What Are The Things To Do In Arugam Bay? Know Why A Visit To Arugam Bay Is Worth It

BY  Sibashree Jul 7, 2026

With the One Love Reggae Festival returning to Bentota Beach, Sri Lanka is now preparing to be a vibrant cultural stage for music lovers from around the world.  The event is slated from 7th to 9th August, and with a laid-back coastal atmosphere, will function as a major tourism catalyst for Bentota.  Nevertheless, Bentota Beach has always been a popular, idyllic destination in Sri Lanka due to the calm waves of the Indian Ocean and soft golden sands.  Furthermore, it is a gateway to the Sinharaja Forest Reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and another UNESCO World Heritage Site, Galle Fort.  However, for me, the most striking thing about Bentota was the safari on the Bentota Ganga. With dramatic landscapes and surrealism awaiting you in every nook, this was one of the highlights of my trip to Sri Lanka.  Also, very close to Colombo, just a 2-hour drive away, this beach stands out even if tourists show more interest in popular variations such as Tangalle Beach and Mirissa Beach.  Here is more about why Bentota Beach is worth visiting and what the top attractions are.  What Are The Things To Do In Bentota?  The heavenly sunset views of Bentota Beach, the most anticipated boat safari on Bentota Ganga, and a relaxing experience in the Ayurveda Herbal and Spice Garden! Furthermore, if you want an adrenaline rush, you can take part in activities such as parasailing, banana boating, jet skiing, and more! 1. Water Sports At Bentota Beach Bentota has many beaches, such as the Ventura Beach or the Moragalla Beach, where the ocean meets the Bentota Ganga River.  However, together, they are known as the Bentota Beach, and together they look like a long stretch of fine white sand.  A specific stretch of sand is parallel to Bentota Lagoon, which is more commonly called the Bentota Ganga.  It is known as the Paradise Island, looking like a narrow and long peninsula stretching out into the ocean.  Also, it is ideal for the following watersports.  Windsurfing Waterskiing Diving Canoeing Snorkeling Fishing Moreover, centers such as Diyakawa Water Sports and Sunshine Water Sports Center help with the best gear, training, and guidance.  2. Visiting The Kosgoda Sea Turtle Conservation Project I mentioned the Kosgoda Sea Turtle Conservation Project when visiting Kalutara.  However, it is way closer to Bentota, and it is situated at a distance of just 9 km. So, it is just a road journey of 9 km or 15 minutes south by road.  It remains open from 8:30 AM to 6:30 PM, and the ticket price is LKR 500 for locals and LKR 1000 for foreigners.  It is a vital wildlife sanctuary on the southwestern coast of Sri Lanka. Established in 1981, it aims to protect endangered sea turtles from extinction caused by poaching and habitat loss. The hatchery monitors local beaches to rescue vulnerable eggs.  It buries them safely in protected sand nests until they hatch. Impressively, the project cares for all five sea turtle species that visit Sri Lanka. The Green Turtles Loggerhead Turtles Hawksbill Turtles Olive Ridley Turtles Leatherback Turtles.  The sanctuary also rehabilitates turtles injured by fishing nets. However, for me, the most exciting experience in the sanctuary was releasing newborn hatchlings into the Indian Ocean at sunset.  This hands-on experience funds the project while raising global awareness about marine conservation. Overall, it was a great experience learning about the marine ecosystem and how these adorable marine creatures play an important role in maintaining the balance.  If you want to watch and study them further, Sri Lanka has many other destinations such as the Dalawella Beach, Dickwella Beach, and Mount Lavinia Beach.  3. The River Safari On Bentota Ganga  While many people are more excited about the watersports, I visited Bentota for the water safari.  It was late afternoon, and the Sun was getting mellower. Fortunately, the hotel I was staying in had the provision for booking a boat safari.  The boat progressed through the jungle. Also, I could spot eagles flying high and some snakes in the water.  I was looking for crocodiles, but this time, I did not find one.  Moreover, the roots of the trees got entangled, and the roots created some eerie formations that looked straight out of Apocalypse.  Having said that, the river safari was not just an opportunity to spot the wildlife. I also saw the traditional fishing techniques and prawn farming in the wetlands surrounded by mangrove forests.  Another interesting stop was the Cinnamon Island. I spotted old and young men cutting sleek sticks of cinnamon. I bought a few bottles of cinnamon oil from them.  It was a 1.5-hour safari, and it cost around LKR 2500.  4. Exploring The Bentota Market  The Aluthgama town is around 3 km away from Bentota, and the Monday market here is amazing.  I had a talk with Manjula, a college student and a local vendor who helps her mother, Hiruni.  “People from different parts of the southwest coast come here. This is a market mostly dominated by women. So, I love being a part of the market.  The vendors sell various products, including clothes, vegetables, groceries, and other knick-nacks.  I also found the place to be a great spot for socializing. Women were interacting with each other when buying exotic fruits and fresh vegetables.  Moreover, I collected some cinnamon sticks, spices, and clothes as souvenirs.  5. Enjoying The Benefit Of Herbal And Spice Treatment  Bentota is famous for traditional Ayurveda and health treatment. The oils and massage solutions here have spices and local herbs.  The medicines and solutions also have cardamom, cinnamon, seeds, fruits, bark, and leaves.  So, if you want to enjoy the ultimate Sri Lankan spa experience, Bentota is the ideal place.  The big hotels and resorts have spas offering traditional treatments and therapies. Furthermore, there are some specialized Ayurveda centers.  Where To Stay In Bentota Beach?  From budget guesthouse Hotel Hemadan to 5-star hotel Taj Bentota Resort, the accommodation options in Bentota are diverse.  Furthermore, if you want an artistic and boutique experience, you can choose options such as Taj Bentota Resort and NH Bentota Ceysands.  Based on the accommodation you choose, the cost of staying in Bentota will be between LKR 13000 and 60000 per night. 

BY  Sibashree Apr 7, 2026

Japan is now approaching Golden Week, and everyone will have their own list of things to do in Japan.  From 29th April to 6th May, Japan will have the most colorful parades and horse races. This Golden Week celebration is important to hail the rich culture of Japan. And it is this rich culture and a distinct sensory experience that make Japan a favorite among young people, especially Gen Z travelers.  Also, on the Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection list, Japan has been consecutively securing the 9th position as the safest country in the world for the last 2 years.  Nevertheless, as I was saying, the things to do in Japan that make the country a favorite place to visit are not the same as the run-of-the-mill lists you see on the internet.  So, here, I have tried to keep it honest, based on the places I have visited and tried to decode in respect to those places why Japan is the France of the 21st century.  What Are The Things To Do In Japan?  Japan slowly grows on you. It’s not nuclear power; it has one of the largest domestic energy products (around 40% according to the International Energy Agency).  On the contrary, as Joseph Nye, a political scientist at Harvard, has pointed out, it is the soft power that has helped Japan to emerge as an idea, mode of entertainment, or aesthetics.  Can you call a sushi just Japanese these days? Or, a bowl of ramen? All these are very much present in our daily lives.  So, while exploring authentic local cuisine remains one of the best things to do in Japan, here are more activities you cannot miss.  Also, you can check whether Japan is expensive to visit or not, and the entire cost breakdown. 1. Visiting The Japanese Shrines The Japanese shrines practice the local Shinto religion of Japan. Furthermore, these shrines are places for worshipping Kami, the spirit of nature.  These shrines can be easily identified by the Torii gates. Furthermore, once you enter the Torii gates, you will find the worship hall and the inner sanctum.  Moreover, the most popular Japanese shrines are the Fushimi Inari Shrine in Kyoto, Meiji Shrine in Tokyo, Toshogu Shrine in Nikko, and Itsukushima Shrine in Miyajima.  2. Exploring The Japanese Temples Buddhism and the rise and fall of various sects across centuries have shaped the famous Japanese temples.  Furthermore, these temples are defined by architectural features such as pagodas, lecture halls, bellfries, and cemeteries.  While Todai-ji Temple in Nara remains the most popular temple to visit in Japan, the other temples to visit in Japan are the Senso-Ji Temple in Kyoto, Sanbutsu-Ji Temple in Misasa, Daisho-In Temple in Miyajima, etc.  3. Experiencing Shinjuku Shinjuku was very different from the other parts of Japan I visited. It offered an eclectic fusion of retro vibes and high-tech experiences.  Especially, thanks to the Godzilla Road, exploring Shinjuku is one of the best things to do in Japan if you are traveling with kids.  Along with the roar of Godzilla at the Godzilla Road, the Shinjuku 3D Cat near the Shinjuku Station East Exit is another major attraction for kids here.  Read more about what to do in Shinjuku.  4.  Enjoying The Ultimate Dark Academia Fan Moment At Jimbocho Book Town Uttered with an equal respect as the “Kaifeng and China book towns,” the Jimbocho Book Town is the ultimate place to visit for Dark Academia fans in Japan.  This town started booming when many law schools were established here in the late 19th century and early 20th century.  Today, it has more than 400 book stores, selling vernacular and foreign-language books.  Furthermore, every year, this book town holds the Aozora Kohon Ichiba or the Kanda Used Book Festival from Late October to early November. It is an attraction for book lovers around the globe. 5. Enjoying The Cherry Blossom Season In Kyoto If you want to experience romance in Japan, you have to be present during the cherry blossom season in Kyoto.  The Philosopher’s Walk is the most popular place to experience the cherry blossom scene here. If you are done soaking in the meditative vibe here, you can next head to the Shimbashi Street.  It is the most beautiful street in Asia.  The Kiyomizu-Dera Temple and Maruyama Park are other amazing places to see cherry blossoms in Kyoto.  6. Trying Osaka Food Osaka Food now represents Japanese cuisine worldwide, and it has left Tokyo behind in this regard. Thus, it fully justifies its nickname of “Japan’s Kitchen.”  Furthermore, Dotonbori is the epicenter of the best Osaka food and street stalls.  Takoyaki, Daifuku Mochi, Okonomiyaki, and the staples, Sushi and Ramen, are some of the must-try items here.  7. Visiting Oshino Hakkai Sensory seeking is one of the biggest reasons why young travelers seek Japan, and there has been a 1300% surge in the bookings of young and Gen Z travelers from 2019, according to a report by American Express.  Furthermore, the Instagrammable places in Japan, such as Oshino Hakkai, have played a major role in satisfying this sensory quest.  Now, as I have mentioned in my Oshino Hakkai guide, it is a place I got to know about from Instagram.  You can see the snow-capped peaks of Mount Fuji from Oshino Hakkai, and the eight sacred ponds here were the highlights of my Tokyo to Mount Fuji day trip.  Furthermore, the Wakuike Pond is one of these eight ponds, and its water was carried to space in the Space Shuttle Challenger in 1983 to conduct an experiment on snowmaking in space.  8. Planning A Two-Day Trip To Nara Do you know why Japan attracts anxious young travelers? It kind of strikes a balance. How?  When places in Japan feel like the future, think of Tokyo or the speed of the bullet trains. Some parts of the country bring back the order of the past.  One such place is Nara, the first permanent capital of Japan and home to 8 UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The Todai-ji Temple is the most famous among them.  Before Kyoto became the country’s capital in 794 AD, it served as the seat of power.  Along with the Todai-Ji Temple, you must also visit Kasuga Taisha, Mt. Wakakusa, and the Heijo Palace in Nara.  Read my complete guide on things to do in Nara to understand why you cannot miss a 2-day trip here.  9. Visiting Hokkaido Beach And Sapporo The Hokkaido Beach is in Western Japan, and it looks straight out from the works of Hakura Murakami.  It’s surreal to see the coexistence of the snow-capped peaks and dunes, and it’s only possible in Hokkaido.  Along with the Hokkaido Beach, Sapporo, the capital of Hokkaido, also stands out with its green parks and shrines like the Sapporo Suitengu Shrine.  So, when you are next in Japan, plan a Tokyo to Hokkaido trip.  10. Visiting Hakone  The things to do in Hakone are all about soaking in the quiet moments that are most powerful.  I am glad that I did not follow the usual loop, including the train, cable car, and ship circuit.  If the Open Air Art Museum with 100 sculptures is the highlight of my Hakone visit, the Choan-ji Shrine, with small stone statues of monks, is what will stay with me forever.  Also, another fun part here was washing my money at the Fukazawa Zeniaria Benzaiten Shrine.  I have not got a bigger return yet, but there is no harm in believing in a custom that locals have been following for so many years.  Moreover, if you are in Hakone, don’t forget to take a bath in the Onsen or hot springs. Furthermore, you can relive history by taking a ride on the Hakone Tozan Railway here. So, it is no wonder that visiting Hakone is one of the best day trips from Tokyo you can plan.

BY  Sibashree Jul 9, 2026

Kurunegala has recently been in the news due to infrastructure development. The cabinet meeting granted the construction of stage 1 of phase 4 of the Central Expressway Project.  It will connect Kurunegala and Dambulla, which is famous for the iconic Dambulla Royal Cave Temple.  The Road Development Authority (RDA) has further confirmed that the extension work will start in November 2026.  However, Kurunegala has always been a melting pot for the cultural hub of Kandy, Puttalam, Negombo and the country’s capital, Colombo.  Also, as the capital of the northwestern province, it holds massive strategic and political importance.  Where Is Kurunegala?  Kurunegala is in the north-western interior of Sri Lanka.  As the capital of the Kurunegala District and the North-Western Province, it also functions as a major transportation hub.  Furthermore, it is around 94 kilometers northeast of the country’s capital, Colombo. In addition, the distance between Kandy and Kurunegala is just 42 km.  How To Reach Kurunegala? While traveling from Colombo, Kandy is the gateway to reach Kurunegala. I took a bus from the Kandy Goods Shed Bus Stand.  Buses run regularly from Kandy to Kurunegala, or route 602, and the journey via Katugastota-Kurunegala Road (A10) takes around 1.5 to 2 hours.  I traveled in a regular bus, and the ticket price was LKR 200. Semi-luxury, luxury, and super-luxury bus options are also available on this route, and the ticket prices will be between LKR 350 and LKR 600.  Why Is Kurunegala Famous? Ancient Royal History! Majestic Geology!  An Agricultural Powerhouse!  These are the three main reasons behind Kurunegala’s prominent position in the tourism landscape of Sri Lanka.  The Capital Of Ancient Kingdoms From the late 13th to the early 14th century, Kurunegala was the royal Capital of Sri Lanka.  It was known as Hasthishaila-pura earlier, and under the rule of kings like Buwanekabahu II and Parakramabahu IV, it safeguarded the Sacred Tooth Relic of the Buddha. Also, including the Yapahuwa rock fortress, the silver cave temple of Ridi Viharaya, and the ancient ruins of Panduwasnuwara, the city has many historic ruins and citadels.  The City Of Animal Rocks A ring of eight massive ancient granite outcrops encircles Kurunegala. These granite outcrops, suddenly rising from the plains, look surreal.  Furthermore, my guide told me a fascinating folklore about these outcrops.  “Kurunegala once faced a severe drought. Then, a witch turned water-guzzling animals into stone. In fact, some of these rocks are famously named after the animals their silhouettes resemble.” For example, Athugala looks like an elephant, Ibbagala looks like the back of a tortoise, and Andagala resembles an eel.  The Heart Of The Coconut Triangle Kurunegala, like Kalutara, is famous for rubber estates. It also has endless coconut plantations.  In fact, it is located inside the “Coconut Triangle" of Sri Lanka. So, overall, it is a prominent commercial hub for agricultural production.  Moreover, it is the cradle of Selyn, Sri Lanka’s only fair-trade guaranteed handloom company. So, it is also a critical center for preserving the island's traditional textile heritage. What Are The Places To Visit In Kurunegala?  Kurunegala offers the ultimate off-the-beaten-path experience in Sri Lanka.  For me, the most fascinating places to visit here are the ancient rocks and the spiritual landmarks.  While these connect you to history, the scenic waterways and modern sanctuaries allow you to unwind and soak in the local vibe.  1. Athugala Rock Temple  Athugala dominates the skyline of Kurunegala.  This outcrop has a height of 325 meters, and it gets its name from its uncanny resemblance to a giant, crouching elephant (Atha meaning elephant and Gala meaning rock). Furthermore, once I reached the summit, I found a magnificent Buddha statue of 88 feet in height.  You can take a car ride to reach the summit. However, I preferred a trek through the stone steps.  Fortunately, I reached the summit at sunset. So, the experience was magical.  2. Ridi Vihariya Or The Silver Temple  Ridi Viharaya connects us to the 2nd century BCE. This ancient cave temple is around 20 kilometers away from the main town in Rideegama.  King Dutugemunu discovered a rich vein of silver ore here. Then he used the silver ore to finance the construction of the famous Ruwanweli Maha Seya in Anuradhapura. Furthermore, Ridi Vihariya is hidden by rocky cliffs and forest cover. Also, it is home to a magnificent reclining Buddha statue, Kandyan-era frescoes, and ivory carvings.  3. Yapahuwa Rock Fortress The Yapahuwa Rock Fortress is often compared to the Sigiriya Rock Fortress.  Yapahuwa was the capital of Sri Lanka under King Bhuvanekabahu I in the late 13th century.  Furthermore, the temple is constructed against a sheer, 200-meter-high granite rock that juts dramatically out of the surrounding jungle. Moreover, it has a highly ornamental staircase. Stone lions and intricate carvings adorn the path.  What is more fascinating than these steps, which once led to the royal palace and the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic? 4. Panduwasnuwara Ancient City Panduwasnuwara, which served as a temporary capital in the 12th century, is a dramatic ruin site. It has a well-defined citadel surrounded by protective moats and thick ramparts. Furthermore, inside the citadel, there are the foundations of a two-tiered royal palace, complete with ancient latrines and footings for wooden pillars. However, the Ektem Maligaya, or the perfectly circular tower, was the most fascinating feature of the Panduwasnuwara ancient city.  Local folklore links it to romantic legends of hidden princesses, while historians believe it was used by King Parakramabahu for swearing-in allegiance rituals. 5. Kurunegala Lake (Rantalia Tank) Kurunegala Lake is the ultimate place to unwind after a busy day. It is at the foot of the animal rocks.  I loved walking along the well-paved path hugging the banks. You can also do a pedal-boat ride on the lake.  Furthermore, you can just relax sitting in the nearby restaurants and trying authentic Sri Lankan cuisine.  6. Arankele Forest Hermitage Arankele is a meditation retreat. It was originally built for austere Buddhist monks, and with untouched jungle, it still exudes a strong spiritual vibe.  As I walked through the stone-paved paths, I came across the ancient Padhanagharas or meditation halls, sun-dappled ponds, cave dwellings, and Jantagharas or the houses for hot water baths.  The hermitage is covered by a dense canopy, keeping it quiet and cool, and here, you will only listen to distant bird calls and the rustle of leaves. Where To Stay In Kurunegala?  Kurunegala offers accommodation options that cater perfectly to both city-center conveniences and quiet countryside getaways. In Kurunegala, you can choose your accommodation based on the kind of experience you want.  Here, you will find options that cater perfectly to both city-center conveniences and quiet countryside getaways. City Hotels And Business Stays If you want to stay close to the city, Kandyan Reach Hotel is an excellent option.  It has comfortable rooms, an outdoor swimming pool, and proximity to major transport lines.  Also, it is a mid-range choice for travelers exploring the downtown rocks. Nature Resorts And Luxury Estates If you love tranquility, you can choose the eco-lodges in the surrounding districts or the heritage properties inside the coconut plantations.  For example, the Coco Forest Resort offers an excellent farm-stay experience.