What Are The Things To Do In Jimbocho Book Town? Visit The Best Book Stores And Cafes 

BY  Sibashree Mar 31, 2026

A trip to Nara was long overdue, and as the first permanent capital of the country, it is a must-visit.  Furthermore, this Japanese capital, before 794 AD (then Kyoto became the capital), has many UNESCO World Heritage Sites.  The Todai-ji Temple is the most famous among these 8 UNESCO World Heritage Sites. You will find one of the largest Buddha statues in the country here, and the statue is made of bronze.  Of course, the deer roaming in the city are beautiful, and you feel like getting transported to a bygone era.  It reminded me of one of the most famous literary works in our country, Shakuntalam Abhigyan, an immortal love story between King Dushyanta and Shakuntala, written by Kalidasa in Sanskrit.  Also, this is a place that will ask you to come back, and most people plan a day trip to experience its historical charm and natural beauty.  But, smitten by its beauty, I chose a 2-day trip, and here is the list of things to do in Nara. Also, I will discuss how I can get to Nara.  How To Reach Nara?  Nara is easily accessible from Kyoto, which is also famous for its history and cherry blossom season.  You can also visit Nara from the Osaka prefecture. So, overall, a visit to Nara can fit well into your itinerary of visiting the Kansai region of Japan.   Also, the robust railway system of Japan makes it easy and budget-friendly to visit Nara. A Japan Railway Regional Pass will be the best for traveling across Nara, Kyoto, Osaka, and Kobe, and the entire Kansai Region.  Also, when in Osaka, don’t forget to explore the street food stalls and have the best Osaka food, including Mochis and seafood delicacies.  Here is how you can travel from Kyoto to Nara. 1. Traveling From Kyoto To Nara Through The JR Nara Line You will get an express train or a local train from Kyoto to Nara every hour.  Furthermore, if you opt for the Miyakoji Rapid Service on this line, you will reach Nara within 45 minutes, and the ticket price will be 720 JPY.  Also, the local train services, with the same ticket price, will take about 70 minutes.  Once you reach the JR Nara station, you will get buses to the Nara Park and other top attractions in Nara.  2. Take The Kintetsu Railway To Reach Nara From Kyoto This is the most convenient way to reach Nara from Kintetsu Railway Station.  The train journey is the fastest, and the journey takes about 35 minutes by the express trains, and the ticket price is 1280 JPY.  Also, the regular trains take about 45 minutes to complete the journey. The ticket price is 760 JPY.  What Are The Things To Do In Nara?  From a visit to the Nara Park to exploring Heijo Palace and the temples, there are many things to do in Nara.  Here are the things I did during my 2-day stay.  1. Day 1 In Nara: Exploring The Nara Park  With deer passing by, Nara Park, the home to the main attractions in Nara, is a place you cannot simply miss.  The park is free to enter, and it remains open for 24 hours.  However, many attractions in the park close after 5 PM. So, you have to be early when visiting it.  Also, here are the attractions you will come across in the Nara Park, along with the deer passing by.  • Kasuga Taisha One of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Nara, Kasuga Taisha, takes us back to the Nara Period from 710 to 794 AD.  It is the most revered shrine among the Fujiwara clan as the tutelary shrine.  Furthermore, the main attraction of the shrine is the “Hall of Lanterns.” There, I saw many bronze lanterns illuminating the darkness.  During the special festivals, Setsubun Mantoro in February and Chugen Mantoro in August, all these lanterns are lit.  Moreover, you will find a cider tree in the inner shrine, and it is 1000 years old.  • Mt. Wakakusa I took the back road from Kasuga Taisha on the way to the Todai-Ji temple.  I came across many small shrines there. However, the highlight was Mt. Wakakusa.  This hill between the two shrines has a height of 350 meters. Also, on the 4th Saturday of January, it becomes the venue for the Wakakusa Yamayaki celebration.  People burn dead grass on the slopes, and this is a ritual that has been celebrated since the 18th century.  • Todai-Ji Todai-Ji is another UNESCO World Heritage Site, and one of the “Historic Monuments of Ancient Nara.” It was built in 752 AD, and it was the head of all the temples in the province. It even had a strong influence on the royal family.  In fact, with Todai-Ji being the seat of control even in the royal decisions, the emperor decided to move the capital to Nagaoka in 784 AD.  However, the main attraction of the Todai-Ji Temple is the massive Buddha statue, or Daibutsu.   A depiction of Dainichi Nyorai,  it represents the primordial Buddha in the orthodox East Asian Buddhist philosophy.  You will also find two similarly sized Bodhisattva statues here.  However, the temple and statues you see today were burned down, and they were rebuilt during the Edo period (1603–1868).  2. Things To Do In Nara: Day 2 I visited the Heijo Palace and many other temples of Nara on day 2.  • Visiting The Heijo Palace  When Nara was the capital, the Heijo Palace was the seat of power for the chrysanthemum throne.  It had a dimension of 1 kilometer, considering the other palaces and architecture of that time.  However, the remains of this UNESCO World Heritage Site in Nara are now at the Toshodai-ji Temple, nearby.  However, since the 1950s, archaeologists have been studying the remains of the Heijo Palace, and this has evoked further public interest.  That is why you can now see many placards there and read about the history and legacy of the site.  Moreover, the audience hall and two other parts of the palace were rebuilt. The restoration of the largest part, the audience hall, happened in 2010.  It was an ode to the 1300th anniversary of Nara as the capital of Japan.  • Toshodai-Ji As I have mentioned, the Toshodai-ji Temple has the remains of the Heijo Palace.  This temple dates back at least a millennium. Ganji, a Chinese monk, built this temple in 759 AD.  Monk Ganji brought Buddhism to Japan, and the Toshodai-Ji today is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.  • Yakushi-Ji It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and people here worship Lord Buddha as Yakushi Nyorai or the Medicine Buddha.  The dual main halls here have unique architecture, and each has a dedicated 3-story pagoda.  • Horyu-ji  Horyu-Ji is older than most temples in the Nara region, and Prince Shotoku founded it in 607.  Furthermore, this UNESCO World Heritage Site stands out with its wooden edifices, which are some of the oldest in Japan. This time, I missed many attractions such as Asuka, Omiwa Shrine, and Mount Yoshino. Some day for sure!  And till then, Sayōnara, guys!

BY  Sibashree Jun 6, 2026

The historical Galle Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is going to play an important role in the tourism growth of Sri Lanka in 2026.  Its colonial-era landmarks, such as the Groote Kerk, the Dutch reformed church or the Galle Clock Tower, the living heritage, and the rich maritime history make Galle Fort such a prominent landmark in the landscape of cultural tourism in Sri Lanka.  It is also easily accessible from the Bandaranaike International Airport in Colombo, at a distance of around 153 km.  Various bus routes between Colombo and Galle, and the train connectivity ensure a smooth journey.  Here are more details about how to get from Colombo to Galle.  How To Get From Colombo To Galle? Know The Transport Options The best way to get from Colombo to Galle is to enjoy a scenic train ride. However, if you miss the train, you can also opt for a local bus ride.  Also, if the budget is not a constraint, you can book a ride from a ride-hailing app or book a cab to travel the distance by road.  Here, I will decode the train, bus, and private transfer journeys along with details such as the travel duration, ticket pricing, and amenities.  Moreover, the journeys in buses and local trains offer distinct cultural experiences, as I have mentioned in my Kandy to Ella train journey blog.  1. How To Get From Colombo To Galle By Train?  To get from Colombo to Galle, you can plan a coastal train ride.  Here, the railway track runs along the palm-fringed coasts for most of the journey.  Moreover, the ocean waters here will crash just meters away from your open window.  So, overall, it is, in no way, a mundane commute experience. You are going to have an experience of a lifetime.  You can have a look at the table below to know about the train timings. (Source: Sri Lanka Railways).  Departure From Colombo FortAvailableArrival In Galle 6:17 AM Saturdays, Sundays, and Holidays 8:32 AM6:50 AMEveryday9:29 AM8:35 AMEveryday10:49 AM10:30 AMEveryday12:49 PM2:40 PMEveryday4:57 PM3:50 PMEveryday5:57 PM4:47 PMEveryday7:04 PM5:32 PMMonday to Friday (Except Holidays)8:25 PM5:31 PMSaturdays, Sundays, and Holidays 8:05 PM5:51 PMEveryday9:29 PM6:16 PMExcept Saturdays and Sundays8:40 PM7:30 PMEveryday11:10 PM The trains have second-class and third-class sections.  The ticket price for the second-class commute is LKR 500, and for the third-class commute it is LKR 240.  How To Book The Tickets To Get From Colombo To Galle By Train?  You can book the ticket from Colombo to Galle online (reserved) or offline (unreserved).  If you are traveling between December and April, it is the peak season for a trip to Sri Lanka. So, you must book the tickets at least 32 days in advance from the Sri Lanka Railways online seat reservation portal.  However, in the off-season, you will get the tickets a few days before.  In addition, you can book a train ticket from the local counter at the Colombo Fort Railway Station.   2. The Colombo To Galle Express Bus: Speed And Comfort If you want a more comfortable journey to get from Colombo to Galle without spending much money, you can try the bus routes.  Express Highway Bus (EX01) Duration: 2 hours to 2.5 hours Route The bus travels through the Southern Expressway (E01).  Moreover, if you choose this route, you will be able to bypass every coastal traffic, and you will reach faster than the coastal route buses. Traveling Experience The buses are usually fast and relatively smooth.  Additionally, the buses are very comfortable, usually air-conditioned, and have comfortable cushioned seats.  Moreover, the journey through this route is through the highway, which means that you will not be able to see any ocean views. Where To Catch The Bus From These buses depart from the Makumbura Multimodal Center or the Colombo Bastian Mawatha Bus Terminal.  Additionally, these buses are frequent you will be able to catch a bus every 20 minutes to 30 minutes. Coastal Route Bus (Route 02) Duration: 3 hours to 4 hours Route Buses of this route pass through the coastline, giving you an amazing coastal view.  These buses pass through some magnificent towns like Mount Lavinia, Wadduwa, and Hikkaduwa, which enhance the beauty of the journey. Traveling These buses will provide you with an authentic and local Sri Lankan ride.  Sometimes the ride can also be chaotic but enjoyable. Moreover, if you choose these buses, be prepared for a bold and rapid ride.  These bus rides are often characterized by a stop-and-go rhythm because of their sudden bursts of speed.  Furthermore, these bus rides are enjoyable with loud, crowded, and vibrant locals hopping on and off, and street vendors selling snacks.  Finally, the most amazing part of this bus ride is the spectacular views of coconut palms and the Indian Ocean. You can also jump off and go around the beach towns along the way. Where To Catch The Bus From  You can catch these buses from the Central Bus Stand near the Colombo Fort Railway Station. Some Tips For Your Ride Here are some other details you need to know if you want to get from Colombo to Galle.  Ticket Prices These buses are very affordable. The ticket prices depend on whether you take a local non-AC bus or an AC highway bus. The ticket prices usually range between LKR 300 and LKR 1000. Luggage You usually won't find a cargo hold on coastal buses. In such situations, you will need to keep your backpack on your lap or squeeze it into overhead racks. Music And Noise If you have never been on a Sri Lankan bus, this is going to be a light-and-sound journey for you.  Public buses in Sri Lanka are known for their lively atmosphere, featuring Sri Lankan pop music and colorful interiors, which you can enjoy throughout the journey. Private Transfers And Taxis: Seamless Door-To-Door Service Suppose you are traveling with family or small children.  Or, if you are part of a group where everyone is carrying heavy luggage, you can choose a private transfer.  Also, a private transfer can be of two types.  Taking A Private Taxi  A private taxi will pick you up from the Bandaranaike International Airport or your hotel in Colombo and drop you off outside your accommodation inside the Galle Fort ramparts.  You will enjoy the ride through the Southern Expressway.  A private taxi ride on this route will take between 1.5 and 2 hours.  However, the charges will be really high as a standard sedan will cost between LKR 15000 and 20000.  Using Ride-Hailing Apps If you are traveling to Sri Lanka for the first time, you can avoid negotiating with unpredictable street drivers.  You can book a cab using local ride-hailing apps such as PickMe. It is the premier local Sri Lankan ride-hailing platform. Furthermore, you can also use Uber to operate reliably and extensively throughout the Colombo metropolitan area.  The price range for these cabs from Colombo Fort to Galle is between LKR 8000 and 12000.

BY  Sibashree Mar 24, 2026

Ella is one of Sri Lanka's most beautiful towns.  Also, Ella is a place where many of my favorite Sri Lankan adventures are.  My first sighting of the famous Nine Arch Bridge, one of my first hikes at Ella Rock, standing at the edge of the roaring Diyaluma Falls, and many more.  Perhaps the most famous train ride in the world, from Kandy, passes through Ella as well. Ella is a quaint and beautiful town and is a great place to escape the heat of the southern coasts. However, over the last decade, this quaint little hamlet has become a large tourist destination.  Unfortunately, the growth has also brought some concrete eyesores to the village.  There is still plenty of magic to be discovered here, if you are willing to move beyond the Instagram hotspots. Having undertaken two comprehensive visits to this beautiful hill-country retreat, I have compiled the ultimate portfolio of things to do in Ella, Sri Lanka. What Are The Things To Do In Ella, Sri Lanka?  Despite the changes in Ella, Sri Lanka, the mountain ranges are just as majestic as they were years ago. Furthermore, the tea served is still some of the finest in the world. Moreover, people here are still warm.  And the most fascinating part?  Ella always brings out the explorer in you. How can you avoid the lure of riding in an open-air train or leaning over the edge of a waterfall?  Here is more about the exciting things to do in Ella, Sri Lanka.  1. Riding The Iconic Kandy To Ella Train The Kandy to Ella train ride is the best thing you will do in Sri Lanka.  The train passes through tea plantations and crosses gushing streams.  And you cannot expect less from a route that has been labelled by many as the most picturesque train ride in the world.  However, the train ride also allows you to indulge in the local vibe with local vendors hawking through the rush and the local boys singing and playing drums during the journey.  Also, the Nanu Oya to Ella scratch is the most beautiful in the entire route. Also, don’t go for a 1st class ticket and reserve a 3rd class class to enjoy the views through open windows.  2. Admiring  The Famous Nine Arch Bridge It’s astonishing to think that a single bridge could drive tourists in droves to a small town, but the Nine Arch Bridge is an engineering marvel that demands to be seen.  Standing 24 meters high and spanning 91 meters, it was completed in 1921 using only brick, rock, and cement, and there is no metal at all. When the mist hangs low in the valley, the bridge takes on a moody, mystical feel.  You can walk along the tracks or look down from the tea plantations below, but my favorite view is from the cafe platforms in the surrounding hills.  Watching the blue train slowly crawl across the arches is a sight I’ll never forget. 3. Hiking The Mighty Ella Rock  The hike to the mighty Ella Rock starts from the Ella railway station. It was a walk with waterfalls and small homes on the way.  Then, the steep ascent began.  After reaching the top, you will get a beautiful view of Adam’s Peak and Ella Gap. 4. Watching Sunset At Little Adam’s Peak The hike to Little Adam’s Peak is a gentler alternative to the hike to Ella Rock.  I walked through the lush tree plantations, and once I reached the top, the panoramic view before my eyes was nothing short of a movie frame.  Plan your hike in the late afternoon to enjoy the most amazing sunset views from Little Adam’s Peak. 5. Chasing The Diyaluma Falls I started from Ella to Poonagala, the starting point for the Diyaluma Falls hike, by taking a tuk-tuk.  The tuk-tuk took 1.5 hours.  Furthermore, from Poonagala, it was a downhill hike to the Upper Diyaluma Falls, which had a 220-meter drop.  There are natural infinity pools right at the edge where you can swim during the dry season.  From the upper Diyaluma Falls, it is another 30-minute hike to the Lower Diyaluma Falls.  6. Feeling The Mythological Connection At Ravana Falls  Ravana Falls is right by the road south of Ella.  Locals say that King Ravana took Princess Sita and hid her in the caves behind Ravana Falls.  Furthermore, you can see the Ravana Falls from the road. However, it is best if you hike to the second and third tiers.  7. Taking A Seat With Sir Thomas Lipton Tea is the lifeblood of this region, and a visit to Lipton’s Seat is a journey to the source.  This is the exact spot where tea mogul Sir Thomas Lipton used to sit and survey his empire.  On a clear day, you can see all the way to the south coast. Even on the foggy day I visited, sipping a fresh cup of Ceylon tea (the best I’ve ever had) while the clouds swirled around the summit was incredibly atmospheric. 8. Taking A Tour Of The Dambethenne Tea Factory When you go to the high country, you must learn the actual science of the making of your brew. I visited the tea company founded by Lipton himself in 1890 and saw how it was picked, wilted, fermented, and graded. All of these were new to me as an individual who drinks a lot of tea.  About 80% of this tea is sold in Colombo and then exported around the world. I especially found the fermenting room to be extremely interesting. 9. Feel The Adrenaline Rush At Flying Ravana If you need a break from the hiking, Ella recently opened Sri Lanka’s first-ever zip-line.  It stretches half a kilometer across the hills and hits speeds of 80kmph.  For around $20 USD, it’s one of the best value adrenaline fixes I’ve ever found. It’s located near the 98 Acres resort, making it a perfect way to end a trip to Little Adam’s Peak. 10. Mastering The Art Of The Curry At Ella, Sri Lanka  In my opinion, Sri Lanka has the best food (after my country, of course)! If you want to bring back a little bit of Sri Lanka to your home country, then you should try taking a cooking class.  Also, if you don’t have enough time, just try the food streets.  For me, it was a brilliant consolidation of my food tour in Jaffna. Though the food in Ella is creamier and less spicy than in Jaffna.  11. Witnessing The Grandeur Of Bambarakanda Falls The Bambarakanda Falls is the tallest waterfall in the country, and it falls from a height of 241 meters.  You can take a short hike or a tuk-tuk to reach the Bambarakanda Falls from Ella.  Then, stand at the base and feel the sheer power of that vertical drop.  Moreover, to enjoy the best flow of this waterfall, plan a visit between April and September.  12. Spotting The Elephants At Udawalawe Like the Kaudulla National Park, the Udawalawe National Park is also a great place for spotting elephants in the wild.  Ella is the base for a safari in the Udawalawe National Park.  I opted for an early morning safari, and I spotted adorable baby elephants with their mothers.  Don’t Forget To Party And Chill In Ella, Sri Lanka  Like Jaffna, a backpacker’s dream, Ella has also emerged as a hub for backpackers and budget travelers.  Ella Town is still a great place to unwind, and places such as Cafe Chill are at the epicenter of these scenes.  You can have some really good burgers and Lion Beer at some of these recognized cafes.  Moreover, when you spend time at these cafes, you don’t rush from one place to another, but study the local culture and understand how a country, ridden by cyclones, endless civil wars, and financial crisis, can still be the land of sunshine.