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BY  Sibashree Mar 5, 2026

Kandy has been in the news recently for the last-over clincher between Pakistan and Sri Lanka in the last ICC T-20 World Cup tournament.  It is also good to see Kandy slowly getting its rhythm back after the major disruption in the beautiful Colombo-Kandy-Ella-Badulla railway due to the impact of Cyclone Ditwah in the latter part of 2025.  With a man-made lake at the epicenter, Kandy, in a bowl of mountains, was home to the last rulers from the Kandyan empire.  Today, it continues to play an important role in the politics, economy, and culture of Sri Lanka as the capital of the Central Province.  Sri Lanka is full of contradictions. From the rich Tamil Culture in Jaffna and the abandoned Buddhist ruins at the Ritigala Forest Monastery, to the bustling city of Kandy, it’s like visiting different countries with a few miles of traveling.  Moreover, Kandy is just 20 km away from Gampola, the home to the famous Ambuluwawa Tower, the symbol of natural diversity and religious inclusivity in Sri Lanka.  Hi, in today’s blog, I will talk about how to reach Kandy, the things to do in Kandy, where to stay, where to eat, and more.  How To Reach Kandy?  Kandy, one of the major cities of Sri Lanka, is easily accessible. If you are a budget traveler and a believer of the LowDownUnder Travel philosophy, you can take a local bus or train for the journey.  1. The Kandy Railway Station: The Major Gateway The Kandy Railway Station is the main gateway to the city if you are traveling from other parts of the island.  Also, this railway station on the beautiful Kandy to Ella line still exudes a colonial charm and shows Victorian influences in its architecture.  A train ride from Colombo to Kandy takes around 2 hours and 30 minutes, and based on the class, the ticket prices cost between LKR 300 and 1200.  You can even take a train on the Kandy to Ella route to explore the tea plantations, mountains, and the highland region.  However, being one of the most scenic railway routes in the world, tickets for these trains are always in high demand.  You can check out the available tickets at the official website of the Sri Lankan Railways. Tickets for a date get sold out even 1 month before.  2. Colombo To Kandy Bus  If you cannot book trains to reach Kandy. Don’t get disheartened, as buses are available from the Bastian Mawatha Bus Station in Colombo.  You can take an ordinary or AC intercity bus to reach Kandy from Colombo. The distance is around 120 km and the travel time is approximately 3-4 hours.  Also, the ticket prices start from LKR 360.  What Are The Things To Do In Kandy?  Kandy is the cultural capital of Sri Lanka. So, no wonder that it offers a good mix of colonial history, spiritual experience, and the serenity of the Kandy Lake.  Also, Kandy is home to the quintessential Singhalese food. I found the delicacies in Kandy to be way creamier and milder than the fiery food in Jaffna.  Nevertheless, I will talk about what to eat in Kandy a little later, and for now, let’s explore the things to do in Kandy and enjoy a mixed bag of experiences.  1. Visiting The Royal Botanic Gardens Hours Open: 7:30 AM to 5:30 PM Entry Fee: LKR 200 for Locals, LKR 3540 for Foreign Visitors From Kandy City, you can take a short tuk-tuk ride to reach the Royal Botanic Gardens. It is home to more than 4000 plants and covers an area of 147 acres.  A green oasis in the overwhelming city landscape, it also has an arboretum and decorative flower beds.  My favorite, however, was the majestic palm tree avenues. However, as the day grew, it got crowded by social media content creators.  Furthermore, there are giant bamboo trees. Another popular photography spot in the national park is the Mahaweli Ganga River suspension bridge. However, more than five people cannot get on the bridge at a time.  So, you may have to wait in a queue if you desperately want a photo for your socials.  Moreover, you will see bats hanging from trees, chipmunks, and monkeys in the botanical gardens. And don’t miss the Spice Garden here.  Also, if you feel hungry, you can buy drinks and snacks from the stalls inside and the local vendors outside the park. 2. Exploring The Udawattakele Forest Reserve Hours Open: 6 AM to 6 PM Entry Fee for Foreigners, LKR 830, For Locals: LKR 70  I walked for around 30 minutes to reach the Udawattakele Forest Reserve. You can even take a tuk-tuk ride from the Centre of Kandy.  It has some of the most famous caves in Kandy and diverse fauna.  However, I did not expect that mother macaque monkeys would welcome me with their babies clinging to them.  After the grand entry, I chose the circular route around the park as I wanted to see the religious caves, the bathing pond, and the city viewpoint.  The Route  The green canopy stands in humility as you advance on the route, and now you are transported to a different world.  The birds were chirping, and I could hear the squeal of monkeys.  However, the highlight on that route was the Liana’s. These tree-sized vines created coils along the oath.  I followed the route upward and reached the City View Point.  The City View Point  From the City View Point, I loved the perspective of Kandy City and Lake. Then, walked further to come across the Cittavisuddhi Lena cave and othe two religious caves.  The cave had beautiful sculptures, paintings, and offerings by pilgrims. These are sacred to the Buddhist people.  However, overgrown trees and the fear of insects and bats deterred me from entering the cave and exploring the two other Buddhist caves.  Despite all the cautions, destiny had something different in store for me. There were leeches all over my legs, and luckily, I was carrying adequate salt to get rid of them.  The fellow tourists also helped to remove the leeches.  3. Visiting The Bahirawakanda Vihara Buddha Statue The Bahirawakanda Vihara Buddha Statue at the top of a hill is the guardian angel of Kandy. You need to take a short and steep walk to reach the Buddha Statue from the town.  You can even take a tuk-tuk.  Once you reach the statue, you can find the steps behind the magnificent statue and climb to higher vantage points looking over the other side of the city of Kandy.  Moreover, there is a small shop from where you can take trinkets and religious texts. The entry fee was 600 LKR when I visited last.  4. Exploring The Kandy Market I mentioned how an old lady in the Jaffna Public Market was the icebreaker during my trip to Jaffna.  In Kandy, it was the Kandy Market, which made me acquainted with the hilly region of Sri Lanka.  The market was near the Kandy Station. I visited it early in the morning and found vendors selling dried fish, bananas, fresh vegetables, and souvenirs.  5. Spending Moments By The Kandy Lake The Kandy Lake, or Lake Kandy, is at the heart of the city and is very close to the Temple of the Tooth.  It is a magnificent man-made lake around which you can take a walk of 2.1 miles. The pathway is called the Cloud Wall, and the highlight of my walk was finding out about the Queen’s bathing pavilion.  This ivory excellence reminded me of the regal past of the Kandy Lake.  I also spotted the ducks, busy schools of fish, and water monitor lizards.  Moreover, there is a well-groomed garden in the center of the lake. When I visited, it was in full bloom.  6. Walking To The Kandy Viewpoint After stretching my legs at the Kandy Lake, I took a short walk to reach the Kandy Viewpoint.  Hiking to the Kandy Viewpoint is one of the most delightful free things to do in Kandy. You can capture panoramic shots of the city from this viewpoint and interact with local hawkers for a meaningful cultural exchange.  7. Visiting The Asgiri Maha Vihara Pirivena - Buddhist Stupa And Temple If you are a Buddhist or someone eager to learn about the religion, visiting the Asgiri Maha Vihara Pirivena is one of the best things to do in Kandy.  This stupa is very close to the city, and I took the stairs across the train tracks to reach the stupa.  For me, the highlight of the stupa was the meditation room on the central floor. The iconographies were grand and meaningful.  Furthermore, the walls there depicted the three stages of decay a body has to undergo after death.  However, I did not yet know what was awaiting me, the dome of the stupa.  Filled with Buddhist artwork, an enormous lotus carving, and eight statues of Lord Buddha, it defined enormity.  The military guide finally took me to the balcony that surrounds the stupa. I found many monks clad in orange robes busy in their rituals, and I also loved the view.  8. Visiting The Temple Of The Tooth A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Temple of the Tooth or Dalada Mandira preserves the canine tooth of Lord Buddha.  It has the Udawaththa Kelaya to the east and the Lake Kandy to the south.  After several invasions and destructions, the temple was finally rebuilt by King Keerthi Sri Rajasinghe, and it is in its current form that we see today.  The temple has beautiful works of ivory, gold, and silver.  More Things To Do In Kandy  Along with being a primary tourist attraction in Sri Lanka, Kandy is also the gateway to many iconic landmarks showing the richness of Sri Lanka in nature and wildlife.  You can take a train ride or a bus ride from Kandy to the Royal Cave Temples of Dambulla. Or, you can attend a wildlife safari in Kaudulla National Park and other national parks of Sri Lanka.  Where To Stay In Kandy? Know The Accommodations I stayed at a hostel near the hillside surrounding the city. It was modest, but the views I got from the room and balcony were amazing.  However, if you are not willing to walk so much, you can choose places such as the Ceyloni City Hotel.  The tariff of this city hotel is around 7500 LKR.  What To Eat In Kandy?  You can choose between vegetarian and non-vegetarian options in Kandy. Balaji Dosai is a nice spot to try vegetarian food, especially dosa.  The Siri Ramya Hotel is the place to try Kottu Roti in Kandy. You can have it as spicy as you want. Also, you can combine them with different types of veggies, eggs, chicken, or mutton.  Another thing you must not miss in Kandy is the snacks available on the bus or train. The fried chips and snacks have a lot of salt and chilli.  However, they are great for the taste buds.  Also, do not forget to try the rice and curry combination at the “famous hole in the wall rice and curry joints” in Kandy.  These offer a nice and filling lunch at the best price.  The Nightlife In Kandy: Where To Drink?  Kandy is not a place famous for its nightlife. However, if you want to cherish some drink after a busy day, you can visit places such as The Stag’s Head Pub and the Royal Bar and Hotel.  Enjoy the beers, cocktails, and your favorite drinks with spicy local snacks, and enjoy the view of the city and lake at night.  Drinking at any of these places will cost you around 790 LKR.

BY  Abdul Aziz Oct 27, 2023

The best time to visit the Maldives is between December and March. This small group of islands in the Arabian Sea is probably one of the most beautiful holiday destinations for both honeymooners as well as families. These tropical islands are hot and full of sunny weather. The heat stays between 23 degrees to 31 degrees, however, given the year-round sunny weather and the absence of winters in the Maldives, the best time to visit Maldives is anytime. Maldives In Dry Season The dry seasons in Maldives have a temperature of 31 degrees Celsius in the day and 24 degrees Celsius in the night. It is probably the best time suited to visit the islands of Maldives. You can enjoy cultural activities, sightseeing, try the local cuisine, and water sports. You can swim in the blue expanse where the average temperature of the water is 30 degrees. During these months, you can witness the Maldives at its best. The overall vibe of the islands is festive, and the crowd is thicker than usual. The weather and the beauty all around make the dry seasons ideal for visiting. Little to no rain and warm temperatures allow the seaside experience to become even more top-notch. With no precipitation, the visibility is crystal clear, making the picturesque island become even more vibrant. There are beautiful beaches, gorgeous lagoons, and colorful coral reefs to enjoy while you are here, which you won't get bored of. The country does get crowded during the peak season, but an individual resort inhabits each island, so it does not get too crowded. It will be reasonable for you to check before you plan a trip about the crowd and availability of a more personal experience. Some of the most popular locations in the Maldives are Nalaguraidhoo Island, Banana Reef, South Ari Atoll, and North Mal-Atoll. Another well-rated tourist spot is the HP Reef. This is a protected marine ecosystem that harbors rich marine life. Maldives: A Cultural Hub The major festival celebrated in November is the birth of Prophet Muhammad or Mawlid. It is the most well-known festival celebrated in a grand carnival style for two days. Street processions and elaborate mosque decorations dot the island. During peak season, the cost of staying at a hotel rises manifold, so if you are looking for more budget-friendly options, you can choose to visit in April. This marks the end of the peak times, and the tourism industry here enters the lean months. Maldives has become one of the top hotspots for Indian tourists not only because of its beauty but also its food options all around the world. The traditional cuisine of the Maldives is a plethora of fish, coconuts, and starches. Some of the common foods that come under seafood are local cuisine which includes yellowfin tuna, wahoo, skipjack tuna, and frigate tuna. With its geographical proximity to India, there is a lot of culinary influence that is evident in its spices, flavors, and curries. The laws here are very strict, so you must beware of carrying alcohol, pork, religious books, and tobacco products. And don’t forget to check the seasonal price hikes when booking water activities. Why Visit The Maldives? Now that you know when is the best time to visit the Maldives and you are still not sure what you could do there, we have all the answers for you. Keep reading to know what you can expect from a visit to the Maldives. Bioluminescent Water Under The Stars Visit the Vaadhoo Island in Raa Atoll, where the stars float in the water– the phytoplankton dinoflagellates that emit luminescent toxins. The small starry lights are emitted as a defense mechanism to keep other predatory fish and creatures away. You can walk through the planktons and create more stars that will be etched in your memory for the rest of your life. Maldivian Culture Along with all the natural beauty, Maldives also boasts a vibrant culture. If you want to become more aware of the culture, you must witness the Bodu Beru dance that takes place on the beach in the evenings. You can tape the moments on your camera or try dancing to the tune along with the dancers. The Maldivian boat Dhoni can also be another way you can get to know the local people and their stories. Swim With The Sharks The enormous whale sharks glide along the coral atolls, followed by smaller-sized reef sharks. They also swim around in the nearby lagoons around the resorts. This is not a matter of high alarm, as people can easily swim with these sharks, albeit with supervision. Maaya Thila, Baa, and Ari Tolls are known for shark spotting. You can encounter them at an up-close level or enjoy watching them come by daily at their feeding time near some resorts where they are given food. Best Places To Visit Here are a couple of the best places you can consider when planning to visit the Maldives. There are too many to enlist, we have brought two of the best you cannot remove from your to-do list. Alimatha Island If you are attracted by those pictures, you saw of small, single-residence villas standing in the sea and want to visit the Maldives, this is the name of the place. Instagram-worthy and absolutely breathtaking, this island is a must-visit. Tripadvisor Review “The island is wonderful. If you love peace, beauty, nature, snorkeling, diving, fishing, it's simply the place to go. Villaggio Bravo is perfect for families with kids, the miniclub organizes plenty of activities for them. The food is delicious: the buffet ha many choices. I was surprised to find mainly italians (it's an italian village) and so few foreigners. Maybe it should be better advertised abroad.” - Lushangyin Banana Reef Considered to be the home of the best reef in the Maldives, this beach makes your sunny dreams come alive. Tripadvisor Review “This is by far the best snorkeling I have ever experienced. The amount of marine life, the colors, the coral, the temperature of the water was amazing. I saw Moray Eels, Blowfish, Giant Clams and so much more. On the way out I dozens of dolphins escorted us and jumped out of the water...amazing. There is a very strong current and it is in the middles of the ocean. An absolute must tough if you can get there.” - Avery D Wrapping Up Are you planning a trip to the Maldives and want to know when is the best time to visit Maldives we hope you now know that it really is always a good idea to visit this heaven on earth. The peak season, though, is the dry months. If you have thoughts to share or questions to ask, please leave a comment below. We would love to hear from you! Read Also: Thailand Travel Guide: This Is The Best Time To Visit Thailand! The Stairway To Heaven Hawaii: Hiking Adventure’s Hidden Gem This Is The Best Time To Visit The Seven Magic Mountains In Vegas!

BY  Arnab Oct 14, 2023

Welcome to Missouri, the Show-Me State! Often overshadowed by its more well-known neighbors, Missouri is home to an impressive array of hidden gems and lesser-known attractions. It offers unforgettable experiences for both tourists and locals. In this guide, we'll uncover some of the state's unique destinations that even many locals may not be aware of. So get out your maps and cameras, and let's start exploring! As you explore these hidden gems in Missouri, remember to stay updated on traffic rules and regulations. If you find yourself dealing with Missouri traffic tickets, then familiarize yourself with the local laws and seek professional assistance. Drive safe and have a great time exploring the Show-Me State! City Museum The City Museum in St. Louis invites visitors to crawl, climb, and slide their way through an architectural labyrinth. It was created from repurposed urban and industrial objects. Converted from a former shoe factory, the museum features attractions like a 10-story spiral slide, a rooftop Ferris wheel, and MonstroCity, an outdoor space with multiple interconnected metal climbing structures. Meramec Caverns Located in Stanton, Missouri, Meramec Caverns is a breathtaking underground wonder. A vast system of limestone caves stretches over 4.5 miles, making it the largest commercial cave in Missouri. Inside, you'll find spectacular stalactite and stalagmite formations, as well as a unique wine table formation that took millions of years to form. The cave also played a vital role in the Underground Railroad movement and is believed to be a hideout used by the infamous outlaw Jesse James. The World's Largest Rocker Who wouldn't want to snap a photo with the World's Largest Rocker? Sitting at a whopping 42 feet, 4 inches tall, this gargantuan rocking chair can be found in the small town of Fanning, Missouri. Don't just stop for the photo-op, though. Stick around and enjoy the small-town charm and nearby attractions, such as the Fanning 66 Outpost, home to the eclectic Route 66 Red Rocker. Graham Cave State Park Delve into history at Graham Cave State Park, where ancient Native American tribes once sought shelter within the cave's depths. The 6,000-year-old structures and artifacts found within the cave make it one of North America's most significant archaeological sites. In addition to exploring the cave, the park offers hiking trails, picnic areas, and fishing opportunities on the Loutre River. Elephant Rocks State Park Located near Graniteville in the St. Francois Mountains, Elephant Rocks State Park features giant granite boulders that resemble a herd of elephants. This unusual geological formation offers visitors a one-of-a-kind hiking experience. The park also showcases Missouri's intriguing mining history and offers a playground for children and a picnic area for a relaxing family outing. The Jesse James Wax Museum Following the theme of Missouri's deep connection to the outlaw Jesse James, the Jesse James Wax Museum in Stanton presents a unique collection of lifelike wax figures depicting key moments in the life of the legendary figure. The museum also poses an intriguing question: Was it really Jesse who died in 1882, or is there a different story to be told? Discover the evidence and decide for yourself. The Missouri Botanical Garden With 79 acres of beautifully maintained gardens, the Missouri Botanical Garden in St. Louis is an oasis for plant enthusiasts and nature lovers. Discover rare and endangered plants, walk through themed gardens, and admire the historic architecture of the Climatron, the world's first geodesic dome greenhouse. Seasonal events and festivals make the garden an ever-changing and vibrant destination. The Saint Louis Loop Trolley Take a ride back in time on the Saint Louis Loop Trolley. This vintage electric trolley system connects St. Louis City with University City, passing through the historic Delmar Loop entertainment district. Hop on and off as you please, visiting art galleries, restaurants, and live music venues along the way. Missouri State Penitentiary Experience the eerie and fascinating history of the Missouri State Penitentiary in Jefferson City. This decommissioned prison, which operated from 1836 to 2004, offers guided tours that delve into its dark past. Learn about infamous inmates, daring escapes, and the penitentiary's role in Missouri's justice system. Ghost tours are also available for thrill-seekers looking for a paranormal experience. With the inclusion of specialized ghost hunting equipment, such as electromagnetic field (EMF) meters, infrared thermometers, and digital voice recorders, participants can actively engage in the quest for otherworldly encounters. Big Cedar Lodge Nestled in the Ozark Mountains, Big Cedar Lodge near Ridgedale is a luxurious and serene destination for relaxation, adventure, and outdoor pursuits. With exceptional accommodations, a world-class spa, and an array of activities like golfing, fishing, and horseback riding, it's a perfect retreat for those seeking an unforgettable getaway in Missouri's scenic wilderness. Conclusion Missouri's hidden gems offer a wide range of unique, unforgettable experiences for everyone. Whether you're interested in nature, history, or simply unique attractions, you're bound to have an amazing time exploring these lesser-known sites. So get your friends and family, and set out on a Show-Me State adventure like no other. If you have thoughts to share or questions to ask, then please leave a comment below. We would love to hear from you. Read Also: Top 12 Montana National Parks You Must Visit In 2023! 10 Best Places To Travel In April – Travel Guide 2022