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

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. Read Also: What Are The Best Japanese Shrines To Visit? Celebrating Nature Spirits And Inherent Spirituality Is The Japan Rail Pass Worth It In 2026? Should I Buy Or Avoid It As A Conscious Tourist? What Are The Unique Things To Do In Sapporo? Exploring The Capital Of Hokkaido

BY  Sibashree May 4, 2026

The southern shores of Sri Lanka have many amazing beaches stretching from Tangalle to Dondra Head, or the southernmost tip of the country.  Talalla Beach is one of them, and it has sea vines, golden sands, and sleepy hotels lining the coast.  Furthermore, if you are a fan of the TheLowDownUnder Travel philosophy, Talalla is the perfect pick.  Again, if you are visiting the Hiriketiya Beach or the Kudawella Beach, the Talalla Beach is just a short tuk-tuk ride away.  Moreover, it is a peaceful place to see the turtles hatching and surf.  Here is more about the things to do in Talalla Beach, the nearby attractions, and other details. Where Is Talalla Beach?  Talalla Beach is just 6.5 km away from the Dondra Head, the southernmost part of Sri Lanka.  Also, it is between Dickwella and Matara towns.  You can, of course, take a taxi from Colombo to reach Talalla Beach after a journey of 3.5 hours.  However, if you are also traveling on a budget like me, you can take a train from Colombo to Matara, and then you can take a tuk-tuk ride from there. It costs around LKR 1500.  Also, from Matara, you will get a local bus to Talalla Beach, and the ticket price will be LKR 50.  Nevertheless, I was already at the Kudawella Beach, which is around 7 km away. So, I boarded a tuk-tuk, and it charged me 500 LKR. Surfing And More: What Are The Things To Do At Talalla Beach?  Now, many travel guides claim that surfing is one of the best things to do in Talalla Beach. However, the reality is that Talalla Beach is not a surfing spot.  Still, if you are visiting Talalla Beach, you will find many surfing breaks or spots on the southern coast of Sri Lanka nearby.  1. Surfing Near Talalla Beach  Starting from the west to the east, these are some places to surf near the Talalla Beach.  Madiha  The left and right reefs at Madiha are one of the most challenging breaks in the southern coast of Sri Lanka. Early morning is the best time for surfing here. SK Town  SK Town is around 20 minutes away from Talalla Beach.  However, SK Town is still an emerging place for beginners and intermediate surfers.  The A-frame peaks here are powerful, and you will find a sandy bottom.  Dawn and late evening sessions are the best times for surfing in SK Town. Hiriketiya Hiriketiya is the most prominent place for surfing near Talalla Beach. You can do a surf camp here and explore the semi-hollow and fast left-hand break.  However, Hiriketiya is touristy, and that can be a problem for surfers.  Kudawella  If you have never tried surfing before, you must visit the Kudawella Beach.  The beach has its own break, and it is even more protected than Hiriketiya.  2. Watching Turtle Hatching From Mount Lavinia to Uppuveli Beach in Trincomalee, the beaches in Sri Lanka are famous for turtles.  However, at Talalla Beach, I had the unique experience of seeing turtles hatching from their eggs.  The small turtles break the egg shells and come out. Then, they immediately crawl toward the sea.  Furthermore, if you visit the beach at night, you can see turtles laying eggs.  3. Visiting The Lace Factory Now, the lace factory is not a tourist attraction in Talalla Beach. I luckily came to know about it from a local.  It was just a walk of 5 minutes from the beach, and the artwork I saw inside the factory was fascinating.  It was a great cultural experience seeing the locals preserving the traditional art form of the country.  4. Yoga Sessions The Talalla Beach Resort has a Yoga Shala.  If you are an early morning person, you can attend a Yoga session here and rejuvenate your mind and body.  5. Getting An Ayurvedic Massage  Like Southern India, Sri Lanka also has a tradition of Ayurvedic treatments.  You can avail yourself of some relaxing ayurvedic therapies and massages at the Taltalla beach houses. What Are The Places To Visit Near Talalla Beach?  You can combine your time at Talalla Beach with a fascinating wildlife experience, enjoying town life at Matara, and a delightful swimming experience at the Seethagalla natural seawater pool.  1. Udawalawe National Park Spotting elephants in the Udawalawe National Park is one of the best things to do in Ella.  Despite a distance of 161 km, a trip to Udawalawe National Park from Talalla Beach is worth it.  You just cannot miss the early morning safari here and spot the baby elephants and their mothers.  2. Matara  I loved Galle Fort. However, to me, Matara, at a distance of around 44 km, felt more intimate.  I enjoyed the cheerful voices and the sound of the balls getting struck when the youngsters were playing cricket inside the old fort.  Furthemore, I visited the Mid Mountain Tea & Spices here and collected some local brews as souvenirs.  3. Seethagalla Natural Seawater Pool The Seethagalla Beach is to the east of the Talalla Beach. It has sand with black patches and coconut trees.  Furthermore, this rugged cove has a tidal pool. It was a lovely swimming experience.  Where Is The Best Time To Visit The Talalla Beach?  The dry season, from November to March, is an ideal time to plan a trip to Talalla Beach.  These months offer the best wave conditions for swimming and surfing. Especially November to early January is the best window for surfing.  However, the temperature in these months ranges between 32 and 37 degrees Celsius. Moreover, the high humidity in the air makes it stuffy sometimes.  In addition, there can be sudden downpours.  Also, in a day, early mornings and late evenings are the best times for surfing as the winds are the weakest.  Moreover, if you are in Sri Lanka in April onward, you must look further east. Arugam Bay, especially, is a delightful location for surfing on the eastern coast of Sri Lanka in the wet season.   Where To Stay Near The Talalla Beach? Talalla Beach has limited accommodation options. However, the Talalla Sunshine Beach is a delightful option with 10 beautiful rooms and an uninterrupted view of the sea.  Also, it is just a few steps away from the beach. So, you can even walk to the beach at night for a serene experience.  Another popular option here is the Talalla Resort, which also functions as a retreat center and has spa and yoga facilities.

BY  Sibashree Jun 3, 2026

Polonnaruwa is filled with ancient structures, shrines, and temples. So, it draws the attention of people who are interested in visiting a place of great historical importance. In this article, I will give you some important tips and talk about the places, sites, and the history of the place that drew my attention. A Brief History Of Polonnaruwa Before getting into other details, we should take a look at the history of the place. Furthermore, knowing the history of Polonnaruwa will make the trip more interesting. Polonnaruwa was the second major capital of Sri Lanka, which came to prominence after the destruction of Anuradhapura in 993 AD. Moreover, it was the most important commercial and religious center of that time. Polonnaruwa reached its golden age in the 12th century under King Parakramabahu I.  The Chola Period (10th Century To 11th Century) The South Indian Chola dynasty conquered the ancient capital of Anuradhapura and made Polonnaruwa their new capital. Moreover, they renamed the city Jananathamangalam and built several Brahmanical monuments like the Siva Devale temple. Furthermore, the Cholas chose Polonnaruwa over Anuradhapura as the capital because it was positioned strategically in the heart of Sri Lanka. Additionally, the position of the city also gave them protection against the rebellion of the Ruhunu Sinhalese kingdom. Sinhalese Golden Age (11th Century To 12th Century) The strategically positioned capital couldn't stay protected from the Sinhalese. Eventually, in 1070, the Sinhalese King Vijayabahu I defeated the Cholas and restored Sinhalese rule. He also kept Polonnaruwa as the capital of the Sinhalese kingdom. The city reached its highest glory under his successors: King Parakramabahu 1 (1153 to 1186): King Parakramabahu 1 is often called the Great. He turned the city into a beautiful garden city during his rule. Additionally, he built Vaijayanta Pasada (Royal Palace) and intricate temples like the Lankatilaka Temple. Moreover, he built a massive 25-square-kilometer artificial lake known as Parakrama Samudra to secure water for his people. King Nissanka Malla (1187 to 1196): King Nissanka Malla also tried to match his predecessors' construction projects. In trying to do so, he ended up bankrupting the kingdom. Decline And Rediscovery (13th Century Onwards) There were several invasions and turmoils going on because of which the city’s resources and administrative system collapsed in the early 13th century.  The capital moved to the southwestern side of the island, and gradually, the jungle spread through Polonnaruwa. Finally, archeologists rediscovered the ruins of Polonnaruwa in 1860, and the forgotten city stands as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Places To Visit In Polonnaruwa Polonnaruwa is a place of historical significance. The ancient structures, shrines, and temples draw the attention of visitors.  What amazed me was the well-preserved ancient remains. Moreover, I feel that a bicycle is an amazing option for traveling through the city. Places I found most amazing in Polonnaruwa are: The Gal Vihara The Gal Vihara is four giant Buddha statues, which are carved out of a large granite gneiss rock. The images consist of a large seated figure, another smaller seated figure inside an artificial cavern, a standing figure, and a reclining figure. Additionally, King Parakramabahu I fashioned this rock structure in the 12th century. Moreover, there is a story regarding this rock structure, which is one of the four statues, that isn't actually Buddha. Many people say that it is one of his grieving apprentices. The Polonnaruwa Vatadage Remaining unnoticed for several centuries, the excavation of Polonnaruwa Vatadage started in 1903. Many people believe that Parakramabahu 1 built this place to hold the relic of the tooth of Buddha. Moreover, another group of people believes that King Nissanka Malla built this place to hold the alms bowl used by Buddha. Additionally, the structure has two stone platforms decorated with stone carvings. You can enter the lower platform through a single entrance, which is facing the north. You can enter the second platform through four doorways facing four cardinal points. Hatadage Hatadage is another place that I found very fascinating. This place is found next to the Vatadage. This place holds a historical importance for tourists. Hatadage is located in the ancient city of Polonnaruwa. According to historians, King Nissanka Malla built this place. Moreover, Nissanka Malla built this place as a shrine to keep the relic of the tooth of the Buddha. Furthermore, many people say that the place holds sixty relics. I found this place very fascinating to visit. The Lankatilaka Temple The Lankatilaka Temple is another interesting place to visit. The temple is located on Panhalgala Rock in Udunuwara. Moreover, King Bhuvanekabahu 4 constructed this temple. Additionally, the temple has beautiful stonework, rock inscriptions in both Sinhala and Tamil, and a striking dragon arch. The walls of the temple reach 17 meters in height and have a large statue of Buddha. Furthermore, the design of the stairways of the temple drew my attention. Every step of the stairway is only 10 centimeters wide. So, it is difficult to climb. Moreover, with such short steps, the only way to climb down is sideways. While climbing down this manner, you won't be able to turn your back towards the statue of Buddha, which is also considered disrespectful. Rankoth Vehera Stupa The Rankoth Vehera Stupa is the largest stupa in the ancient city of Polonnaruwa. King Nissanka Malla built it. The fascinating part of the stupa is that it is built entirely of brick, and it is set upon a large square terrace. When you walk around the stupa, you will get to know how big it is. How To Go Around Polonnaruwa? There are several ways to go around Polonnaruwa. The two most convenient ways are: Bicycle According to me, the best way to see Polonnaruwa is by bicycle. Moreover, there are many ruins spread out throughout Polonnaruwa, and a bicycle will let you move freely from one place to another. Furthermore, there are many hotels and shops in Polonnaruwa from where you can rent a bicycle. Finally, renting a bicycle will make your trip convenient and budget-friendly. Tuk Tuk  Tuk-tuk is also a good option for going around in Polonnaruwa. Moreover, hiring a tuk tuk will also provide you with a driver as a guide, which is very amazing to see the ancient city. Furthermore, you should choose a tuk-tuk if you are in a hurry. Though I prefer renting a bicycle. How To Reach Polonnaruwa? I will give a few routes for Polonnaruwa with cost and travel time. You can choose the convenient one for you. From Sigiriya To Polonnaruwa Bus: Sigiriya – Inamaluwa – Polonnaruwa – Kaduruwela | After a short tuk-tuk journey from Sigiriya to Inamaluwa, jump on the bus to Kaduruwela. Cost: Tuk-tuk from Sigiriya to Inamaluwa 500 LKR, ($2.8) | Bus from Inamaluwa to Polonnaruwa 200 LKR, ($1) per person Travel time: 1.5 hours From Dambulla To Polonnaruwa Bus: Dambulla – Polonnaruwa – Kaduruwela | Take a direct bus that heads for Kaduruwela from the Dambulla Main bus stop. The bus leaves every 20-30 minutes starting from 7 am. Cost:  Bus from Dambulla to Kaduruwela – 220 LKR ($1) per person Travel time: 1.5 to 2 hours From Trincomalee To Polonnaruwa Bus: Trincomalee – Habarana – Polonnaruwa | A quite difficult journey. From Trincomalee, take a bus heading for Dambulla or Colombo. Tip: Before entering, ask if the bus driver stops in Habarana and if there is a connection to Polonnaruwa. Generally, you’ll find buses that stop in Polonnaruwa at the Habarana Junction. Cost: Bus from Trincomalee to Habarana – 120 LKR, ($0.70) | Bus from Habarana to Polonnaruwa – 80 LKR, ($0,50) Travel time: 4 hours From Colombo To Polonnaruwa Train: Colombo Fort – Polonnaruwa | A rough journey that is packed and heads out to the east coast of Sri Lanka. Personally, I recommend visiting Kandy and Sigiriya in between. Cost: 2nd class: 350 LKR ($2) per person, 3rd class: 200 LKR ($1) per person Travel time: 6.5 hours What To Eat In Polonnaruwa? In Polonnaruwa, you should always go for authentic Sri Lankan rice and curry. I will mention some of the best dishes according to my choice: Traditional Rice And Curry There are many places in Polonnaruwa where you can get an authentic Sri Lankan platter or buffet. In this platter, you will get 10 to 30 freshly made vegetable and meat curries. Moreover, this will be served on a lotus leaf. String Hoppers String hoppers are a breakfast and dinner dish. It is made of steamed rice flour noodles. Additionally, they serve it with spicy coconut sambal (Pol Sambol) and dal (Lentil) curry. Polos (Young Jackfruit) Curry It is a green jackfruit curry. It is cooked slowly and looks like meat. Additionally, they cook it with regional spices, which enhance the taste of the dish. Where To Eat In Polonnaruwa There are some places you can go to get high-quality, authentic Sri Lankan food. I will share some places that I liked. Jaga Food It is a good place you can go to have your Sri Lankan buffet prepared in a traditional clay pot. Moreover, this is a place with an excellent outdoor seating arrangement. Priyamali Gedara It serves authentic, high-quality local home-cooked curries. Tree Hut Restaurant I found this place amazing because of its blend of traditional local dishes with Chinese-inspired options.