Romantic Weekend Breaks Scotland

BY  Sibashree Mar 5, 2026

I have just shared my story of climbing the Sigiriya Rock. It’s huge, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with the 660-foot stone remnants, is the perfect postcard of the cultural richness of Sri Lanka.  I visited the Hindu temples of Jaffna and experienced their grandeur. I have also experienced the somber vibe and wondered at the architectural marvel of the Ritigala Forest Monastery.  Now, if you think of the Pidurangala Rock, it is not the bucket-list material like the three places I have mentioned. I initially planned a hike of the Pidurangala Rock to have a different perspective of the Sigiriya Rock.  The view from the top is mesmerizing.  However, the Pidurangala Rock is not just the lesser-known neighbor of the Sigiriya Rock. It was an ancient Buddhist Monastery and is famous as the home to a 1500-year-old massive statue of Lord Buddha.  Also, watching the sunrise from the top of the Pidurangala Rock is an ethereal experience.  I hope you have guessed by now. In this blog, I will share my experience of climbing the Pidurangala Rock, watching the sunrise from there, its history, and other details.  The History Of The Pidurangala Rock The history of the Pidurangala Rock is over two millennia old. King Kashyapa made the Sigiriya Fort his seat of power and asked the monks to shift here. He made suitable arrangements to build amenities for the resident monks here.  In fact, the rock gets its name from "Pidu + Ran + Goda." It means the offered piles of gold. Thus, the name itself explains how King Kashyapa made donations for the development.  Furthermore, the Sigiri Pidurangala Raja Maha Viharaya temple is still inside the caves.  Also, the site has a 1500-year-old massive Buddha Statue in a reclining position. The treasure hunters ruined it partially in the 1960s. However, it has been restored.  Today, the Pidurangala Rock is a protected archaeological site containing ancient caves, a 5th-century stupa, and remains of a second stupa on the summit. How To Reach The Pidurangala Rock From Kandy? Hiking the Sigiriya Rock and Pidurangala Rock can be an extension of the mixed bag of things to do in Kandy.  The journey from Kandy to the Pidurangala Rock 1. The Long Haul From Kandy  You can catch a bus from the station behind the Kandy train station to Dambulla. This is a journey of 2 hours and 15 minutes.  Furthermore, the ticket will cost you around 1.14 USD or 200 LKR.  2. The Short Haul From Kandy  Once you reach Dambulla, you will get local buses to Sigiriya. The ticket price is around 40 LKR, and the travel time is just 30 minutes.  What Is The Entry Fee For Pidurangala Rock? While researching Sigiriya Rock, I was shocked to find that the entrance fee is $36 USD per person. a steep price tag considering how affordable the rest of Sri Lanka is.  Aside from our $35 USD Yala National Park safari, it was the only major expense I encountered during my entire month-long trip. In fact, my 5 days in Jaffna were quite a budget-friendly affair.  However, the Pidurangala Rock was a stark contrast. I paid only 300 LKR, which was less than 3 USD at that time.  Want to know more about my holiday in Sri Lanka? Read my guide on the Ambuluwawa Tower and things to do in Trincomalee.  I also visited Mount Lavinia Beach.  Hiking The Pidurangala Rock The hike to the Pidurangala Rock took me around 20 minutes. However, my heart was really pumping.  I climbed up a steep set of stairs, and that was an excellent morning workout for me.  Then, the trail ran into a scramble, and here, I found some large boulders.  You don’t need to use your rock climbing skills here. However, you will definitely need your friend’s hand to hoist yourself up.  Now, as I reached the top, I saw the long-awaited silhouette of the Sigiriya Rock. It looked magical against the backdrop of a golden morning sky.  The only complaint I had was the crowded main viewpoint. A local guide showed me a place that was around 20 feet down.  There was hardly a soul, and the view was unobstructed.  The Sunrise Mission On The Pidurangala Rock Hike the Pidurangala Rock before or during the sunrise to be a part of nature’s magic. See how colors form before your eyes.  Do not walk or hike at the site once the Sun is down, as the elephants are out then. I took a tuk-tuk before sunset to reach the base.  It cost me around 500 LKR.  The trail begins at the ancient Buddhist temple. So, you have to be respectful in your attire and demeanor.  How To Have The "Perfect" Sigiriya Day? If you are an adventurous soul, you can actually climb both the rocks in one day. You can see the sunrise at Pidurangala and be back at Hotel Sigiriya to catch some quick refreshment and relax.  Then, in the late afternoon, you hike the Sigiriya Rock for the best sunset experience.  Where To Eat And Sleep In Sigiriya? Sigiriya is small and spread out, so stay near the "center" (look for Pradeep Restaurant on the map). I loved Kalana Homestay. A cheap, friendly, and right in the mix. If you want luxury, Heritance Kandalama is an architectural masterpiece built into the cliffs further out. Moreover, Pradeep Restaurant and Shenadi are the two places where you will find the best meals.  What To Bring For A Hike To The Pidurrangala Rock? Since the hike begins near a Buddhist temple, women are asked to cover their shoulders and legs out of respect.  Because of the heat, a sarong is the perfect solution. You can stay cool and easily tuck it away once you’ve passed the temple grounds. Forgot to pack something modest? Don't worry, as the ticket office usually has scarves available to borrow.  Just make sure you’ve also packed sturdy shoes, insect repellent, and plenty of water to stay comfortable on the trail!

BY  Sibashree Dec 13, 2018

Are you a passionate traveler or have you found a life full of exciting thrills? You must explore the places to visit in Italy.     With Italy on your traveling bucket list,  you should be ready for a gala tour of history, food, art, music, and sacred sites. Further, the villas, colorful villages, and astonishing scenery are elements that make a trip to Italy mesmerizing.    It’s time you feed yourself with the knowledge about the places that await their glory.  Places To Visit in Italy on Your Next Trip  I am always at a loss for words when it comes to describing the mesmerizing beauty of Italy. So, without much ado, let’s know about the places you cannot miss in Italy.   1. Rome  “Rome is not built in a day.” One of the best places to visit in Italy, it has amazing vibes for its history as it can be called Europe’s most vibrant city. If you go to this place for the first time, you will discover that it is one of the best decisions that you ever made.    Glorious Relics from the Colosseum, Pantheon, Appian Way, and Palatine Hill. All these are included in your package for visiting Rome. It all depends on your personal preferences as a visitor.    The enchanting riches of the Vatican are the top attractions of the place. Michelangelo’s Pieta gives you another reason to have a day well spent in Rome. No wonder most visitors end up after spending a day or two in Rome if they have the budget.    Breathe fresh in the Borghese gardens and walk down the narrow streets of Trastevere. You will be able to collect the most cherished memories that Rome must deliver.    A must-go place to get in touch with the culture and people of this place. Don’t miss out on this destination if you are planning to visit Rome.   2. Florence  The Italian Renaissance, Florence is like a giant art museum with excellent architecture that dazzles your eyes. The art museum gives any person who visits this place the best moments in life. It is one of the things you will not want to leave out of your list of places to tour when visiting Italy.    The Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore is a satisfaction to watch with a gravity-defying massive dome. You will not get such an experience in any other part of the world. It is an exceptional opportunity that you will not want to lose when in Rome.    The marble-inlaid bell tower and the incomparable bronze doors by Ghiberti need no introduction to put forward in Renaissance art. All these experiences come your way when you choose to visit Florence.    There are several art museums filled with paintings and masterpieces that offer you a visual treat. It is amazing to see the pieces of artwork in Florence. There is so much to explore in Florence that you don’t feel like you are still done with it! The destination should be among the top places you need to visit when going to Italy.   3. Venice  You cannot not love a city that has watery streets, where you have boats to accommodate, and love is in the air. This is what you will get on your Venice tour in Italy. So, there is no wonder that Venice is one of the best places to visit in Italy.    It is a magical city filled with several tourist destinations. The great Basilica of St. Mark, near the Doge’s Palace, is a definite treat. All this will be part of your experience if you choose to go to Venice when you visit Italy.   A Gondolas ride can make you go crazy once you are on the go. Beauty meets culture, a place where you can find the most authentic food to tantalize your taste buds and savor delicacies. Therefore, you will see the beautiful scenery and taste delicious meals in Italy.   Which other place will give you the combination of these two worlds? What a pleasure that is to be lost in the pleasures of Venice! Several postcards await you when you tour Venice! Way to Go!! Yes, Venice will give you the best experience ever on your Italy tour.   4. Lake Como  The lakes and their beauty are breathtaking, making Italy the most beautiful lake city. No one would like to visit a country without seeing what the lakes have to offer. One thing you need to understand is that Lake Como offers more than an ordinary lake will do.    Como can be your favorite summer retreat, and you can definitely pick up Villas in Italy near Lake Como to have a fantastic travel experience. You cannot compare the experience that you get here with any other place in the world.    Lake Como has its own uniqueness that makes it stand out. The microclimate of the western shore makes Como bearable, with moderate temperatures even in winter. Therefore, you can still target this place even when you feel like the environment is not conducive.    The natural touches can help you choose tranquility over cheer. Quench your travel thirsts by traveling to Lake Como this upcoming New Year! No one has regrets after choosing to visit Lake Como, Italy.   5. The Cinque Terre  The top five towns would almost be impossible if there were no railway connections made. After all, how will you move from one place to another without a reliable transportation system?    In contemporary times, the trail with cliffs is the only mode of travel. This can be called the most visited tourist attraction in Italy. Therefore, you could be the only one missing the opportunity if you don’t include it on your list.    It is one of the most soothing and relaxing places to visit. Cinque Terre is a definite reason to visit Italy once in your lifetime. Beauty attracts all, and why not explore the serene when you have all the beautiful things aligned in a city? This destination is the only reason why some people choose to visit Italy.   6. Amalfi Coast and Capri  The high and unlikely Amalfi Peninsula hugs the Mediterranean in the south of Naples is unimaginable for its pill down and dangerous steep slopes. However, the site is amazing, especially if you are experiencing it for the first time.    Streets can be called stairways, and houses surrounded with colorful natural decorators add more beauty to them. It is quite amazing to stare at these landscapes and watch what they have to offer.    Flowers and beaches amidst the emerald water are sure to soothe your mind, body, and soul. The Amalfi Drive is one of the world’s greatest scenic routes. Lavish villas and lush green gardens add zeal to your travels.   All these features will keep you watching for an extended period. No wonder we have a non-countable number of visitors who get to this destination every year.    Conclusion     Travel enthusiasts find the places to visit in Italy to be the full package of history, culture, customs, and sites that feed their hunger for aesthetics.   It’s time for you to be in this land of lakes, castles, and delicious wines. Doesn’t the idea sound just perfect? What is the one destination in Italy that you want to visit the most? Don’t forget to share your thoughts with us!   Read Also: Budget-friendly travel ideas in Australia Dubai Travel Package Deals – Important Things to Know

BY  Abdul Aziz Feb 27, 2024

Business essentials come first in our lives. As a working person, you want to upgrade your lifestyle with a better income. This is only possible through your promotions in the office or individual growth of the business.  If you are asked for a business trip, would you like to turn it down? Well, most of us will not!  Why?  Well, we all know that our promotions are important in life, and at all costs, we need to secure our future. Being in the middle of a competitive market with huge opportunities, there is little chance of progress as all want the same.  So, when the market competition is at its peak, you never want to miss an opportunity, whether it is a business trip or a weakened meeting with your boss!  But when it's a business trip, most of us get excited as it is also about traveling to a new place. If it's an overseas trip, we all want to go one step further to make it all happen!  However, in between all these, we forget to stay safe during our trip. We get overwhelmed and get busy packing. After that, during the trip, all we plan is related to the places we visit during our free time and how to make a deal with the client!  Is that not true?  Well, while on a business trip, your travel safety is a must, and you need to take care of things properly.  How?  Well, don't worry!  We have got you covered this time!  Related: Following Tips To Secure Your Business Trip  If you want to stay out of your meeting to make the deal at any cost, try securing yourself first! No matter if you are alone or your colleagues are going with you; it's better to stay on the same pitch and plan carefully.  We know that your company will get things all arranged for you. But you must take care of some additional deals when it comes to security.  Here we go!  Update Password  Before stepping into the new land, ensure you have updated all the passwords. Whether it's your Gmail ID or the bank apps, do not miss anything. Considering strong passwords by marinating the standard rule of password maintenance is the most convincing solution.  This should be your first step to staying secure! It is a better choice for us all to stay ahead of the cybersecurity threats. Easy-to-crack passwords are often a gateway to miscellaneous activities in your profile. So, do not get stuck with the older one; try to arrange a new password and never use any usual one!  Lumify Work recommends using a password manager that can also generate strong passwords. Avoid Public Wi-Fi  With the help of public Wi-Fi, we can do much free of cost!   But should you consider it?   Well, not at all!   The deal might seem impressive, and you will find many destinations with public Wi-Fi available, but that comes with greater cybersecurity threats. Cybercriminals are always in a loop with public Wi-Fi as they find it vulnerable to security.   So, no matter how urgent your work, stop using public Wi-Fi or access it through your own mobile internet connection if possible. In fact, we recommend you not use the hotel Wi-Fi as well.  Keep Your Browser And OS updated  On a business trip, it's important to use your smartphones and laptops while working on the browsers. However, we would like to recommend updating your phone’s operating system before you land there.  Why?  Well, a browser that is not updated is not secure from cyber threats. So, try to go and update all the apps from the Play Store or Windows or IOS platform. Additionally, use a proper VPN while browning if you want to travel securely.  Managing all these concerns on the go will help you stay out of the cyber threat curves.  Install Antivirus Software  We have seen many people using their electronic devices without any antivirus installed. This is a big concern which most of us take lightly.   However, it should not be your choice!   Considering an antivirus while on a business trip should be a must-to-follow case for you! It is a better and safer choice for us all! You never know what file you need to open in what situation, and the place is not the same as your native.   Installing an antivirus will help you stay safe from all these concerns. Using antivirus software is like adding an extra layer of security to all your internet activities.  Stop Auto-Connecting  Auto connection is a comfortable process for us all. If you check your accounts on different platforms, you will find that in most places, you have used auto connection. Well, this is where the concern is!  Autofill, auto connection, and allowing your browser to access your phone messages are some of the easy-to-go steps that can violate your security and privacy.  It is not just about you; most people are doing the same to save time and remember less. However, using these auto-connecting to Wi-Fi and Bluetooth while auto-filling options is not a secure practice and may lead to cyber hacking.   You have no idea how dangerous it can be! So, try to stay safe in all ways possible for the next business trip.  Do Not Share Your Location  Sharing location for using cabs or letting others know you're about can be a dangerous step.  Why?  Well, the intruders in your virtual world are always behind it! Cybercriminals are always trying to track you down, and they are ready to use it against you!  However, many travelers also like to update their current status on social media! These are some of the “never to do” things on a business trip. We know that you are excited, but stay put. Do not share your location unnecessarily until you return from the trip.  Back-Up Information Offline  This can be your best step to foul cyber attackers. No matter what they do, if it is offline, none can do anything with your data. So, it's better to back up all your data offline before you start your trip.   In this way, if anything happens to your data or you lose it to the attackers, you don't need to go for any negotiations.  Follow these tricks to ensure a safe journey without any concern and make your deal done with confidence.