Why Is Dickwella Beach Surfing, Turtles, Nightlife And Other Activities Worth It?

BY  Sibashree Sep 7, 2026

I visited the Gal Oya National Park in 2022, and after a few months of being back in my country, I got a call from my friend in Sri Lanka.  It was December, and he shared the news published on the Daily Mirror Online, which mentioned the threats of illegal mining to the flora and fauna of the national park.  I felt numb, as this was not the Gal Oya National Park I visited. Even if Sri Lanka has icons such as the Yala National Park, for me Gal Oya offered the most remarkable encounters with elephants.  For the first time, I did a safari from a boat, drifting quietly across open water while a herd of elephants waded between islands ahead of us. There was no engine noise to spook them, no queue of vehicles, just the reservoir, the herd, and the sound of water. It felt more like a secret that Sri Lanka preserves so dearly, not a national park.  Gal Oya National Park At A Glance DetailInformationLocationAmpara District, Eastern Province, Sri LankaEstablished1954AreaApproximately 25,900 HectaresCentrepieceSenanayake Samudraya, the Largest Reservoir in Sri LankaKnown forBoat Safaris and Elephants Swimming between IslandsWildlife32 Recorded Mammal Species, including Elephants, Leopards, and Sloth Bears150+ Bird SpeciesBest time to visitDry Season, Roughly May to SeptemberDistance from ColomboAround 300 KM,  Roughly 6 Hours by Road A Reservoir-Built Park With A History Tied To Irrigation The history of the Gal Oya National Park goes back to 1954. It was built to protect the Senanayake Samudraya. This newly constructed reservoir, the largest in Sri Lanka, was part of a major post-independence irrigation scheme in the dry zone of Sri Lanka.  The scale of the reservoir made my boat ride in the park all the more fascinating. It is just open water with forests around.  So, the jeeps on the dusty tracks are replaced by the boats on the serene water.  The landscape around the reservoir was more varied than I expected from a dry-zone park. Forested Hills! Savannah Grassland! Also, there were rocky outcrops that locals call turtleback formations.  Moreover, low grasslands all sit within the park's boundaries, alongside historical sites like the Digha Vapi Dagoba and the Henebedde cave. Wildlife And The Swimming Elephants The most fascinating experience in Gal Oya was watching wild elephants swimming between the reservoir’s islands.  They were moving in search of fresh grazing as water levels dropped in the dry season.  Beyond elephants, the park has around 32 mammal species, including: Leopards Sloth Bears Grey Langurs Endemic Toque Macaque. Also, the park, though not as fascinating as Bundala, has more than 150 species of birds. I could spot the following ones. Painted Storks Ospreys Endemics like the red-faced Malkoha and Sri Lanka spurfowl. I could also spot crocodiles and water monitors along the reservoir's edges. How To Reach Gal Oya National Park? You can take a drive from Colombo to reach Gal Oya National Park via Ampara. The distance is around 300 km, and the journey takes around 6 hours by road.  However, staying in Ampara Town as the base or finding a lodge close to the park’s boat safari jetty is a more reasonable move.  Also, Gal Oya National Park is a natural inland detour from the east-coast surf town, Arugam Bay, roughly 2 to 2.5 hours away. Again, if you are traveling from Kandy, it is 4-5 hours by road via Mahiyangana. So, Gal Oya is a workable stop on a route heading toward the east coast. Gal Oya Entrance And Boat Safari Costs (2026) On top of the park entrance fee, the boat safari itself is typically arranged and priced separately, usually through your lodge or a licensed operator. Remember that access to the reservoir's boats isn't managed the same way jeep permits are at other parks. Also, the boat safari costs around LKR 6000 to LKR 8000.  CategoryApproximate Cost (2026)Foreign Adult (12+)USD 12Foreign Child (6–12 Years)USD 6Foreign Children under 6 Years FreeSAARC NationalsUSD 10 for AdultsUSD 5 for Children between 6 and 12 YearsFree for Children below 6 YearsLocals Adults: LKR 60Children from 6 to 12 Years: LKR 30Children below 6 Years: FreeStudents: LKR 20Boat SafariLKR 6000-8000 A One-Day Gal Oya Itinerary A day at Gal Oya has a different rhythm from most Sri Lankan national parks because here the safari is on a boat and not a jeep.  Here is a structure that works well if you're based near Ampara or the park's eastern lodges. TimeActivity5:30 - 6:30 AMEarly transfer to the boat jetty on Senanayake Samudraya6:30 - 9:30 AMMorning boat safari.It is the best window for elephant sightings near the shoreline. 9:30 - 10:30 AMReturn to lodge for breakfast.10:30 AM - 12:30 PMOptional short trek or visit to the Henebedde cave/Digha Vapi Dagoba area.12:30 - 2:30 PMLunch and rest during the hottest part of the day.4:00 - 6:30 PMEvening boat safari for a second wildlife window and sunset over the reservoir. What Are The Practical Tips For Visiting The Gal Oya National Park?  Boats and slots are more limited than jeep availability at bigger parks. Bring a hat, sunscreen, and a light waterproof layer. Pack a zoom lens or good binoculars as elephant sightings are often across open water rather than at close range on a jeep track. Stay two nights if you can, so you get both a morning and an evening boat safari rather than just one. Combine with Arugam Bay or Ampara for a fuller east-coast itinerary. What Is The Best Time To Visit Gal Oya National Park? May to September, or the dry season, is the best time to visit Gal Oya National Park.  In the dry season, the water level of the reservoir drops. So, all the animals, especially the elephants, concentrate near the remaining islands and water.  Thus, the sight of swimming elephants is more common in this national park than anywhere else in Sri Lanka.  This season is also ideal for birdwatching in Sri Lanka, as migratory and resident species settle around the shrinking waterline.

BY  Sibashree Mar 24, 2026

Ancient Temples! Colonial Architecture! The Serene Kandy Lake! Beautiful Gardens! And, the Bustling Crowd! All these and more things to do in Kandy make it the cultural and historical capital of Sri Lanka.  And this time, it’s about the Colombo to Kandy distance.  It is now more important to know about the modes of travel because Cyclone Ditwah has devastated the Sri Lankan railway infrastructure, including the Colombo to Kandy route.  So, explore the options.  What Is The Colombo To Kandy Distance? The distance between Colombo and Kandy is around 121 km. The travel time by road through the Kandy Road is around 3 hours and 30 minutes.  However, the travel time will depend on the mode of transport you choose.  So, here is a quick summary. Modes of Transfer from Colombo to KandyTravel Time By Car3 Hours and 30 MinutesBy Train2.5 to 3.5 HoursBy BusAbout 4 Hours Furthermore, from Kandy, you can enjoy the most scenic train ride on the Colombo-Kandy-Ella-Badulla railway through the Nine-Arch Bridge.  Also, Kandy is well-connected to Habarana by train. And Habarana is the gateway to cultural attractions such as the Sigiriya Rock and Ritigala Forest Monastery.  You can even go on a wildlife safari from Kandy to the Kaudulla National Park. How To Travel From Colombo To Kandy?  You can travel from Colombo to Kandy by bus, private transfer, or train. Here are the details.  1. How To Travel From Colombo To Candy By Train? Unfortunately, the Colombo to Kandy train route is still under renovation. So, if you are traveling to Sri Lanka anytime soon, you will not be able to take the train service.  However, according to a report published on Adaderana.lk, a leading 24x7 news portal of Sri Lanka, the train service on this route will resume within 1 year.  In this report dated 11th January, 2026, Prasanna Gunasena, the Deputy Minister of Transport and Highways, has further confirmed that the authority is taking every possible measure to restore the services.  2. What Is The Colombo To Kandy Bus Service? The Colombo to Kandy bus service operates from the Colombo Bastian Mawatha Bus Terminal to the Kandy Good Shed Bus Station.  Bus services are available every 30 minutes, and the travel time by these buses is around 4 hours.  Furthermore, the ticket for the public bus services from Colombo to Kandy costs about 157 LKR, and the tickets for the AC buses can cost close to 3000 LKR.  Also, the public bus service from Colombo to Kandy (Route No: 1) starts from 3:30 AM and the last bus departs at 11 PM.  3. Private Transfers From Colombo To Kandy  Starting from my days in Jaffna to now, this Colombo to Kandy journey, I have always opted for budget-friendly modes of transport in Sri Lanka.  However, if budget is not a constraint for you, you can choose a private transfer from the Sri Lankan capital to the cultural epicenter.  The private rental for this route will cost you around 9000-13000 LKR, and you will also find many online options.  Moreover, if you want the safest option to travel between Colombo and Kandy by road, you can opt for the Uber service.  Yes, it is expensive as the services start from around 48000 LKR, and it is the price for the Uber Go Intercity rentals.  The Uber Sedan Intercity and the UberXL Intercity services cost even more.  What Is The Best Time For A Colombo To Kandy Trip?  Kandy’s central location in Sri Lanka’s highlands gives it a cooler and wetter climate compared to the surrounding lowland coasts.  Plan your trip to Kandy during the right time of the year to get the most out of your visit. The Best Time To Visit  The best time to visit Kandy is between the months of January and April due to the warm temperature and low humidity.  This time frame has the least amount of rain, which is essential for planning out sightseeing activities. The Monsoons The climate of this region is heavily influenced by the monsoon seasons.  The unpredictable weather can be a challenge during the months of May to July and October to December.  A visit in November has the advantage of having fewer tourists compared to other months; however, consistent rain can make visiting outdoor attractions difficult. Important Travel Advice Kandy is extremely busy during the Sinhalese New Year, which occurs twice a year in April.  Avoid traveling during this week as all public and road travel will be extremely congested due to the celebratory travel of the locals.  This will create a frustrating and overwhelming spike in logistical travel obstacles. What Are The Places To Visit On The Route From Colombo To Kandy?  The drive from Colombo to Kandy takes you on an enjoyable journey through beautiful scenery as you travel uphill from a busy, urban environment to the lush tea plantations and mountain peaks shrouded with mist.  If you plan to take this trip, there are many places where you will want to stop so that you can appreciate what is known as the "Gateway to the Hill Country." 1. The Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage The Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage is one of the best-known detention centers for orphaned elephants in the world and has been established for many years.  Now that you know the date, I recommend arriving at least 30 minutes before the start of your visit so that you can watch the elephants walk from the orphanage to the Maha Oya River to have their daily bath. 2. The Ambuluwawa Tower The Ambuluwawa Tower is a great location for Wright Brothers-style views of the area.  It is located within a short distance of Gampola. It is at a multi-religious complex, and this unique white spiral structure offers an exciting, narrow ascent with amazing 360-degree views of the entire central highlands. 3. The Kadugannawa Rock Tunnel  It is a tunnel chiseled from the rock on your way towards Kandy, and also has a legend that British soldiers cut this tunnel so that they could fulfill a prophecy.  The prophecy said that "Those who pierced the mountains will be the ones who take Kandy." 4. The Bible Rock Bible Rock is a flat-topped mountain that is shaped like an open book.  You can spot it at the Kadugannewa Pass. Dawson Tower stands atop the pass; this is a white column built to commemorate the British Engineer who created the road.

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