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

BY  Sibashree Mar 16, 2026

After visiting the Nine Arch Bridge and the iconic blue trains, my next stop was the Diyaluma Waterfall, at a distance of around 45 km.  Now, Sri Lanka is full of hidden gems. Along with the Ritigala Forest Monastery, this waterfall has also offered me a slice of offbeat Sri Lanka.  Furthermore, the Diyaluma Waterfall, with a height of 220 meters, is the second-tallest waterfall in Sri Lanka, and it has many natural infinity pools.  If those were not reasons enough, Diyaluma Waterfall is irresistible for the local tragic love story associated with it. Also, it is a place of great ecological importance.  Moreover, the journey from Ella to Poonagala and the trek further offer an equally unforgettable experience.  Here are more details about visiting the Diyaluma Waterfall, its location, transport options, history, hiking experience, and more.  Where Is Diyaluma Waterfall?  The Diyaluma Waterfall is on the Colombo-Badulla highway in the Badulla district of Sri Lanka.  Koslanda, around 6 km west, is the closest town to the Diyaluma Waterfall.  Furthermore, it is located at a distance of around 30 km from Ella. Also, the waterfall is located about 196 km away from Kandy, the cultural hub of central Sri Lanka.  Moreover, the Kirindi Oya River has formed this waterfall. This river starts flowing near Bandarawela and flows across the central part of Sri Lanka.  How To Reach The Diyaluma Falls, Sri Lanka?  Tuk-tuks are easily available from Ella to Poonagala. Further, from the Poonagala village at the top, you have to do a short hike to reach the Diyaluma Falls.  However, you can also hike from Koslanda. This is a bottom-to-top hike and way more difficult than the top-to-bottom hike from Poonagala.  Also, the tuk-tuk to the Poonagala village cost me LKR 4000.  Moreover, remember that you have to inform your tuk-tuk driver that you need to go to the upper Diyaluma Falls and trek down from there. 1. Hiking From Poongala To Diyaluma Falls  Carry an offline map when hiking from Poongala to the Diyaluma Falls as the network is inconsistent here.  Furthermore, you must take your tuk-tuk driver as a guide or a different local guide for the hike.  My trek to the falls started from the Makaldenya Junction, and I walked for around 30 minutes to reach the Upper Diyaluma Waterfall.  The path is even, and that is why you need to wear proper hiking shoes with a good grip. Also, long and dry grasses cover the entire route.  You will find all the infinity pools here, and taking a bath is a must, considering the heat and strain of walking downhill.  Then, I took a walk of around 10 minutes to reach the Lower Diyaluma Fall. From there, you can see water falling into the valley from a height of 220 meters.  Also, this is the moment you realize the meaning of the Diyaluma Waterfalls. The name is a combination of Diya and Haluma.  Moreover, the name means the “liquid light” or a “rapid flow of water.”  2. Hiking From Koslanda To Diyaluma Falls  The hike from Koslanda is difficult. However, it offers an amazing view of the waterfall from the Diyaluma Falls Bridge below.  Furthermore, the hike takes around 20 to 30 minutes, and on this hiking route, you will find many snacks and coconut shops.  What Are The Things To Do At Diyaluma Falls?  To enjoy hiking and other activities at the Diyaluma Falls, you have to arrive a little early. The waterfalls are open from 6 AM to 5 PM.  Then, you can enjoy a bath in the infinity pools, relax on the rocks, or talk to the locals. In fact, I got to know about the history of this waterfall when talking to a local hiker.  1. Swimming In The Natural Infinity Pools Of The Diyaluma Waterfall On the edge of the main Diyaluma Waterfall, you will find the main natural infinity pool. Also, you will find many other natural infinity pools formed by the Upper Diyaluma Waterfall.  However, you must check with the locals and take enough precautions before getting into the water.  2. Relaxing On The Surrounding Rocks It may not sound very appealing to you. However, for me, who always cherishes TheLowDownUnder Travel experiences, it is a great thing to experience.  Sitting on a rock and seeing streaks of water gushing from a height of 220 meters. You don’t get to see these scenes often, right? Also, don’t forget to bring a towel if you want to sit on the rocks and relax.  3. Talking To The Locals  I come from a country where cricket is the religion. Sri Lanka also has a celebrated cricket team and has produced legends such as Sanath Jayasuriya, Kumar Sangakkara, Muttiah Muralitharan, and Arjuna Ranatunga.  So, it was great fun talking about cricket.  Then, a local guy shared the history of the Diyaluma Waterfall and the tragic love story associated with it. The History Of The Diyaluma Waterfall  A king once fell in love with a lady. However, she was from a lower caste, and the societal norms did not allow them to get married. So, they fled. Unfortunately, people against it chased them down, and the lady fell into the waterfall and died.  Safety Norms To Follow While Visiting The Diyaluma Falls  No set rule exists for the visitors to the Diyaluma Falls, and that is probably the most concerning matter.  The tourist inflow here is high, and most of them are adrenaline junkie.  So, stand on the edge and swim in the infinity pools, but with caution. Moreover, avoid visiting the waterfall in the monsoon season, from September to early December.  Even if you hike in these months, do not swim in the waterfall.  Overall, the Diyaluma Waterfall remains the symbol of the grandeur of nature, and the myths associated with it make it more intriguing.  So, if you are in Sri Lanka, don’t miss a hike to this waterfall, which is also at the epicenter of a unique ecosystem.  Moreover, enjoy the serenity and spirituality in the air.

BY  Sibashree Mar 25, 2026

The Shinkansen, or the Japanese Bullet Train, brought a revolution in the transportation system in the 1960s.  It was the need of the hour, considering the rapid growth in the economy. Also, it is an icon of the technological prowess and wealth of Japan.  These days, we have Vande Bharat in India, and no doubt the services and punctuality of these trains are spotless.  However, contrary to popular beliefs, they are never the same.  Why so?  To understand this, you need to take a ride in the Japanese Bullet Train.  However, is Japan Rail Pass worth it for the short and long rides in the Japanese Bullet Train?  In today’s blog, I will discuss its benefits and disadvantages in detail.  Is Japan Rail Pass Worth It?  Japan Rail Pass is a physical pass for train rides. It is only for tourists.  With this pass, you can enjoy unlimited train rides across Japan. Also, these passes include bullet train rides for a specific time span.  Japan Rail Pass Cost Check out the table below to understand the validity period and prices of the Japan Rail Pass.  Japan Rail Pass ValidityOrdinary Japan Rail Pass Cost Green Japan Rail Pass Cost7 Days PassAdult: 70,000 YENChildren: 35,000 YENAdult: 50,000 YENChildren: 25,000 YEN14 Days PassAdult: 110000 YENChildren: 55000 YENAdult: 80000 YENChildren: 40000 YEN21 Days PassAdult: 140000 YENChildren: 70000 YENAdult: 100000 YENChildren: 50000 YEN All ticket prices are sourced from the Japanrailpass.net. Also, remember that children mean kids below 12 years old.  From 12 years onward, they are considered adults.  Is The Japan Rail Pass Worth It? (Considering The Cost)  If you think that buying a Japan Rail Pass would hurt your wallet, you are making a mistake.  Yes, the Japan Rail Pass is expensive, especially if you are buying a Green Japan Rail Pass.  Still, if you want to try individual rides, the cost will be even higher. For example, a single trip to Nara from Tokyo costs 14500 YEN.  A really smart way to decide whether the Japan Rail Pass is worth it or not is to use a Japan Rail Pass Calculator.  Enter the departure and arrival points, check the ticket price for individual rides, and add them. Then, compare the total Japan Rail Pass cost to decide whether you need to buy it or not.  Also, consider the flexibility the Japan Rail Pass offers.  With a Rail Pass, you can complete as many rides as you want within the validity period. Also, there is no rush to buy a ticket every time you board a train.  Is Japan Rail Pass Worth It For Every Train?  The Japan Rail Pass does not cover every train service in Japan. However, it covers most train services.  Check out the details in the box.  Services Covered by Japan Rail PassServices That Japan Rail Pass Does Not Cover - Most Bullet Trains- Express Trains- Local Trains- The Narita Express, Running to Tokyo City from Narita Airport- Tokyo Monorail to and From the Haneda Airport - Joyful Trains in Japan- Bullet Trains Except Mizuho and Nozomi- The Metro Service in Tokyo and Other Cities- The Ferry Service Of Yakushima Where To Buy A Japan Rail Pass From?  You can buy the Japan Rail Pass from an authorized agent based in your country. Sometimes, these passes are available at the Osaka or Tokyo Railway stations or Haneda and Narita airports.  However, these passes are available for a limited time, and they charge around 10-20% extra charges.  Furthermore, upon reaching Japan, you can even buy the pass online at JRailPass.com. You can expect a delivery of the physical pass within 3-5 business days based on your location.  How To Take The First Ride With The Japan Rail Pass?  You have to get your Japan Rail Pass stamped before using it. You have to choose the JR Counter entry at any local and bullet railway station to pass through and board the train.  The JR Officer will check your passport and the JR Pass before stamping it.  From the next ride onward, you just need to show your JR Pass.  Activating your JR Pass at the railway station is always a better idea, as you can activate it only when you need it.  Usually, when you activate the pass at the airport, a day or two is wasted from the validity period, as the city metro services do not accept those passes.  Is Japan Rail Pass Worth It? Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)  Here are the frequently asked questions and answers about whether the Japan Railway Pass is worth it or not.  1. Which Rail Pass Is The Best For Japan? The best Rail Pass for Japan will depend on your itinerary in Japan. For example, if you need to travel nationwide, you can choose a National Rail Pass for 7 to 21 days.On the other hand, Regional JR Passes are the best if you are focusing on specific regions such as Hokkaido or Kansai. 2. Can I Buy Japan Rail Pass From India? Yes, you can buy a Japan Rail Pass from India. In fact, it is a smart move to buy your Japan Rail Pass from an authorized agent in your country before starting the trip. At the Japanese Airports, buying the JR Pass can cost you 20-30% more. TBi Travels and Klook are some of the authorized services from which you can purchase the JR Pass online. When you buy the pass online from an authorized agent, you will receive an exchange order or a voucher via courier. You have to exchange that at the airport to collect the physical pass.  3. Can I Get Bento Boxes On The Trains In Japan? You can get Bento boxes at any railway station in Japan before boarding the train. You will also find vegan-friendly options for the bento boxes. However, you have to be very mindful about how you dispose of those bento boxes. You can throw them in the trash bins in the train, or after alighting from the train, you can dispose of them in the waste box at the station. You will not find trash cans frequently in Japan. So, you may have to carry them home if you do not dispose of them in time.  Read Also: Are You Planning A Trip To Osaka? This Is Your Quintessential Guide Festivals Of Light And Color: Experiencing Japan’s Vibrant Matsuri Is Japan Really An Expensive Place? Have A look

BY  Sibashree Sep 18, 2026

Ruwanwelisaya, or Ruwanmeli Maha Seya, won me over with its height from a distance of 100 meters.   From there also, I could not fit it into a single frame.  Also, the most astonishing feature was the frieze of stone elephant heads running the entire base of the stupa.   It took me around 10 minutes just to walk the perimeter counting them. I counted up to two hundred and then lost a count of the elephant heads.   Then, I saw the marble courtyard where white-clad pilgrims were circling clockwise.   Also, the heat radiating off the stone by mid-morning reminded me of an old saying frequently uttered by my grandmother, Thamma,  She used to say in Bengali, “Kosto na korle kesto mele na.” Roughly means, to receive the blessings of the divine, you have to put some hard efforts.   Ruwanwelisaya At A Glance  Detail Information Other Names Ruwanweli Maha Seya Maha Thupa Swarnamali Chaitya Built by King Dutugemunu. He begun the construction around 140 BC and then his brother,,  King Saddhatissa completed it.  Height 103 meters Circumference 290 meters Status One of the Atamasthana (8 sacred sites) and Solosmasthana (16 sacred sites) of Sri Lankan Buddhism UNESCO status Part of the Sacred City of Anuradhapura, inscribed 1982 Access Included in the Anuradhapura Sacred City ticket (foreign visitors) Dress code Pilgrims wear white clothes.  Also, shoulders and knees must be covered, and you need to remove your shoes and hats.   King Dutugemunu: The King Who Never Saw His Stupa Finished You cannot separate the story of King Dutugemunu from the Ruwanwelisaya stupa.   He unified Sri Lanka in the 2nd century BC after defeating the Chola ruler Elara.   According to the chapters 22 to 32 of Mahavamsa, or the Great Chronicle, Dutugemunu began construction of the stupa around 140 BC.  It was an act of religious devotion meant to enshrine one-eighth of the sacred body relics of Lord Gautam Buddha.  However, he died before the work was complete. King Saddhatissa, his brother was the successor.   The younger brother, had the unfinished structure wrapped in white cloth so the dying king could see it appear complete.   This part of the history is seen as a later embellishment as many historians, though.   Still, when the local guide told me story, it touched me.   The Completion Of The Stupa And Later Renovations   Saddhatissa finished the stupa.  Then, the subsequent kings renovated it. King Nissanka Malla in the 12th century is one of those kings to undertake this renovation after Saddhatissa.  However, by 19th century, the stupa was in ruins.   Again, a restoration campaign started in 1893 by the monk Naranvita Sumanasara Thera.  The renovation was public funded and the Ruwanweli Seya Restoration Society took the charge of it.   So, what we see today is the restored form in 1893 and later, in June 1940, the stupa got its new pinnacle.   Why Is It Called The 'Great Stupa'? Ruwanwelisaya, or the Maha Thupa, literally means 'the Great Stupa.'   It is among the Atamasthana, meaning the eight sacred places of Anuradhapura. It is even the most significant of these eight sites.   The stupa is within the Mahamevnawa Park, close enough to the Sri Maha Bodhi and the ruins of the Lovamahapaya.  So, I completed all three in the same walk without quite planning to.  Walking The Site: What To Expect As I said, the imposing scale of the stupa was the first thing I noticed.   The second thing I saw was the elephant wall.   Here is a brief highlight on what made awestruck in the stipa complex.   The Elephant Wall  A retaining wall rings the base of the stupa.  It has hundreds of elephant heads and forequarters.  The distance between the heads are very less. So, from a distance it reads as a single continuous herd holding the dome up.   A local guard told me that the exact count was 344.   However, as I mentioned, I could not finish the counting after 200.   The Marble Courtyard And Vahalkadas  The stupa has a wide, pale courtyard and vahalkadas ring the stupa at four cardinal points.   Vahalkadas are carved stone frontispieces with figures of elephants, horses, lions, and dwarfs.  Walking barefoot across the marble was a difficult task, especially in the late morning of the dry season.   However, I managed it hopping between the shaded patches.  The Evening Atmosphere  The stupa had a great impact on me, and I could not help but come back for a visit in the evening.   It was looking more divine with its floodlights creating a sheer contrast against the sky.   The stupa complex was busier in the evening, and the devotees were circling the stupa clockwise while chanting quietly.  Tickets And What They Cover Ruwanwelisaya does not need a separate ticket.  It is part of the Anuradhapura Sacred City ticket that foreign visitors need to enter the main archaeological zone.   As of 2026, pricing for that combined ticket runs from roughly US$25 to US$30 per adult.  The ticket covers Ruwanwelisaya alongside Jetavanaramaya, Thuparamaya, Abhayagiri, Lovamahapaya, and the twin ponds.   It does not cover Isurumuniya, the Sri Maha Bodhi enclosure, or Mihintale, each of which has its own separate ticket.  Ticket Approximate price (As of September 2026) Covers Ruwanwelisaya? Anuradhapura Sacred City ticket US$25–30 Yes Combined Cultural Triangle ticket US$50 Yes (Along with Sigiriya Rock Fortress, Dambulla Royal Cave Temple and Polonnaruwa) Isurumuniya (separate) 500 LKR No Sri Maha Bodhi enclosure Offers a free entry. However, you can offer a small donation.  No  Opening Hours And Best Time To Visit The main archaeological sites, Ruwanwelisaya included, are generally open from around 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM daily.  Early morning is quietest and coolest for the walk around the courtyard and elephant wall.  Poya (full moon) days, especially June's Poson Poya, bring the largest crowds of pilgrims and the most atmospheric evening lighting.  Dry season, from May to September, offers the most comfortable conditions for the barefoot courtyard walk.  How To Reach Ruwanwelisaya? Ruwanwelisaya is inside Anuradhapura's Sacred City zone.  It is about a 1 km walk from the Eastern Gate car park and close to the Sri Maha Bodhi.   You can explore the zone by rented bicycle (roughly LKR 200–300 per day).  It is also the most practical way to cover the site because the individual monuments are at a distance from each other.  I underestimated the distances on foot and regretted it by early afternoon.  A Simple Half-Day Route Around Ruwanwelisaya  Time Stop Notes 7:00 AM Sri Maha Bodhi Quietest at dawn, most devotional atmosphere. 8:00 AM Ruwanwelisaya Elephant wall, courtyard, main stupa. 9:30 AM Thuparamaya Smaller, older stupa nearby. 10:30 AM Jetavanaramaya Once the tallest stupa in the ancient world. Evening Return to Ruwanwelisaya Floodlit and busiest with local devotees after dark.  What Ruwanwelisaya Represents Today  More than two thousand years after Dutugemunu started the construction, Ruwanwelisaya is still an active place of worship.  It is not a museum.   The restoration endeavors of the elephant wall and dome go on.   Also, pilgrims keep circling it in white on every Poya day of the year.   Of everything I saw across Anuradhapura, it is the site that made the clearest case for why this ancient capital is still called sacred rather than simply historic.