What Are The Best Hotels In Galle? Know About The Places To Stay 

BY  Sibashree Apr 27, 2026

Dalawella Beach is the best beach for families in Sri Lanka in 2026.  It’s not me, and Lonely Planet has conferred this title to Dalawella Beach, which is just south of the Unawatuna resort town.  Furthermore, it is just 20 km from Galle and less than 8 km from Galle Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.  On the same list, the Hiriketiya Beach has become the best beach for amenities, the Mirissa Beach has been chosen as the best beach for whale watching, and Unawatuna Beach has been selected as the best beach overall.  You can take a tuk-tuk from Unawatuna and reach this beautiful beach within 10 minutes. Furthermore, it is a 2-hour journey by road.  Taxis to Dalawella Beach are also available from Galle.  While easy accessibility remains a plus for the beach on the southern coast of Sri Lanka, it stands out because of its rope swing attached to a leaning palm tree. This swing is also called the Dalawella Swing.  Moreover, Dalawella Beach or Wijaya Beach has a sheltered natural pool, formed by a reef and adorable turtles.  So, what are the things to do and the top attractions at this beach? Let’s discuss this in detail in this blog.  How To Reach Dalawella Beach?  As I have said already, you can easily take a tuk-tuk from Unawatuna and reach Dalawella Beach within 10 minutes.  I paid LKR 200 as the tuk-tuk price and got off at the Dream Cabana Hotel. Here, you will find the palm tree that has the famous Dalawella Swing.  You will also get buses from Unawatuna to Dalawella every 15-20 minutes, and the ticket price is LKR 50.  Why Is Dalawella Beach A Must-Visit? (Things To Do In Dalawella Beach) Sri Lanka has the best of many things. It has the famous Buddhist sites, such as the Dambulla Royal Cave Temple, or the Sacred City of Anuradhapura.  These are high-energy places and are soaked in spiritual fervor.  On the other hand, the coastal gateways such as the Uppuveli Beach in Trincomalee or Ahangama Beach Town, offer you the ideal places to relax and unwind.  The Dalawella Beach near Unawatuna is, of course, a nice addition to this list of beaches in Sri Lanka.  While relaxing and enjoying a laid-back vibe is the best thing to do when you are at Dalawella Beach, here are some other activities you must try.  1. Swing Over The Water  The palm tree swing is the top attraction at Dalawella Beach. This swing is attached to the leaning palm tree in front of the Dream Cabana hotel.  You can enjoy this swing ride over the water and have the most amazing experience. A hit on Instragram, this is the perfect spot for photography or making reels at Dalawella Beach.  The cost of taking this swing is LKR 500, which I have seen many travel guides mentioning as the entry fee.  However, entry to Dalawella Beach is free.  2. Watch The Sunset From The Wijaya Rock You will find the Wijaya Rock if you walk a few hundred meters from the Wijaya Rock. The standalone rock comes out of the sand and reaches out into the ocean.  There is a palm tree right beside the rock. So, the overall setup is very Insta-worthy, especially during the hours of sunrise and sunset.  3. Swim With Turtles  Turtles are a major attraction on the Sri Lankan beaches.  Be it the beaches in Jaffna or the Sea Turtles Conservation Centre near Mount Lavinia Beach, these adorable creatures add more delight to the beach experience.  At Dalawella Beach also, I spotted some turtles, and swimming by them in the lagoon was relaxing.  So, you don’t need to snorkel to meet them.  Furthermore, if you don’t want to swim in the water, you can watch them from the top of the Wijiya Rock or use a drone camera to capture their beauty.  4. Surfing Near The Frog Rock  Dalawella Beach is not the best option if you want to enjoy surfing in Sri Lanka. However, it is not the worst either.  You will find the iconic Frog Rock at the end of Dalawella Beach. The natural formation of this boulder makes it look like a frog.  However, the water here is quite shallow, and the reef is a major challenge. So, you will mostly find locals surfing in this area.  Moreover, Dalawella Beach has some delightful cafes and restaurants. You can enjoy seafood and chilled beer here and enjoy amazing sunset views.  What Are The Other Beaches To Visit Near The Dalawella Beach?  As I have mentioned, Dalawella Beach is not that great as a surfing destination, and it does not have a surfing break.  So, you can try nearby beach options such as Ahangama, Kabalana, or Koggala.  The best among them is, of course, Ahangama, and you can easily reach this beach town by a tuk-tuk, and it takes just 20 minutes.  Ahangama is the best because it has around fifteen surf breaks along a few kilometers of the coast.  The Kabalana Beach, around 15 km away from Dalawella Beach, is also a popular surfing destination and has the best A-frame in Sri Lanka.  However, if you want a more peaceful experience at a remote place, you can try Koggala. It is just 10 minutes away, but it can be a little dumpy.  Where To Stay If You Want To Surf At Dalawella Beach?  You will find many hotels to stay at Dalawella dotting the beach. However, it is always better to take a tuk-tuk ride or a short walk to find better options.  For example, the Rockside Cabanas Hotel is the most popular accommodation, and it is within walking distance of the beach. It is also very close to the turtle lagoon.  You can also plan a stay at the Horizon Hill Top Villa. Take a tuk-tuk to reach this hotel in two minutes from the beach.  It serves an amazing breakfast, and it has a lovely pool in the jungle.  What Is The Best Time To Visit Dalawella Beach?  Dalawella Beach remains open 24x7. However, 6 AM to 7 PM is the best time to visit the beach in a day.  Season-wise, December to March or the dry season, is the best time to visit Dalwella Beach.  Moderate temperature with an average of 31-32 degrees Celsius, long sunshine hours, and calm waves make this season ideal for regular tourists and surfers.  Moreover, these months are the best for spotting turtles here. 

BY  Sibashree Apr 22, 2026

Demodara Railway Loop, nestled in the mountains near Ella, Sri Lanka, is one of the most iconic rail routes in the world.  Furthermore, you will get the most amazing views of the Nine Arch Bridge and the train plying through it from the Demodara Railway Loop.  Also, since 2024, this beautiful railway loop has been protected under the New Heritage Management Program.  Moreover, opening on 21st March, 1921, this railway loop has been celebrating more than 100 years of heritage and history.  So, here is a brief account of my beautiful train ride in the Demodara railway loop.  Why Is The Demodara Loop Famous?  Between Ella and Uduwara stations, Demodara is a beautiful railway station in the Uva Province of Sri Lanka.  While extending the railway line to Badulla, the authorities faced a serious challenge due to the steep altitude.  Furthermore, it is famous as the only railway station in the world to be built in a tunnel (Tunnel 42) through which the train passes.  Moreover, this loop, with a length of 441 feet, passes through a 360-degree loop, offering the most amazing views of the surroundings.  Also, it is interesting to know that the design of the Demodara Railway Loop was originally inspired by a Kanyan turban. Then, British and Ceylonese engineers put up the structure. Devapura Jayasena Wimalasurendra was the engineer who conceptualized the idea.  In addition, if you miss the train from Ella to Demodara, you can also enjoy a 9 km hike. The hike continues through tea estates, and then you will meet the iconic Nine Arch Bridge on the way.   Then, you can take a train back from Demodara to Ella. However, I fortunately got to board the trains both times.  A Train Ride In The Demodara Railway Loop  Unlike the Kandy-Ella train ride, a train ride in the Demodara Railway Loop was peaceful.  Also, you could relax even after you saw the train coming out of the tunnel and ascending. It moves very slowly through the loop.  As the train was almost empty and as Sri Lanka demands everything the Travel LowDownUnder philosophy teaches you, I boarded a 3rd class compartment.  I was happy as there was nobody to stop me from peeping through the doors on both sides of the train, and soaking in the beauty of the surrounding lush tea estates.  Also, it was amazing to enjoy a train ride across the iconic Nine Arch Bridge. Moreover, when the train was passing through the Nine Arch Bridge, I could see locals, especially children, standing and waving from the banks of the railway lines.  Overall, it was a comfortable and delightful experience! Insider Tip: When you are traveling from Ella to Demodara, stand near the window or gate on the left side in the direction the train is moving.  From there, you will get amazing views of the Nine Arch Bridge.  Train Time And Ticket Price On The Demodara Railway Loop  If you are traveling from Ella, you will get two trains to the Demodara Railway Loop. So, here are the details of the train timings and ticket prices (Source: Sri Lankan Railways).  Train NameDepartureArrivalTicket Price (LKR)11005 Special 1005 -Ambewela - Badulla 09:30 - 12:1611:25 AM11:40 AM- AC Saloon Car: 2500- Second Class Reserved Seats: 1700- Third Class Reserved Seats: 120011015 Special 1015 -Ambewela - Badulla 15:00 - 17:464:55 PM5:10 PM- AC Saloon Car: 2500- Second Class Reserved Seats: 1700- Third Class Reserved Seats: 1200 Why Is This Iconic Ride In The Demodara Railway Loop Worth It?  Beyond an engineering marvel, the Demodara Railway Loop is an example of historical railway innovation.  Furthermore, when riding in a quiet train carriage, you can enjoy the uninterrupted views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.  Also, this train ride allows you to pass over the Nine Arch Bridge, one of the iconic heritage sites of Sri Lanka.  Moreover, as I was traveling solo, I experienced the joy, spontaneity, and independence backed by the quiet experience. If You Want To Walk From Ella To Demodara  I got to know about the Demodara Railway Loop at the Kadugannawa Railway Museum. It was raining for a few days in Ella, and seriously, I needed to do something to get out of the lull.  So, I decided to take a train ride from Ella to Demodara through the Demodara Railway Loop.  I got the train. However, if you miss the train,” go for a 9 km walk through the countryside and tea-covered hills.  The tea shops, nearby hills, and occasional spotting of peacocks in the bush will keep you entertained.  Moreover, as you descend from Demodara to Ella, you will get sweeping views of paddy fields.

BY  Sibashree Mar 27, 2026

The cherry blossom season has arrived in Japan. The Japan Meteorological Agency has announced the arrival of the most coveted season in the country on 19th March, 2026.  The somei-yoshino tree of the Yasukuni Shrine had more than 60 blossoms open then, and that prompted the announcement.  So, the recent warm weather has caused the arrival of the cherry blossom season earlier than last year.  However, the season of cherry blossom in Kyoto arrived a few days later on 23rd March, 2026. So, currently, the fervor around the cherry blossom Kyoto Japan is at its peak.  With the country now becoming irresistible with the blooms taking over the parks and roads, here is more about the cherry blossom season in Kyoto and the best viewing points.  When Is The Cherry Blossom Kyoto Season? Timing a trip to the cherry blossom Kyoto season or to see Sakura is a crucial exercise. The beauty and charm of these flowers are fleeting.  So, the when part of it is equally important as the where part.  Check out the table below for an idea about when the cherry blossom season arrives in Kyoto and how it progresses.  Cherry Blossom Season Months Budding and Blooming of Cherry Blossoms Kaika or the First Blossoms Late March Early April Mankai or Full Blooms by 7th AprilMid-AprilPetals Start to Fall and Create Petal Carpets Everywhere However, like 2026, the season can arrive early or even a little late.  The variation happens because the present temperature impacts the budding and blossoming of flowers.  If the weather is warmer, the flowers will blossom earlier than the average season. On the other hand, if there is a cold snap, the flowers will arrive late.  However, Kyoto has an advantage in this regard thanks to its diverse microclimates. Also, it boasts different cherry blossom tree varieties spread across different elevations.  So, even if you miss the cherry blossom scene at any of the shrines in Kyoto, you may find the flowers at any other place.  What Are The Places To See Cherry Blossom In Kyoto? Kyoto and all of Japan celebrate the cherry blossom season. It is enriching to witness such a deep bond between the people there and nature.  They love clicking pictures of flowers, picnicking under the trees, and just soaking in the happiness and beauty the flowers bring.  However, if you want to experience the best of the cherry blossom scene, you need to know about the places with the best views.  1. The Philosopher’s Walk (Tetsugaku-No-Michi) The Philosopher’s Walk is a canal-side stone walkway winding its way along the base of Hikoshiyama (Eastern Mountain Range). I began my day here.  The name has significance, and legend has it that Professor Kitaro Nishida of Kyoto University (an early 20th-century philosopher) walked this route daily for meditative purposes. Thus, it’s now known as the “Philosopher’s Walk.”  When I first set foot on the Philosopher’s Walk, I could see why he was always walking there each day.  The entire length of the pathway is lined with hundreds of cherry trees leaning above the water, creating a ceiling of pale pink blooms.  I found myself continually distracted while walking to the shop, eat, or visit the small shrines draped throughout the landscape.  Even with hundreds of people visiting this site daily, I felt as if I were walking alone, contemplating life.  There is nothing that compares to the silence created by having cherry blossoms fall off branches and drift gently down into the slow-moving canal below.  I felt as if I had achieved a moment of peace, not as a tourist but rather as an individual taking time out of their busy lives to think quietly, like all the others on the path. 2. Maruyama Park (Maruyama-Kōen) The Philosopher's Walk is for reflection, and Maruyama Park is the place to be to party!  The number of people in the park and how electric the atmosphere felt, I have to believe it is the most popular place to view blossoms in all of Kyoto.  It serves as a hub of hanami (flower-viewing) culture within the city. A huge, famous weeping cherry tree serves as the main attraction of the park.  Seeing the tree in person was an overwhelming experience for me because its branches seemed to flow downwards like water from a fountain.  The portion of the park that surrounded the tree became a festival site.  I saw blue tarps lying all over the park, and the universal sign of hanami gatherings with friends and family, eating, drinking, and just being together under the flowers.  The edge of the park had many food stalls offering various foods like yakitori and sweet dango. 3. Shimbashi Street (Shirakawa-Dori) Later, as I headed to find Shimbashi Street in the Gion neighborhood, my guidebook boldly said that Shimbashi was the “most beautiful street in Asia.” When you first step into Shimbashi, you feel the essence of Kyoto’s refined beauty throughout the street.  Cherry trees line the street and form a thick canopy above the walkways, and beside the traditional wooden buildings, streams flow gently through the area.  Many of the wooden buildings along the way hold exclusive ryotei (expensive) restaurants, and the whole atmosphere feels as if it were pulled from a time before us.  The most exciting thing for me was the ‘parade’ of kimonos that I observed as I strolled.  Locals and couples routinely have their picture taken in a kimono (professional photo), and the vibrant colours of the silk kimono against the soft pastel cherry blossom trees made a beautiful visual transition from the past to the present.  I ended up discovering a small bistro at the end of Shimbashi Street that had cherry blossoms providing a tunnel effect above.  Eating lunch (al fresco) under the blooming tunnel while watching the many young couples walk past in traditional clothing was certainly the highlight of my time in the city.  It was both romantic and timeless and contained an ideal balance between the two. 4. To-ji Temple With the sunlight fading, I headed to the To-ji Temple.  The To-ji Temple is known for its five-story pagoda, which has the tallest wooden tower in Japan. However, what I was more excited to see was the massive, beautiful, weeping cherry tree. A trip to To-ji Temple in the evening is highly recommended.  They flood the entire grounds with bright white flood lights when it gets dark outside.  The weeping cherry tree illuminated with pink lighting is stunning against the night sky and the outline of the ancient pagoda.  Also, the weeping cherry took up most of the memory on my camera.  I spent a fair amount of time walking around the grounds. There are many other cherry blossom trees around the grounds that also have the same beautiful effect from the lights at night as well. They take on an almost ghostly, pearl-like quality that you can only get from external lighting at night. 5. Kiyomizu-Dera Temple No visit to Kyoto would be complete without going to see the Roji temple, aka the "Pure Water Temple."  However, viewing it in cherry blossom season looks like such a different experience from what I saw.  The main hall has a huge terrace about 97 feet long, which is one of the best places I found to view it. As I looked down from this height, I could see all across the surface of the mountain, where there were many different types of cherry trees blooming or not blooming along the slopes.  The pink blossoms (the cherry trees' flowers) create a nice light-coloured contrast with the dark, weathered wood of the temple architecture.  When I walked down the ramp toward the exit, I noticed there were more clusters of trees planted near the pond at the end of the flower field.  I saw the reflection of trees on the surface of the pond.  The temple complex is enormous, and the scale of the cherry tree blossoms in this area is impressive.  6. Arashiyama Last, I traveled to the far west side of the city to Arashiyama. It is about 8 km from downtown and is a really refreshing and beautiful area filled with nature. While standing just north of the Togetsu and looking up at the mountain beside me, I could see a dense tapestry of hundreds of cherry trees interlaced with evergreen trees. They made a perfect background for the Hozu River below me, with its many small boats full of people renting out their time to experience the beauty of the flowers from the water's side.  I was envious that I had not scheduled more time to experience this part of Japan.  I also thought that this (the hills full of flowers) was very similar to the Yoshino slopes.  On my way out of the area, I stopped at the Tenryū- ji Temple. I saw some incredibly large, mature cherry trees. These, along with the well-kept Zen gardens, appeared to be glowing against each other. Walking through Kyoto in the spring taught me that the cherry blossom isn't just a flower. It’s a vibe that settles over the entire city.  Is Osaka Or Kyoto Better For Seeing Cherry Blossom?  It’s difficult to pick a favorite between Osaka and Kyoto for the cherry blossom season. The vibes are very different.  While Kyoto has these iconic spots for seeing cherry blossoms, Osaka also has the Osaka Castle Park.  Furthermore, the scene in Kyoto is more traditional with temples, historical atmosphere, and the weeping cherry trees.  On the other hand, Osaka is more about picnics and exploring amazing food stalls.  However, Osaka is less crowded than Kyoto in the cherry blossom season. That is one advantage.  Also, Osaka is less expensive than Kyoto.  So, if you want less crowd and you are on a budget travel, Osaka will be your go-to place. Read Also: Is The Japan Rail Pass Worth It In 2026? Should I Buy Or Avoid It As A Conscious Tourist? What Are The Best Day Trips From Tokyo? 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