Why Is Hambantota Famous For? Beaches And The Best Places To Visit In Hambantota

BY  Sibashree Jul 7, 2026

With the One Love Reggae Festival returning to Bentota Beach, Sri Lanka is now preparing to be a vibrant cultural stage for music lovers from around the world.  The event is slated from 7th to 9th August, and with a laid-back coastal atmosphere, will function as a major tourism catalyst for Bentota.  Nevertheless, Bentota Beach has always been a popular, idyllic destination in Sri Lanka due to the calm waves of the Indian Ocean and soft golden sands.  Furthermore, it is a gateway to the Sinharaja Forest Reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and another UNESCO World Heritage Site, Galle Fort.  However, for me, the most striking thing about Bentota was the safari on the Bentota Ganga. With dramatic landscapes and surrealism awaiting you in every nook, this was one of the highlights of my trip to Sri Lanka.  Also, very close to Colombo, just a 2-hour drive away, this beach stands out even if tourists show more interest in popular variations such as Tangalle Beach and Mirissa Beach.  Here is more about why Bentota Beach is worth visiting and what the top attractions are.  What Are The Things To Do In Bentota?  The heavenly sunset views of Bentota Beach, the most anticipated boat safari on Bentota Ganga, and a relaxing experience in the Ayurveda Herbal and Spice Garden! Furthermore, if you want an adrenaline rush, you can take part in activities such as parasailing, banana boating, jet skiing, and more! 1. Water Sports At Bentota Beach Bentota has many beaches, such as the Ventura Beach or the Moragalla Beach, where the ocean meets the Bentota Ganga River.  However, together, they are known as the Bentota Beach, and together they look like a long stretch of fine white sand.  A specific stretch of sand is parallel to Bentota Lagoon, which is more commonly called the Bentota Ganga.  It is known as the Paradise Island, looking like a narrow and long peninsula stretching out into the ocean.  Also, it is ideal for the following watersports.  Windsurfing Waterskiing Diving Canoeing Snorkeling Fishing Moreover, centers such as Diyakawa Water Sports and Sunshine Water Sports Center help with the best gear, training, and guidance.  2. Visiting The Kosgoda Sea Turtle Conservation Project I mentioned the Kosgoda Sea Turtle Conservation Project when visiting Kalutara.  However, it is way closer to Bentota, and it is situated at a distance of just 9 km. So, it is just a road journey of 9 km or 15 minutes south by road.  It remains open from 8:30 AM to 6:30 PM, and the ticket price is LKR 500 for locals and LKR 1000 for foreigners.  It is a vital wildlife sanctuary on the southwestern coast of Sri Lanka. Established in 1981, it aims to protect endangered sea turtles from extinction caused by poaching and habitat loss. The hatchery monitors local beaches to rescue vulnerable eggs.  It buries them safely in protected sand nests until they hatch. Impressively, the project cares for all five sea turtle species that visit Sri Lanka. The Green Turtles Loggerhead Turtles Hawksbill Turtles Olive Ridley Turtles Leatherback Turtles.  The sanctuary also rehabilitates turtles injured by fishing nets. However, for me, the most exciting experience in the sanctuary was releasing newborn hatchlings into the Indian Ocean at sunset.  This hands-on experience funds the project while raising global awareness about marine conservation. Overall, it was a great experience learning about the marine ecosystem and how these adorable marine creatures play an important role in maintaining the balance.  If you want to watch and study them further, Sri Lanka has many other destinations such as the Dalawella Beach, Dickwella Beach, and Mount Lavinia Beach.  3. The River Safari On Bentota Ganga  While many people are more excited about the watersports, I visited Bentota for the water safari.  It was late afternoon, and the Sun was getting mellower. Fortunately, the hotel I was staying in had the provision for booking a boat safari.  The boat progressed through the jungle. Also, I could spot eagles flying high and some snakes in the water.  I was looking for crocodiles, but this time, I did not find one.  Moreover, the roots of the trees got entangled, and the roots created some eerie formations that looked straight out of Apocalypse.  Having said that, the river safari was not just an opportunity to spot the wildlife. I also saw the traditional fishing techniques and prawn farming in the wetlands surrounded by mangrove forests.  Another interesting stop was the Cinnamon Island. I spotted old and young men cutting sleek sticks of cinnamon. I bought a few bottles of cinnamon oil from them.  It was a 1.5-hour safari, and it cost around LKR 2500.  4. Exploring The Bentota Market  The Aluthgama town is around 3 km away from Bentota, and the Monday market here is amazing.  I had a talk with Manjula, a college student and a local vendor who helps her mother, Hiruni.  “People from different parts of the southwest coast come here. This is a market mostly dominated by women. So, I love being a part of the market.  The vendors sell various products, including clothes, vegetables, groceries, and other knick-nacks.  I also found the place to be a great spot for socializing. Women were interacting with each other when buying exotic fruits and fresh vegetables.  Moreover, I collected some cinnamon sticks, spices, and clothes as souvenirs.  5. Enjoying The Benefit Of Herbal And Spice Treatment  Bentota is famous for traditional Ayurveda and health treatment. The oils and massage solutions here have spices and local herbs.  The medicines and solutions also have cardamom, cinnamon, seeds, fruits, bark, and leaves.  So, if you want to enjoy the ultimate Sri Lankan spa experience, Bentota is the ideal place.  The big hotels and resorts have spas offering traditional treatments and therapies. Furthermore, there are some specialized Ayurveda centers.  Where To Stay In Bentota Beach?  From budget guesthouse Hotel Hemadan to 5-star hotel Taj Bentota Resort, the accommodation options in Bentota are diverse.  Furthermore, if you want an artistic and boutique experience, you can choose options such as Taj Bentota Resort and NH Bentota Ceysands.  Based on the accommodation you choose, the cost of staying in Bentota will be between LKR 13000 and 60000 per night. 

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 TempleDetails PagodasThese have three to five stories. Furthermore, these are the repositories of the sacred relics. Lecture HallsMonks study and teach here. BelfriesThese house massive bronze bells that are rung during the New Year.CemeteriesOften 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 the comparison 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, and 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 that allow you to connect more closely with nature and pilgrimage traditions.  It is at these places that I experienced the most "human" contacts, observing pilgrims dressed in white robes or witnessing 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 etiquettes.  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, but 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 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  With seven temples covered across three cities, it helps to have the practical details side by side rather than scattered through each write-up, especially since hours and fees vary more than you'd expect between them.  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, which is part of why its night-time atmosphere, mentioned above, is worth planning for specifically. 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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. If you do make it to the Pola Museum, don't just stay inside looking at the Impressionist canvases.   Step out the back door onto their Nature Trail.  It is a quiet wooden boardwalk woven through a dense, silent beech forest, dotted with subtle sculptures hidden among the moss and leaves.   It beautifully mirrors the Open-Air Museum but without the crowds. It's just you, the birds, and art melting into the wild.  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. 9. The 400-Year-Old Time Capsule: Amazake Chaya  While everyone else is hunting down modern, neon-lit cafes, do yourself a huge favor and head to the old Tokaido highway.   There sits a thatch-roofed tea house that has been run by the exact same family for 13 generations.  They serve warm, naturally sweet, non-alcoholic fermented rice wine (amazake) and pounded mochi toasted over glowing charcoal.   The air smells heavily of woodsmoke, centuries of history, and absolute stillness. It is the absolute definition of hitting the brakes on a hectic itinerary.  Getting To Hakone From Tokyo And What These Experiences Cost  Having discussed the top attractions in Hakone, it is now important to find out how you can reach Hakone from Tokyo.   Reaching Hakone  The Odakyu Romancecar from Shinjuku Station is the most direct option, reaching Hakone-Yumoto in about 85 minutes.   The Hakone Freepass, sold by Odakyu, covers the round trip plus unlimited use of the local train, cable car, ropeway, and pirate ship that make up "The Loo.”  It is worth buying even if, as this guide suggests, you spend more time off the Loop than on it.  What These Stops Actually Cost  Experience  Approximate Cost  Hakone Open-Air Art Museum entry   1,600 JPY (adult)  Hakone-nomori Footbath   Small fee, typically under 500 JPY  Private onsen at a ryokan (per session)   2,000-4,000 JPY  Hakone Glass-no-Mori (Venetian Glass Museum)  1,800 JPY (Adult)   Yunessun Onsen theme park (wine/coffee baths)   2,500-3,500 JPY  Hakone Freepass (2-day, from Shinjuku)  Around 6,100 JPY   None of these need to be booked ahead outside of peak autumn-foliage weekends, which makes Hakone an easy place to wander into rather than plan around, exactly the spirit this guide is going for. 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