The Stairway To Heaven Hawaii: Hiking Adventure’s Hidden Gem

BY  Sibashree Dec 17, 2024

For someone fed on Hollywood staples, a visit to Los Angeles can be the biggest calling. Visiting Universal Studios Hollywood or hiking to the Hollywood sign are some of the best things to do in LA for a movie buff. Further, Los Angeles has been a tourism hub since the late 1800s. With the foundation of the Merced Theatre and transportation systems, the city started attracting travelers. It is fascinating to see the city maintain the same craze in the age of social media. Today, you type #losangeles and will find 86.8 million posts popping up. So, I have been thinking of sharing a to-do list in the city for the longest time. On the web, there are even threads like once in a lifetime things to do in Los Angeles Reddit! 😮😮😮😮  So, we could not stay behind, and here goes the brief guide, mentioning the things you can explore for a lifetime experience.   At Tour and Travel, we wanted it to be different than the regular “12 once in a lifetime things to do in Los Angeles by a local” or “once in a lifetime things to do in Los Angeles 2025” guides.   We wanted to keep it all hearts, as the Hollywood movies have taught us! Things To Do In LA For Once In A Lifetime Experience | Make The Movie Buff In You Happy  Los Angeles is the “Entertainment Capital of the World.” It is the Mecca of movie lovers, with names like Al Pacino, Clint Eastwood, and Marilyn Monroe gracing the city and its corners.   In other words, “Hollywood” is the biggest draw for visitors to this city.   So, among the things to do in LA for a once-in-a-lifetime experience, I have included activities like hiking to the Hollywood sign or walking along the Hollywood Walk of Fame.  1. Hike To The Hollywood Sign | Once In A Lifetime Things To Do In Los Angeles Are you up for a scenic hike? You can take a walk to the Hollywood sign. Throughout the hike, you will enjoy a breathtaking view of Los Angeles.   Further, once you reach the Hollywood sign, you can take the most beautiful photos of yourself or the surroundings.  By completing a hike to the Hollywood Sign and taking some photographs, there is something preserved for posterity. You can share the memories with your future generations.  Hiking to the Hollywood Sign or Mount Hollywood through the Charlie Turner Trailhead is easy. You can cover a distance of 5.3 miles here within 2 hours and 30 minutes.  2. Visit The Universal Studios Hollywood Address: 100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City Contact No: +1 800-864-8377 Open Hours: 9 AM to 7 PM, Weekends: 8 AM to 10 PM For all the Potterheads and Minion lovers, a visit to Universal Studios Hollywood will be an immersive experience. Here, you can enjoy thrilling g rides and explore the sets of many famous movies. If you are about to visit Universal Studios Hollywood this winter, you must not miss the Holidays at Universal Studios Hollywood. The event has already started on 29th November 2024 and will continue till 6th January 2025. You can even be a part of the Ring in the New Year with EVE. It is the biggest New Year celebration in Hollywood.  So, a visit to Universal Studios Hollywood is one of the top once-in-a-lifetime things to do in Los Angeles with kids.  3. Enjoy A Stroll Along The Hollywood Walk Of Fame A walk along Hollywood Boulevard is one of the best things to do in LA for once in a lifetime. You will find golden stars dedicated to your favorite star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Moreover, you will feel the glamor of Tinseltown. Despite names like Julia Roberts, Leonardo DiCaprio, Madonna, and Clint Eastwood refusing to have a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, it remains a landmark of intrigue and awe in Los Angeles.  4. Spend Some Time At Venice Beach You can visit Los Angeles and, for the most relaxing time, head to Venice Beach. However, if soaking in the Sun is not the only thing you want, you can try a rollerblade or bike ride along the beach. Further, you will find various street performers and unique shops on the beach. The vibrant atmosphere here makes it feature on our list of “once in a lifetime things to do Los Angeles.” Moreover, Venice Beach has a skatepark where the best skaters in the area show their skills amidst the cheering of the onlookers.  5. Visit The Griffith Observatory Address: 2800 E Observatory Road, Los Angeles Contact No: +1 213-473-0800 Hours Open: Tuesday - Friday (12-10 PM), Saturday and Sunday (10 AM to 10 PM), Monday - Closed Are you an observer of the sky? Are you passionate about celestial bodies? Exploring the Griffith Observatory is one of the best things to do in LA for a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Irrespective of the day of your visit, you can be a part of the daily programs at the Samuel Oschin Planetarium. There will be live shows and live demonstrations of the Tesla Coil.  Moreover, there is a public telescope for you to look at the sky.  The Griffith Observatory in Griffith Park is located on the southern slope of Mount Hollywood. You can hike to the park or enjoy a bike ride to this famous California hotspot.  Furthermore, if you are traveling with family, you can take a drive or shared ride. Be an early bird if you want a spot for your car at Downhill. You can even keep your car at the paid parking near the observatory.  6. Take A Helicopter Tour Of The City https://www.instagram.com/p/BvsIGM9hQmj Do you want to explore a bird’s eye view of Los Angeles? You can take a helicopter tour of the city. While taking a helicopter tour, you can explore the famous coastlines and hotspots of California. Also, the cityscape looks amazing from the helicopter. A helicopter tour of Los Angeles will be around 1.5 hours, and it’s going to cost you something between $220-520 for each person.  7. Take A Tour Of The Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens https://www.instagram.com/p/C5q5d_Ur2_-/?img_index=1 Address: 1151 Oxford Road, San Marino Phone Number: +1 626-405-2100 Hours Open: 10 AM to 5 PM (Closed on Tuesdays) It is an excellent place for researchers, as they can explore as many as 12 million exhibits here. Further, these exhibits span from the 11th to the 21st centuries.   Further, the Art Museum bustles with 45000 works of art and has the best British, European, American, and Asian works.   Along with sculptures, the Art Museum also has paintings, photographs, decorative arts, and prints.   Moreover, the Botanical Garden stretches over 130 acres, and it has more than 80000 living plants. Some of these are even endangered. So, if you are a nature lover or interested in plants, a visit to this Botanical Garden will be one of the once-in-a-lifetime things to do in Los Angeles this weekend.  8. Drive At The Christmas Tree Lane https://www.instagram.com/p/C1vuavPuOuf/?hl=en If you are in Dallas in December or January, a drive at the Christmas Tree Lane is one of the most festive things you can do.  The festive lights go on at the Christmas Tree Lane from December 7th after an illumination ceremony. The lights remain up until New Year’s Eve. And guess what! A drive down Christmas Tree Lane is one of the free once-in-a-lifetime things to do in Los Angeles.  Taking a drive through Christmas Tree Lane or Santa Rosa Ave feels great, with the cedars gracing the road. Best Time To Visit LA And Getting Around Without A Car Before you build your once-in-a-lifetime LA itinerary around the Hollywood Sign and Griffith Observatory, it helps to know when to go and how you will actually move between them.   This city is notorious for its traffic and its sprawl.  When To Visit For Fewer Crowds And Better Views  Winter, especially the stretch covered by Universal's Holidays event and the Christmas Tree Lane lights, is one of the more comfortable times to visit LA.   Daytime temperatures usually stay mild enough for outdoor hikes like the Hollywood Sign trail.  Also, the winter haze that can blur the view from Griffith Observatory tends to clear after a rain.  So, you get sharper coastline views.   Spring and fall bring similarly mild weather with fewer holiday crowds at attractions like Universal Studios.   Summer is the busiest and hottest stretch.  So, if you are set on the Charlie Turner Trailhead hike, an early morning start becomes less optional and more essential.  Getting Between Hollywood, Venice, And Griffith Park  Los Angeles Metro's B Line (Red) connects Union Station to Hollywood/Highland.  It puts you within walking distance of the Walk of Fame, and a day pass costs only a few dollars.   However, Griffith Observatory and Venice Beach are not directly served by rail.  So, plan on a rideshare, the DASH shuttle to Griffith Park on weekends, or a rental car for those two stops.   If you are combining the Hollywood Sign hike with the Observatory in one day, doing the hike is the first thing in the morning.  Also, you can drive to the Observatory afterward avoids the worst of the afternoon parking crunch at Griffith Park.  Parking Tips For Griffith Observatory  Since the free lots near the Observatory fill quickly on weekends, arrive before 10 AM.  It is your best shot at a spot without a long downhill walk.   If you are traveling with family or arrive later in the day, paid parking near the Observatory or a shared ride drop-off saves you the search entirely. Also read Why Include Whale Watching In Your LA Itinerary. Traveling On A Budget: Tips For Affordable Adventures. From Cocktails To Kickflips: Must-Try Activities In San Diego.

BY  Sibashree Sep 18, 2026

Jetavanaramaya is in the Sacred City of Anuradhapura, one of Sri Lanka's UNESCO World Heritage Sites.  It is easily the most physically overwhelming structure I have seen anywhere on the island.   Can you believe that this stupa was built using 93.3 million baked mud bricks in 301 CE?  Even today, though the stupa is around half the height of the original stupa, it still impresses, with a towering height of 71 meters.   Furthermore, archaeologists think that a three-foot brick wall could be constructed between London and Edinburgh or New York City and Pittsburgh with these mud bricks.   However, Jetavanaramaya is not just about the imposing height.   It has a rich history and spiritual significance. Also, recent news has put it back in the global spotlight.  I will discuss all these aspects in this article, along with everything you need to plan the trip yourself.  Jetavanaramaya At A Glance  Detail Information Location Jetavana Monastery, Sacred City of Anuradhapura, North Central Province, Sri Lanka Built by King Mahasena (r. 273–301 CE) started the construction  It was completed by his son, Sirimeghavanna/ Maghavanna I Original height Approximately 122 metres  It is the tallest brick structure ever built. Current height Approximately 71 metres, after 12th-century restoration under King Parakramabahu I Bricks used An estimated 93.3 million baked bricks Global ranking (at completion) Third-largest man-made structure on Earth, after the two Great Pyramids of Giza Base area Roughly 233,000 m²  Relic enshrined Believed to be a fragment of a sash or belt worn by the Buddha. UNESCO status Part of the Sacred City of Anuradhapura, inscribed as a World Heritage Site in 1982 Nearest town Anuradhapura city centre, about 4–5 km away  A Recent Spotlight: Jetavanaramaya's 2026 Global Moment Jetavanaramaya does not need an introduction due to its architectural magnanimity or significance in Buddhism.   However, it has become a talking point once again with CNN Travel publishing a detailed feature recently.   In the February 2026 post, CNN Travel has described it as “massive megastructure built for eternity.”   Also, the same post places it alongside the Great Pyramids in terms of ancient engineering ambition.  The piece, reported from Anuradhapura itself, spent time with Godamune Pannaseeha, a senior archaeology officer who has spent years studying the site.  Also, it framed the stupa within the living pilgrimage culture that still surrounds it.  As I have seen it, there were pilgrims in white, monks chanting at dawn, rituals that have continued largely uninterrupted for more than 2,000 years.  The coverage was picked up widely across the US and international outlets in the weeks that followed.  Moreover, Sri Lankan media noted it as a rare moment of global attention for a site that, despite its scale, remains far less visited than Sigiriya Rock Fortress or the Temple of the Tooth.   If you are planning a Cultural Triangle trip in 2026, this is genuinely a good year to see it before the crowds catch up to the coverage.  The History Behind The Tallest Brick Stupa In The World Jetavanaramaya is a physical record of a religious dispute.   Understanding why it exists makes the visit land differently, even if we forget about the height or scale for a while.  King Mahasena And The Sect Rivalry That Built It  King Mahasena began construction of this stupa between 273 and 301 CE.  It was during a period of real tension between two Buddhist sects, the Mahavihara and the more liberal Abhayagiri fraternity.  Mahasena was a patron of the Abhayagiri fraternity.   The stupa became the centrepiece of the Jetavana Vihara, a monastic complex built for the breakaway Sagalika sect.  It was designed, according to archaeologists, to accommodate more than 3,000 monks.   Every structure in the complex was oriented toward the stupa.  It was a daily, physical reminder of where devotion was meant to point.  The Relic Enshrined Inside  Jetavanaramaya is a solid stupa, not a hollow one.  So, you cannot go inside.   What's believed to be enshrined at its core is a fragment of a sash or belt worn by the Buddha.  Thus, it is a cenotaph of deep religious significance rather than a burial monument in the ordinary sense.   Some accounts also connect the site to the cremation of Mahinda Thera, the monk credited with bringing Buddhism to Sri Lanka.  This version about the stupa comes from the excavated ash and charcoal layers found nearby.  Restoration Through The Centuries  Like most of Anuradhapura, Jetavanaramaya fell into decline after the capital shifted away from the city.  It was buried gradually by jungle growth and centuries of neglect.   King Parakramabahu I restored it in the 12th century, bringing it to roughly its current height.   Large-scale conservation further resumed in the 20th century, and it remains an active restoration site today.  Even in its diminished state, it is still the largest man-made brick structure by volume.  What It Is Really Like To Stand Before Jetavanaramaya Honestly, photos do not give a fair idea about the scale of the stupa.  Standing at its base, this is what I actually felt.   The Scale You Don't Expect  A height of 71 metres and made of 93 million bricks!  Reading about these numbers is different from actually walking the perimeter.   Each side of the base runs close to 576 feet, and the entrance staircases alone are around 28 feet wide.   It was a long walk circling the structure once.   However, the brick structure was more fascinating, with a distinct texture and color.   Furthermore, the uneven weathering of this deep terracotta structure is an art time has created.   No photograph truly captures that.   Golden Hour And The Rituals Around It  Afternoon is the best time to visit the stupa.   The heat is less, and the stupa looks warmer with a red-orange hue thanks to the light.   Also, this is the time when pilgrims in large numbers circumambulate the stupa clockwise.  They walk barefoot with flowers or lit oil lamps in their hands, and suddenly you see evening has set in.   Exploring The Jetavana Monastery Complex The stupa is the epicenter of the monastery complex.   However, if you want to know more about the history and soak in the spiritual ambiance, explore the other structures mindfully.   The Jetavanaramaya Museum  This on-site museum is small, but it displays artefacts recovered during excavation.  I saw beads, coins, ivory carvings, pottery, and inscribed stone fragments, along with information panels on the sect rivalry that produced the stupa.   It takes around 30 minutes to explore the museum. However, it is a useful stop, considering the information it provides.   Nearby Ruins Worth Your Time  There are remains of monastic buildings, ponds and boundary walls around the stupa.   The refectory ruins and stone urinals with their surprisingly intricate carved drainage systems especially demand a mention.  These structures hint at an organised monastic life.  Entrance Fees And Tickets Jetavanaramaya is covered by the single Anuradhapura Sacred City round ticket.  So, you do not need to buy a separate ticket for it.   Visitor category Approximate price (2026) Notes Foreign adult (non-SAARC) US$25–30 Covers:  Jetavanaramaya Ruwanwelisaya Abhayagiri Thuparamaya, and other sacred-city sites SAARC nationals US$12–15 Passport required at the counter Children (6–12) Around half the adult rate Under 6 generally free Local (Sri Lankan) visitors Free ID required and a small fee applies only for the site museums Combined Cultural Triangle ticket US$50–60 Covers:  Anuradhapura Polonnaruwa Sigiriya  Dambulla Royal Cave Temple   Note that the Sacred City round ticket does not include Isurumuniya, Sri Maha Bodhi, or Mihintale.  So, you will need smaller entry tickets.   You can buy tickets at the main office near the Archaeological Museum, or pre-book online to skip the queue.  Opening Hours And Best Time To Visit Jetavanaramaya The archaeological sites are generally open daily from around 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM.   Avoid the midday window (roughly 12:00–3:00 PM), when the heat over the open brick platform gets genuinely uncomfortable.   Early morning and the last two hours before closing are both good choices.  The latter also lines up with the evening rituals.   Moreover, December to March is the most pleasant season weather-wise, with lower humidity and less rain.  Getting There  Anuradhapura is roughly 200 km north of Colombo.  The journey takes around 4.5 hours by car.   Also, it is about 65 km from Dambulla.   Moreover, in a Cultural Triangle itinerary, it pairs naturally with Sigiriya, Dambulla, and Mihintale.   Again, since the Sacred City is vast, you can rent a bicycle for the day to move around.   The bicycle rental costs around LKR 1500 for a day.   Furthermore, you can hire tuk-tuks and cars with a driver-guide.  A Suggested Half-Day Itinerary For Jetavanaramaya  Time Stop What to expect 7:00 AM Sri Maha Bodhi Dawn pilgrimage atmosphere at the sacred fig tree. 8:00 AM Ruwanwelisaya The gleaming white stupa and its elephant wall. 9:15 AM Jetavanaramaya Spend at least an hour, and more with the museum. 10:45 AM Jetavanaramaya Museum Excavated artefacts and site context. 11:30 AM Abhayagiri Dagoba The third great stupa, with a quieter, more forested setting. 1:00 PM Lunch in Anuradhapura town Break before the afternoon heat.  Tips From My Visit To Jetavanaramaya A local guide (arranged through your hotel or the ticket office) adds real value here. You cannot know much of the sect rivalry from the on-site signage.  You can take photos here. However, avoid posing with your back to the stupa or in disrespectful positions.   This is an active religious site for Buddhist pilgrims.  Beyond Jetavanaramaya: Continuing Your Anuradhapura Journey Jetavanaramaya fits easily into an Anuradhapura itinerary, including Ruwanwelisaya and Mihintale.  This cluster is the best way to get a full picture of the ancient capital.  Furthermore, you can continue south from here to other major Buddhist sites such as Mulkirigala and Kataragama.  Why Jetavanaramaya Still Matters  The significance of Jetavanaramaya is specific.   It is proof of Sri Lankan excellence in craftsmanship in the fourth century.   Even then, they could organize labor and materials and execute an ambition on a scale that rivalled any civilization of that era.  So, around 1700 years later, when you stand at the base of the stupa, it is like time travel.

BY  Barsha Jul 17, 2025

Starting out in travel? Yeah, it’s a bit wild out there. Travel blogs, vloggers, Instagram feeds… feels like everyone’s already doing it, right? So, how do you even begin to stand out? The truth is, your brand matters. A lot. Like, way more than you think. It’s not just a logo or a color scheme—it’s the feeling people get when they land on your page.  The little things they remember when they’re scrolling late at night. But how to build a travel brand? What are the things you should focus on when building the website? And don’t freak out—you don’t need to be some design wizard to make this work. Seriously. You can just hop on and create logos with Adobe Express, mess around with ideas, and boom… you’ve got something that actually looks good. No graphic design degree required. How to Build a Travel Brand: Why Branding Matters in the Travel Industry Let’s not sugarcoat it—travel’s massive right now. Stats say global tourism might hit $9.5 trillion this year. Yeah, trillion with a T. Which sounds great, sure, but it also means… loads of people are doing what you’re trying to do. And people don’t wait around. If someone stumbles across your Instagram or blog, you’ve got, what, maybe three seconds? They’re gonna decide right then if you’re worth their time. That’s where branding jumps in. A strong logo, some color choices that actually feel like you, a tone that doesn’t sound like every other account… it all adds up. It makes you stick. Makes folks trust you. Maybe even follow you. 1. Visual Consistency Builds Recognition You know that moment when you see a post and immediately know who made it—without even looking at the name? That’s branding done right. It’s not magic. It’s just being consistent. Same colors, same kind of vibe, font choices that don’t change every week… it tells people, “Hey, this is me. You know me.” Quick ideas to help that happen: Pick 2 or 3 colors. Use ’em everywhere. Choose one or two fonts. No more. Drop your logo on stuff. Doesn’t have to scream, just be there. Your tone? Stick with it. Are you chill? Fancy? Rough-around-the-edges? Own it. You’re not aiming for perfect—you’re aiming for recognizable. 2. Your Logo: The Stamp on Your Travel Passport How to build a travel brand without a logo? Think of your logo like this: it’s your stamp. Your mark. The thing people see and go, “Oh yeah, that’s them.” Does it have to be mind-blowing? Nope. Just needs to feel like you. Whether you’re into high-end hotels or hiking in sandals, that logo should match your energy. And hey, don’t stress trying to get it perfect. Play around. With create logos with Adobe Express, you can test stuff fast. Try a font, swap an icon, change a color—repeat until it clicks. It’ll come together, trust me. 3. Figure Out Your Brand Voice When you communicate with others, your personality and attitude need to shine through. This should also apply to your business activities. Every message you write, whether it is online or offline, should reflect the mission and characteristics of your travel company.  A clear brand voice needs to be in line with itself in the market and work well with the target audience. However, ensure that this voice is the same everywhere. You can’t be sassy when you are posting something on social media, and then be helpful in your blogs. This will confuse the audience and will not reflect a clear picture of the company. However, you can interchange the tone of voice to reflect your mood. The motive is to have an emotional impact on the audience in the context of the message.  4. Give The Travel Brand A Makeover Think of the tone and mission of the brand and then put together something entirely new that will reflect your idea.  Make a remarkable logo, use a unique font for the content, and make the brand shine and leave an impression when they visit the site for the first time.  Visual elements contribute to your brand recognition. For instance, when people hear Google, their striking colors pop into their minds. So, what are the elements that you need to focus on when you are redesigning the brand? Logo Typography Image Colour palette 5. Build Consistency This is the place where everything comes together. The website is the face of the brand, and not just a digital storefront. Online visitors will look for information on your website about your previous tours and what you are willing to offer them. They will want to see a clear picture of how you conduct business. This is why it is important that you maintain consistency throughout the brand. Everyone should look like a copy of one another. The voice, look, and feel should be the same. Here are some of the things that you need to focus on: Create an amazing about us page and put all the necessary information about your brand there. When you have an idea about your target audience, figure out what they are looking for, and try to answer their queries and use relevant keywords. Make sure you do not divert from your brand voice. The content you write and the posts you make should give a similar feel. This will strengthen the brand. When you have built a brand identity, you need to focus on the booking page as well. People should not have to leave the website when they want to book a trip.  Plan Your Website Like You Plan A Trip Travel’s about movement, right? Moments. Snapshots. But your brand—that’s the thing that sticks. The anchor in the chaos. Now that you have an idea about how to build a travel brand, you can focus on other areas that are important.  If you care even a little about growing an audience, building trust, or just looking like you didn’t slap your feed together last night… take a little time to shape your look. A real logo. A clear voice. It makes a difference. And once it’s done? You’ve got a home base. A vibe. A brand that people remember even after they close the tab. So yeah—go make it happen. Not next week. Now.