My Day At National Railway Museum, Kadugannawa: Timings, Entry Fee, Exhibits And More

BY  Sibashree Aug 8, 2026

I got the whiff of Beruwala even before I reached it.  While Bentota is a glossier neighbor in the south, Beruwala seemed more significant to me.  I found it more appealing because it once again highlighted the inclusive nature of Sri Lanka.  If Jaffna is the hub of Hindu temples and Tamil Culture, Beruwala is the place where Islam first took root in Sri Lanka.  Also, as a coastal town, it has been welcoming pilgrims, traders, and sailors for more than a thousand years now.  All these make Beruwala an important spot on the southwest coast of Sri Lanka. In this article, I will discuss my experience there, Beruwala Beach, things to do, and more.  Beruwala: A Harbor With A Long Memory  Beruwala had the first multi-day fishing boat launching yard in Sri Lanka on 11th June, 2026.  It will promote the boat manufacturing industry of Sri Lanka. The boat manufacturing industry will be a leading export sector in the economic development of Sri Lanka in the future.  While this is a new feather added to the crown of Beruwala, it already has a long history as a harbor.  The name Beruwala itself has a Sinhalese origin, meaning “Lowering the Sail.” So, it functioned as a national anchorage since anyone even knew about it.  According to local history, the Arab traders landed here in the 8th century. They used this sheltered bay as a stopover on their trade routes across the Indian Ocean.  They came for gems, spices, and pearls, and some of them stayed. The Settlement Of The Moor Community  The first wave of settlement in Beruwala marked the beginning of the Sri Lankan Moor community. This community, or the Sri Lankan Muslims, can trace back their origin to the early Arab arrivals. Over the centuries, many intermarriages happened, and the community thrived.  Today, Beruwala remains one of the cultural centers of that community, and you feel it the moment you walk through town. You will hear the call to prayer drifting over the harbor, halal eateries lining the main road, and a rhythm of life that is different from most coastal areas in the stretch.  What Are The Things To Do In Beruwala?  I spent my first morning at the fishing harbor, the heart of the town.  If you can be here before 7 AM, you will see outrigger canoes and small trawlers come in loaded with the night's catch. Also, fishermen wearing wide-brimmed hats haul their nets while gulls circle overhead.  Yes, it is chaotic, but nothing is staged here. That authenticity or rawness stays with you.  Furthermore, the harbor of Beruwala is the main supplier of fresh seafood across the region. However, to be that, the fishermen did not have to leave everything old behind.  From the looks of the boats, they look like they have not been changed for generations. So, watching the fishermen sailing or working in the boats felt like being at a museum that preserves the working identity of this coastal town.   While you can spend an entire day at the fishing harbor, there are many attractions in Beruwala. So, let’s discuss the things to do.  1. A Visit To The Kechimalai Mosque And The Headland From the harbor, I took a short walk to Kechimalai Mosque. It is on the northern promontory where the earliest Arab-Muslim settlers first came ashore, according to local traditions.  There is a little confusion, though, about the origin or age of the mosque. Still, the popular opinion is that it was built between the 11th and 13th centuries.  The mosque has a humble architecture with pale walls, a modest dome, and arched windows facing the sea. Some parts of the mosque further reflect later renovations from the colonial period. Even if you do not want to enter the mosque, you can cherish the view of the harbor and open sea beyond it from the headland.  I was thrilled to know that it was the same vantage point sailors would have used a thousand years ago to judge the weather before setting out.  Moments like this ground you and help you connect with history.  2. Visiting The Masjid Al Abrar  Masjid Al Abrar is very close to the Kechimalai Mosque, and it is one of the oldest mosques in the country.  These two mosques and the smaller mosques scattered through the town carry an Islamic heritage that few other places on this coast can match,  3. Exploring The Beaches My beach experience in Beruwala started with Moragalla Beach. It was just north of the main town.  It won me over with its calmness, and it was uncrowded. So, I could do what I love the most, watching people.  I saw the fishermen working the shallows in the early morning.  The water here is gentle enough for casual swimming and decent snorkeling if you catch it on a clear day. Closer to the hotel strip, the main Beruwala beach stretches out with the kind of golden sand that made this coast famous in the first place. It is more developed, with resorts backing directly onto the shore, but it's still noticeably quieter than Bentota or Hikkaduwa further south.  Watersports In Beruwala Beach  If you are after watersports, this is also where you'll find operators offering jet skiing, parasailing, and diving trips out toward the reefs.  Beruwala and Bentota together form one of the more established watersports hubs on the southwest coast. Just offshore sits Barberyn Island, marked by its lighthouse. This makes for a nice reference point if you're out on the water or just watching the horizon from a beachfront restaurant at sunset. 4. Exploring The Food, Markets And China Fort Legacy  Beruwala has the best seafood in Sri Lanka, and it is tied to the identity of the town.  I had some of the best deviled prawns of my entire trip at a small place a few minutes' walk from the fish market. Furthermore, the fish curry I had here had a prominent presence of tamarind, and it was very different from what I ate in Jaffna and other parts of the north.  Once again, the prawn fritters or Isso wade was a good street-side snack, and you want to just chill and watch the fishermen in action.  5. Knowing Beruwala As A Gem-Trading Hub Beruwala has a famous history of gem trading. The historical landmark of China Fort here was the place from where the gem traders used to operate.  The China Fort Gem Tower still has many jewelry and handicraft shops. You will also find similar shops around the town.  Even if you are not buying something from these shops, you must browse them.  It will be a great experience to know how central trade once was to the town's economy. Reaching Beruwala And Getting Around  Beruwala is just 60 km south of Colombo, and you will find it along the A2 coastal highway.  If you are traveling from Colombo, you can take a car or taxi or travel by bus and train.  1. Reaching Beruwala By Taxi Or Car Despite a distance of just 60 km, a private car rental or taxi service from Colombo to Beruwala will be around LKR 13000.  The higher range can reach around LKR 22000 based on the type of vehicle you are hiring.  Considering the high cost, it is best to combine a trip to Beruwala with other coastal stops.  How To Combine A Trip To Beruwala From Colombo With Other Coastal Stops? Route SegmentApproximate Driving Time (Coastal Road)Best Known ForColombo ➔ Kalutara1 HourStupas and Historic CastlesKalutara ➔ Beruwala20 MinutesFishing Port and Muslim HeritageBeruwala ➔ Bentota10 MinutesJet Skiing and Mangrove River SafariBentota ➔ Kosgoda15 MinutesSea Turtle HatcheriesKosgoda ➔ Hikkaduwa30 MinutesSnorkelingCoral ReefsNightlifeHikkaduwa ➔ Galle35 MinutesColonial Fort ArchitectureShopping  2. Reaching Beruwala By Train If you are traveling from Colombo Fort to Beruwala by train, the journey of around 54.33 km takes around 1 hour and 20 minutes.  Furthermore, the 1st class ticket costs LKR 500, the second-class ticket costs LKR 300, and the third-class ticket costs LKR 140.  3. Beruwala By Bus  You can get buses from the Bastian Mawatha Terminal of Combo regularly to Galle. These buses run along the A2 Highway.  The buses take around 2 hours to complete the journey. Also, the ticket price for regular bus services is LKR 235, and the ticket prices for AC buses are LKR 390.  4. Getting Around Beruwala  Tuk-tuks are the best option to explore Beruwala and other nearby coastal areas. You can also reserve a tuk-tuk for half-day sightseeing.  The cost is slightly higher here, and the amount will be around LKR 4000.  Why Beruwala Is Absolutely Worth It  A coastal town with a history of 1000 years! If that is the tagline for Beruwala, it is absolutely worth a visit.  Also, it is a working fishing harbor and a stretch of genuinely good beach all sit within walking distance of each other. So, if you are planning a southwest coast itinerary, don't just let Beruwala be the town your bus passes through on the way to Bentota or Galle. Give it a morning, at least.

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.

BY  Sibashree Sep 18, 2026

Have you seen the reclining Buddha inside Isurumuniya Vihara, a modest rock temple wedged between two granite boulders on the edge of Tissa Wewa?  I have been to Dambulla Royal Cave Temple and seen the massive reclining Buddha statues there.   However, the one in Isurumuniya felt intimate. It can be a very personal thing, but here I feel at home.   Also, even after multiple visits to the Isurumuniya Temple, each time, the carvings, the pond, or the small museum behind the stupa surprised me with something new.   In this guide, I have talked about my experience at the temple along with its history, legends, and other practical details you need to know.   Isurumuniya Temple: At A Glance   Quick Facts Details Location East bank of Tissa Wewa, Anuradhapura, North Central Province Built by King Devanampiya Tissa (307–267 BCE) Renovated by King Kasyapa I (473–491 CE) Famous for Isurumuniya Lovers Bathing Elephants Man and Horse Royal Family Carvings UNESCO Status Part of the Sacred City of Anuradhapura, Inscribed in 1982 Typical Visit Length 45 Minutes to 1.5 Hours  The History Behind Isurumuniya's Two Boulders The story of Isurumuniya started in the 3rd century BCE.   It was not long after Buddhism arrived on the island. Since then, it has been reshaped by royal hands more than once.  A Monastery Built For 500 Royal Novices  King Devanampiya Tissa, the same ruler who welcomed the Buddhist missionary Mahinda to Sri Lanka, founded Isurumuniya.  However, Isurumuniya was then known as Meghagiri Vihara.   Furthermore, the temple history records say that five-hundred children of high-caste families used to stay here during their training.   I was standing in the small courtyard with the rock hemming it on three sides.   I could picture how contained and disciplined that original community must have felt.  King Kasyapa I's Renovation  After centuries, King Kasyapa I, who is more famous for building the Sigiriya Rock Fortress, renovated Isurumuniya.  He renamed it "Boupulvan, Kasubgiri Radmaha Vehera.”  The name was a combination of his own name with those of his two daughters.   The Carvings That Make Isurumuniya Worth The Detour  Isurumuniya is small.  However, four carvings here specifically get all the attention.   Also, if we delve into the art history of Sri Lanka, these are some of the most reproduced images.   I spent longer looking at these than at anything else in Anuradhapura.  The Isurumuniya Lovers  I saw the Isurumuniya Lovers, or the Lovers of Isurumuniya sculpture, in the museum.  It depicts a man and woman sitting closely together.   According to local legends, the lovers are Prince Saliya, son of King Dutugemunu, and Asokamala, a woman of lower caste for whom he is said to have given up his claim to the throne.   However, there is another version about the sculpture, and this one is favored by past Archaeological Commissioner Senarat Paranavitana.  This version identifies the pair as the mythic king Kuvera Vaisrawana and his queen Kuni.  Nevertheless, the granite relief dates between the 4th and 8th centuries CE.   Also, it has prominent Gupta influence, and it is very similar to Indian sculptures in that era.   The Bathing Elephants  I saw this carving low into the rock beside the pond.   Because of this position beside the pond, it looked like the elephants were wading in from the water itself.   Art historian D.T. Devendra noted that the animals are rendered inconsistently, some frontal, and some in profile.  This has led scholars to suggest two sculptors worked on them at different times.   They are the first thing you see on entering, and are reflected in the pond at the right angle.  The Man And The Horse  This carving is probably the most debated at the site, and it has had multiple interpretations for a century.   Paranavitana read it as Parjanya, a Vedic rain deity, with his horse standing in for Agni, fire, together heralding the monsoon.   Devendra proposed a very different subject.  He interpreted it as Alexander the Great and his horse Bucephalus, carved in the 7th century CE.   I find the ambiguity part of the appeal, and nobody working at the site could give me a definitive answer either.  The Royal Family Carving  A granite plaque showing five human figures, generally read as a royal household, rounds out Isurumuniya's core sculptures.   It gets far less attention than the Lovers, and I would argue that is a reason to slow down and look at it properly rather than rushing past.  Walking The Temple Grounds Isurumuniya is compact enough to see in under an hour.  However, for me, it was a slow, deliberate walk rather than a quick loop.  The Lotus Pond And Rock-Cut Shrine  You enter past a square pond fed by Tissa Wewa, with the Bathing Elephants carved into the rock face above it.   The Irish writer and archaeologist John Still called this corner "the most picturesque" spot in all of Anuradhapura.  Also, having stood there at both midday and closer to sunset, I would agree the light matters.  Visit it in the late afternoon if you can.   Steps guarded by two carved muragal (guardstones) lead up to the old shrine room, cut directly into one of the two boulders, where a seated Buddha statue sits inside the original rock-cut sanctum.   A separate, more modern shrine building nearby holds a large reclining Buddha and a Bo tree said to be grown from a sapling of the sacred Sri Maha Bodhi.  The Museum With The Original Lovers Carving  Behind the main shrine, a small on-site museum houses the original Isurumuniya Lovers relief along with other artifacts recovered from the site.   It is easy to miss if you only walk the outdoor courtyard, and I nearly did on my first visit.   Ask a temple attendant if you are unsure where the entrance is.  It was not signposted clearly from the pond area.  Isurumuniya Practical Guide: Tickets, Timings, And Best Time To Visit Isurumuniya sits inside the Sacred City of Anuradhapura.  However, you need to buy a separate ticket.   This is something many first-time visitors miss.   Entrance Fees  There is no entry fee to the Isurumuniya Temple for locals.   However, SAARC visitors and other foreign tourists above 10 years of age need to pay an entry fee of LKR 500.   The ticket counter opens at 7 AM.   Opening Hours And Best Time To Visit  Isurumuniya Temple is open from 7 AM to 5:30 PM.   However, the heat is scorching at midday.   So, an early morning visit before 8 AM or a late afternoon visit around 3:30 to 4 PM will be the ideal time.   Also, Poson Poya (the June full moon, marking the arrival of Buddhism in Sri Lanka) is the most sacred date on the Anuradhapura calendar.  It draws large crowds across the sacred city, Isurumuniya included.   This festival also falls within the comfortable window of May to September, or the dry season.   From October, the northeast monsoon sets in and November brings the heaviest rain.  A Half-Day Itinerary Around Isurumuniya  Time Stop What to Expect 7:30 AM Isurumuniya Temple Arrive early for soft light on the Bathing Elephants and a quieter courtyard. 8:15 AM Isurumuniya Museum See the original Lovers carving up close. 9:00 AM Vessagiriya Short walk or tuk-tuk ride to the cave-hermitage ruins nearby. 10:00 AM Sri Maha Bodhi Pay respects at the sacred fig tree in Mahamevnawa Garden. 11:00 AM Ruwanwelisaya Circle the great white stupa before the midday heat sets in.  Continuing Your Anuradhapura Journey  Isurumuniya works best as one stop in a longer day around the sacred city rather than a standalone visit.   If you're building out a full itinerary, it pairs naturally with Ruwanwelisaya, Jetavanaramaya, and Abhayagiri.  Also, if you want to extend your trip, do not miss Mihintale, the place where Buddhism first reached Sri Lanka.