What Is Special In Hikkaduwa? Uncovering What Is Great, Okay, And Ugly In This Sri Lankan Resort Town 

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

BY  Sibashree Mar 31, 2026

Everyone knows that you cannot complete exploring Japan in a day. And I had no choice but to miss Oshino Hakkai on the first trip.  However, on the next trip, I made sure to plan a visit.  Of course, an image on Instagram was my major drive behind being so passionate about a trip to Oshino Hakkai.  I saw a series of houses with thatched roofs along the shore of a pond. The magnificent and snow-covered Mount Fuji stood behind, strong and unshakable, as the eternal truth.  Born and raised in the land of spirituality and the Himalayas, I had to visit Oshino Hakkai.  However, as I have explained in my narrative from Tokyo to Mount Fuji day trip, you have to time your trip really well and have to be extremely lucky to see the snow-capped Mount Fuji.  Also, if you are planning a trip in summer, you will only get to see Mount Fuji partially or fully covered by clouds.  Nevertheless, as Mount Fuji continues to act elusive, here is why Oshino Hakkai will win your heart.  Oshino Hakkai: Why Is Visiting The Eight Springs Of Oshino So Special?  As I stood at the center of where both Lake Kawaguchiko and Lake Yamanakako meet in the small village of Oshino, I was able to look at the eight sacred ponds of Oshino Hakkai.  These sparkling, clear water springs are all that is left from a long-lost sixth lake that existed hundreds of years ago. It's as if time stood still when you visit these sacred areas. When I looked into the water, I didn't see just water, and I saw history. The springs were used by pilgrims (Fuji-ko) during Japan's Edo period to cleanse their bodies and souls before climbing Mt. Fuji. What a magical process the water goes through!  From snow accumulation on the summit of Mt. Rainier, through melting and filtration through approximately 80 years' worth of porous lava before it actually emerges at this location, its absolute perfection.  Moreover, it was crystal clear and pure.  Also, as I walked through the "Natural Monuments," I had an intense feeling of appreciation for the many years of waiting, so that each would have such serenity. How To Reach Oshino Hakkai? The journey to the stunning waters of Oshino Hakkai is as much a part of the experience as the location itself.  Here’s my recommendation for how to get to Oshino Hakkai, depending on whether you want a more convenient (train) or an adventurous (rental car) way of doing so. 1. Reaching Oshino Hakkai From Tokyo When travelling from Tokyo, you have several options available.  Highway bus lines go to Oshino Hakkai directly.  If you plan to take the train, either Fujisan Station (the nearest station) or Kawaguchiko on the Fuji Kyuko Line is your best option.  Once at Fujisan or Kawaguchiko, catch a local bus to get to the village. You may take the Fujikko-go (tourist buses), Mt. Fuji World Heritage Loop, or Uchino or Hirano routes via local bus from Fujisan Station.  Generally, there are 1-2 buses/hour on these routes. At Kawaguchiko Station, there are 11 Fuji-Q buses each day that leave for Lake Yamanaka Oriental side, and the 11 Fuji-Q buses that leave for Gotemba and also the Oshino springs. Just watch out for the Oshino Hakkai or Oshino Hakkai-Iriguchi as their stops. 2. Driving And Village Logistics I rented a car, and it is the most convenient way to visit the nearby Five Lakes region.  Parking here is convenient, and there are many public and private parking spaces.  After parking the car, you can explore the nearby villages.  However, you will need 300 JPY to enter the Hannoki Bayashi Shiryokan Museum.  You can visit the museum from 9 AM to 5 PM every day for a deep understanding of the local history.  Moreover, you will find signage in Japanese and English for every pond. My Trip To Oshino Hakkai I felt a bit out of place when I got to Oshino Hakkai.  I thought it would be a nice, quiet area for reflection and meditation, free of other people.  However, I found a busy and fully built-out village of people, shops selling food, and many shoppers and visitors to the area, as well as people engaging with local merchants about the items that were being sold.  There were also a lot of people around Wakuike Pond, and they were excited to see how clear the water of the pond was and the fish that were swimming in the pond. 1. Finding Solitude And Peace Within The City Although I typically search for the peace of solitude, I did not mind being in a populated environment.  I became curious after wandering among the crowds to find out where my curiosity would take me.  I found a quiet, undeveloped area just minutes from the main road, where I could hear the water from the pond, see ducks on the water, and watch an old man with two little boys quietly fishing right next to me. 2. Folklore And Galactic History The folklore & Galactic history of the 8 springs were fascinating to explore. Especially, that water from Wakuike Pond traveled on the Space Shuttle Challenger in 1983 for a snow-making experiment in space! 3. My Personal Highlight  The highlight for me was the open-air museum at the Hanoki Bayashi Shiryokan. It was a true escape from contemporary living, immersing yourself in the cultural heritage of the area. 4. Hannoki Bayashi Shiryokan: The Main Attraction Of The Trip  To tell the truth, I went to Oshino Hakkai because of Hannoki Bayashi Shiryokan.  One of the most amazing sights I've seen in the Five Lakes region was the thatched-roof farmhouses against a colorful garden and the imposing backdrop of Mount Fuji. I became engrossed in the displays of antique household items and rustic farming implements inside the traditional farmhouse.  The tour was brief, but I stayed by the big pond long after I was done because of the subtle beauty of the architecture.  I couldn't resist making another lap because the landscaping was so welcoming. Read Also: What Are The Things To Do In Jimbocho Book Town? Visit The Best Book Stores And Cafes Cherry Blossom Kyoto Japan: 2026 Season And The Top Viewing Spots Osaka Food: Know What To Eat In The Streets Of Osaka