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Unmissable Urban Delights: Things To Do In Glasgow

Unmissable Urban Delights: Things To Do In Glasgow

Nov 22, 2023

Last Updated on: Sep 17, 2024

Scotland’s second city, long eclipsed by sophisticated, tourist-heavy Edinburgh, has been quietly demonstrating that it’s anything but second best. Glasgow has won many accolades for its culture. From the street art-filled east end to Rennie Mackintosh’s architectural achievements (except for the tragically destroyed School of Art).

Are you eager to visit the hippest city in Scotland? Everything you need to know is right here. Here are the mandatory things to do in Glasgow.

Things To Do In Glasgow

Glasgow in Gaelic stands for “dear green place.” And to no surprise, Glasgow is as green as it gets. It houses more than 90 parks and gardens that are woven through the city’s landscape. The Glasgow Botanical Garden is home to the largest plant collection in the UK. Here are some of the best things to do in Glasgow. Don’t miss out on your next trip.

George Square

George Square awaits everyone landing at Queen Street Station. It aids in the orientation of newcomers in the city center and is a constant site of protest and joy. George III is absent from the square. Enraged cotton and tobacco lords had monuments of him pulled down one after another. It happened ever since he lost their lands in the American War of Independence. Instead, the adjacent area known as Merchant City is booming these days, offering a ton of Glasgow activities. It also has a vibrant nightlife and boutique shopping. From that point on, Sauchiehall, Buchanan, and Argyle streets come together to form the Style Mile, a retail district.

West End

The city’s famed West End houses opulent parks, incredibly elaborate Glasgow University buildings, and the ever-popular Kelvingrove Museum. It has everything from Salvador Dali’s artwork to Glasgow’s master architect and polymath Charles Rennie Mackintosh. The artwork feels like it belongs in a different universe.

River Clyde

It is difficult to visit Glasgow without spending some time on the banks of the River Clyde. It is where the superb Riverside Museum and the restored Tall Ship Glenlee are located. The SSE Hydro is close, but you can check out King Tut’s Wah Wah Hut or the storied Barrowlands Ballroom. It is where Oasis first appeared.

Art Museums

The legacy of Rennie Mackintosh, Glasgow’s poster child, is deeply ingrained in the city. You might spend an entire vacation simply strolling down a path of his creations. Many additional Mackintosh artifacts can still be seen. However, the beloved Glasgow School of Art is now recuperating from a series of devastating fires. Visit the House for an Art Lover, have tea at Mackintosh at the Willow, or go to The Lighthouse. The Mackintosh Interpretation Centre honors the life and career of the architect. Don’t miss the opportunity to see the expansive city views from the observatory of the Water Tower from The Lighthouse. When the tower was first constructed, it had a functional dovecot. The carrier pigeons were employed to bring the Glasgow Herald journalists the afternoon sports scores.

If you can escape Mackintosh’s hold, there are still a lot of other cultural boxes to check. Behind an outstanding neo-classical façade, the Gallery of Modern Art (GOMA) houses works by Andy Warhol and David Hockney. Of particular note is the statue of the Duke of Wellington outside the entrance, posing with an orange traffic cone happily placed on his head. Explore the east end’s mural trail for a gritty perspective on art, where enormous pieces of art loom around corners and look down from office buildings.

Bars And Restaurants

The Merchant City offers a variety of cuisines. Highlights include the amazing, enduring Café Gandolfi fish bar, Obsession of India, and the insanely popular Paesano Pizza. The bars are extremely busy, even though they are a little forgettable. Head to the freshly reopened Babbity Bowster for a more sedate pint.

In the West End, things are, maybe unsurprisingly, considerably more upscale. A longtime favorite in the area near Glasgow University is Stravaigin. Glasgow’s 17-year drought for a Michelin star was just ended when Cail Bruich was included in the 2021 guide. It is located nearby on Great Western Road. Ashton Lane, a short stroll south, offers a night out unto itself with its jam-packed bar and restaurant scene. The cobblestone includes the always-popular Ubiquitous Chip.

Are you thinking of going south of Clyde? Admirers of Malaysian cuisine are gushing about Julie’s Kopitiam. In the much-maligned Govanhill neighborhood, Nanika is a fantastic tiny Asian fusion restaurant. Over a hundred different rums are available at the nearby Rum Shack, but if you’d rather keep things classy, stop by the Gnom café, which is next to Queen’s Park.

The Necropolis

The Necropolis, an exquisitely decaying cemetery with a spectacular location, is located in Glasgow’s east as well. Paths wind among a variety of tall-spired mausoleums and weathered burial stones stacked up on a hill behind the historic cathedral in the heart of the city. When you reach the top of the trail, you’ll be treated to breathtaking views over the city.

Food & Cuisine

Glasgow is a city that truly knows how to feed you; forget stories of deep-fried Mar Bars coupled with Irn Bru, and discover one of Scotland’s most lively culinary scenes instead. Glasgow has an abundance of excellent places to stay, a thriving entertainment scene, and everything you could possibly need for a weekend getaway.

Good cuisine, in fact, is a source of pride for the city’s residents and a constant topic of conversation. Ask a Glaswegian where to eat, and you’ll never receive a straight answer.

But one thing you’ll hear a lot is that the city’s culinary center is located in Finnieston. The neighborhood that’s been named the hippest place to live in the UK. Of all the options, Crabshakk is unquestionably a must-see. This wonderful restaurant specializes in delicious Scottish seafood offering a rotating menu of specials and some amazing house specialties. The sizzling pan of scallops with caramelized anchovy sauce is a must-try. In addition to supporting Scottish food, The West End’s enduringly well-liked Ubiquitous Chip has been setting the standard. It has been offering upscale, contemporary Scottish cuisine since 1971.

One of Glasgow’s most exciting culinary endeavors, Dockyard Social, is located in Finnieston as well. It is a street food market housed in a large industrial warehouse with three inspiring goals. It aims to highlight the best of the city’s culinary scene, assist start-up food businesses, and support the neighborhood. This provides the most impoverished residents with professional culinary training.

There are still foods to try throughout the entire city if you venture outside of Finnieston. A’Challtainn is located east of BAaD (Barras Art and Design), a hip urban area in the Barras Market. With a focus on sustainably sourced seafood from Scotland, this stunning restaurant has already won a few accolades in its brief existence. It won Best Rookie to the Glasgow culinary scene.

While you’re in the center, make sure to check out Paesano for their exceptional pizzas. They are masterfully charred in wood-fired ovens built in Naples using only the finest Italian ingredients.

Wrapping Up

Glasgow is home to the third-oldest underground train system in the world. The majority of the city’s attractions, however, are easily accessible on foot. One single loop that revolves around the inner or outer line makes it impossible to misunderstand.

When Celtic and Rangers, the city’s Old Firm rivals, play, it’s advisable to stay away from Celtic Park. It is located in the east of the city and Ibrox in the south. Almost 130 years later, one of the most bitter rivalries in sports is still incredibly bitter.

If you have thoughts to share or questions to ask about things to do in Glasgow, please leave a comment below. We would love to hear from you!

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Abdul Aziz Mondal

Abdul Aziz Mondol is a professional blogger who is having a colossal interest in writing blogs and other jones of calligraphies. In terms of his professional commitments, he loves to share content related to business, finance, technology, and the gaming niche.

Traveltweaks Com: Why Is It A Trustworthy Resource For Travel Planning?

BY Sibashree Aug 28, 2025

We may have traveled 100 times, but the jitters and butterflies in the stomach are still there before heading to a new destination. Also, market studies and the inside analysis of the Tour and Travel Blog team have found that more travelers today look for a seamless experience. Furthermore, there is an emphasis on sustainable travel and tailored travel itineraries. All these have increased our dependency on smart travel applications and budget planners. It is no wonder that a GlobeNewsWire report has estimated the travel planner app market to reach $1.445 trillion by 2032. Along with these travel planners, there are also platforms such as Traveltweaks.com, which are ready to transform your travel experience with the latest news, updates, transportation advice, hotel reviews, restaurant reviews, green tourism, and more. But how does Traveltweaks com help to make every minute of your trip more enjoyable? Let’s have a detailed discussion in this Tour and Travel Blog review. The key areas covered in this review are: Table of contentsWhat Is Traveltweaks Com?1. Blogs Written By Real Authors/Travelers2. Blogs On Traveltweaks Com Are Reviewed By Professionals3. Latest News And Real-Time Updates Keep You Informed About Changes In Travel Norms And More4. Content On Traveltweaks Is User-Focused 1. Exploring Various Travel Genres And Styles On Traveltweaks Com2. Special Focus On Sports And Adventure Travels3. Reviews About Best Hotels And Resorts4. Knowing About The Best Airlines5. Travel Technology Trends What Are The Popular Travel Categories On Traveltweaks Com? Traveltweaks Com: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) What Is Traveltweaks Com? Traveltweaks com is more than a travel blogging website. It educates, helps, and inspires travelers with real experiences and content shared by real people. It also shares the latest updates on travel destinations, travel trends, and the future of traveling with a more technology-based and sustainable approach. The blogs on eco-tourism or green tourism on this website are real eye openers. The strength of Traveltweaks.Com lies in offering: Real and reliable content Content that is traveler-focused and covers the practical requirements of travelers Up-to-date information A wide coverage of destinations, from the most popular locations to hidden gems Overall, Traveltweaks com functions as a travel community where you are not just a visitor or reader gaining ideas. It makes you a part of a community of global travelers and travel enthusiasts who love unique adventures, real value, and authentic experiences. Why Is Traveltweaks Com A Trusted Travel Resource? Traveltweaks com is a trusted and popular travel resource platform because of its simplicity. Furthermore, similar to HopTraveler com, this website also justifies its name by offering detailed content on the topics promised without bombarding you with information. 1. Blogs Written By Real Authors/Travelers Furthermore, the limited use of images makes the blogs easily readable. Furthermore, each article has an author bio with a clear photo of the author. For example, the “From Himalayan Peaks to Desert Camps: The Most Extreme Places People Have Used 4Rabet” article is written by Gregory O'Neill, and the “5 Ways Canadians Can Stay Busy During a Long Layover” article is written by Justin Sampson. Also, when you click on the name of the author in the author bio, you will be redirected to a page where you will find all the blogs written on Travel Tweak.com by the same author. This has helped the website to establish its authority with a domain rating of 71, 2.6k linking websites (84% dofollow), and 11k backlinks (86% dofollow) according to the Ahrefs report. So, it is also a credible site as far as the SEO parameters are concerned. Moreover, it has an organic traffic of 46k according to Ahrefs, and 79% of its organic traffic comes from the United States. 2. Blogs On Traveltweaks Com Are Reviewed By Professionals The content on Traveltweaks adds value to the experience of every kind of traveler. Furthermore, it is not a platform where random blogs are uploaded. Every piece published on the platform is created and then reviewed by travel professionals and experts. 3. Latest News And Real-Time Updates Keep You Informed About Changes In Travel Norms And More Furthermore, the news stories and real-time updates on this platform keep people updated about changes in travel norms, routes, and the latest deals and discounts. So, from making your itinerary to chalking out the budget for your trips, these news pieces are of great help. There is also a dedicated “Fresh Updates” section on Traveltweaks com, making it easy for you to navigate the latest news. 4. Content On Traveltweaks Is User-Focused The content on Traveltweaks is focused on the needs of real travelers. The tips shared here are real, and they are actionable. The “Travel Tweak Offers”, especially in the “More” section, are especially more helpful for planning your travel on a budget. What Assistance Will You Find On Traveltweaks Com? From knowing about the best travel destinations across the globe to the use of technology and the digital turns of traveling, Traveltweaks com has many areas to cover in its travel content. The assistance you will get from Traveltweaks Com is: 1. Exploring Various Travel Genres And Styles On Traveltweaks Com The Destination section of Traveltweak.com is well curated. So, at one moment you are in Bali and on the next moment, you are in New Zealand. Furthermore, we can roughly divide the travel genres covered on Traveltweaks into the following subcategories. Travel GenresExamples of Destinations Covered Cultural Journeys• Egypt• Greece• IndiaTropical Getaways• Fiji• Maldives• SeychellesUrban Escapes• London• Tokyo• New YorkNature Retreats• Mountains• Lakeside Resorts• National Parks 2. Special Focus On Sports And Adventure Travels The Sports and Adventure section of Traveltweaks com is dedicated to adventure lovers and sports enthusiasts. From cycling and kayaking to the frenzy around the upcoming European championship and Hiking, the articles in this section cover a massive range. 3. Reviews About Best Hotels And Resorts Travetweak.com features a different hotels & resorts section, and the articles here cater to specific traveler niches. For example, the “The New VIP: How Resorts Are Targeting Millennial and Gen Z Gamers” article is very unique in its topic and the group of travelers it addresses. Furthermore, Travetweak com often sends newsletters with special offers and discounts so that you can book the best hotels and resorts at the best rate. Here, I am quoting from the “Unlock Savings with Discount Codes TtweakHotel: Enjoy Affordable Luxury Stays” by Gregory O'Neill. “Official TtweakHotel newsletters often contain exclusive offers. These newsletters keep subscribers informed about upcoming deals and promotions. Another trustworthy source is travel websites. Sites like Expedia and Booking.com frequently collaborate with hotels for special discounts. Lastly, reputable coupon websites can also offer valid codes. Check sites like RetailMeNot or Coupons.com for current TtweakHotel offers.” 4. Knowing About The Best Airlines Traveltweaks has a dedicated section for “Airlines.” You will learn about the airlines you can choose for traveling to a specific destination. Furthermore, the section talks about low-cost carriers and full-service international airlines. Moreover, you will find guides and updates on the following topics: Perks for Frequent Flyers In-Flight Meals Airport Lounges And Amenities Loyalty Programs Baggage Policies Onboard Services Comfortable Seating Booking Hacks with Special Deals and Discounts 5. Travel Technology Trends TravelTweaks.com keeps travelers updated about the latest technology and innovations in travel. The platform extensively talks about topics such as: Smart Luggage Booking Apps Travel Insurance Platforms AI Travel Assistants Furthermore, the “Technology” section of the website has many articles on digital travel safety. Check out articles such as “How to Use Public Wi-Fi Safely at an Airport or Hotel in 2025” and “The Smart Traveler’s Secret Weapon: Using Free VPNs Abroad” in this section. What Are The Popular Travel Categories On Traveltweaks Com? The popular travel categories on the website are: Destinations Hotels & Resorts Airlines Technology Sports & Adventure Fresh Updates Interesting Facts More Most of the categories here are self-explanatory. However, the More section has various subsections such as: How Far Fresh Updates Bars & Restaurants Events & Fun Travel Travel Trends Travel Photos What is the Distance? Travel Tweaks Offers Will Traveltweaks Com Be Helpful For Me? Yes, Traveltweaks is helpful for every type of traveler. However, it can be especially a brilliant platform for the categories of travelers mentioned in the following table. Types of Travelers Using TraveltweaksBenefits Beginners• Clear and Easy Tips• Specific Information• Tailored InstructionBackpackers• Budget-friendly Travel Ideas• Ideas about Hidden GemsFamilies• Seamless Vacation Experience• Exploring Family-friendly Places• Ideas about AmenitiesOlder Travelers• Ease and Comfort for Traveling• Clear InstructionBusy Travelers• Easy and Timesaving Search• Curated Travel Experiences, Offers, and Destinations in One Place The Areas Of Improvement For Traveltweaks Com Though easy to navigate and well-curated, Traveltweaks com needs improvements in certain areas. 1. For example, on the home page, the “Destinations” section is mentioned twice on the top bar. 2. Furthermore, there is a lack of consistency in the formatting across all articles. For example, the “Unlock Savings with Discount Codes TtweakHotel: Enjoy Affordable Luxury Stays” follows an all-caps style for the subheadings. On the other hand, the “Navigating the Night: Safe Adventures After Dark” article follows title casing for the subheadings. 3. Also, the redirect command for the articles listed on the right often does not work. What Can I Do On Traveltweaks Com? Explore travel destinations and costs. Go through genuine reader tips and reviews Get travel deal alerts Download travel checklists free of cost Connect with a global community of travelers How Traveltweaks Com Has Helped Travelers In The Post-Pandemic World? In the post-pandemic world, traveling demands a lot of planning, and there are specific safety requirements when you are traveling to a new country. Traveltweak com offers the latest updates on: Travel Insurance Destinations for Remote Workers and Digital Nomads Health and Safety Guidelines Most importantly, the entry requirements and protocols of various countries. Is Traveltweaks Com Safe And Worth It? What Is The Revenue Model For The Website? Yes, Travel tweaks com is worth it. With real reviews, guides, and the latest updates, it is a powerhouse of online travel planning. Furthermore, it covers unique topics such as crypto tourism and ecotourism, showcasing a wonderful adaptation of the latest technology and environmental wellness. Moreover, the platform discusses how AI can make travel experiences more tailored and niche-specific. In addition, the website has a defined privacy policy that states that the website does not share any visitor’s data with third parties. Furthermore, it ensures that all communication and data transfers occur through secure protocols such as HTTPS. Furthermore, the login cookies or the cookies stored when you publish articles will not store your personal information. The website earns through affiliate marketing. Moreover, Travetweaks stands out as a travel blog resource as it has a lot of heart. Along with the blogs and guides on diverse topics, the interactive nature of the site gives it the feel of a community. Readers can comment on every blog and thus ask questions and share their ideas. So, it gives you the chance to interact and functions as a community for travel enthusiasts. So, overall, here is the assessment report of Traveltweak com. CriteriaAssessment Content Breadth and Utility• Strong and VersatileDesign and Usability• Excellent • Easy Navigation• Responsive• Clean DesignIn-depth Analysis and Suitability for Advanced Travelers• ModerateFormat Consistency• Moderate Overall, it’s a 7.5 for general travelers and beginners. However, for specialized and advanced travelers, it’s a 6/10 site. Traveltweaks Com: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Here are the frequently asked questions and answers about Traveltweaks.com. 1. Can I Use Traveltweaks Com For Free? Yes, you can use Traveltweaks com for free. All the articles, guides, and new pieces are accessible to you. Furthermore, the website articles have affiliate links through which it earns revenue. 2. Can I Trust The Gear Reviews On Traveltweaks Com? Yes, you can trust the gear reviews on Traveltweaks com. All the reviews shared here are based on authentic user experience. Moreover, the reviews are assessed and approved by travel experts and professionals. 3. Can I Use Traveltweaks Com To Plan Trips Outside The Country? Yes, you can use Traveltweaks com to plan trips outside the country. It covers diverse destinations. At the same time, Traveltweaks is not a geo-restricted platform. You can browse it comfortably even while traveling to another country. This way, you can do on-the-go research for the local attractions when visiting a different country. Moreover, Traveltweaks com does not just cover the key tourist attractions. It also discusses the hidden gems or lesser-known places, ensuring a meaningful travel experience. 4. How Often Is The Content Updated On Traveltweaks Com? The news and latest trends are updated regularly on Traveltweaks com. You will especially notice more frequent updates on the website during the festive season. The website has a dedicated “Fresh Updates” section where you will find the latest news. 5. Is Traveltweaks Com Suitable For Business Travelers? Yes, Traveltweaks com is suitable for business travelers. The website has articles on airport lounges, corporate travel guides, hotel recommendations for business meetings, and more. Also, it has content on productivity tips on the go and travel ideas for digital nomads. 6. Is Traveltweaks Com Suitable For Solo Travelers? Yes, Traveltweaks com is suitable for solo travelers. This website has dedicated articles for solo travelers. These articles talk about ideal solo trip destinations, such as Turkey, and the role of technology in solo traveling. For example, I was reading an interesting article on the role of AI in the solo traveling experience and crypto transactions while traveling in remote locations. In addition, there are guides on healing and rejuvenation, and safety tips for solo traveling.

The BEST Things To Do In Indiana Dunes National Park In 2025!

BY Sibashree Jan 30, 2025

Indiana Dunes National Park At A Glance Location: 1100 North Mineral Springs Road, Porter, IN 46304 Visitor Center Contact Number: 219 395-1882 Hours Open: 6 AM to 11 PM Time Required: 1 Full Day Fees: $15-25 (Standard Pass), $45 (Annual Pass), and Free-$80 (America the Beautiful Pass, including Senior Passes) Area: More than 15000 acres Designation: National Lakeshore (1966) and National Park (15th February 2019) Famous For: Being the birthplace of American ecology, Housing 30% of the rare, endangered, threatened, and special concern plants of Indiana Best Time to Visit: April and May and Late September to October Best Way to Reach: Take the South Shore Train, having multiple stops in the park Unique Things Do In Indiana Dunes National Park | Plan Your Day Activities Indiana Dunes National Park is a year-round attraction. So, every season offers the visitors something unique to do. Let’s explore what wonders await at this national park, rich in biodiversity. 1. Swimming And Beach Activities https://www.instagram.com/p/DCK-9ndvTKl/?img_index=1 Many of the recreational things to do in Indiana Dunes National Park center around the miles of beaches in the park. The southern tip of Michigan and the beaches there are ideal for swimming and various beach activities. Beaches In Indiana Dunes National ParkPorter BeachWest BeachDunbar BeachKemil BeachCentral Avenue BeachLake View BeachMount Baldy Beach Even if you don’t want to take part in adventurous activities, you can just enjoy a sunrise or sunset stroll along the beaches. 2. Biking https://www.instagram.com/p/C7wSPbEP6Dk/ You can bike through the 37 miles trail of the Indiana Dunes National Park and explore the dunes, historical spots, and wildlife of the park. Further, the park has gravel and paved biking trails at various distances. So, you can choose a trail according to your level of expertise. Biking Trails In Indiana Dunes National ParkDunes Kankakee Bike TrailCalumet Bike TrailPrairie Duneland Bike TrailPorter Brickyard Bike TrailOak Savannah Bike TrailMarquette Bike Trail 3. Geocaching Geocaching is one of the most unique things to do in Indiana Dunes National Park. This treasure hunt game is played by geocachers. These geocachers have to collect geocaches or hidden containers. So, if you are a geocacher or a participant in the game, you will have a smartphone with a free geocaching app and a GPS device. Further, at Indiana Dunes National Park, you will be able to do four types of geocaching. You can try traditional or the most traditional geocaching at Chellberg Farm. You can even try EarthCaching at Kemil Beach, Mount Baldy, and West Beach. Moreover, other types of geocaching in the park are Lab Caches at Portage Lakefront and Riverwalk and Virtual Caching at A Century of Progress Historic District. 4. Bird Watching The park, nestled on the southern tip of Lake Michigan, attracts a lot of migrating birds. It is especially delightful with the sounds of the migrating songbirds in autumn. So, you can be a beginner or an avid birdwatcher. You will be able to spot waterfowl or other wetland birds easily. Moreover, this park hosts the Indiana Dunes Birding Festival on the 3rd weekend of May. This is a four-day event, and the more than a dozen birdwatching spots in the park are amazing. 5. Camping Camping is one of the best things to do in Indiana Dunes National Park if you want to explore the park at your own pace. Moreover, the park campground has 66 campsites for tents and 53 RV sites. The campground here does not have electric hookup facilities. Furthermore, campsites 15, 30, 41, and 55 are wheelchair accessible. However, camping facilities in the park are seasonal, and for the winter season, the camping ground will remain closed till 31st March. Moreover, the camping fee per night at the park is $25. 6. Hiking https://www.instagram.com/p/C7rInRWoYm6/ You can explore the dunes of the park, rare plants, and diverse species of birds and animals by hiking. Further, many trails take you to the historic places in the park. For example, you can hike through the Bailly Homestead Trail and enjoy the presence of oak, maple, basswood, and beech trees. You can even hike to the Chellberg Farm, Mnoke Prairie Trails, and Little Calumet River. Overall, the park has 15 trails with varying difficulty levels. So, irrespective of your expertise, you can choose the one most suitable for you. Moreover, the trails can take you from 20 minutes to 4 hours to conquer. Some moderate trails in the park are Calumet Dunes Trail, Cowles Bog Trail, Dune Ridge Trail, etc. Furthermore, West Beach Trails and Mount Baldy Beach Trail are some of the toughest hiking trails for you to complete in the park. 7. Visiting Historic Sites https://www.instagram.com/p/DBj7rf8vx3y/ Exploring the historic sites is one of the most meaningful things to do in Indiana Dunes National Park. Did you know that the park has more than 60 historic sites? The most important landmarks of the park are Chellberg Farm, Good Fellow Youth Camp, and Bailly Homestead. Moreover, you can visit the Cypress Log Cabin, House of Tomorrow, Florida Tropical House, and many other 1933 World’s Fair Century of Progress Homes. 8. Stargazing https://www.instagram.com/p/DA7De5iC5G_/ Despite being very close to the urban area. Indiana Dunes National Park is a hotspot for stargazing. The lakeshores of the park, especially, create an ideal ambiance for getting lost in celestial activities. Furthermore, the sky over the footprint of Lake Michigan is darker, creating a deeper sense of intrigue. Kemil Beach is the best place in the national park for stargazing. Also, it is the “7th designated International Dark Sky Community.” 9. Horseback Riding https://www.instagram.com/p/CwAuqi-I4q3/ You can enjoy horseback riding in the park along the Glenwood Dunes trail. The trailhead is on Brummitt Road, Chesterton and it is the only equestrian trail in the Indiana Dunes National Park. Further, the trail remains open from 16th March to 14th December. Moreover, you can opt for the best guided tours in the park. Every year, the park offers over 500 guided tours. So, you can get in touch with the park's visitor center before planning a day out. See you there! Also read Top 10 Most Popular Paraguay Food That You Must Try. Top 13+ Famous Wonders Of India That You Must Visit.

Kandy Is So Underrated!! What Are The Unique Things To Do In Kandy?

BY Sibashree Mar 5, 2026

Kandy has been in the news recently for the last-over clincher between Pakistan and Sri Lanka in the last ICC T-20 World Cup tournament. It is also good to see Kandy slowly getting its rhythm back after the major disruption in the beautiful Colombo-Kandy-Ella-Badulla railway due to the impact of Cyclone Ditwah in the latter part of 2025. With a man-made lake at the epicenter, Kandy, in a bowl of mountains, was home to the last rulers from the Kandyan empire. Today, it continues to play an important role in the politics, economy, and culture of Sri Lanka as the capital of the Central Province. Sri Lanka is full of contradictions. From the rich Tamil Culture in Jaffna and the abandoned Buddhist ruins at the Ritigala Forest Monastery, to the bustling city of Kandy, it’s like visiting different countries with a few miles of traveling. Moreover, Kandy is just 20 km away from Gampola, the home to the famous Ambuluwawa Tower, the symbol of natural diversity and religious inclusivity in Sri Lanka. Hi, in today’s blog, I will talk about how to reach Kandy, the things to do in Kandy, where to stay, where to eat, and more. How To Reach Kandy? Kandy, one of the major cities of Sri Lanka, is easily accessible. If you are a budget traveler and a believer of the LowDownUnder Travel philosophy, you can take a local bus or train for the journey. 1. The Kandy Railway Station: The Major Gateway The Kandy Railway Station is the main gateway to the city if you are traveling from other parts of the island. Also, this railway station on the beautiful Kandy to Ella line still exudes a colonial charm and shows Victorian influences in its architecture. A train ride from Colombo to Kandy takes around 2 hours and 30 minutes, and based on the class, the ticket prices cost between LKR 300 and 1200. You can even take a train on the Kandy to Ella route to explore the tea plantations, mountains, and the highland region. However, being one of the most scenic railway routes in the world, tickets for these trains are always in high demand. You can check out the available tickets at the official website of the Sri Lankan Railways. Tickets for a date get sold out even 1 month before. 2. Colombo To Kandy Bus If you cannot book trains to reach Kandy. Don’t get disheartened, as buses are available from the Bastian Mawatha Bus Station in Colombo. You can take an ordinary or AC intercity bus to reach Kandy from Colombo. The distance is around 120 km and the travel time is approximately 3-4 hours. Also, the ticket prices start from LKR 360. What Are The Things To Do In Kandy? Kandy is the cultural capital of Sri Lanka. So, no wonder that it offers a good mix of colonial history, spiritual experience, and the serenity of the Kandy Lake. Also, Kandy is home to the quintessential Singhalese food. I found the delicacies in Kandy to be way creamier and milder than the fiery food in Jaffna. Nevertheless, I will talk about what to eat in Kandy a little later, and for now, let’s explore the things to do in Kandy and enjoy a mixed bag of experiences. 1. Visiting The Royal Botanic Gardens Hours Open: 7:30 AM to 5:30 PM Entry Fee: LKR 200 for Locals, LKR 3540 for Foreign Visitors From Kandy City, you can take a short tuk-tuk ride to reach the Royal Botanic Gardens. It is home to more than 4000 plants and covers an area of 147 acres. A green oasis in the overwhelming city landscape, it also has an arboretum and decorative flower beds. My favorite, however, was the majestic palm tree avenues. However, as the day grew, it got crowded by social media content creators. Furthermore, there are giant bamboo trees. Another popular photography spot in the national park is the Mahaweli Ganga River suspension bridge. However, more than five people cannot get on the bridge at a time. So, you may have to wait in a queue if you desperately want a photo for your socials. Moreover, you will see bats hanging from trees, chipmunks, and monkeys in the botanical gardens. And don’t miss the Spice Garden here. Also, if you feel hungry, you can buy drinks and snacks from the stalls inside and the local vendors outside the park. 2. Exploring The Udawattakele Forest Reserve Hours Open: 6 AM to 6 PM Entry Fee for Foreigners, LKR 830, For Locals: LKR 70 I walked for around 30 minutes to reach the Udawattakele Forest Reserve. You can even take a tuk-tuk ride from the Centre of Kandy. It has some of the most famous caves in Kandy and diverse fauna. However, I did not expect that mother macaque monkeys would welcome me with their babies clinging to them. After the grand entry, I chose the circular route around the park as I wanted to see the religious caves, the bathing pond, and the city viewpoint. The Route The green canopy stands in humility as you advance on the route, and now you are transported to a different world. The birds were chirping, and I could hear the squeal of monkeys. However, the highlight on that route was the Liana’s. These tree-sized vines created coils along the oath. I followed the route upward and reached the City View Point. The City View Point From the City View Point, I loved the perspective of Kandy City and Lake. Then, walked further to come across the Cittavisuddhi Lena cave and othe two religious caves. The cave had beautiful sculptures, paintings, and offerings by pilgrims. These are sacred to the Buddhist people. However, overgrown trees and the fear of insects and bats deterred me from entering the cave and exploring the two other Buddhist caves. Despite all the cautions, destiny had something different in store for me. There were leeches all over my legs, and luckily, I was carrying adequate salt to get rid of them. The fellow tourists also helped to remove the leeches. 3. Visiting The Bahirawakanda Vihara Buddha Statue The Bahirawakanda Vihara Buddha Statue at the top of a hill is the guardian angel of Kandy. You need to take a short and steep walk to reach the Buddha Statue from the town. You can even take a tuk-tuk. Once you reach the statue, you can find the steps behind the magnificent statue and climb to higher vantage points looking over the other side of the city of Kandy. Moreover, there is a small shop from where you can take trinkets and religious texts. The entry fee was 600 LKR when I visited last. 4. Exploring The Kandy Market I mentioned how an old lady in the Jaffna Public Market was the icebreaker during my trip to Jaffna. In Kandy, it was the Kandy Market, which made me acquainted with the hilly region of Sri Lanka. The market was near the Kandy Station. I visited it early in the morning and found vendors selling dried fish, bananas, fresh vegetables, and souvenirs. 5. Spending Moments By The Kandy Lake The Kandy Lake, or Lake Kandy, is at the heart of the city and is very close to the Temple of the Tooth. It is a magnificent man-made lake around which you can take a walk of 2.1 miles. The pathway is called the Cloud Wall, and the highlight of my walk was finding out about the Queen’s bathing pavilion. This ivory excellence reminded me of the regal past of the Kandy Lake. I also spotted the ducks, busy schools of fish, and water monitor lizards. Moreover, there is a well-groomed garden in the center of the lake. When I visited, it was in full bloom. 6. Walking To The Kandy Viewpoint After stretching my legs at the Kandy Lake, I took a short walk to reach the Kandy Viewpoint. Hiking to the Kandy Viewpoint is one of the most delightful free things to do in Kandy. You can capture panoramic shots of the city from this viewpoint and interact with local hawkers for a meaningful cultural exchange. 7. Visiting The Asgiri Maha Vihara Pirivena - Buddhist Stupa And Temple If you are a Buddhist or someone eager to learn about the religion, visiting the Asgiri Maha Vihara Pirivena is one of the best things to do in Kandy. This stupa is very close to the city, and I took the stairs across the train tracks to reach the stupa. For me, the highlight of the stupa was the meditation room on the central floor. The iconographies were grand and meaningful. Furthermore, the walls there depicted the three stages of decay a body has to undergo after death. However, I did not yet know what was awaiting me, the dome of the stupa. Filled with Buddhist artwork, an enormous lotus carving, and eight statues of Lord Buddha, it defined enormity. The military guide finally took me to the balcony that surrounds the stupa. I found many monks clad in orange robes busy in their rituals, and I also loved the view. 8. Visiting The Temple Of The Tooth A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Temple of the Tooth or Dalada Mandira preserves the canine tooth of Lord Buddha. It has the Udawaththa Kelaya to the east and the Lake Kandy to the south. After several invasions and destructions, the temple was finally rebuilt by King Keerthi Sri Rajasinghe, and it is in its current form that we see today. The temple has beautiful works of ivory, gold, and silver. More Things To Do In Kandy Along with being a primary tourist attraction in Sri Lanka, Kandy is also the gateway to many iconic landmarks showing the richness of Sri Lanka in nature and wildlife. You can take a train ride or a bus ride from Kandy to the Royal Cave Temples of Dambulla. Or, you can attend a wildlife safari in Kaudulla National Park and other national parks of Sri Lanka. Where To Stay In Kandy? Know The Accommodations I stayed at a hostel near the hillside surrounding the city. It was modest, but the views I got from the room and balcony were amazing. However, if you are not willing to walk so much, you can choose places such as the Ceyloni City Hotel. The tariff of this city hotel is around 7500 LKR. What To Eat In Kandy? You can choose between vegetarian and non-vegetarian options in Kandy. Balaji Dosai is a nice spot to try vegetarian food, especially dosa. The Siri Ramya Hotel is the place to try Kottu Roti in Kandy. You can have it as spicy as you want. Also, you can combine them with different types of veggies, eggs, chicken, or mutton. Another thing you must not miss in Kandy is the snacks available on the bus or train. The fried chips and snacks have a lot of salt and chilli. However, they are great for the taste buds. Also, do not forget to try the rice and curry combination at the “famous hole in the wall rice and curry joints” in Kandy. These offer a nice and filling lunch at the best price. The Nightlife In Kandy: Where To Drink? Kandy is not a place famous for its nightlife. However, if you want to cherish some drink after a busy day, you can visit places such as The Stag’s Head Pub and the Royal Bar and Hotel. Enjoy the beers, cocktails, and your favorite drinks with spicy local snacks, and enjoy the view of the city and lake at night. Drinking at any of these places will cost you around 790 LKR.

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