What Is Ratnapura Famous For? Know The Best Places To Visit In Ratnapura 

BY  Sibashree Mar 31, 2026

If you want to explore offbeat Japan, you can surely visit Sapporo, the capital of Hokkaido Island.   Hokkaido Island,anyway, teaches the art of slow living and slow traveling.   The scenic beauty here is amazing, the winters are snowy, and the food and beer here are amazing.   Also, it is an amazing year-round destination, and the things to do in Sapporo are as diverse as they can be.   And here are the details. However, before that, let us talk about the best time to visit Sapporo.  What Is The Best Time To Visit Sapporo?   As I have mentioned, you can visit Sapporo throughout the year. However, December to February is the best time to plan a visit.   Especially, February is the month of the winter festival in Sapporo.   Moreover, April to May is the ideal time if you want to experience the Cherry Bloosm Season from the Hokkaido Shrine and Maruyama Park.   Also, the warm and humid summer months are ideal for enjoying the “beer garden events.”   In addition, from September to November, or the autumn months, are great for seeing the fall foliage, hiking, and attending the food festivals.   What Are The Most Unique Things To Do In Sapporo?   More than ticking the bucket list, in Sapporo, you need to soak in the laid-back vibe.   It is way less crowded than Osaka and Tokyo, and despite that, it has an important role to play in the tourism industry of the country.   That is why many people travel from Tokyo to Hokkaido.   1. Visiting The Parks And Gardens  As a nature lover since forever and daily walking the streets and parks of Sapporo, I have learned that Sapporo has lots of green spaces where you can enjoy nature.  The parks of Sapporo are the city's heart.   Odori Park is my usual starting point in the morning when I first walk.   This park is located in the center of downtown and is an ideal and convenient place to take a refreshing morning walk before starting your day.   On days when I want to be more active, I cycle, jog, or photograph all the amazing trees and flowers at Moerenuma Park. It is absolutely stunning how vast the area is!  You will probably find me at Maruyama Park, located next to Hokkaido Shrine, during the spring and fall months.   It’s an incredible place to see the cherry blossoms in full bloom, and it’s usually very pretty to see the fall leaves change color from green to red.   During the wintertime, it becomes a wonderful family-oriented ski resort that I simply love!  For a bit of a deeper dive, I love visiting the Hokkaido University Botanical Gardens. It’s a peaceful retreat where I can admire rare plants and learn about the indigenous Ainu culture.  2. Exploring The Galleries And Museums  Upon arriving in Sapporo, I did not take long to figure out that this is a city that has beautifully integrated its history with modernity, which is a masterclass.   I spent the first day of my trip exploring the history of the island of Hokkaido by visiting the Hokkaido Museum.  Then, I went to the Historical Village, which showed how the early infrastructure and primitive architecture were examples of the area's strength.   The Hokkaido University Museum is also a majestic place, with its enormous collection of extensive academic research and archaeological artifacts through the ages.  Of course, I couldn't resist a detour to the Sapporo Beer Museum. Learning the history of Japan’s iconic brew made that final tasting session feel well-earned.  As a fan of art, I was spoiled for choice with several locations from which I could pick my favorites.   The JR Tower Art Gallery has an impressive array of artwork, and at the Sapporo Art Park, there are some unbelievably large sculptures sitting throughout the grounds.   I was amazed at how much creativity and energy could be found in the city of Sapporo.   While looking at all the galleries, you can also plan a trip to Uji, located approximately 500 km south.   A visit to Japan would not be complete without enjoying a cup of matcha at this city's matcha capital.  3. Visiting The Shrines And Temples  Kyoto may have the most amazing shrines, but Sapporo also has some beautiful ones.   The Hookaido Shrine is the most popular among them, and you will find it just next to the Maruyama Park.   Furthermore, the Sapporo Suitengu Shrine is another place where families and pregnant women visit for a healthy baby.  Moreover, if you are a seeker and want some spiritual guidance, Joganji Temple is your place. It has the most meditative environment.  4.  Exploring The Historical Landmarks Of Sapporo  Sapporo has many historical places to visit, and you can start with the “Former Hokkaido Government Office.”   It has beautiful gardens, and with its insightful exhibitions, it offers a deep understanding of the local history.   The next place you can visit is the Sapporo TV Tower. It is an important landmark for broadcasting and tourism.   Furthermore, from the TV Tower, you can enjoy an amazing view of Odori Park and its surroundings.   The Clock Tower is another important landmark in Sapporo. It has been standing there since 1878.   However, for me, the most iconic historical landmark in the city was the Hoheikan Guest House.   This 1880 guest house in Nakajima Park had many important guests, including the royal family and important foreign guests.   In addition, for a culturally immersive experience, you can explore the Hokkaido historical village. It is like an open-air museum with distinct architecture, buildings, and Japanese townscapes.  5.  Souvenir Shopping   It’s a sin to visit Sapporo and not do some serious shopping.   Furthermore, souvenir shopping is one of the best things to do in Sapporo because of the diversity of stuff you can procure.   Firstly, the sweets here are amazing. You must try Marusei butter sandwiches and Royce chocolates.   Also, you will find skincare products made of horse oil.   In addition, you will love local crafts such as Ainu crafts and Otaru glassware.   Moreover, the best places for shopping in Sapporo are “Ario Sapporo Mall,” “Apia Mall,” “Sapporo Stellar Place Mall,” and “Tanukikoji Shopping Street.” 

BY  Sibashree May 29, 2026

Golden sands, world-class surf breaks, and a distinct bohemian charm!  All these make Arugam Bay, another southeastern coastal gem of Sri Lanka, stand out.  This sleepy fishing village wakes up with the swelling of the ocean. Also, the destination creates an expert balance between a high-energy aquatic sports culture and a deeply relaxing and off-the-beaten-path atmosphere.  You can even be an experienced longboarder ready to ride an iconic right-hand point break. You are also an enthusiast of slow travel, looking to explore ancient temples in the jungle or pristine national parks.  Arugam Bay offers an unforgettable tropical escape for all types of travelers.  Moreover, since Arugam Bay is not as busy as the traditional central southwestern travel loop of Sri Lanka, it still has a raw and authentic identity.  So, in this article, I will discuss the things to do in Arugam Bay and my experience there.  What Are The Things To Do In Arugam Bay?  Arugam Bay is not the usual idyllic coastal getaway you are looking for.  It is an adventure hub for surfers of all skill levels. Also, you can climb Elephant Rock and hike to the Ancient Kudumbigala Monastery. So, it is a versatile destination for backpackers, solo travelers, and families.  1. Learn To Surf The Legendary East Coast Waves  The local coastline is home to a happening surf community, and the dotting crescent bays offer optimal wave conditions for every tier of experience.  Moreover, as I walked through the main street, I found an abundance of surf shops offering professional instruction and gear rental.  Surfing For Beginners At Arugam Bay  If you are a beginner, you have to stick to the main crescent of Arugam Bay Beach.  Furthermore, the sandy bottom here is incredibly forgiving. So, if you are a beginner, you can pay 2,000 to 3,500 LKR to a local instructor for a 1.5-hour lesson.    Moreover, the board rentals are highly economical, and you have to pay around 400 to 800 LKR for a board rental for a day.  If You Are An Intermediate Or Advanced Surfer  You can take a short tuk-tuk ride north to Pottuvil Point or Whiskey Point.  Furthermore, if you are seeking maximum power, you must visit the Main Point or venture south to the secluded A-frame waves at Peanut Frame.  2. Relaxing At Arugam Bay Beach The central beachfront of Arugam Bay is one of the most beautiful shorelines in Sri Lanka.  The golden sand and leaning coconut palms welcome you to relax at the end of a multi-day itinerary.  Enjoy a fresh king coconut, lay out a towel, or rent a dedicated sunbed from popular beachside establishments like Friends Indeed or the Upali Beach Resort. Moreover, you can enjoy a refreshing swim. Also, if you don’t want to navigate around surfboard traffic, you can walk to the right-hand side of the bay. 3. Watching The Sunset From Elephant Rock  Elephant Rock is the best location to watch the sunset in Arugam Bay. I just took a short drive for 20 minutes from the town to reach this massive natural rock formation.  This rock formation stands at the end of the unpaved track where the jungle meets the sea.  The Climb  After reaching the trail, I had to take a steep 10-minute walk to reach the top of the Elephant Rock.  From the top of the rock, you will enjoy a 360-degree view of the wild coastline and watch surfers in action. Wildlife Precautions  At the base of the rock, there is a tidal lagoon, and it is a known habitat of wild crocodiles.  So, you must not wade into this water.  Moreover, elephants roam through this corridor during twilight frequently. So, you must come down from the rock and leave the place before darkness.  Cost  A tuk-tuk ride from Elephant Rock to Arugam Bay costs between LKR 800 and 1000. 4. Hiking To The Ancient Kudumbigala Monastery  The Kudumbigala Monastery is located at a distance of around 30 kilometers from Arugam Bay. This monastery was built in 246 BC during the reign of King Devanampiyatissa. This was a sweeping rock monastery, which was a sanctuary for the Buddhist monks who wanted to retreat from urban centers.  The site is expansive, and here, you will see around 200 ancient caves beneath monolithic boulders.  I trekked up a series of carved stone stairs through dense jungle canopy to reach the summit.  There stands the Belumgala Stupa, the only surviving cylindrical stupa of Sri Lanka. Moreover, from here, you can enjoy an uninterrupted view of the Kumana National Park's emerald forests extending all the way to the Indian Ocean. However, this area is a wild animal migration path. So, you have to exercise caution or hire an experienced local driver while exploring the area.  5. Wilderness Safari In Kumana National Park If you are done exploring the southwestern reserves, you can head to Yala East or the Kumana National Park.  Very close to the south of Arugam Bay, it offers an intimate environment for a wilderness safari as it receives a low volume of tourist jeeps.  Furthermore, this national park stands out as the sanctuary of many migratory birds, which mostly visit between April and July.  Also, take a usual 3-hour drive in the morning or afternoon. You will spot wild Sri Lankan elephants roaming the marshes, mugger crocodiles, wild boars, and golden jackals. Also, if fortune favors you, an elusive leopard.  Moreover, the national park remains open from 6 AM to 6 PM. So, you can easily arrange private 4x4 game drives. Choose experienced local services like Arugambay Agenda or Budget Arugam Bay Tours & Safari on the main strip. 6. Marveling At The Seaside Muhudu Maha Viharaya Stupa The Muhudu Maha Viharaya is amidst the sand dunes of Pottuvil Beach. It is a fascinating historic site, and it is known as the “Temple of the Ocean.”  Moreover, the history of the stupa goes back 2000 years, and this peaceful white stupa has many statues. 7. A Peaceful Pottuvil Lagoon Safari  If you want a non-motorized, tranquil experience, you must take a boat ride through the Pottuvil Lagoon's mangroves, operated by local fishermen. Moreover, this is an amazing activity to spot wildlife such as elephants, water buffalo, and monitor lizards up close.  You must join a local community-based tour of 2 hours here. The tour will cost 2,000 LKR ($6 USD) per person. Read Also: What Are The Places To Visit In Matara? A Southern Sri Lankan Commercial Hub With Dutch Colonial Heritage What Are The Best Places To See In The Sacred City Of Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka? Why Is Habarana Beyond Just A Gateway To The Cultural Triangle Of Sri Lanka?

BY  Sibashree Sep 4, 2026

The only coastal reserve in Sri Lanka and a Ramsar Site, the Bundala National Park welcomes you to a different world.   So, when I entered the national park, the first thing I noticed was neither an elephant nor a crocodile. In fact, it was not a flamingo.   It was absolute silence! The calls of a lagoon full of birds broke the silence, and it was a stark contrast to Yala National Park and its busy life.   The main entrance of Yala National Park is barely one hour away from Bundala. Also, both share much of the same dry-zone wildlife.   Still, Bundala is one of the least visited national parks in the South.   As a Ramsar-listed wetland of international importance, Bundala is built around a chain of shallow brackish lagoons.   That explains why it draws one of the largest concentrations of migratory birds anywhere in Sri Lanka.   Also, I was fortunate enough to visit Bundala during the northern winter. I met the elegant greater flamingos wading through pink-tinged water at sunrise.   Nevertheless, irrespective of the time of your visit, you can spot elephants, and crocodiles.   You will also find a coastline of dunes and scrub forest.  National Park Of Bundala At A Glance  Detail Information Location Southern Province, Sri Lanka, between Hambantota and Tissamaharama Nearest town Hambantota (About 15-20 km) Area Approximately 6,216 Hectares Designation National Park (1993). Ramsar Wetland of International Importance (1990) UNESCO Biosphere Reserve (2005) Landscape Five Shallow Brackish/Saline Lagoons Sand Dunes Scrub Jungle Coastal Habitat Known for Migratory and Resident Birds (200+ Species), including Greater Flamingos Elephants Crocodiles Best time to visit November to March for Peak Migratory Birdlife Year-Round for Elephants and Resident Species Distance from Colombo Around 245 KM Roughly 4-4.5 Hours by Road  Bundala National Park: A Wetland With A Bigger Reputation Than Its Size Suggests Bundala became a designated national park in 1993. However, the story of its conservation goes earlier.   It was already a Ramsar Site in 1990, and it was the first in the country to get this recognition. Again, in 2005, it became a part of a UNESCO Man and the Biosphere Reserve.   The lagoons here are a critical stopover on the Central Asian Flyway. The migration route that brings birds from as far as Siberia and the Rann of Kutch down to the Indian Ocean coast every winter.  I loved the park more because it has a very humble demeanor and there is no single headline animal.   It rewards patience.  I spotted a crocodile motionless at a lagoon's edge, a family of elephants moving through the scrub in the middle distance, and always, everywhere, birds.  Wildlife And Birdlife In Bundala National Park  Bundala National Park transforms into a wonderland for birdwatchers between November and March.   Greater flamingos are the main attraction out of the 200 species of birds recorded here.   Most of them are migratory birds, and they arrive between November and March.   During my visit to the park, the flocks of flamingos were so huge that they turned almost the entire lagoon area pink.    Our guide also drew our attention to painted storks, pelicans, spoonbills, various species of stork and egret, and a healthy population of raptors.  Furthermore, the park holds a resident elephant population, estimated at several dozen individuals.  Moreover, it has saltwater and mugger crocodiles in the lagoons, and smaller numbers of leopards, spotted deer, wild boar, and jackals.   How To Reach Bundala National Park? You can reach the Bundala National Park from Colombo via the Southern Expressway to Hambantota or the Sooriyawewa exit.   Then local roads will lead you to the park entrance. The overall journey from Colombo by road is around 4 to 4.5 hours, depending on the gate you are visiting and the exact timing.   Again, Bundala National Park is an easy add-on to a visit to Yala National Park. The main entrance of Bundala is 20-25 km from Tissamaharama, making it a natural pairing for anyone already doing a Yala safari circuit.  Moreover, Hambantota, around 15-20 km away from Bundala National Park, is the closest town.   So, Hambantota, with its beaches and port area, will be your base if you want a combination of coastal experience and wildlife.   Bundala Entrance Fees (2026)   Category   Approximate Cost (2026)   Foreign Adult (12+)   USD 12  Foreign Child (6–12 Years)   USD 6  Foreign Children under 6 Years    Free  SAARC Nationals USD 10 for Adults USD 5 for Children between 6 and 12 Years Free for Children below 6 Years    Locals   Adults: LKR 60 Children from 6 to 12 Years: LKR 30 Children below 6 Years: Free Students: LKR 20   Vehicle Entry Ticket   LKR 300   Foreign Group Fee Per Vehicle   USD 10  A One-Day Bundala Itinerary Bundala works well as a half-day or full-day safari, and it also slots neatly into a longer south-coast loop that includes Yala, Tissamaharama, and the beaches around Hambantota.   Here is how you can structure a single day focused on the park itself.  Time Activity 5:30 - 6:00 AM Departure from Tissamaharama or Hambantota. 6:00 - 9:30 AM Morning safari through the lagoon circuits. 9:30 - 10:30 AM Break near the lagoons or at a nearby guesthouse for breakfast. 10:30 AM - 12:30 PM Continue the drive toward the coastal dune and scrub sections for elephants and crocodiles. 12:30 - 2:00 PM Exit the park, lunch in Hambantota or Tissamaharama. Afternoon (optional) Combine with a Hambantota lighthouse or salt pan visit, or head onward to Yala/Kataragama.  What Is The Best Time To Visit Bundala National Park? November to March is the best season to visit Bundala National Park if you want to spot Greater Flamingos and other birds.   Flamingos gather in the highest numbers from December to February.   However, Bundala is home to elephants, crocodiles, and resident birdlife across all seasons.  Practical Tips For A Visit  Go early. Gates typically open around 6 AM, and the first two hours offer the best light and the least heat-shy wildlife activity.  Bring binoculars if birdwatching is a priority. Much of the action happens across open water at a distance.  Sun protection matters here more than in forested parks as Bundala's lagoons and dunes offer little shade.  Pair it with Yala or Tissamaharama to make the most of the drive down.  Nearby Attractions  Bundala sits within easy reach of several other south-coast highlights, making it easy to build into a wider itinerary rather than a standalone day trip.   Yala National Park and the temple town of Kataragama are both close by, and the beaches and salt pans around Hambantota make for a relaxed way to close out the day.