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BY  Sibashree Mar 5, 2026

I have just shared my story of climbing the Sigiriya Rock. It’s huge, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with the 660-foot stone remnants, is the perfect postcard of the cultural richness of Sri Lanka.  I visited the Hindu temples of Jaffna and experienced their grandeur. I have also experienced the somber vibe and wondered at the architectural marvel of the Ritigala Forest Monastery.  Now, if you think of the Pidurangala Rock, it is not the bucket-list material like the three places I have mentioned. I initially planned a hike of the Pidurangala Rock to have a different perspective of the Sigiriya Rock.  The view from the top is mesmerizing.  However, the Pidurangala Rock is not just the lesser-known neighbor of the Sigiriya Rock. It was an ancient Buddhist Monastery and is famous as the home to a 1500-year-old massive statue of Lord Buddha.  Also, watching the sunrise from the top of the Pidurangala Rock is an ethereal experience.  I hope you have guessed by now. In this blog, I will share my experience of climbing the Pidurangala Rock, watching the sunrise from there, its history, and other details.  The History Of The Pidurangala Rock The history of the Pidurangala Rock is over two millennia old. King Kashyapa made the Sigiriya Fort his seat of power and asked the monks to shift here. He made suitable arrangements to build amenities for the resident monks here.  In fact, the rock gets its name from "Pidu + Ran + Goda." It means the offered piles of gold. Thus, the name itself explains how King Kashyapa made donations for the development.  Furthermore, the Sigiri Pidurangala Raja Maha Viharaya temple is still inside the caves.  Also, the site has a 1500-year-old massive Buddha Statue in a reclining position. The treasure hunters ruined it partially in the 1960s. However, it has been restored.  Today, the Pidurangala Rock is a protected archaeological site containing ancient caves, a 5th-century stupa, and remains of a second stupa on the summit. How To Reach The Pidurangala Rock From Kandy? Hiking the Sigiriya Rock and Pidurangala Rock can be an extension of the mixed bag of things to do in Kandy.  The journey from Kandy to the Pidurangala Rock 1. The Long Haul From Kandy  You can catch a bus from the station behind the Kandy train station to Dambulla. This is a journey of 2 hours and 15 minutes.  Furthermore, the ticket will cost you around 1.14 USD or 200 LKR.  2. The Short Haul From Kandy  Once you reach Dambulla, you will get local buses to Sigiriya. The ticket price is around 40 LKR, and the travel time is just 30 minutes.  What Is The Entry Fee For Pidurangala Rock? While researching Sigiriya Rock, I was shocked to find that the entrance fee is $36 USD per person. a steep price tag considering how affordable the rest of Sri Lanka is.  Aside from our $35 USD Yala National Park safari, it was the only major expense I encountered during my entire month-long trip. In fact, my 5 days in Jaffna were quite a budget-friendly affair.  However, the Pidurangala Rock was a stark contrast. I paid only 300 LKR, which was less than 3 USD at that time.  Want to know more about my holiday in Sri Lanka? Read my guide on the Ambuluwawa Tower and things to do in Trincomalee.  I also visited Mount Lavinia Beach.  Hiking The Pidurangala Rock The hike to the Pidurangala Rock took me around 20 minutes. However, my heart was really pumping.  I climbed up a steep set of stairs, and that was an excellent morning workout for me.  Then, the trail ran into a scramble, and here, I found some large boulders.  You don’t need to use your rock climbing skills here. However, you will definitely need your friend’s hand to hoist yourself up.  Now, as I reached the top, I saw the long-awaited silhouette of the Sigiriya Rock. It looked magical against the backdrop of a golden morning sky.  The only complaint I had was the crowded main viewpoint. A local guide showed me a place that was around 20 feet down.  There was hardly a soul, and the view was unobstructed.  The Sunrise Mission On The Pidurangala Rock Hike the Pidurangala Rock before or during the sunrise to be a part of nature’s magic. See how colors form before your eyes.  Do not walk or hike at the site once the Sun is down, as the elephants are out then. I took a tuk-tuk before sunset to reach the base.  It cost me around 500 LKR.  The trail begins at the ancient Buddhist temple. So, you have to be respectful in your attire and demeanor.  How To Have The "Perfect" Sigiriya Day? If you are an adventurous soul, you can actually climb both the rocks in one day. You can see the sunrise at Pidurangala and be back at Hotel Sigiriya to catch some quick refreshment and relax.  Then, in the late afternoon, you hike the Sigiriya Rock for the best sunset experience.  Where To Eat And Sleep In Sigiriya? Sigiriya is small and spread out, so stay near the "center" (look for Pradeep Restaurant on the map). I loved Kalana Homestay. A cheap, friendly, and right in the mix. If you want luxury, Heritance Kandalama is an architectural masterpiece built into the cliffs further out. Moreover, Pradeep Restaurant and Shenadi are the two places where you will find the best meals.  What To Bring For A Hike To The Pidurrangala Rock? Since the hike begins near a Buddhist temple, women are asked to cover their shoulders and legs out of respect.  Because of the heat, a sarong is the perfect solution. You can stay cool and easily tuck it away once you’ve passed the temple grounds. Forgot to pack something modest? Don't worry, as the ticket office usually has scarves available to borrow.  Just make sure you’ve also packed sturdy shoes, insect repellent, and plenty of water to stay comfortable on the trail!

BY  Sibashree Jan 27, 2026

A series of misunderstandings? A place that fails to connect? I don’t know why I never felt that connection during the couple of times I visited Bangkok. I think as we “grow up” or evolve as human beings, we look for something more meaningful beyond the neon and crowds. It’s all about the “life stages.” Even as a backpacker, the streets of Khao San Road and the cheap lager smells never attracted me. I found most of the experience surface-level, and the tourist traps were many.  Overall, as a woman in her mid-thirties, I felt that I had joined the wrong party. However, I started to feel at ease as I reached the southern beaches, especially the limestone cliffs of Krabi or the turquoise waters of the islands. However, the last trip to Bangkok changed many things. My experience was curated, and based on that, I am here to share the things to do in Bangkok for adults. What Are The Things To Do In Bangkok For Adults? Beyond the street-buckets of gin and the smog, this time, I found Bangkok to be a community-oriented city. I could feel its cultural richness and sophistication this time. If you’ve also previously written off Bangkok as too chaotic or "young," here is a guide to the elevated, authentic, and age-appropriate experiences that turned me into a lifelong fan.  1. Elevated Gastronomy At R-Haan View this post on Instagram A post shared by R.HAAN (@r.haan_restaurant) Yes, street foods are very much a part of the authentic Thai culture. However, this time, R-Haan was my destination.  This two-Michelin-starred restaurant serves high art without adulterating the soul of Thai cooking. We experienced the Samrub, a traditional Thai way of dining that feels like a family-style degustation. Also, trying the food here was like getting familiar with the seasons and regions of the kingdom.  From amuse-bouches to the curries in the main courses, the wholesome experience is achieved by balancing the five pillars of Thai taste: sour, sweet, salty, bitter, and spicy. 2. Sightseeing With Siam Hop The humidity of Bangkok is always a challenge to keep the mood even. However, Slam Hop, with its four distinct routes, changed my experience this time.  It covers Heritage, CBD, Shopping, and Entertainment through its routes. So, you can tailor your experience.  Furthermore, these buses are air-conditioned, and the integrated app with real-time GPS tracking offers traffic updates.  We took the bus and visited the Grand Palace and the sleek skyscrapers of Sukhumvit. And guess what? The exhaustion was 0.  3. The Bang Lamphu Backstreets We probably had the best experience in the backstreets of the Bang Lamphu district. Here, the local people, especially the young ones, have taken great initiative to maintain the heritage.  We met a lady who has been hand-sewing the costumes for the traditional mask dance, or Khon. She started when she was 15, and now she is 50.  Furthermore, it was a Friday, and the community leaders at the local mosque spoke about the area's history and how it has always maintained religious harmony.  These are the moments when you feel the real connection and even forget to click photos. 4. Curated Street Food At SookSiam View this post on Instagram A post shared by WBC Muaythai Korea (Official) (@wbc_muaythai_korea) We had to give the street food a try. However, we did not want the outdoor heat to be a challenge. So, we visited SookSiam inside the ICONSIAM mall.  Here, you will find street food from all 77 provinces of Thailand.  They have also recreated canal boats and traditional shopfronts, and you will find artisans from across the country. We tasted northern khao soi, southern spicy curries, and delicate Isan sausages all in one loop.  5. Holistic Healing At Dii Wellness View this post on Instagram A post shared by Diiwellnessmedspa (@diiwellnessmedspa) The Dii Wellness Med Spa in the Central Embassy mall offered us the rejuvenation we wanted. They used essential oils and focused pressure techniques that took away the exhaustion of a long flight.  It is a wellness experience that I can travel for.  6. Industrial Chic At The Never-Ending Summer View this post on Instagram A post shared by The Never Ending Summer (@theneverendingsummer) The Never-Ending Summer was previously a warehouse on the Chao Phraya River banks. This converted space has now become a place to enjoy Thai food with a beautiful view.  The natural lighting adds to the ambience, and we loved having lunch while watching the river traffic go by.  We had an amazing salad there, made with battered flowers, and the curries were well-balanced. After finishing our lunch, we took a stroll to the Jam Factory complex, which had an art gallery and a bookstore.  7. The Golden Hour On A Sunset River Cruise A sunset cruise on the Chao Phraya River is magical, cliché it may sound. The sky turns into a burnt orange canvas at first, and then there are the touches of violet.  With this change, the city's silhouette changes completely. The ancient spires of Wat Arun glow against the modern glass of the riverside hotels.  8. Spirit Jim Thompson: A Jungle Oasis You cannot miss lunch at Spirit Jim Thompson even if you are having just one meal in Bangkok. It felt like a tropical sanctuary in the heart of a lush garden.  This is such a welcome break from the streets of the city.  In true honor of the legacy of Jim Thompson, the place maintains elegance and its impeccable style.  You can choose anything from the menu. You will experience bold flavors, arty presentation, and overall, the quintessential Thai hospitality.  9. Cocktails At ThreeSixty Rooftop Bar ThreeSixty atop the Millennium Hilton was the place we chose for a cocktail with a view experience.  We took the outdoor seats. The evening was warm, and we saw the river winding its way through the glowing city.  A perfect moment for romance, reflection, and more!  10. Afternoon Tea At The Gingerbread House View this post on Instagram A post shared by บ้านขนมปังขิง เสาชิงช้า (@baankanompangkhing) The Gingerbread House, a Victorian-style wooden home, has a 100-year-old history. It is the place where you will cherish the tradition.  We sat under the shade of a huge 80-year-old mango tree, and we ordered iced coffee. Furthermore, the colorful Thai desserts here were served in crystal dishes.  How should I describe the experience? Graceful? Yes, if we can say that about the food experience.  11. The Labyrinths Of Chinatown You really have to be an early bird if you want to explore Yaowarat or the Chinatown of Bangkok.  Furthermore, as we walked through the small alleys, we could smell the incense, and we came across the ancient shopfronts and lanterns.  Many of the historic buildings of the city have become boutique teahouses or mini museums. It is a sensory explosion of history and tradition that offers a fascinating counterpoint to the city’s modern malls. 12. Legacy Flavors At Nuttaporn Ice Cream Nuttaporn Ice Cream in the Banglamphu district is a family-run place that serves ice cream made using the same coconut milk-based recipes for over 60 years.  Furthermore, it is a “no-frills” place, and we loved the bowls of mango ice cream with the toppings of peanuts and lotus seeds.  This time, I chose experiences that valued quality, community, and comfort. So, I finally saw the Bangkok that had been hiding behind the backpacker facade all along. Moreover, it’s a city that grows with you, and you just have to give it the right itinerary. Read Also: A Guide To What To Do Around Siam Square Bangkok Bangkok in the Rainy Season -What You Should Know 5 Top Bangkok Attractions to Add to Your Itinerary

BY  Arnab Apr 28, 2023

Spring is the perfect season to explore beautiful European towns and create unforgettable memories with your loved ones. If you're in England, there are endless activities to try, and one of them is mini golf. Mini golf has gained popularity in the UK for its ability to provide fun and entertainment to people of all ages and skill levels. Fortunately, there are various mini golf venues to choose from in the UK, catering to different preferences and age groups. Therefore, if you're currently in the UK and looking to play mini golf, you're in luck! Keep reading to discover three fantastic mini golf venues that are worth checking out. Swingers Swingers is a mini golf venue located in London and is perfect for those looking to combine mini golf with food and drinks. The venue features two nine-hole courses, each with its own unique challenges and obstacles. The courses are surrounded by street food vendors and bars, making it the perfect spot for a night out with friends. The courses themselves are designed to challenge players of all abilities, with tricky obstacles such as loops, jumps, and ramps. Swingers are also perfect for corporate events, birthday parties, or even a unique date night. Mr. Mulligan's Mr. Mulligan's is a chain of mini golf venues located throughout the UK, with venues in Castleford, Milton Keynes, Nottingham, and Woking. Each venue features a different theme, with challenges and obstacles that are tailored to the theme. So when you visit Mr. Mulligan’s, do not forget to carry with you your golf bag as you cannot resist not playing golf. For example, the Nottingham venue is pirate-themed, with obstacles such as a pirate ship and a giant octopus. The Woking venue, on the other hand, is space-themed, with obstacles such as a rocket and an alien. Mr. Mulligan's also offers party packages, making it a great spot for a birthday party or a night out with friends. Plonk Golf Plonk Golf is a mini golf venue with locations all over the UK, including London, Bristol, and Leeds. Each venue features its own unique themes and challenges, with obstacles such as loop-the-loops, giant gorillas, and crazy golf holes. Plonk Golf is perfect for families, beginners, and experienced players alike, with courses that are designed to be fun and challenging. In addition to mini golf, Crazy golf with plonkgolf.co.uk also offers other games such as table tennis and beer pong, making it the perfect spot for a night out with friends. Lost City Adventure Golf Lost city adventure golf is a mini golf venue located in Manchester, with two 18-hole courses that are inspired by ancient ruins and lost civilizations. The courses are designed to challenge players of all abilities, with obstacles such as waterfalls, bridges, and tunnels. The venue is also perfect for families, with a special kids' course that is designed to be easier and more fun for younger players. In addition to mini golf, Lost City Adventure Golf also offers food and drinks, making it the perfect spot for a family day out or a night out with friends. Read Also: New Jersey — The Comfort And Golf Hotbed You’ve Been Missing 7 Reasons Why Phuket, Thailand Attracts Travelers Worldwide The Most Unique Wedding Venues In The UK