another.   So, here are the surfing spots everyone loves.  1. Ahangama Ahangama, on the northwest of Midigama, has been a popular surfing hub for the last few years.  It has many surf camps and bars, and its reef breaks are excellent for beginners and mid-level surfers.  Kabalana Beach is the best place to start your surfing expedition here.  2. Ram’s Right  Ram’s Right is the toughest surf break in the region, and you really need to make a quick surfing start.  Furthermore, the barrel sections make it fascinating. Also, you really need to look out for sea urchins here.  3. The Combination Of Lazy Right And Lazy Left  These two offer secure reef brakes, and Lazy Left is slightly harder to surf than Lazy Right.  So, Lazy Right is more suitable for beginners. Here, a surfer can enjoy cruisy rides where the surf breaks over a deep reef.  4. Plantations  It is very close to Weligama, and it is an ideal surfing spot for intermediates.  The entry point is an opening in the rock by the Plantation Surf Inn.  Furthermore, the reef here is deep, and surfing usually continues in the right direction and a few lefts.  5. Coconuts  Coconuts is the place where you will enjoy the classic Sri Lankan reef surfing experience.  Here, you can surf right and left, and the breaks are on both ends of the beach.  However, the east end of the beach is choppier.  6. Weligama Once you are done surfing at Coconuts, you can take a short tuk-tuk ride to Weligama.  Furthermore, with a sandy bottom, it is an ideal surfing destination for beginners.  What Are The Places To Visit Near Midigama Beach?  If you are done surfing, you can explore the historic Galle Fort and the hedonistic Mirissa Beach.  1. Mirissa Beach Mirissa Beach turns into the most Hedonistic place in Sri Lanka in the evening.  The bars here offer amazing happy hour offers. So, you will find the cheapest chilled beer in Sri Lanka here.  2. Galle Fort Galle Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is just 25 km away from Midigama Beach.  It is one of the best examples of a European fortified city in South and South-East Asia.  Enjoy climbing up the rampart and having a walk from one corner to another, admire the architecture, and enjoy the 360-degree view of Galle.  Watching the sunset from the top of the fort is also a magical experience.  What Is The Best Time For Surfing In Midigama Beach?  Like all other beaches on the southern coast of Sri Lanka, November to April is the best time to visit Midigama Beach.  Regular storms and high rainfall are the main forces hitting the beach in this season.  Furthermore, when you are planning to surf in Midigama beach, pick early morning or late evening as the time as the winds pick up speed later in the day.  Where To Eat In Midigama Beach?  The main beach of Midigama and the place near the Coconuts have many cool eating places.  Contrary to Ahangama, the Midigama Beach exudes a hipster energy.  If you are looking for a local experience where you will also get some cultural insights, you can visit Sandaru Restaurant.  It is a family-run restaurant, and here you can eat kottu, rice, curry, and other local delicacies.  Another excellent place for trying local delicacies here is the Shirani Home Made Rice & Curry near the Coconut Beach.  Here, you will find the best rice-vegetable combos.  Where To Stay For Surfing At Midigama Beach?  You can stay at the really cool hostels near the Lazy Left if you want to surf at Midigama Beach.  However, if you are traveling with family and you are looking for comfort, Naomi Beach Hotel, the best surfing hotel in Sri Lanka, will be your ideal choice.  It has a stunning infinity pool, and the on-site bar is perfect for chilling after a surfing session.  Moreover, it is close to the Coconuts, for me, the best surfing spot in Midigama Beach.  Also, Surfing Wombats is another place to stay in Midigama for surfing. I can stay here simply because of the pizza they serve.  Furthermore, it is a short walk from the Lazy Left and Lazy Right surfing spots.  Also, if you want to be a part of the surfing camps in Midigama Beach, you must take a tuk-tuk to Weligama, and you will find many reputable surfing camps there.

BY  Sibashree Apr 1, 2026

A wide array of geological diversity can be found throughout Sri Lanka,  Galle Fort is an example of one of these "anomalous" or "atmospheric" geographical locations. It's an ancient walled city "planted" in the humid tropical climate of these islands' eastern coastlines. Moreover, walking into the gates of the Fort feels like entering another era.  Also, it will engage your senses. Indulge in the aromas such as wood burning to produce heat for cooking, Ceylon tea being brewed, and the salty smell of the Indian Ocean.  You'll see and feel the blending of multiple cultures and religions, all coming together to produce a brightly colored blend of coloniality.  The site was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1988.  The fort is a living museum that started as a Portuguese fortification during the 16th Century. Further, it was heavily fortified and redesigned by the Dutch and English. Because of this layered history, Galle is blessed with the most unique accommodation landscape in Sri Lanka. So, here are the best hotels in Galle to stay. The Best Luxury Hotels In Galle: Celebrating The Heritage For those seeking a deep dive into the "Golden Age" of Galle, these properties offer more than just a bed.  They offer a sensory journey through time. 1. The Fort Bazaar If you would like to be a modern merchant, The Fort Bazaar is the place to go!  It is situated on Church Street in a renovated 17th-century building into a stylish boutique hotel.  Although it has all the style and elegance of a classic Dutch house on the outside, inside you will find a distinctly Middle Eastern feel. You will find patterned tiles, arched walkways, and large, airy courtyards.  This hotel is unique in that it combines high-end luxury and the feeling of “home away from home”. 2. Thambili House By Edwards Collection Thambili House holds supreme value for privacy.  The 300-year-old villa in which Thambili House is located was constructed by a spice merchant and has been lovingly restored.  What really makes this property unique is its location.  Moreover, you can sit at the outdoor pool on the West side of the property and watch the Sun set in the southern Indian Ocean. Also, the interiors are a treasure trove of 16th to 18th-century antiques, making it feel less like a hotel and more like a private estate. 3. The Fort Printers The Fort Printers is truly a designer's paradise.  Once an 18th-century mansion (and then a printing company), it has been transformed into an elegant boutique hotel with a minimalist design approach.  The color scheme is a relaxing combination of warm tones along with the use of customised timber features throughout. It's both subtle and low-key, and yet highly elegant. 4. The Charleston Hotel, Galle Fort The Charleston, a newcomer in 2023, is in a 15th-century building and is attracting a modern, true culture.  It is geared towards the modern-traditionalist. It is for someone who wants to know the gods of the Fort (Charleston), and to enjoy the sleekness of an international metropolitan destination. The Terrace Rooms have direct access to lush tropical gardens.  Moreover, the Courtyard Rooms have a larger area with a view of the historic ramparts around the Fort.  Also, the Rooftop Terrace is a great place to enjoy a sunset cocktail at the Fort with a view of the entire Fort (360 degrees). 5. Taru Villas Rampart Street This place is ideal if you want to be close to the fort's buzz but still enjoy quiet moments.  You can walk through the alleys and visit museums during the day, then return to your private pool and cozy lounge at night.  The architecture is bold and mixes old colonial styles with modern touches. 6. Le Grand Galle And Tamarind Hill (By Asia Leisure)  These two are different from most of my selections because they are outside the Fort walls.  Le Grand Galle sits just beyond the fort walls, right on the ocean.  It's a full five-star stay with a top-tier spa for relaxing after dining.  Tamarind Hill is quieter, tucked back from the noise. It looks like a historic manor with classic decor and traditional service. Plus, it seems hard to ignore how polished both feel. What Are The Best Mid-Range Hotels In Galle? Being mid-range in Galle does not necessarily refer to "average.”  There, mid-range are already mansions that are historic, with prices, to some extent, more accessible.  1. Galle Fort Hotel The Galle Fort Hotel was originally a residence of a gem merchant. Today, it is an 11-suite boutique property that has won numerous awards for its sensitive restoration.  The highlight is a magnificent and magical pool, which acts as the main area of the mansion.  It is eccentric, varied, and closely associated with the artistic history of the town.  2. The Bartizan The Bartizan occupies a Dutch building from the early 17th century and, by the name alone, it focuses on its "fortress" aspect.  The hotel has been brought up to date with several changes. Still, the thick stone walls and narrow windows remind one of its history as a defensive structure.  The courtyard faces the Fort's outline and the sea, giving you a view of the walls and the sea.  3. Yara Galle Fort Yara is a comfort-oriented "homey" type of place.  The Dutch colonial architecture is on point at Yara, yet the atmosphere is much friendlier and less formal than the top-end luxury ones.  The bathrooms are really something light, trendy, and pretty large, surprisingly for a heritage building. 4. Mango House  If you are looking for a place that boasts a "hip" vibe rather than merely being "historic, " Mango House is the one.  It is a mix of Dutch colonial style with European and Asian accents.  The secluded courtyard with its tropical greenery brings in the light and creates a youthful and fresh feeling that is hard to resist.  Authentic And Affordable: What Are The Best Budget Hotels In Galle? Just because you want to stay on a budget in Galle doesn't mean that you have to dwell in a concrete box outside the town. You can find several jewels within the Fort that, besides being charming, don't come with a heavy price.  1. Arches Fort You can enjoy staying in this villa as it has nine nicely decorated rooms.  Furthermore, it has all the features like wooden floors, large-sized beds, and attached bathrooms. All these make it your best "value for money" option in the area. 2. Shoba Traveller's Tree  It is not merely a roof over one's head. Instead, it is a cultural immersion.  Shoba, being a homestay, unveils the mythic Sri Lankan generosity of spirit.  It may not feature all the "luxury" amenities of a five-star hotel, but it certainly has a big heart.  Moreover, the community lounge is an amazing place where one can meet new people and exchange stories over a pot of tea. 3. Iffa House And Secret Garden Iffa House is an inexpensive comfort that recognizes the significance of air conditioning in the muggy tropical climate. I Also, it's quite close to the Historical Mansion Museum, making it a superb jumping-off point for the adventurous. Secret Garden, on the other hand,  is a 3-star oasis right in the heart of the Fort.  Besides a buffet breakfast every day, it boasts a small lounge bar and a large outdoor terrace where one can enjoy the fresh air and the gorgeous view. 4. Southern Comforts Do you want to leave the main tourist landmarks just minutes away? This guest house is a type of lodging that offers allergy-friendly accommodations and soundproof windows.  Moreover, it is a simple, dependable option for those who want to have a peaceful sleep in the middle of a lively historical town. Read Also: What Are The Things To Do In Sri Lanka? Beaches, Cities, Rocks, Wildlife And Colonial Architecture What Are The Things To Do In Ella, Sri Lanka? A Narrative Of My Days In Ella Hiriketiya Beach, Sri Lanka: Location, How To Reach, Things To Do And More