Is an Mt Fuji Day Trip From Tokyo Worth It? How To Plan It? 

BY  Sibashree Apr 7, 2026

Japan is now approaching Golden Week, and everyone will have their own list of things to do in Japan.  From 29th April to 6th May, Japan will have the most colorful parades and horse races. This Golden Week celebration is important to hail the rich culture of Japan. And it is this rich culture and a distinct sensory experience that make Japan a favorite among young people, especially Gen Z travelers.  Also, on the Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection list, Japan has been consecutively securing the 9th position as the safest country in the world for the last 2 years.  Nevertheless, as I was saying, the things to do in Japan that make the country a favorite place to visit are not the same as the run-of-the-mill lists you see on the internet.  So, here, I have tried to keep it honest, based on the places I have visited and tried to decode in respect to those places why Japan is the France of the 21st century.  What Are The Things To Do In Japan?  Japan slowly grows on you. It’s not nuclear power; it has one of the largest domestic energy products (around 40% according to the International Energy Agency).  On the contrary, as Joseph Nye, a political scientist at Harvard, has pointed out, it is the soft power that has helped Japan to emerge as an idea, mode of entertainment, or aesthetics.  Can you call a sushi just Japanese these days? Or, a bowl of ramen? All these are very much present in our daily lives.  So, while exploring authentic local cuisine remains one of the best things to do in Japan, here are more activities you cannot miss.  Also, you can check whether Japan is expensive to visit or not, and the entire cost breakdown. 1. Visiting The Japanese Shrines The Japanese shrines practice the local Shinto religion of Japan. Furthermore, these shrines are places for worshipping Kami, the spirit of nature.  These shrines can be easily identified by the Torii gates. Furthermore, once you enter the Torii gates, you will find the worship hall and the inner sanctum.  Moreover, the most popular Japanese shrines are the Fushimi Inari Shrine in Kyoto, Meiji Shrine in Tokyo, Toshogu Shrine in Nikko, and Itsukushima Shrine in Miyajima.  2. Exploring The Japanese Temples Buddhism and the rise and fall of various sects across centuries have shaped the famous Japanese temples.  Furthermore, these temples are defined by architectural features such as pagodas, lecture halls, bellfries, and cemeteries.  While Todai-ji Temple in Nara remains the most popular temple to visit in Japan, the other temples to visit in Japan are the Senso-Ji Temple in Kyoto, Sanbutsu-Ji Temple in Misasa, Daisho-In Temple in Miyajima, etc.  3. Experiencing Shinjuku Shinjuku was very different from the other parts of Japan I visited. It offered an eclectic fusion of retro vibes and high-tech experiences.  Especially, thanks to the Godzilla Road, exploring Shinjuku is one of the best things to do in Japan if you are traveling with kids.  Along with the roar of Godzilla at the Godzilla Road, the Shinjuku 3D Cat near the Shinjuku Station East Exit is another major attraction for kids here.  Read more about what to do in Shinjuku.  4.  Enjoying The Ultimate Dark Academia Fan Moment At Jimbocho Book Town Uttered with an equal respect as the “Kaifeng and China book towns,” the Jimbocho Book Town is the ultimate place to visit for Dark Academia fans in Japan.  This town started booming when many law schools were established here in the late 19th century and early 20th century.  Today, it has more than 400 book stores, selling vernacular and foreign-language books.  Furthermore, every year, this book town holds the Aozora Kohon Ichiba or the Kanda Used Book Festival from Late October to early November. It is an attraction for book lovers around the globe. 5. Enjoying The Cherry Blossom Season In Kyoto If you want to experience romance in Japan, you have to be present during the cherry blossom season in Kyoto.  The Philosopher’s Walk is the most popular place to experience the cherry blossom scene here. If you are done soaking in the meditative vibe here, you can next head to the Shimbashi Street.  It is the most beautiful street in Asia.  The Kiyomizu-Dera Temple and Maruyama Park are other amazing places to see cherry blossoms in Kyoto.  6. Trying Osaka Food Osaka Food now represents Japanese cuisine worldwide, and it has left Tokyo behind in this regard. Thus, it fully justifies its nickname of “Japan’s Kitchen.”  Furthermore, Dotonbori is the epicenter of the best Osaka food and street stalls.  Takoyaki, Daifuku Mochi, Okonomiyaki, and the staples, Sushi and Ramen, are some of the must-try items here.  7. Visiting Oshino Hakkai Sensory seeking is one of the biggest reasons why young travelers seek Japan, and there has been a 1300% surge in the bookings of young and Gen Z travelers from 2019, according to a report by American Express.  Furthermore, the Instagrammable places in Japan, such as Oshino Hakkai, have played a major role in satisfying this sensory quest.  Now, as I have mentioned in my Oshino Hakkai guide, it is a place I got to know about from Instagram.  You can see the snow-capped peaks of Mount Fuji from Oshino Hakkai, and the eight sacred ponds here were the highlights of my Tokyo to Mount Fuji day trip.  Furthermore, the Wakuike Pond is one of these eight ponds, and its water was carried to space in the Space Shuttle Challenger in 1983 to conduct an experiment on snowmaking in space.  8. Planning A Two-Day Trip To Nara Do you know why Japan attracts anxious young travelers? It kind of strikes a balance. How?  When places in Japan feel like the future, think of Tokyo or the speed of the bullet trains. Some parts of the country bring back the order of the past.  One such place is Nara, the first permanent capital of Japan and home to 8 UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The Todai-ji Temple is the most famous among them.  Before Kyoto became the country’s capital in 794 AD, it served as the seat of power.  Along with the Todai-Ji Temple, you must also visit Kasuga Taisha, Mt. Wakakusa, and the Heijo Palace in Nara.  Read my complete guide on things to do in Nara to understand why you cannot miss a 2-day trip here.  9. Visiting Hokkaido Beach And Sapporo The Hokkaido Beach is in Western Japan, and it looks straight out from the works of Hakura Murakami.  It’s surreal to see the coexistence of the snow-capped peaks and dunes, and it’s only possible in Hokkaido.  Along with the Hokkaido Beach, Sapporo, the capital of Hokkaido, also stands out with its green parks and shrines like the Sapporo Suitengu Shrine.  So, when you are next in Japan, plan a Tokyo to Hokkaido trip.  10. Visiting Hakone  The things to do in Hakone are all about soaking in the quiet moments that are most powerful.  I am glad that I did not follow the usual loop, including the train, cable car, and ship circuit.  If the Open Air Art Museum with 100 sculptures is the highlight of my Hakone visit, the Choan-ji Shrine, with small stone statues of monks, is what will stay with me forever.  Also, another fun part here was washing my money at the Fukazawa Zeniaria Benzaiten Shrine.  I have not got a bigger return yet, but there is no harm in believing in a custom that locals have been following for so many years.  Moreover, if you are in Hakone, don’t forget to take a bath in the Onsen or hot springs. Furthermore, you can relive history by taking a ride on the Hakone Tozan Railway here. So, it is no wonder that visiting Hakone is one of the best day trips from Tokyo you can plan.

BY  Sibashree Jul 8, 2026

Visit Kalutara if you are not already smitten by the whiff of fresh tea and cinnamon together; you must visit Kalutara.  It has the Kalu Ganga River, the fertile tropical soil, and proximity to the Indian Ocean. All these have made the region ideal for the cultivation of tea, rubber, and cinnamon since British rule.  So, when I reached Kalutara, I saw women wearing colorful sarees. They were plucking fresh tea leaves and storing them in the hessian sacks hanging on their backs.  Furthermore, I saw the iconic Richmond Castle, a short distance from Kalutara City. There are many other architectural features here that are remnants of colonial heritage in this historical town.  In this article, I will talk about the location of Kalutara, how to travel to it, why it is so famous, the things to do, and more. I will also share my experience filled with the visuals of cinnamon peelers and rubber tappers and the salty fragrance of the Indian Ocean.  Where Is Kalutara?  At a distance of around 42 kilometers from Colombo, the capital of Sri Lanka, Kalutara is on the western coast of Sri Lanka.  You reach this coastal town after a drive of 1 to 1.5 hours from Colombo.  Furthermore, Kalutara is the gateway to popular beach towns like Galle and Bentota.  Kalutara is most revered for the Kalutara Bodhiya Stupa, and the sweet purple mangosteen fruits here are another signature of the coastal town.  How To Reach Kalutara?  The journey to Kalutara from Colombo on the southern railway line is one of the most beautiful train journeys in Sri Lanka.  Furthermore, you will get public and private buses for the journey, and you can even book a private vehicle for the trip.  Here are more details about the transport options.  1. Colombo To Kalutara By Train You will get many trains from Colombo Fort to Galle, Kalutara South, and Matara. Trains are available throughout the day and from as early as 5:39 AM.  Furthermore, the last train for the day to Kalutara departs Colombo Fort at 9:36 PM. Also, the travel time is between 48 minutes and 1 hour and 20 minutes.  In addition, the ticket price for travel in a third-class coach is LKR 480.  2. By Bus  Public, private, and air-conditioned buses are available from Colombo to Kalutara. These buses run on the Galle Road.  These buses take around 3 hours and 30 minutes, and the ticket price is approximately LKR 600. 3. By Private Transport  The short distance between Colombo Fort and Kalutara is ideal for travel by car. The travel time will be around an hour, and the cost will be between LKR 3500 and LKR 4500.  You can either take the Galle Road for the commute or the Southern Expressway ( E01) as a faster alternative.  4. Moving Around In Kalutara  Kalutara is very much walkable, or you can take a tuk-tuk to move around. Furthermore, you can rent a bike or bicycle for a day to explore the coastal town at your own pace.  The rental charge will be around LKR 2500 to 3500 per day, and the rental agency will help you with the local driving license or other permit you need.  Why Is Kalutara So Famous?  It is the city of mangosteen and home to the Gangatilaka Vihara, the only hollow Buddhist Stupa in the world. So, Kalutara awaits with an air that is heavy with history, spirituality, and the stories of the bond between humans and nature.  I have been to the Dambulla Royal Cave Temple and the Gal Vihara in Polonnaruwa. Kalutara felt like an extension of my visits to those places.  1. The Gangatilaka Vihara My jaw dropped as I stepped out of the humid coastal air and into the echoing, cool interior of the Gangatilaka Vihara.  The massive dome soared above me, and I found the inner walls covered in 74 intricate, vibrant murals depicting the life of the Buddha. Also, as I was inside the Gangatilaka Vihara, the traffic on the busy Galle Road got transformed into a soft hum. Moreover, the air was filled with the gentle chanting of pilgrims clad in white. 2. The Secrets Of The Sacred Tree I left the giant stupa and found the Kalutara Bodhiya just across the road. I felt the high energy instantly and stared at the massive, ancient Bodhi tree.  A friendly local devotee named Anura noticed me, and she confirmed the facts I had read. This tree grew from one of the original 32 saplings of the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi in Anuradhapura, linking it back over two millennia. Also, as I sat close to the tree, I found drivers stopping their vehicles in the middle of the bustling highway. They were stepping out just long enough to drop a few coins into a donation box for a blessing before driving on. Then, I performed the common ritual by pouring a small clay pot of water over the sacred roots.  The sheer energy of hundreds of people whispering prayers in unison under the rustling leaves gave me goosebumps. 3. The Magnificence Of A Coastal Castle  Kalutara is also about colonial opulence. This castle is on a 42-acre estate, and it was built in 1896.  This feels like a grand British manor house dropped straight into a Sri Lankan spice forest. As I walked through the grand banquet hall, I was amazed by the blend of Indian and British architecture.  The caretaker pointed out the intricate timber work, bragging that the wood had been imported all the way from Burma.  Standing on the sweeping balconies, looking over the sprawling grounds, I visualized how the place looked in the past. . It was easy to picture the extravagant, high-society parties that once took place here during the height of the rubber boom. Sunsets, Straw Hats, And Purple Fruit The natural geography of Kalutara also makes it stand out. The Calido Beach, especially, is magical in the late afternoon.  This is a narrow spit of land where the freshwater Kalu Ganga (Black River) runs parallel to the crashing saltwater waves of the Indian Ocean. Then, I sat on the sand. I watched the local fishermen battling the currents where the river meets the sea, the sky turning a brilliant shade of bruised purple. On my way back, I stopped at a roadside stall where an elderly artisan was weaving palm leaves into a vibrant sun hat. Remember that Kalutara is Sri Lanka's "basket capital," and watching her fingers fly was hypnotizing. Also, before I left the stall, she handed me a magosteen and a dark purple fruit.  I cracked open the thick, leathery rind to reveal snowy, delicate segments.  The taste was an explosive mix of sweet and tangy, a perfect edible summary of Kalutara itself. It was bright, surprising, and utterly unforgettable. What Are The Other Things To Do In Kalutara? Along with the iconic landmarks that make Kalutara famous, some other attractions and activities await you in Kalutara.  1. Finding An Escape In The Brief Garden The Brief Garden was the former residence of Brevis Bawa, one of the most iconic architects of Sri Lanka.  It stands out with its artistic beauty, and that artistry blends well with the rich flora and fauna and fascinating sculptures.  I enjoyed a stroll in this delightful garden.  While walking through the hidden alleys and nooks, I enjoyed every bit of the artistic ambiance.  2. Going For A Guided Hike In The Sinharaja Forest Reserve The Sinharaja Forest Reserve is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. UNESCO designated this as a heritage site in 1998.  About the forest reserve, the UNESCO World Heritage Convention further mentioned,  “More than 60% of the trees are endemic and many of them are considered rare.  There is much endemic wildlife, especially birds, but the reserve is also home to over 50% of Sri Lanka's endemic species of mammals and butterflies, as well as many kinds of insects, reptiles and rare amphibians.” Moreover, the forest reserve has more than 450 species of trees. It even has hidden waterfalls forming clear streams. I could even spot the most vibrant tree orchids.  The nature trails here are well-maintained, and the hiking experience becomes all the more delightful with the chirping of the birds.  So, if you are planning a trip to Sri Lanka and want the best wildlife experience, you must add the Sinharaja Forest Reserve to your itinerary. Also, combine it with the Yala National Park, Delhiwala Zoo, etc.  3. Spotting The Nesting Turtles At Kosgoda Turtle Hatchery The Kosgoda Sea Turtle Conservation Project, founded by Dudley Perera, is located approximately 27.7 kilometers south of Kalutara along the Galle Road (A2). It took around 40 minutes for me to reach the spot on a bike.  This project has been dedicated to monitoring the sea turtles here for three decades. They work to preserve these endangered animals and want to spread awareness about them.  The remarkable hatchery here focuses on collecting and rescuing eggs and storing them in a haven.  Furthermore, after the eggs are hatched, the turtles are only released into the ocean when they can fight the predators.  4. Trying The Spicy Local Cuisine  Kalutara has a rich history of spice trading. So, as expected, Kalutara has a culinary culture worth exploring.  Furthermore, every dish stands out with a perfect balance of zest, sweetness, and spice. Rice and curry, freshwater fish baked in banana leaves with coconut, tamarind, and mustard paste are some of the best dishes to try.  5. Exploring The Handunugoda Tea Plantation Do you want to extend your travel plans in the Handunugoda Tea Plantation a little? Then, you can travel for around 1 hour and 30 minutes and reach the Handunugoda village.  This tea plantation is famous for producing the “Virgin White Tea.”  Moreover, you can take a guided tour of the tea plantation and see the tea pluckers in action.  A Trip To Kalutara: Know The Perfect Itinerary  Two to three days are enough if you want to have an immersive experience in Kalutara. So, here is a 3-day itinerary for you.  A 3-Day Kalutara Itinerary DaysTimeActivityKey Highlights and Cultural InsightsDay 1MorningVisiting the Gangatilaka ViharaThe only hollow Buddha Stupa in the world. Late MorningKalutara Bodhiya and Sacred TreeThis tree grew from one of the original 32 saplings of the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi in Anuradhapura. LunchTrying Spicy Local Cuisine•Enjoy a traditional rice and curry lunch. •Taste local freshwater fish baked in banana leaves with coconut, tamarind, and mustard paste.AfternoonVisiting Richmond Castle•Explore this grand 1896 Edwardian mansion built on a 42-acre estate. •Marvel at the blend of Indian and British architecture and the Burmese timber work.Late AfternoonVisiting Calido Beach and Watching Palm Weaving•Walk the narrow coastal spit where the Kalu Ganga meets the sea. •Watch artisans weave vibrant straw hats from palm leaves and sample fresh, sweet mangosteens.Day 2MorningVisiting the Brief Garden by Bevis Bawa•Take a stroll through the former residence of iconic architect Bevis Bawa. •Explore hidden alleys, rich flora, and fascinating sculptures blended into nature.AfternoonLearning Experience at Kosgoda Sea Turtle Hatchery•Take a 40-minute ride south along Galle Road to Dudley Perera's conservation project. •See how endangered sea turtle eggs are rescued, incubated, and safely released.EveningSunset and Coastal RelaxingHead back up the coast to Kalutara for a quiet seaside evening, taking in the purple-hued sunset away from the busier commercial beach crowds.Day 3Full Day (Option A)Hiking in the Sinharaja Forest Reserve•Embark on a guided nature trek through this UNESCO World Heritage Site. •Spot endemic birds, rare butterflies, wild orchids, and hidden forest waterfalls.Full Day (Option B)A Visit to the Handunugoda Tea Plantation•Travel 1.5 hours south to visit the famous home of "Virgin White Tea." •Take a guided estate tour, see tea pluckers in action, and learn about the delicate processing. From modest homestays to luxury hotels and resorts such as Avani Kalutara, Kalutara has diverse modes of accommodation.  These will cost around LKR 5000 to 50000 per person per night.

BY  Sibashree Sep 8, 2026

My driver, Dasun, stopped the jeep beside a villu, one of the signature natural lakes of Wilpattu. Our jeep had been idling by villu for around 20 minutes. Then, suddenly, our tracker killed the chatter and pointed.  I spotted a leopard moving along the far treeline. His body language was unbothered, and it seemed that he was in no rush at all.  Also, there were no jeeps fighting to capture the spot for taking a photo. The absence of radio crackling and other trackers converging on the spot further added to the experience.  Overall, the moments here told me everything about why Wilpattu is quietly considered Sri Lanka's most serious leopard park, even though Yala National Park gets most of the international attention. Furthermore, Wilpattu is the largest in Sri Lanka, and it feels like it.  Also, I noticed a clear difference between Yala and Wilpattu. Yala’s blocks can feel congested because of the safari traffic in peak season.  However, the sheer scale of Wilpattu and its remoteness from the southern tourist circuit keeps visitor density low even when sightings are excellent.  Wilpattu National Park At A Glance Wilpattu is in the North Western and North Central Provinces of Sri Lanka.  It straddles the boundary near Puttalam and Anuradhapura districts.  The villu system defines this national park. The villu system has a network of roughly 60 natural, sand-rimmed lakes scattered through dense scrub and forest. Also, it is the villu system from which the park gets its name. The meaning of Wilpattu is “The Land of Lakes” in English.  Moreover, thanks to the water network, the park has many predictable spots for animal concentration.  So, despite the massive scale, the chances of spotting wildlife here are excellent.  DetailInformationLocationNorth Western and North Central Provinces, near Puttalam and AnuradhapuraAreaApprox. 1,317 Square KilometersIt is Sri Lanka's Largest National ParkKey FeatureAround 60 Natural "Villu" Lakes Set in Dense Dry-Zone ForestSignature WildlifeSri Lankan LeopardSloth BearElephantSpotted DeerMugger CrocodileNearest CityAnuradhapura: Approximately 30 KmPuttalam: Approximately 40 KmRecommended Visiting MonthsFebruary to October How To Reach Wilpattu National Park? You can approach Wilpattu from the Cultural Triangle via Anuradhapura. Also, you can take the northwestern coastal route via Puttalam and Kalpitiya. Both these routes are straightforward and sealed.  However, the final stretch to the main Hunuwilagama entrance narrows into a quieter rural drive. FromApproximate  DistanceApproximate Drive TimeAnuradhapura30 Km45 MinutesPuttalam40 Km1 HourKalpitiya75 Km1.5–2 HoursColombo180 Km3.5–4 HoursNegombo150 Km3 Hours Again, there is a second and less-used entrance on the Mannar side of the park.  It is for those travelling the north-south coastal route, though most safari operators and lodges are clustered around the main Hunuwilagama gate near Anuradhapura. Inside The Park: My Safari Experience I planned a full-day safari in Wilpattu National Park, and it was from 6 AM to around 4 PM.  A park safari is the best way to see Wilpattu properly. A half-day barely gets you past the entrance loop before you have to turn back. The Villus: Wilpattu's Signature Lakes The villus make the ecology of Wilpattu different than any other national park in Sri Lanka.  These are not man-made reservoirs. These are natural rain-fed lakes ringed with pale sand, and the jeep tracks are laid out to string several of them together. Also, every meaningful sighting I had came from parking quietly at a villu edge and waiting rather than driving in search of animals.  Crocodiles were basking at the waterline, and elephants were drinking water. Finally, the leopard appeared along the treeline.  Leopards And The Chance Of A Sighting Wilpattu is often described by naturalists as having a leopard density comparable to Yala's famous Block 1, without anywhere near the crowd.  Sightings are not guaranteed on any single visit, and practically no park can promise that. However, the odds, combined with the calmer viewing experience when a leopard does appear, are a big part of why serious wildlife photographers increasingly prefer Wilpattu over Yala in peak season. Elephants, Sloth Bears, And Birdlife As I have mentioned, elephants are frequent around the villus and the drier months are the best time to spot them.  Also, the park has around 30 recorded mammal species, including sloth bear, water buffalo, sambar, and mongoose. Furthermore, it has a strong birdlife presence. I could spot painted storks and several kingfisher species around the lake edges.  Peacocks and hornbills are more common sightings among birds in this park.  What Is The Best Time To Visit Wilpattu National Park? You can take part in safaris year-round.  However, the park is ideal between February and October. These months are ideal for avoiding the heavier northeast monsoon rains. Rain makes interior tracks difficult and reduces visibility.  Also, in a day, early morning and late afternoon remain the most productive windows for activity, as the midday heat pushes most animals into cover. Entrance Fees And Safari Costs Wilpattu is among Sri Lanka's higher-tier national parks for entrance pricing. The entry fee is less than Yala National Park. However, it is above smaller Category 2 parks.  Recent traveller reports and 2026 pricing guides put the all-in foreign adult entrance cost, including entry, service charge, vehicle fee, and VAT. It is roughly USD 29–30 per person, with jeep hire priced separately and negotiated locally. Fee ComponentApproximate Cost (Foreign Adult)Park EntranceServiceVehicleVATUSD 29.50 per AdultUSD 17.70 Per Child (6 to 12 Years)Guide/Tracker Fee$7 to $10It is Often Bundled into the Jeep PackageHalf-Day Jeep HireApproximately LKR 12,500 (6 AM to 10:30 AM)Full-Day Jeep HireApproximately LKR 25,000 (6 AM to 6 PM) A Full-Day Wilpattu Itinerary Given the park's size, a full day is genuinely worth the early start. Here is roughly how my day broke down. TimeActivity5:30 AMDepart lodge and arrive at Hunuwilagama entrance.6:00–9:00 AMMorning safari loop through the northern villus. 9:00–9:30 AMBreakfast break at a designated stop inside the park.9:30 AM to 12:30 PMContinue tracking toward the larger central villus.12:30 PM to 1:30 PMMidday rest as animal activity drops with the heat.1:30 PM to 4:00 PMAfternoon loop, best window for leopard and elephant activity. Where To Stay Near Wilpattu? You can choose from simple guesthouses in Anuradhapura, which put you within easy reach of both Wilpattu and the ancient city's ruins, to dedicated eco-lodges and tented camps right on the park's buffer zone near Hunuwilagama.  Staying inside or immediately adjacent to the buffer zone shaves a meaningful amount off your pre-dawn drive time, which matters if you want to be at the gate for the 6 am opening. The guesthouses in Wilpattu cost around LKR 3500 per night, and if you are staying in the ecolodges around the buffer zone, the charges will be approximately LKR 7500.  Tips From My Visit A few things I would tell anyone planning a Wilpattu trip. Book the full day rather than a half-day if your schedule allows, since the best villus are further from the entrance. Pack your own food and water, as very little is available once you are inside. Also, pay for the jeep and entrance in Sri Lankan rupees only, since foreign currency isn't accepted at the gate. Places To Visit Near The Wilpattu National Park  Wilpattu's location makes it an easy pairing with the cultural triangle. Anuradhapura's ancient stupas and monasteries are barely half an hour away, and it is a natural stop for anyone routing between the north and the northwestern coast.  Travelers continuing toward the coast often carry on to Kalpitiya for kitesurfing and dolphin watching, or further north toward Mannar and Vavuniya. Again, Chilaw, with its lagoon and temple circuit, also makes a workable stop if you're driving down from Wilpattu toward Colombo.