What Are The Things To Do In Hakone? Know The Top Activities In 2026

BY  Sibashree Jul 8, 2026

Visit Kalutara if you are not already smitten by the whiff of fresh tea and cinnamon together; you must visit Kalutara.  The Kalu Ganga river, the fertile tropical soil, and the proximity to the Indian Ocean have made the region ideal for the cultivation of tea, rubber, and cinnamon since British rule.  So, when I reached Kalutara, I saw women wearing colorful sarees plucking fresh tea leaves and storing them in the hessian sacks hanging on their backs.  Furthermore, the iconic Richmond Castle, at a short distance from the Kautara City, and many architectural features here are remnants of colonial heritage in this historical town.  In this article, I will talk about the location of Kalutara, how to travel to it, why it is so famous, the things to do, and more. I will also share my experience filled with the visuals of cinnamon peelers and rubber tappers and the salty fragrance of the Indian Ocean.  Where Is Kalutara?  At a distance of around 42 kilometers from Colombo, the capital of Sri Lanka, Kalutara is on the western coast of Sri Lanka.  You reach this coastal town after a drive of 1 to 1.5 hours from Colombo.  Furthermore, Kalutara is the gateway to popular beach towns like Galle and Bentota.  Kalutara is most revered for the Kalutara Bodhiya Stupa, and the sweet purple mangosteen fruits here are another signature of the coastal town.  How To Reach Kalutara?  The journey to Kalutara from Colombo on the southern railway line is one of the most beautiful train journeys in Sri Lanka.  Furthermore, you will get public and private buses for the journey, and you can even book a private vehicle for the transit.  Here are more details about the transport options.  1. Colombo To Kalutara By Train You will get many trains from Colombo Fort to Galle, Kalutara South, and Matara. Trains are available throughout the day and from as early as 5:39 AM.  Furthermore, the last train for the day to Kalutara departs Colombo Fort at 9:36 PM. Also, the travel time is between 48 minutes and 1 hour and 20 minutes.  In addition, the ticket price for travel in a third-class coach is LKR 480.  2. By Bus  Public, private, and air-conditioned buses are available from Colombo to Kalutara. These buses run on the Galle Road.  These buses take around 3 hours and 30 minutes, and the ticket price is approximately LKR 600. 3. By Private Transport  The short distance between Colombo Fort and Kalutara is ideal for travel by car. The travel time will be around an hour, and the cost will be between LKR 3500 and LKR 4500.  You can either take the Galle Road for the commute or the Southern Expressway ( E01) as a faster alternative.  4. Moving Around In Kalutara  Kalutara is very much walkable, or you can take a tuk-tuk to move around. Furthermore, you can rent a bike or bicycle for a day to explore the coastal town at your own pace.  The rental charge will be around LKR 2500 to 3500 per day, and the rental agency will help you with the local driving license or other permit you need.  Why Is Kalutara So Famous?  The city of mangosteen and home to the Gangatilaka Vihara, the only hollow Buddhist Stupa in the world, Kalutara awaits with an air that is heavy with history, spirituality, and the stories of the bonding between humans and nature.  I have been to the Dambulla Royal Cave Temple and the Gal Vihara in Polonnaruwa. Kalutara felt like an extension of my visits to those places.  1. The Gangatilaka Vihara My jaw dropped as I stepped out of the humid coastal air and into the echoing, cool interior of the Gangatilaka Vihara.  The massive dome soared above me, and I found the inner walls covered in 74 intricate, vibrant murals depicting the life of the Buddha. Also, as I was inside the Gangatilaka Vihara, the traffic on the busy Galle Road got transformed into a soft hum, and the air was filled with the gentle chanting of pilgrims clad in white. 2. The Secrets Of The Sacred Tree I left the giant stupa and found the Kalutara Bodhiya just across the road. I felt the high energy instantly and was staring at the massive, ancient Bodhi tree.  A friendly local devotee named Anura noticed me, and she confirmed the facts I had read. This tree grew from one of the original 32 saplings of the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi in Anuradhapura, linking it back over two millennia. Also, as I sat close to the tree, I found drivers stopping their vehicles in the middle of the bustling highway, stepping out just long enough to drop a few coins into a donation box for a blessing before driving on. Then, I performed the common ritual by pouring a small clay pot of water over the sacred roots.  The sheer energy of hundreds of people whispering prayers in unison under the rustling leaves gave me goosebumps. 3. The Magnificence Of A Coastal Castle  Kalutara is also about colonial opulence. This castle is on a 42-acre estate, and it was built in 1896.  This feels like a grand British manor house dropped straight into a Sri Lankan spice forest. As I walked through the grand banquet hall, I was amazed by the blend of Indian and British architecture.  The caretaker pointed out the intricate timber work, bragging that the wood had been imported all the way from Burma.  Standing on the sweeping balconies, looking over the sprawling grounds, it was easy to picture the extravagant, high-society parties that once took place here during the height of the rubber boom. Sunsets, Straw Hats, And Purple Fruit The natural geography of Kalutara also makes it stand out. The Calido Beach, especially, is magical in the late afternoon.  This is a narrow spit of land where the freshwater Kalu Ganga (Black River) runs parallel to the crashing saltwater waves of the Indian Ocean. Then, I sat on the sand and watched the local fishermen battling the currents where the river meets the sea, the sky turning a brilliant shade of bruised purple. On my way back, I stopped at a roadside stall where an elderly artisan was weaving palm leaves into a vibrant sun hat. Remember that Kalutara is Sri Lanka's "basket capital," and watching her fingers fly was hypnotizing. Also, before I left the stall, she handed me a magosteen and a dark purple fruit.  I cracked open the thick, leathery rind to reveal snowy, delicate segments.  The taste was an explosive mix of sweet and tangy, a perfect edible summary of Kalutara itself: bright, surprising, and utterly unforgettable. What Are The Other Things To Do In Kalutara? Along with the iconic landmarks that make Kalutara famous, some other attractions and activities await you in Kalutara.  1. Finding An Escape In The Brief Garden The Brief Garden was the former residence of Brevis Bawa, one of the most iconic architects of Sri Lanka.  It stands out with its artistic beauty, and that artistry blends well with the rich flora and fauna and fascinating sculptures.  I enjoyed a stroll in this delightful garden.  While walking through the hidden alleys and nooks, I enjoyed every bit of the artistic ambiance.  2. Going For A Guided Hike In The Sinharaja Forest Reserve The Sinharaja Forest Reserve is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. UNESCO designated this as a heritage site in 1998.  About the forest reserve, the UNESCO World Heritage Convention further mentioned,  “More than 60% of the trees are endemic and many of them are considered rare.  There is much endemic wildlife, especially birds, but the reserve is also home to over 50% of Sri Lanka's endemic species of mammals and butterflies, as well as many kinds of insects, reptiles and rare amphibians.” Moreover, the forest reserve has more than 450 species of trees. It even has hidden waterfalls forming clear streams. I could even spot the most vibrant tree orchids.  The nature trails here are well-maintained, and the hiking experience becomes all the more delightful with the chirping of the birds.  So, if you are planning a trip to Sri Lanka and want the best wildlife experience, you must add the Sinharaja Forest Reserve to your itinerary, along with the Yala National Park, Delhiwala Zoo, etc.  3. Spotting The Nesting Turtles At Kosgoda Turtle Hatchery The Kosgoda Sea Turtle Conservation Project, founded by Dudley Perera, is located approximately 27.7 kilometers south of Kalutara along the Galle Road (A2). It took around 40 minutes for me to reach the spot on a bike.  This project has been dedicated to monitoring the sea turtles here for three decades. They work to preserve these endangered animals and want to spread awareness about them.  The remarkable hatchery here focuses on collecting and rescuing eggs and storing them in a haven.  Furthermore, after the eggs are hatched, the turtles are only released into the ocean when they can fight the predators.  4. Trying The Spicy Local Cuisine  Kalutara has a rich history of spice trading. So, as expected, Kalutara has a culinary culture worth exploring.  Furthermore, every dish stands out with a perfect balance of zest, sweetness, and spice. Rice and curry, freshwater fish baked in banana leaves with coconut, tamarind, and mustard paste are some of the best dishes to try.  5. Exploring The Handunugoda Tea Plantation Do you want to extend your travel plans in the Handunugoda Tea Plantation a little? Then, you can travel for around 1 hour and 30 minutes and reach the Handunugoda village.  This tea plantation is famous for producing the “Virgin White Tea.”  Moreover, you can take a guided tour of the tea plantation and see the tea pluckers in action.  A Trip To Kalutara: Know The Perfect Itinerary  Two to three days are enough if you want to have an immersive experience in Kalutara. So, here is a 3-day itinerary for you.  DaysTimeActivityKey Highlights and Cultural InsightsDay 1MorningVisiting the Gangatilaka ViharaThe only hollow Buddha Stupa in the world. Late MorningKalutara Bodhiya and Sacred TreeThis tree grew from one of the original 32 saplings of the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi in Anuradhapura. LunchTrying Spicy Local CuisineEnjoy a traditional rice and curry lunch. Taste local freshwater fish baked in banana leaves with coconut, tamarind, and mustard paste.AfternoonVisiting Richmond CastleExplore this grand 1896 Edwardian mansion built on a 42-acre estate. Marvel at the blend of Indian and British architecture and the Burmese timber work.Late AfternoonVisiting Calido Beach and Watching Palm WeavingWalk the narrow coastal spit where the Kalu Ganga meets the sea. Watch artisans weave vibrant straw hats from palm leaves and sample fresh, sweet mangosteens.Day 2MorningVisiting the Brief Garden by Bevis BawaTake a stroll through the former residence of iconic architect Bevis Bawa. Explore hidden alleys, rich flora, and fascinating sculptures blended into nature.AfternoonLearning Experience at Kosgoda Sea Turtle HatcheryTake a 40-minute ride south along Galle Road to Dudley Perera's conservation project. See how endangered sea turtle eggs are rescued, incubated, and safely released.EveningSunset and Coastal RelaxingHead back up the coast to Kalutara for a quiet seaside evening, taking in the purple-hued sunset away from the busier commercial beach crowds.Day 3Full Day (Option A)Hiking in the Sinharaja Forest ReserveEmbark on a guided nature trek through this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Spot endemic birds, rare butterflies, wild orchids, and hidden forest waterfalls.Full Day (Option B)A Visit to the Handunugoda Tea PlantationTravel 1.5 hours south to visit the famous home of "Virgin White Tea." Take a guided estate tour, see tea pluckers in action, and learn about the delicate processing. From modest homestays to luxury hotels and resorts such as Avani Kalutara, Kalutara has diverse modes of accommodation.  These will cost around LKR 5000 to 50000 per person per night.

BY  Sibashree Jun 3, 2026

The Yala National Park is the ideal place for a dawn safari. As the first rays of golden light pierce through the canopy and the untamed bush comes to life, you will enjoy an acoustic and raw symphony.  You will listen to the rumble of wild elephants and the exotic birdcalls. Furthermore, you will spot crocodiles gliding into still lagoons.  You will also find monkeys scampering through the treetops, and if you are extremely lucky, you can even see a Sri Lankan leopard.  So, no wonder that Yala National Park is a bucket-list destination when you are on a trip to Sri Lanka.  However, finding the right accommodation, the ultimate sweet spot to explore the Yala National Park, can be a daunting task.  You can find a wide range of accommodations here, including the avant-garde ones and the bush camps.  Furthermore, there are some family-run guesthouses and luxurious canvas cocoons. So, in this guide, I will discuss where to stay in Yala National Park.  Where To Stay In Yala National Park? Pick The Zone Based On The Experience You Want  Before you choose an accommodation for yourself, you must decide on the area you want to stay in.  You need to especially understand the entry points of Yala National Park and the surrounding regions.  It is more so because the logistics of your safari will depend on the base and the entry point to the national park you are choosing.  1. Tissamaharama Or Tissa Tissa is just a distance of 20 minutes from the Palatupana Gate, or the main gate of the Yala National Park.  So, this historic lakeside town serves as the primary gateway to the park. Also, here, you will get to indulge in a sense of wilderness paired with civilization.  Moreover, the town has strong infrastructure, such as  Pharmacies Small Restaurants ATMs Cafes  Moreover, you may not find massive architectural buildings, but you will get boutique lakeside hotels offering easy evenings, proper amenities, and strolling along the water.  2. Kirinda And The Palatupana Coast The Palatupana coast is located to the south of Tissa. Also, it is the place where the jungle collides with the crashing waves of the Indian Ocean. The Palatupana Coast further stretches into Kirinda. Kirinda has the most opulent coastline, with elephants wandering down onto the sand.  Furthermore, here, you will find the ultra-luxurious and specially designed eco resorts.  Also, staying here means that you are very close to the national park.  3. Inside The Buffer Zone  If you want the most immersive experience in the Yala National Park, you can choose one of the high-end camps within the protected buffer zones of Yala.  You will stay in canvas tents here, and you will love the experiences such as open-air dining, lantern-lit pathways, and dawn wake-up calls from wild peacocks. Moreover, you can find many other wildlife roaming around your tents.  The cost of staying in these high-end tents can be on the higher side. However, the experience of sitting around a campfire while the unseen jungle hums around you is unforgettable. 4. Katagamuwa And Kataragama Katagamuwa is on the quieter northern perimeter of Yala. It is a culturally rich and slower alternative to other accommodation zones in Yala.  Furthermore, Katagamuwa backs onto a multi-religious pilgrimage site, rarely visited by Western tourists.  If you choose to stay here as a backpacker, you will enjoy the morning wildlife safaris with a visit to historic sites in the evening.  The camps in these sectors are smaller. However, it is run by locals who have endless tales to share. Also, the camps here offer a highly personalized experience.  So, the warmth and the thrill of knowing the unknown stories about the historic places, more than make up for the lack of luxury.  Where To Stay In Yala National Park?  I have divided the best places to stay in and around the Yala National Park into three categories.  Luxury Accommodations Mid-Range Accommodations Budget-Friendly Stays  The Best Luxury Accommodations In Yala  If you want a perfect safari country reimagined, you can plan a stay at any of the luxury accommodations in Yala.  Here, you will find copper bathtubs and canvas tents beneath wild palms.  These luxury accommodations will offer you unmatched luxury without breaking your connection to the world.  Wild Coast Tented Lodge The Wild Coast Tented Lodge is a definitive and flagship safari lodge in Sri Lanka. It is located at a place where the jungle kisses the ocean.  Furthermore, this tented lodge has an otherworldly feel. The copper-toned canvas "cocoons" are scattered amidst the scrubs.  So, when the Sun is up, these tents look like giant desert beetles.  Moreover, inside the tent, you will find a fusion of colonial and contemporary aesthetics. There are leather campaign chairs, teak floors, canvas walls, and freestanding copper bathtubs.  Best Mid-Range Accommodations In Yala It is okay if you do not want to bear the premium price tags of the accommodations in Yala. The mind-range accommodations in Yala offer you immersive nature experiences, beautiful swimming pools, and superb tracking options.  Cinnamon Wild, Yala Cinnamon Wild is an amazing mid-range accommodation in Yala. It is right inside the active buffer zone of Yala.  Furthermore, its location between a crocodile-frequented freshwater lagoon and the ocean makes it more fascinating.  Also, elephants here stroll through the grounds regularly, and the 68 rustic chalets raised on stilts offer simple timber interiors and comfortable bedding.  Moreover, the property has a rooftop bar that looks across the forest canopy. So, this is ideal for sundowners.  In addition, the restaurant here serves authentic lagoon crab curry.  The Best Budget-Friendly Accommodations In Yala  You don’t need to spend a fortune if you want to experience the magic of Yala Safari. You will get amazing hospitality, clean rooms, and authentic experiences at these budget-friendly accommodations in Yala.  Mahoora Yala You can experience the genuine thrill of a buffer zone in Mahoora Yala.  The glamping camps here come without the price markup.  Furthermore, the safari tents are practical and well-equipped, featuring king beds, fans, and private ensuite bathrooms. Moreover, the camp is directly on the boundary of the park. As a result, the safari trucks will get you deep into leopard territory early in the morning.  Thus, you will be able to avoid the heavy line of the day tourists in the town. Read Also: What Are The Places To Visit In Matara? A Southern Sri Lankan Commercial Hub With Dutch Colonial Heritage Where To Stay In Mirrissa, Sri Lanka In 2026? Know The Best Accommodation Options What Are The Best Sri Lanka Travel Tips? Things You Need To Know

BY  Sibashree Mar 31, 2026

From enjoying a train ride on the Nine Arch Bridge to Ella Rock, Ella has endless adventures to offer.  Exploring the things to do in Ella is also easier as the Ella Hotels offer the most comfortable and safe accommodations.  As a backpacker, I chose to stay in a hostel on my first visit. However, you can find many budget, mid-range, and luxury hotels in this beautiful hill country town.  So, here is a list of the best hotels to stay in Ella.  What Are The Best Ella Hotels?  I have divided the best Ella hotels into three different categories. So, you will find a good mix of luxury hotels, mid-range hotels, and budget hotels. Furthermore, I have also included the hostels and the eco-stays here.  And here are the details.  1. Luxury Ella Hotels There's a quiet magic when birds sing in the morning, and mist hangs on the tea bushes.  Moreover, Ella has upgraded its luxury offerings, blending colonial roots with modern sustainable design. • Nine Skies: Colonial Elegance Just outside Ella in Demodara, Nine Skies is a five-bedroom tea bungalow restored from old stock.  Furthermore, it sits like a piece of the English Lake District transplanted into the tropics.  Also, you begin your day with a Sri Lankan breakfast and then swim in an infinity pool that stretches over endless tea fields.  Moreover, the lifestyle is classic tea country, wrapped in a dream-like hotel setting. • 98 Acres Resort And Spa: Eco-Luxury Overlooking Little Adam's Peak, 98 Acres stands out as the region's top hotel.  Furthermore, the chalets use upcycled railway sleepers and local granite, with genuine, hands-on design.  Moreover, their spa features treatments with herbs grown on-site. Just a 15-minute walk from the Nine Arch Bridge, it's ideal for morning shots.  So, what else is there to say about this place? • Hide Ella: Modern Panoramic Views Hide Ella sits right into a 60-degree slope.  Every room faces the Ella Gap with clear, sweeping views.  The pool dips into the trees like you are floating through the canopy. It's a clean, sharp design, with no frills. Furthermore, it offers just pure view-focused living.  Why would anyone want anything else in Ella? 2. Mid-Range Ella Hotels For a bed that works, a shower that flows, and a balcony with real views, without the honeymoon price!  Ella's mid-range picks offer the best trade-off. Most focus on the view, which is Ella's strongest selling point. • Chill Ville Viewpoint Hotel It is set into the mountainside, and it is the most welcoming.  Cabins are clean, modern, with wood and concrete finishes.  They even include Yoga mats for stretching in the morning light.  If you want to go early to the Nine Arch Bridge, this is your only real shot, and it's just 800 meters away.  It seems like a good fit for quiet travelers who value space and scenery. • Country Homes Ella  It looks more like apartments than hotels.  Warm pine decor gives each suite a cozy feel.  The wide valley view from your room makes it hard to leave. In particular, when you know breakfast is often brought right to your balcony by the owners.  You get coffee at the same time clouds drift through the gap, arguably one of the most consistent perks in town. • Boutique Vibes: Morning Dew, EKHO, And Tip Top It seems to be a recurring motif in Ella. These hotels offer really amazing views and somewhat old-fashioned rooms.  Morning Dew, EKHO Ella, and Tip Top Boutique Hotel are, to some extent, this kind of hotel.  The furnishings in these places might give the feeling of the 1990s, but the rooftop pools and jacuzzis with a stunning view of Ella Rock offer a 5-star experience.  One of the advantages of choosing Tip Top is that you get the opportunity to see the train passing the Nine Arch Bridge from your private balcony. 3. Budget-Friendly Ella Hotels  Guesthouses once pulsed with life in Sri Lankan tourism.  Staying with a local family still gives the truest view of Ella.  You learn how daily routines move through the village. Nobody makes curry like a Sri Lankan grandmother. • Rowinrich Cottages: The Jungle Hideaway These loft-style cottages sit above a valley wrapped in jungle.  Backpackers find them ideal, glamping without dorm-sharing.  Forest sounds carry through at night.  Sunrises stretch across your terrace each morning. Just be warned: the road up is narrow and full of potholes. It's not easy to drive. • The Original Homestays: Idyll And Chamodya Idyll Homestay opened early in town.  Anil, who once worked on tea plantations, now manages one of Ella's most trusted homes.  Chamodya offers a clear view of Ravana Falls.  Both serve breakfasts packed with string hoppers, dhal, and fresh fruit, more than enough for hiking up Ella Rock. 4. The Hostels In Ella: The Most Happening Social Hubs  Like my trip to Jaffna, I also chose a hostel to stay in Ella.  The hostel scene in Sri Lanka has really taken off over the past few years.  Nowadays, staying in a hostel is not only about finding a cheap bed; it is also about experiencing a community, having superfast Wi-Fi, and going on shared adventures.  • Bunk Station A fairly new place in a peaceful and friendly atmosphere.  It's a quiet location away from the noise, but you can still walk to the town in ten minutes.  • Hangover Hostel Being part of a well-known chain of hostels in Sri Lanka, it is the best place to experience a social atmosphere. You will get AC rooms here, and the location is very central near the train station. • Backpacker's Paradise  If you are looking for the genuine "simple life" experience, you can camp in tents that are set up under thatched roofs.  Moreover, it is a very basic, cheap option, and they even have their own little dogs as residents.  So, what else do you need? 5. Eco-Friendly Stays In Ella  Ella is a place that feels like home.  Furthermore, Ella's environment is delicate, and these eco-friendly stays are actively preserving it. • Living Heritage Koslanda It lies halfway between Ella and Horton Plains.  Over the years, they've restored the forest and prioritized hiring local women, often left out of tourism jobs.  The place feels like a quiet, natural escape. • Arana Eco-Lodge And Yoga Center The lodge sits just ten minutes from town.  Rooms are treehouses built around living trunks.  Moreover, it operates like a forest monastery.  Also, electronics are minimal here. So, you can take part in sessions of Kundalini yoga and meditation here.  Moreover, vegan Sri Lankan meals take center stage here. You disconnect from Main Street noise and return to the wild.