What Are The Things To Do In Ella, Sri Lanka? A Narrative Of My Days In Ella

BY  Sibashree Mar 27, 2026

Osaka food is slowly and steadily surpassing Tokyo as the poster for Japanese cuisine.  Furthermore, it has been just a few days since La Cime in Osaka became the best restaurant in Japan in the Asia's 50 Best Restaurants list in 2026.   However, the soul of the Osaka food lies in the streets. The Dotonbori neighborhood was especially the best when I visited.  In fact, I was so much in love with the street food here that I chose to cancel the previous booking and chose a hotel in Dotonbori instead.  Also, the Dotonbori Market was the epicenter of my food exploration in Osaka.  Moreover, how can you ever forget what Anthony Bourdain had to say about food in Osaka? He said,  “I’m a big believer in winging it. I’m a big believer that you’re never going to find the perfect city travel experience or the perfect meal without a constant willingness to experience a bad one.  Letting the happy accident happen is what a lot of vacation itineraries miss, I think, and I’m always trying to push people to allow those things to happen rather than stick to some rigid itinerary.” So, let’s explore Osaka food at its best in Dotonbori. What Are The Best Osaka Food You Can Try On The Streets?  Osaka, despite its funky and vibrant appearance, has a history that goes back to the Edo Period in the 17th century.  Furthermore, it was a major trading hub during that period. Also, it was the same time when Osaka earned the nickname “Japan’s Kitchen.”  Moreover, Dotonbori extends across a canal that reaches out to the sea. So, you will always find fresh seafood in the local delicacies.  Ramen Udon Torikara Takoyaki These are some of the delicacies served by the local vendors in Osaka.  However, just mentioning these names does not justify the tangible experience of Osaka food.  I saw a big red octopus getting dressed and served, and the lobsters were irresistible.  Nonetheless, these are the best street foods you can try in Osaka.  1. Mitarashi-Dango Pocket-Pinch: 150 JPY  Mitarashi-Dango is the most comforting street food you will try in Osaka. Furthermore, these are great for budget-friendly travelers and backpackers like me.  These rice balls are sweet and chewy, and have a hint of burnt taste due to the unique browning process that takes place once the rice balls are boiled and cooled.  Furthermore, the glaze of the sweet soy sauce makes it perfect!  2. Okonomiyaki Pocket-Pinch: 400-450 JPY  Do you like frittata? Then, you will love these Japanese savory pancakes even more.  Okonomiyaki has all the flavors. However, you never feel heavy after having them. Furthermore, these pancakes are simple, as cabbage, flour, and eggs are the main ingredients.  However, the local street vendors add seafood and scallions to the dish for more flavor and color.  Also, they serve it with barbecue sauce.  3. Daifuku Mochi Pocket Pinch: 350-400 JPY Mochi, the round rice cake, is a staple Japanese delicacy.  It has the chewiness of Mitarashi-Dango. However, it has filling as the daifuku part of the name suggests.  I loved the ones with strawberry filling, and you can also try them with other fruits.  4. Torikara Pocket-Pinch: 300-400 JPY If the USA has its deep-fried chicken, Japan also has Torikara.  I loved them, and the fried potatoes and the variety of sauces will be the most amazing additions.  5. Takoyaki Pocket Pinch: 700-800 JPY  Takoyaki is probably the most famous street food of Osaka and Japan.  Japanese people love these octopus balls, and that’s why the Takoyaki stalls in Dotonbori are countless.  Furthermore, the scallions and flakes of dried fish sprinkled on top make the dish really amazing.  Moreover, the batter is gooey, and it will melt in your mouth.  6. Taiyaki Pocket Pinch: 300 JPY This is a fish-shaped pastry and my silent favorite among everything I tried in Osaka.  The smell is irresistible, and the main attraction is to see it getting ready in front of your eyes.  You can have this vanilla-flavored pastry with cheese, custard, and hamburger meat. However, the red bean paste is the ideal choice if you want to follow the grammar of East Asian cuisine. 7. Udon Pocket Pinch: 650 JPY The hot broth and noodles! I know that I have kept you waiting for the longest time to find this lethal combination on my list.  The noodles in Udon are thick, and with the right seasoning, their taste grows on you. That’s why you can eat udon every day and not get bored.  Furthermore, there are many variations of udon, such as the curry udon, yaki-udon, nabeyaki udon, and tempura udon.  8. Soba Pocket Pinch: 400 JPY Soba has buckwheat noodles in hot broth. Furthermore, these noodles are darker and thinner.  Furthermore, the simplicity of the dish and flavors make it a perfect palate cleanser.  I loved a bowl of soba with scallions.  9. Ramen Pocket Pinch: 700-800 JPY Ramen, of course, is the quintessential wheat noodles the whole world has been eating for quite some time now.  I tried different variations of ramen in Osaka. However, I loved the one with pork the best.  10. Yakitori Pocket Pinch: 1000-1100 JPY Yakitori is the Japanese take on grilled meat.  Furthermore, you will get many variations in the meat used here. You will get bone meat, chicken skin, seafood, and many other varieties here.  11. Sushi  Pocket Pinch: 1200 JPY If Sushi is an emotion, then it runs in the veins of Osaka.  From sea urchin to tuna, eel, and salmon, Osaka spoils you with choices in sushi.  Furthermore, the art of eating sushi is something that you need to understand. It is just not about gulping down some food.  It’s also about being a part of the Japanese culture.  12. Taiko Manju Pocket Pinch: 100-150 JPY You may think that Taiko Manju and Taiyaki are the same, but the origin and texture are very different.  Despite the use of the same ingredients, Taiko Manju is fluffier. Furthermore, their drum shape is inspired by the taiko drums, which are integral parts of Japanese festivals.  Read Also: What Are The Best Day Trips From Tokyo? 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BY  Sibashree Mar 23, 2026

Hiriketiya Beach is a place that can disrupt your travel plans completely.  You may arrive with plans for a two-night stay and end up spending 3 weeks developing a routine of mornings spent surfing, drinking coconut coffee, and watching the sun set down on the jungle.  This tucked-away cove in Sri Lanka’s southern coast, nicknamed by its community of surfers and digital nomads as "Hiri", is a textbook example of tropical aesthetics.  The cove is well-formed, with water that is surrounded by palm trees, and has a jungle so dense behind it that you will hear monkeys scurrying through the tree tops of your surfboard as they find their way there.  Hiri feels like a secret to be shared, but is just being revealed to people in the surrounding towns of Weligama and Mirissa.  Hiriketiya has developed to become a more sophisticated version of Weligama and Mirissa. The "vibe" of Hiriketiya is not just another phrase used by hipsters. It is the currency used by locals. Here is more about this beautiful coastal gem in Sri Lanka.  The Evolution Of Hiriketiya Beach: Why You Need To Go Now Hiriketiya has experienced an incredible transformation over the last few years.  Only a few years ago, this sleepy little fishing village had only a few guesthouses and one small roti shop. It is quite similar to the beaches in Jaffna in that way.  Now, it's become a vibrant hub, and even though it has lost some of its "untouched" charm. Moreover, this infusion of new energy has produced world-class specialty coffee shops, beautiful state-of-the-art Yoga studios, and a co-working scene. But despite these rapid changes, the spirit of this village remains.  The Surf At Hirikeya Beach: A Wave For Every Soul The horseshoe shape and the unique geography of the Hirikeya Beach make it ideal for every type of surfer.  Here is a quick breakdown. Surf LocationDetails The Beach Break (Right Side)- Beginner-Friendly- Sandy Bottom- Gentle WavesThe Middle- Ideal for Longboarders- Offers a Mellow RideThe Point Break (Left Side)- Ideal for Professionals- Shallow Reef Board rentals are standardized at 1000 LKR per hour.  If the Hirikeya Beach is very busy, you can go 3.5 km east and find Kudawella Beach.  Where Is Hirikeya Beach? How To Reach It?  Hiriketiya is located off the main highway along the coast, about one mile away from the town of Dickwella.  Since Hiriketiya is not on a major transit route, you will have to use Dickwella as your transit point. 1. Traveling To Hiriketiya Beach From Colombo The best way to get there is by taking the train from Colombo Fort to Matara, which takes approximately four hours.  From Matara, you can take a local bus to Dickwella or take a tuk-tuk taxi. You can also take a highway express bus from Colombo to Matara and arrive in about three hours. 2. Traveling To Hiriketiya Beach From Ella You can catch the #31 bus at the intersection of the Ella-Passara Road as you travel through tea country.  It is approximately four hours to the coast on a winding road. Just tell the conductor you want to go to Dickwella. 3. Traveling To Hiriketiya Beach From Arugam Bay If you are traveling from the East Coast surf to the surf in the South, there is a direct bus leaving from Pottuvil every day around 6:30 AM, arriving at Dickwella approximately six hours later. What Are The Things To Do At Hirikeya Beach? (Beyond Surfing) Hiri has just as much gravitational force to attract chill seekers. So, here are the things to do beyond surfing.  1. Walk To Blue Beach Island If you're looking for a little adventure, try the 2.5km (1.5-mile) walk to Nilwella.  You'll be walking through peaceful local neighborhoods when you find a beautiful natural sandbar that links the mainland with a small island.  Moreover, walking over a sandbar with breaking waves on both sides of you is something you will remember long after leaving Hiri.  Also, it is the best place to watch the sunset. 2. Sip In Style At Smoke And Bitters Believe it or not, one of the 50 Best Bars in Asia is hidden deep in a coconut grove.  Furthermore, the menu at Smoke and Bitters is based on the smokehouse method of cooking, using local Sri Lankan ingredients with cooking methods from around the globe.  Moreover, you must try the smoked harissa pumpkin and the pork ribs as they are WOW!!  Every cocktail created at Smoke and Bitters is a work of art. The price of a drink here, compared to what you would expect to pay in Sri Lanka, may seem high. However, when you want to treat yourself, there is no better place to go. 3. Become A Culinary Master With Rosie Rosie's cooking class experience is the ultimate rite of passage in Hiri.  While she prepares the dishes during your cooking class, you will also hear many personal stories of her life and how she made some special Sri Lankan spice combinations. Moreover, it costs 6000 LKR, and the 4-hour feast is the ultimate attraction.  The Digital Nomad And Yoga Scene At Hirikeya Beach  Hiriketiya has become a cornerstone of the "work-from-anywhere" lifestyle.  Places like Dots Bay House and Salty Pelican provide the infrastructure (and the caffeine) needed to hit deadlines. Moreover, when it comes to physical and mental well-being, Arise is unparalleled.  So, they provide a variety of classes to choose from, including Muay Thai, ecstatic dance, and Reiki, as well as many types of Vinyasa yoga.  Additionally, their Salt House location offers stunning rooftop yoga classes where you can do yoga while listening to the waves below. Where to Stay In Hiriketiya? Hiriketiya offers a versatile range of accommodation. Here are some places you can try.  1. Salt House  This upscale beach hotel has a boutique feel.  Located 5 minutes away from the beach, the hotel has spacious, minimalistic rooms opening directly to its central pool and open-air cafe.  Moreover, on-site yoga classes every day attract those interested in wellness. Room rates begin at about 21000 LKD per night. 2. Dots Bay House  Located next to the surfing area, 'Dots', the centre of Hiri's social scene, offers accommodation options ranging from dormitories to high-end private rooms.  Moreover, facilities include an on-site co-working space, swimming pool, and popular bar which features the best live music acts in town. Prices start at approximately 7000 LKD per night. 3. Hiriketiya White House  A charming, family-owned guesthouse hidden away in the jungle, offering an excellent option for visitors who want authentic experiences at affordable prices.  Also, the double rooms come with beautiful contemporary bathrooms and balconies where guests can enjoy watching monkeys play overhead. Moreover, the prices start from about 5500 LKD per night.  When To Visit Hiriketiya Beach? Due to offshore winds and consistent swell during the "High Season", November to April is the best time for surfers to be out on the ocean.  Moreover, December to February is the busiest time of year, with hot and dry weather as well as a lot of activity happening around town.  However, there are two downsides. The first is that accommodation prices rise significantly, and the second is that line-ups at the ocean can be extremely crowded. Where To Eat In Hiriketiya? As an enthusiast of TheLowDownUnder Travel and genuine experiences, I felt compelled to sample the local cuisine at Hirikeya. So, here are a few recommendations for places to check out. 1. Lemon Grass Café Considered the benchmark for rice and curry in Sri Lanka, this family-run establishment is modest yet impactful.  Moreover, for 1000 LKR, you’ll enjoy a generous array of at least four different vegetable curries, rice, and dessert, with unlimited refills. 2. Kingsley’s Kitchen Another gem in the area, Kingsley is a well-known figure in the village who serves outstanding home-cooked meals.  Dinner operates on a pre-order basis, so be sure to stop by during the day to reserve your meal.  Moreover, it’s one of the most budget-friendly spots in the bay, with a vegetarian curry priced at 750 LKR. 3. Dahami Situated at the Dickwella intersection, this is where the locals dine. Furthermore, it’s a straightforward buffet offering a mountain of rice and curry for just 450 LKR. Moreover, for those seeking specialty cafés and a beach atmosphere, options like Duni’s Hoppers Café, MOND Café, and La Playa are worth considering.

BY  Sibashree Mar 31, 2026

The thing is, everyone said "Do 'The Loop'" when I told them about Hakone.  You know the train, cable car, ropeway, and pirate ship circuit.  However, after a few days wandering those forested, winding trails through the volcanic hills, I saw what the crowd missed.  The real magic isn't in the itinerary.  It's in the quiet moments like washing cash in a waterfall, or soaking feet by a Shiba Inu.  It is hard to ignore how deeply those small things connect to the place.  If you've got more than a day or just want to break free from tourist traffic, step off the path. That's where Hakone lives. And here are the things to do in Hakone. What Are The Things To Do In Hakone?  Hakone is the place that defines TheLowDownUnder Travel philosophy. Rush the day, and you miss the magic.  So, without going for ticking a bucket list, here are the things to do in Hakone that offer an immersive experience. 1. Visiting The Open Air Art Museum: A Playground For The Soul This was the one event I'd been hoping for, and it didn't fall short.  Picture 70,000 square meters of green space packed with over 100 huge sculptures. Some of them are traditional Henry Moore bronzes, and others are wild, experimental setups like a giant head with "living hair" grown from plants.  I found a figure lying on its back in the grass at one point.  After weeks in Tokyo's busy streets, that moment felt like a personal hit.  The museum includes a Picasso Pavilion holding 300 pieces.  I don't really dig Picasso much and only skimmed it, but if you're into cubism, you'll be thrilled.  It is open every day of the year, and there is no schedule to worry about.  Try it if you want to walk around without carrying anything heavy. 2. Playing Football With A Furry Friend Soaking feet in mineral water, quiet, simple, real.  The Hakonenomori Footbath isn't on the map like most spots.  It's tucked into a private garden behind a house, hidden from sight.  Google Maps calls it a footbath, but that's not what it really is.  You pay a small amount and get to dip your feet in spring water with a clean towel provided.  Dogs are welcome with no rules, no fuss.  I showed up just as Monaka, a shiba Inu, hesitated over the edge.  Her owners nudged her gently with their hands and voices.  She stayed still, paws raised, like she didn't know where to go.  That moment stopped me in my tracks. If you don't like being naked at an onsen, this feels safe and low-key. 3. The Art of "Ma": Finding The Perfect Onsen But Ma, the pause, is central in Japan. Hakone is where you feel it most.  The Loop can be done in a day from Tokyo, but you miss the real soak.  I stayed at Mount View Hakone. It was cheap but had great facilities.  Public baths were indoors and out.  The highlight was booking a private onsen for solo use.  Tattoos still draw caution in Japan. If you've got ink, go private.  Tenzan Onsen in Hakone-Yumoto is known for being tattoo-friendly, though rules are tight, usually just one inked person per group. 4. Washing Away Your Financial Woes Who doesn't crave wealth on a break?  I stepped off the train at Tonosawa Station and spotted the Fukazawa Zeniaria Benzaiten Shrine right there on the platform.  It's small, tiny even, so glance, and you'll miss it.  The thing is, locals follow a real tradition. They bring a ladle, drop yen in, then rinse it in the mini waterfall.  The legend goes that whatever money you wash and spend later comes back to you, bigger.  I haven't seen my account blow up yet. Still, the ritual feels oddly peaceful. Hard to ignore how quiet everything is. 5. My Absolute Favorite: The Hundreds Of Faces At Choan-ji I really don't know what the rest of the world is doing. This place should be in every guide, as Choan-ji Shrine is just amazing.  The area comprises hundreds of small stone statues of monks, and each one of them has a unique facial expression, laughing, angry, or even a surprised one.  Wandering through the moss-covered statues, I got lost in the silence for a whole hour.  By 5 PM, there were only two more visitors around. It was like a really peaceful place.  Pro Tip: Use insect repellent! The mosquitoes here are as loyal to the shrine as the monks are. 6.  Enjoy The Magic Of The Local Bus This may sound strange, but amongst my top three experiences, one was just traveling by bus.  Though the Hakone Tozan train is famous, it is usually crowded beyond capacity.  I chose to take a bus from Hakone-Yumoto to the ropeway.  For half an hour, the bus ride gave me dozens of gorgeous, twisting mountain scenes which I wouldn't have been able to see from the train.  It was in this bus trip that something glittering blinked at me through the windows. A group of trees glistened like they were covered in thousands of small diamonds.  Then, I signaled to the driver and got out at the stop door without hesitation. Also, to my great surprise, I was standing in front of the Venetian Glass Museum. 7.  Visit The Glass Trees And Blue Beer The Venetian Glass Museum (or Hakone Glass-no-Mori) looks like something Disney would have created if they relocated to Italy.  There are bushes with glass flowers and "Crystal Trees" that sparkle brightly in the sunlight.  It is enchanting, glamorous, and exceedingly informative at the same time.  In case you have extra time, I also suggest the Pola Museum of Art. You must also visit the Narukawa Art Museum. Moreover, the cafe here features a wonderful "Mount Fuji" view, and their famous blue beer comes in a Fuji-shaped glass. 8. Live The Dreams Of Anime Fans And The Wine-Bathers If you're into Evangelion, Hakone is your Mecca (after all, it's the location for Tokyo-3).  At the station, you can spot the themed vending machines as well as the EVA-Ya store.  Also, if you are with your friends, don't do what I did and miss out on Yunessun.  It's an Onsen theme park where you can wear a swimsuit and even take a bath in red wine or coffee.  This time, I was alone and felt a little shy about wine-bathing solo, but next time it is definitely at the top of my list. Read Also: What To Do In Shinjuku As A First Time Traveler? 10+ Attractions You Cannot Miss In 2026 Is The Japan Rail Pass Worth It In 2026? Should I Buy Or Avoid It As A Conscious Tourist? Cherry Blossom Kyoto Japan: 2026 Season And The Top Viewing Spots