Here Are The 10 Best Things To Do In Baltimore!

BY  Sibashree Mar 9, 2026

Almost a year ago, on 26th March 2025, Xinhua shared a photo of the fishing trawlers in Negombo. Those further gave us an idea about the lives of the fishermen in Negombo.   On a personal level, that photo took me back to my days in Negombo.  Now, many often miss the cultural insights Negombo offers. I mean, if you consider the Tamil culture in Jaffna, or the cultural things to do in Kandy, you also need to experience what Negombo has to offer.   Otherwise, you will not understand how it has kept the soul of a fishermen’s port city alive beyond the glitz and glamor of the prominent international hotels and shops.   Also, Negombo is very close to the Colombo Bandaranaike International Airport. The distance is less than 9 km, and the travel time is around 20 minutes.   So, as expected, it has all the amenities for tourists. However, as always, luxurious facilities have never been the draw for me while visiting a place.   I am the happiest exploring the Ritigala Forest Monastery or climbing the Sigiriya Rock and finding the history at every corner.   So, my reason for a visit to Negombo was not what people usually think of. And in today’s blog, I will introduce Negombo to you through my lens.   How Did I Reach Negombo From Colombo?   I took a tuk-tuk to reach the Colombo Fort railway station from my hostel. Then, I got a train ticket for 80 LKR.   The train was not overly crowded, and traveling solo, and as a believer in the LowDownUnder travel philosophy, I quite enjoyed the train ride.   However, if you want to avoid the hassle, you can also take a bus from Colombo to Negombo.   Where Are The Things To Do In Negombo?   First, I want to highlight that traveling to Negombo has now become easier if you are traveling from India.   The Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) has started a package called “SHRI RAMAYANA YATRA EX MUMBAI.”   From 21st March 2026 to 27th March 2026, it will be a 6-Night and 7-day package.   The package tour conducted in association with the Sri Lankan Airlines will cover destinations such as Colombo, Dambulla, Trincomalee, Kandy, and Nuwara Eliya.   This tourism package starts from Rs. 71,800/ for adults and Rs. 30,100/ for children.   Now, with traveling becoming easier, you can plan the things to do in Negombo better.  1. Exploring The Negombo Fish Market  I was up at 5 AM as I had to visit the local fish market.   I got into a minivan with my guide, and as we entered the market, the sight of bright silver fish and their smell occupied my senses.   My guide took me through the stalls of tuna, machete, and shark. Then, he drew my attention to the ships filled with fish reaching the market and the heavy bargaining game.   A fish market may not be the most attractive place to visit when you are in Negombo.   However, if you want a true cultural experience and understand the livelihood of the local people, it is the go-to place.   From the fish market, my guide took me to a beach used primarily for drying fish. The intense smell is not for everyone, but many times, I had a similar experience back home.   2. Visiting The Dutch Fort At Negombo  The Dutch Fort was close to the “fish drying beach.” Now, the Dutch Fort is used as a prison.   The fort is constructed with coral stone and granite.   And around the fort, I found many wildflowers blooming.   This simple scene was a moment of learning for me. I once again understood how the universe functions.   It does not matter whether it’s a prison or a temple. A flower can bloom anywhere, and it will always be beautiful.   However, I wanted to have a better view of the Dutch Fort. I climbed up the old clock tower and got a better perspective and better shots of the fort.   3. Visiting The Angurukaramulla Temple  After a trek to the Sigiriya Rock and the Pidurangala Rock, I visited the Angurukaramulla Temple. Like the Sigiriya Rock, for this Buddhist Temple, you also need to make an entry through the mouth of a lion.   The lion rests below the 6-meter-tall Buddha statue.   The temple has magnificent statues and beautiful murals. Also, it has a rich library with scriptures and murals.   So, it is a great place to visit in Negombo if someone is studying the Buddhist religion and literature.   However, walk carefully as you may come across snakes (rat snakes).   4. Birdwatching On The Dutch Canals  I ended my morning at the Dutch Canal. It was relaxing and enriching at the same time to look over the lagoons.   I decided to make more of the moment and got into a boat.   It was surprising to say the least. Also, I did not expect to meet so much wildlife immediately after leaving the dry land.   I saw a huge monitor lizard resting on the shoreline, and then kingfishers, cormorants, and herons in flocks kept accompanying me throughout the journey.   However, it was not just the wildlife. I saw a reflection of my home and country during the boat ride.   People were attending to livestock, children were bicycling, and some were even playing cricket.   Again, there were some abandoned hotels and buildings, standing as a witness to the civil unrest and the stories of human resilience in Sri Lanka.    5. Exploring The City On Foot  Negombo is very walkable, and it reminded me of my days in Jaffna. I used to randomly pick a direction along the main coastal road and just walk.   You may call wandering aimlessly in a lesser-known place unsafe. However, I think that you have not seen a city until you have walked through it.   Also, after visiting Jaffna and other places of historical and cultural significance, Sri Lanka felt like home to me.   They spoke a different language. However, they were warm and welcoming, just like anyone I would randomly come across in India.   Also, after years of experience, I can say that walking is the only way to find those hidden gems, the best bakery around the corner, or the eatery that has been around for around 100 years.   This was more evident during my Jaffna food tour.   Moreover, while walking across the streets of Negombo, I got to interact with the local fish sellers and food vendors. In addition, I found a big mosque near the backstreet. 

BY  Abdul Aziz Jan 3, 2024

We need to get the notion out of our heads that tropical island holidays are only for the rich and famous. These are destinations that are available to everyone. It doesn’t have to cost an arm and a leg to get there. It is true to say that these are islands out in the ocean. So, we need a particular form of transport to get to them. I suppose it would be fair to say that the rich and famous do charter speedboats. They actually own them themselves to get to where they want to go. However, this doesn’t restrict the rest of us from enjoying the Tropical Island Vacation experience. Getting Started With Your Tropical Paradise Vacation We can always take advantage of the Koh Samui to Koh Phangan ferry. In other words, it will it take us and our family members but our vehicles as well. This means we save significant amounts of money when you want to travel around the islands. Therefore, we have our very own transport. If you’ve never really considered a tropical island vacation before now. Yet, this has piqued your interest then the following are just some of the reasons. Due to this, you need to choose such a destination this year and every year. 10 most common tropical islands you must definitely consider visiting in 2024 are:  Rottnest Island, Australia Trobriand Islands, Papua New Guinea Australia’s Normanby Island Savaii Island in Samoa Fitzroy Island in Australia Australia’s Bruny Island Philipines’ Boracay Island Maui in Hawaii Solomon Islands Okinawa in Japan The Beaches Are Amazing  The downside of going to a standard beach is that it is usually full of people and there isn’t any space to sit down and relax. The wonderful thing about beaches on a tropical island is that they are incredibly secluded and so there is lovely white sand and a pristine beach on which to put down your towel and rid your body of any of the stress and anxiety that it is currently carrying around. From enjoying the mesmerizing beach view to experiencing a nomadic lifestyle, there’s so much more to enjoy on this vacation. So, make the most of it! The Weather Is Great One of the main selling points of taking a vacation in Thailand is that the climate is generally good all year round. Even in the rainy season, the heat is fantastic, so even if you get wet, you will be dry in just a matter of moments.  We all know that sunshine is good for the immune system, so your body will get everything it needs to stay fit and well. Between 20 to 40℃ or 70 to 105℉, the weather is pretty much pleasurable.  You can literally bask in the sun for an entire day without worrying about getting a sunburn. July to October are the best months to travel on these islands. There Are Many Different Activities To Enjoy Because the island is surrounded by water, many of the activities involve the ocean itself and so you can learn to be a scuba diver or maybe you would just like to take part in some snorkeling to see the beautiful coral reefs and the fish below the water level. There are many different kinds of activities to choose from and so you will not be bored. From wildlife patrolling on a mini safari to playing archery at the campsite- there are literally endless fun activities to do here. Do not forget to rent a bicycle and explore every nook and corner.  Tropical Islands You Must Visit Once In Your Lifetime Remember how I talked about 10 tropical islands that deserve a trip in 2024? Well, adding to that, here’s a comprehensive list to give you a much better idea:  1. Trobriand Islands Located in Papua New Guinea, the Trobriand Islands are every traveler’s paradise. Dive deep into a tribal life where subsistence farming is the way of life.  Best time to visit: Mid-May to October. Estimated expenses: $6,224 approx. for each person.  2. Rottnest Island, Australia There’s no reason not to visit this hidden gem in Australia. From cute quokkas roaming all around the island to pleasant weather all through the year- Rottnest Island is loved by all.   The best time to visit: is June to August. Estimated expenses: Trips start from $5,000/ person. 3. Egadi Island, Italy’s Camouflaged Jewel Egadi Island is the epitome of Italy’s culture and traditions. It is a collection of three islands spreading across Sicily’s western coast. From snorkeling to basking in the sun, there’s so much more to do in this strategic location. Best time to visit: May-September.  Estimated expenses: Egadi is actually cheaper than its other counterparts. 4. Bohol, Philippines Unlike other commonly visited Philippian islands, Bohol is not frequently visited. Firstly, because it is not very easil accessible. Secondly, it is a bit deserted.  But it can be one of your choices if you prioritize serenity over everything else.  The best time to visit: is November to April. Estimated expenses: Php 5,000.00 – 6,000.00. 5. Anami Oshima Islands Wanna see Japan from a different angle? Anami Oshima’s tropical retreat calls you out! Unless you visit it, you can never discover what it’s like to sit in the lap of nature- 1000 kms away from the hustle-bustle.  Best time to visit: Spring (March to April), Autumn (October to November) Estimated expenses: 30,070 yen · 34,840 yen Now you have some reasons to justify booking you and your family a tropical island holiday this year and every year. You only get one family vacation every single year so make the most of it and be sure to visit the beautiful Koh Samui and Koh Phangan and see what many don’t. Concluding Words Now, you have some reasons to justify booking a tropical island holiday for you and your family this year and every year. You only get one family vacation every single year, so make the most of it.  Be sure to visit the beautiful Koh Samui and Koh Phangan and see what many don’t. So, what’s stopping you from booking your flight and traveling to an unknown land? This comprehensive guide has all the details you will need. So, save it up, read it later, and start planning your trip now! Thank you for reading.  Read Also: Check Out These Beaches That Are Closest To Tennessee’s Knoxville! 7 Best National Parks In Ohio You Should Know Before Going Closest Beach To Nashville – Top 10 Beaches You Can Visit

BY  Barsha Aug 18, 2023

Cumbria is a stunning region in the northwest of England, renowned for its unspoiled wilderness and picturesque Lake District. With wild moorlands, immense mountain ranges and beautiful lakes, Cumbria provides a wealth of experiences that make it one of the most desirable places to visit in the UK. Whether you are looking for an action-packed holiday or just want to relax in some stunning countryside scenery, Cumbria has something for everyone. From ancient villages steeped in history to modern cities brimming with culture, there's plenty to explore here. There are numerous activities available such as hiking and biking through breathtaking landscapes or taking part in water sports at Lake Windermere. History Of Cumbria The Lake District National Park, covering most of Cumbria, offers visitors some truly breathtaking views due to its mountainous terrain interspersed with picturesque lakes – making it one of England's most popular tourist destinations since Victorian times! Originally a rural area largely untouched by industry or modernisation, it has evolved significantly over time yet managed to retain much of its original charm thanks to efforts made by conservationists and locals alike – meaning that those looking for peaceful walks through stunning landscapes will not be disappointed when visiting this unique corner of Northern England! Places To Visit Cumbria is home to many stunning and historic villages that are well worth visiting. The village of Windemere, which was first established in the 12th century, is one such example; here you can stroll through its cobbled streets while admiring the quaint cottages and Georgian buildings or take a boat ride across the lake for some stunning views. Other popular places include Grasmere with its picture-perfect waterfalls and Keswick with its wonderful mountain scenery – both excellent spots for outdoor activities such as hiking or cycling. Last but not least Cumbria offers visitors sites that showcase incredible natural beauty too! From tranquil lakeside scenes in Ullswater or Coniston Water to towering peaks at Scafell Pike (England’s highest peak) – there’s no shortage of awe-inspiring sights waiting around every corner here! For those wanting a more relaxed experience then why not try one of Cumbria's many nature reserves? These special areas contain some rare species including red squirrels, otters, and ospreys – perfect if you want to get close up with wildlife without disturbing it too much! Things To Do Hiking and adventuring in the Lake District is an activity that can be enjoyed by all ages. With its rolling hills, tranquil lakes, and rugged mountain ranges, Cumbria is home to some of the most spectacular scenery in Britain. The region offers a wide range of trails for both experienced hikers and those looking for a stroll around the landscape. There are scenic routes through forests and riverside paths leading up to breathtaking summits – perfect for taking in panoramic views over the National Park! For those looking for something more challenging, there are also plenty of difficult climbs available which require technical skills such as scrambling or rock climbing. Exploring local markets and cultural centers is another great way to immerse yourself in Cumbrian life during your stay here. From vibrant street markets like Keswick's Saturday Market where you can pick up unique souvenirs or try delicious local dishes made with fresh produce from nearby farms; to historic towns like Ambleside with their abundance of indie shops selling locally crafted goods - these places offer visitors an insight into everyday life in this beautiful corner of England that cannot be found anywhere else! Finally, no visit to Cumbria would be complete without taking time out just to relax and enjoy the stunning scenery on offer here! Whether it’s spending time peacefully fishing on one of its many lakes or simply sitting back admiring views from one of its many viewpoints – there’s something incredibly calming about being surrounded by natural beauty while breathing clean air far away from any hustle & bustle. So make sure you take some time out during your trip here so you can truly appreciate what makes this part of England so special! Accommodation Accommodation in Cumbria is as varied as the landscape itself, and there are plenty of options to choose from depending on what type of experience you’re looking for. Campsites and caravan parks in Cumbria offer a great way to immerse yourself in nature while still having access to modern amenities such as showers, toilets, and laundry facilities. Cumbria also offers other accommodations, including a wide range of hotels to suit your budget, holiday cottages to let, and traditional camping sites for tents and touring caravans. If you do choose to camp, take note of our camping tips. Conclusion In conclusion, Cumbria is a wonderful location to visit for a truly enjoyable vacation. With its stunning views and abundance of outdoor activities, it's perfect for individuals, couples, or families looking to experience the beauty of nature firsthand. The region also has an incredibly rich culture and history that can be explored through its folk songs, quaint villages, and historic sites. Whether you're after adventure or relaxation this part of England really does have something for everyone – so don't miss out on the chance to explore all that Cumbria has to offer! Planning a journey overseas? Take a look at more of the best places to travel in August. Read Also: Top 4 Ways Of Preparing An Enjoyable Retreat Celebrate Your Happiness With Family Friendly Gites South Of France