Diyaluma Waterfall, Sri Lanka: The Eternal Memoir Of Love (Location, Hiking, And More)

BY  Sibashree Jan 6, 2026

With the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) planning to diversify the tourism offerings, Jaffna, the northernmost part, comes into the limelight. Jaffna is the place to know about the local Tamil culture and heritage of the country.  Jaffna has beautiful temples, and the Jaffna temple etiquette shows how the people here are sincere about their customs and traditions. Also, major festivals such as the Nallur Annual Festival are celebrated around the temples here.  On the other hand, the Jaffna food scene is a celebration of locally-sourced ingredients such as fresh seafood, palm flour, and roasted spices.  SLTDA is proactively improving the infrastructure without compromising the sustainability aspect. Thus, in 2026, Jaffna is going to emerge as an eco-tourism leader, which promotes its culture and heritage.  Also, during my last visit, I found Jaffna to be a rhythm. I woke up with the sound of temple bells at 5 AM and the smell of jasmine and roasted curry powder. As I crossed the Elephant Pass, it was a paradigm shift from the greens of the Sinhalese South. Suddenly, I was in a sun-drenched, rugged terrain of palmyrah palms and limestone.  The humble and soft curves of the Buddhist Stupas were replaced by the towering Gopurams of the Hindu temples.  Life moves at a gentle pace here, and everyone works together, keeping a century-old tradition and heritage alive.  In this Tour and Travel Blog, I will talk about how to experience Tamil culture in Jaffna, every day, through festivals, temple visits, and more.  How To Experience Tamil Culture In Jaffna? Reading The Streets And Daily Rituals  Taking a walk down the streets of Jaffna is the best way to learn about the local Tamil culture. And the best part is the inclusivity.  It does not matter the social strata you belong to. The customs, festivals, and temples are accessible to all. Nevertheless, these are the daily rituals and road customs that offer insights into the culture of Jaffna. 1. The Kolam (Doorstep Art) I walked along the lanes of Jaffna at dawn and saw women sweeping their doorsteps and drawing intricate geometric patterns with white rice flour. It is called the Kolam.  Kolam has deeper spiritual and environmental implications. Kolam at the doorstep is a gesture of non-violence or Ahimsa. Also, the design is made using rice flour, which ants and birds eat. Thus, the first act of the day becomes about giving.  Furthermore, during a special festival or wedding in the house, the white lines are bordered with Kaavi (red brick powder). The red lines offer spiritual protection from evil eyes.  Also, if you see a house with no Kolam for many days, it means that the family is mourning. It signifies that the rhythm of joy has paused for a certain period for the family. 2. The Pottu And Vibuthi (Forehead Markings) Pottu and Vibuthi are two different types of forehead markings, and these are the visual language of faith. a. Vibuthi (The Ash) Vibuthi means three horizontal lines drawn on the foreheads of the devotees of Shiva. It means the burning away of the ego and the impermanence of life.  Also, the followers of Lord Shiva often smear ash on their forehead after a morning temple visit.  b. The Sandalwood Paste It is a yellow dot made of sandalwood paste. Many people even smear the sandalwood paste on the entire forehead. It signifies mental clarity and cooling. c. Pottu (The Dot) Pottu, often red (vermillion), the dot symbolizes the "third eye" or the seat of Shakti (divine power). It means that a woman is married.  You will also notice black dots (with Kajal/Kohl) on the forehead of young children as a mark to ward off evil eyes.  3. The Home Visit Etiquette And Tamil Hospitality Customs The Tamil hospitality customs are warm and welcoming. However, when you visit a Jaffna home, you have to follow certain social norms.  Follow The Evil Eye Or Drishti Rule  You cannot praise the beauty and health of a child excessively when visiting their home. It is considered a bad omen or an act of jealousy. If you want to adore a child, praise them briefly and share your good wishes.  The Plate Rule Of Eating  It does not matter how much you liked the food. You cannot polish your plate. Contrary to Western culture, here, leaving a polished plate means that you are still hungry or the host failed to provide enough.  The custom is to leave a tiny, symbolic amount of food on the plate. It shows that you have been provided with an abundant amount of food. 4. Caste & Conservatism: Managing Expectations In my Jaffna travel guide, I have talked about the cultural richness of the Sri Lankan northern city. However, beyond the cosmopolitan buzz of Colombo, a socially conservative vibe reigns in this region of Sri Lanka.  So, PDA or public displays of affection, even holding hands, can draw uncomfortable stares from the older generation.  Furthermore, you cannot wear short skirts or shorts in public. Your clothing has to be modest, and usually your knees and shoulders should be covered.  Temple Culture Beyond Sightseeing: A Jaffna Cultural Guide The Nallur Kandaswamy Kovil is the majestic spiritual and cultural heart of the city. However, the village kovils or the smaller temples are the places where local communities gather, and the atmosphere is very intimate.  The Archana Basket Ritual At The Temples  You can buy a small wicker basket near the temple entrance. It contains bananas, a coconut, flowers, and betel leaves.  Once you enter the temple, you have to hand it over to the priest at the inner sanctum. He will offer the basket to the deity and chant a blessing.  Furthermore, the priest will return with a flaming lamp (Aarti). Hover your hands over the flame and then touch your eyes to receive the light’s blessing. The Temple Sound: Nadaswaram And Thavil When you are in Jaffna, you don’t have to look for music. The music will find you. The sound of Nadaswaram or a long wind instrument exudes a piercing and soulful melody.  Then, the Thavil or drum has a thundering sound, and it is heard during every major temple festival. Nallur Festival Traditions And Jaffna Festival Calendar FestivalMonthWhat to ExpectThai PongalJanuaryA harvest festival where "Pongal" (rice and milk) is boiled until it spills over, symbolizing abundance.Nallur FestivalAugustA massive 25-day celebration culminating in a grand chariot procession where thousands of men pull the deity's carriage.DeepavaliNovemberThe Festival of Lights; homes have oil lamps, and the city exudes the scent of traditional sweets. Immersive Cultural Experiences For an immersive cultural experience, you must meet a traditional weaver in Inuvil and see how artisans create the most intricate textiles on hand-operated looms from cotton and palmyrah fibers.  Also, you must give the restaurants a miss for the day. Visit a local homestay where you can have cooking lessons. Grind spices using a stone grinder or Miris Gala and feel the aroma.  Do you love Bharatanatyam Dance? Visit an art school like the Jaffna Kalai Thoothu. You can watch students rehearse this ancient, highly disciplined classical dance form. You can even join sessions such as the Vibrant Rhythms of Jaffna, where you can also try some moves.  The Authority Voices On The Jaffna Cultural Guide Anuk Arudpragasam (Booker Prize Shortlisted Author): “Jaffna is a place of memory. The culture here isn't just performed; it is held onto tightly as a way of surviving history.” (Context: Discussing the resilience of Tamil culture post-war). The "Jaffna Boy" (Local Cultural Blogger): “To know Jaffna, you must wake up before the sun. The culture lives in the sweeping of the front yard and the drawing of the Kolam before the heat sets in.” Serious Eats (Culinary Authority): “The hospitality in Jaffna is aggressive in the best way possible. You do not just 'eat' here; you are fed.” A Jaffna Cultural Guide: Know The Expert Tips  “Saptingala” or “Have you eaten?” This is the common term I have heard from the locals I encountered. Seldom have I come across a city where people are so caring, even in casual greetings.  However, it’s safe to say “Yes.” Otherwise, they will feel obligated to feed you. Apart from these gestures, some other things you need to keep in mind when you are in Jaffna. 1. Don’t Touch The Head The head is the most sacred part of the body. So, you cannot pat a child on the head. Furthermore, you cannot touch a priest or monk randomly.  2. Use Your Clean Right Hand  You have to keep your right hand clean. You must use your right hand for shaking hands, eating, giving money and gifts, and pointing.  3. Men And Shirts  You will often find older men not wearing a shirt in their house. There is nothing offensive about the custom. In the hot and humid north, it is a tradition that ensures comfort.  4. Don’t Photograph Women Bathing In Holy Places Keerimalai Springs is a holy bathing place, and local women often take a bath in sarees at public wells. You must not photograph them.  It is a daily ritual for them and not meant for any tourist show.  5. The Quintessential Jaffna Siesta  Most shops and house doors are closed between 1 PM and 4 PM. It is the Jaffna Siesta time. It once again shows how life in Jaffna moves at a different pace than the rest of the world.  6. Gold Is Security  Women in Jaffna roam around wearing massive amounts of gold jewelry. It is their financial security. Also, Thattam or the gold coin jewelry is especially famous here.  It is disrespectful if you ask a woman whether the ornaments she is wearing are real or not. It is always real.  7. The Jasmine Rule  During my stay in Jaffna, I always wore a string of fresh jasmine flowers in my hair. It was one of the reasons why I connected with the local people very quickly.  A Jaffna Cultural Guide: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Here are the frequently asked questions and answers about the Jaffna cultural guide.  1. What Is The Main Religion In Jaffna?  Hinduism is the main religion in Jaffna. Furthermore, people here are mostly devotees of Lord Shiva and Murugan. The religious beliefs of the people here impact the local culture, food, and daily rhythm. 2. Can I Shake Hands With Local Women? The Jaffna society is conservative. So, most women here will not be comfortable shaking hands with you at the first meeting. You can fold your hands and say “Vanakkam” with a smile for a perfect greeting.  3. What Language Do The People In Jaffna Speak? Tamil is the primary language in Jaffna. People here rarely speak the Sinhalese language.Furthermore, you will find people speaking in English in hotels and other facilities. However, as you explore the villages, you will find very few people speaking English.  4. Is Jaffna Culture Similar To India?  Yes, the culture of Jaffna is very similar to that of Tamil Nadu in South India. In fact, if you visit Jaffna from Colombo, you will experience a huge cultural shift. The Tamil people in Jaffna are very protective and proud of their distinct identity, cuisine, and dialect.  5. Can I Enter A Home In Jaffna If I Am Invited? Yes, it is a huge honor to visit a home in Jaffna on invitation. Just remember to take off your shoes at the gate or door. Furthermore, when you visit a home in Jaffna, you can carry flowers and sweets as gifts. You must not carry alcohol as a gift if you are visiting a home in Jaffna for the first time. 6. Why Is Vegetarian Food So Common In Jaffna?  Vegetarian food is very common in Jaffna due to the strong Hindu influence. Many locals are vegetarians here due to religious beliefs. Also, many local Tamil families here follow the custom of eating vegetarian food on Tuesdays, Fridays, and other holy days. 7. Is It Rude To Leave Food On My Plate In Jaffna? No, it is not rude to leave food on your plate when you are eating in Jaffna. In fact, when you leave a little amount of food on your plate, in Jaffna, it means that the host has served you an abundant amount of food. If you polish your plate off completely, the host may serve you another mountain of rice, considering you are not full yet. 

BY  Sibashree Mar 31, 2026

If you want to explore offbeat Japan, you can surely visit Sapporo, the capital of Hokkaido Island.   Hokkaido Island,anyway, teaches the art of slow living and slow traveling.   The scenic beauty here is amazing, the winters are snowy, and the food and beer here are amazing.   Also, it is an amazing year-round destination, and the things to do in Sapporo are as diverse as they can be.   And here are the details. However, before that, let us talk about the best time to visit Sapporo.  What Is The Best Time To Visit Sapporo?   As I have mentioned, you can visit Sapporo throughout the year. However, December to February is the best time to plan a visit.   Especially, February is the month of the winter festival in Sapporo.   Moreover, April to May is the ideal time if you want to experience the Cherry Bloosm Season from the Hokkaido Shrine and Maruyama Park.   Also, the warm and humid summer months are ideal for enjoying the “beer garden events.”   In addition, from September to November, or the autumn months, are great for seeing the fall foliage, hiking, and attending the food festivals.   What Are The Most Unique Things To Do In Sapporo?   More than ticking the bucket list, in Sapporo, you need to soak in the laid-back vibe.   It is way less crowded than Osaka and Tokyo, and despite that, it has an important role to play in the tourism industry of the country.   That is why many people travel from Tokyo to Hokkaido.   1. Visiting The Parks And Gardens  As a nature lover since forever and daily walking the streets and parks of Sapporo, I have learned that Sapporo has lots of green spaces where you can enjoy nature.  The parks of Sapporo are the city's heart.   Odori Park is my usual starting point in the morning when I first walk.   This park is located in the center of downtown and is an ideal and convenient place to take a refreshing morning walk before starting your day.   On days when I want to be more active, I cycle, jog, or photograph all the amazing trees and flowers at Moerenuma Park. It is absolutely stunning how vast the area is!  You will probably find me at Maruyama Park, located next to Hokkaido Shrine, during the spring and fall months.   It’s an incredible place to see the cherry blossoms in full bloom, and it’s usually very pretty to see the fall leaves change color from green to red.   During the wintertime, it becomes a wonderful family-oriented ski resort that I simply love!  For a bit of a deeper dive, I love visiting the Hokkaido University Botanical Gardens. It’s a peaceful retreat where I can admire rare plants and learn about the indigenous Ainu culture.  2. Exploring The Galleries And Museums  Upon arriving in Sapporo, I did not take long to figure out that this is a city that has beautifully integrated its history with modernity, which is a masterclass.   I spent the first day of my trip exploring the history of the island of Hokkaido by visiting the Hokkaido Museum.  Then, I went to the Historical Village, which showed how the early infrastructure and primitive architecture were examples of the area's strength.   The Hokkaido University Museum is also a majestic place, with its enormous collection of extensive academic research and archaeological artifacts through the ages.  Of course, I couldn't resist a detour to the Sapporo Beer Museum. Learning the history of Japan’s iconic brew made that final tasting session feel well-earned.  As a fan of art, I was spoiled for choice with several locations from which I could pick my favorites.   The JR Tower Art Gallery has an impressive array of artwork, and at the Sapporo Art Park, there are some unbelievably large sculptures sitting throughout the grounds.   I was amazed at how much creativity and energy could be found in the city of Sapporo.   While looking at all the galleries, you can also plan a trip to Uji, located approximately 500 km south.   A visit to Japan would not be complete without enjoying a cup of matcha at this city's matcha capital.  3. Visiting The Shrines And Temples  Kyoto may have the most amazing shrines, but Sapporo also has some beautiful ones.   The Hookaido Shrine is the most popular among them, and you will find it just next to the Maruyama Park.   Furthermore, the Sapporo Suitengu Shrine is another place where families and pregnant women visit for a healthy baby.  Moreover, if you are a seeker and want some spiritual guidance, Joganji Temple is your place. It has the most meditative environment.  4.  Exploring The Historical Landmarks Of Sapporo  Sapporo has many historical places to visit, and you can start with the “Former Hokkaido Government Office.”   It has beautiful gardens, and with its insightful exhibitions, it offers a deep understanding of the local history.   The next place you can visit is the Sapporo TV Tower. It is an important landmark for broadcasting and tourism.   Furthermore, from the TV Tower, you can enjoy an amazing view of Odori Park and its surroundings.   The Clock Tower is another important landmark in Sapporo. It has been standing there since 1878.   However, for me, the most iconic historical landmark in the city was the Hoheikan Guest House.   This 1880 guest house in Nakajima Park had many important guests, including the royal family and important foreign guests.   In addition, for a culturally immersive experience, you can explore the Hokkaido historical village. It is like an open-air museum with distinct architecture, buildings, and Japanese townscapes.  5.  Souvenir Shopping   It’s a sin to visit Sapporo and not do some serious shopping.   Furthermore, souvenir shopping is one of the best things to do in Sapporo because of the diversity of stuff you can procure.   Firstly, the sweets here are amazing. You must try Marusei butter sandwiches and Royce chocolates.   Also, you will find skincare products made of horse oil.   In addition, you will love local crafts such as Ainu crafts and Otaru glassware.   Moreover, the best places for shopping in Sapporo are “Ario Sapporo Mall,” “Apia Mall,” “Sapporo Stellar Place Mall,” and “Tanukikoji Shopping Street.” 

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 are.  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. Having undertaken two comprehensive visits to this beautiful hill-country retreat, 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 with local vendors hawking through the rush and the local boys singing and playing drums during the journey.  Also, the Nanu Oya to Ella scratch is the most beautiful in the entire route. Also, don’t go for a 1st class ticket and reserve a 3rd class class to enjoy the views through open windows.  2. Admiring  The Famous Nine Arch Bridge It’s astonishing to think that a single bridge could drive tourists in droves to a small town, but 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, and 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, but 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’ll 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 the 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. Even on the foggy day I visited, sipping a fresh cup of Ceylon tea (the best I’ve ever had) 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 80kmph.  For around $20 USD, it’s one of the best value adrenaline fixes I’ve 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 consolidation 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, but 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.