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

BY  Sibashree May 5, 2026

I forgot to mention one thing when I shared my experience of a train ride in the Demodara railway loop. This is a lesser-known loop, and I got to know about it from the National Railway Museum, Kadugannawa.  This museum is at a distance of just 15.1 km from Kandy. Today, it has many old machines, carriages, equipment, and locomotives.  Though everyone will have a visit to the National Railway Museum, Kadugannawa, in their itinerary of the things to do in Sri Lanka, I enjoyed my day there.  So, in this blog, I will talk about my experience at the National Railway Museum, Kadugannawan, its entry fee, timings, exhibits, and how it was opened at an opportune moment.  National Railway Museum, Kadugannawa: Quick Facts Opening Date27th December, 2014 Opening Hours 9 AM to 4 PM (Only closed on Poya Day)Ticket Price - For Sri Lankan Adults: Rs. 50- Foreign Adults: Rs. 500- Children: Rs. 20- Children in School Uniform: Rs. 10  Why Was The National Railway Museum, Kadugannawa, Opened?  The National Railway Museum, Kadugannawa, was opened on 27th December, 2014, on the occasion of the 150th year of railway operations in Sri Lanka.  The first train of the Ceylon Railway ran from Colombo Terminus station to Ambepussa. The Duke of Brabant of Belgium was a passenger on this train.  On the occasion of the museum inauguration, a Memorial Stamp was also released. Furthermore, as souvenirs, there were a memorial DVD and a coffee table book.  Moreover, a Replica Steam Train ran from Colombo Fort to Kadugannawa, and it had special invitees as passengers.  It was a thoughtful move to commemorate the first train operation 150 years ago.  How To Reach The National Railway Museum, Kadugannawa? You can reach the National Railway Museum, Kadugannawa, with a short train ride from Kandy.  However, if you miss the train, you can also take a bus. However, I don’t recommend a bus ride from Kandy to Kadugannawa because the bus ride through the Royal Botanic Gardens takes around 45 minutes to 1 hour.  Also, the bus is very crowded, and you will find every type of food vendor there.  Nevertheless, if you still want a bus ride, the ticket price will be 120 LKR (Around 36 Rs.) for a person.  Kandy To Kadugannawa Train Ride  I love train rides, and even if the queue for the third-class ticket was long, I enjoyed the entire experience.  Nevertheless, I took the Kandy to Polgahawela train that departed from the Kandy Station at 2:15 PM and reached the Kadugannawa Station at 2:55 PM.  The train halts at the Kadugannawa station for 1 minute. So, stand near the gate and be a little fast when alighting from the train.  I got a 3rd class ticket, and the ticket price was Rs. 40. What Are The Things To See At The National Railway Museum, Kadugannawa?  The Kadugannawa Railway Museum is very close to the Kadugannawa Railway Station. It is a small space, and it includes a platform and 2 outside areas.  Furthermore, it is spread over a train shed.  I sat in a vintage train carriage at the museum, and it cost me around Rs. 296. The carriage also had an attendant who showed me the museum. The Exhibits And Demonstrations I Loved  I especially loved the demonstration of the efficient token system that ensures that trains do not run into each other on the single-track mountain railway lines of Sri Lanka.  Furthermore, I found a massive model railway inside the museum. It shows the entire Sri Lankan railway network.  It was fascinating, and it highlighted the Nine Arch Bridge and how the train covers the spiral Demodara loop.  I also had a lot of fun getting in and out of the steam locomotives, carriages, and old engines at the museum.  Moreover, I saw a 10-minute-long video describing the railway network of Sri Lanka.  Overall, I spent around an hour at the museum and ended my time there with a cup of coffee at the in-house coffee shop. The coffee shop itself is inside a carriage.  The best things about the National Railway Museum, Kadugannawa, were that very few visitors were there.  So, as a curious soul and someone very fascinated by trains (my home is very close to a railway track), I had a gala time.  What Are The Other Places To Visit In Kadugannawa?  Kadugannawa, a short distance away from Kandy, is a serene place with many historical and cultural attractions.  So, once you have completed exploring the top attractions in Kandy and the National Railway Museum, Kadugannawa, you can visit these places.  1. Balana Fort  Balana Fort is located between Kadugannawa and Kandy.  Also, close to the Alagalla Mountain Range, its strategic position helped to protect the kingdom of Kandy from external attacks.  2. Captain Dawson Tower  The Captain Dawson Tower is at Kadugannawa Pass, and it is very close to the first modern expressway of Sri Lanka, the Colombo Kandy Road.  The construction of this expressway began under the supervision of Captain William Francis Dawson in 1820. So, this tower remembers and respects the contribution of Captain William Francis Dawson. Moreover, it was built in 1832.  3. Lion’s Mouth Rock, Kadugannawa It is an overhanging rock that you can find between the Balana and Kadugannawa railway stations.  The natural formation of the rock resembles a lion’s mouth.  Furthermore, when the train passes through the bend, there is a steep descent. So, the feeling of a drop makes the experience all the more thrilling.  4. Kadugannawa Rock View  If you are traveling from Colombo to Kandy or exploring the best attractions in Kadugannawa, the Kadugannawa Rock View is a place to relax.  The place is serene, and it offers amazing views of the lush surroundings. Furthermore, there are a few small shops on the way.  You can buy some souvenirs from these shops, and you will spot a lot of monkeys here.  Moreover, it was sunset time when I reached this viewpoint, and the experience was surreal.

BY  Sibashree Aug 8, 2026

I got the whiff of Beruwala even before I reached it.  While Bentota is a glossier neighbor in the south, Beruwala seemed more significant to me.  I found it more appealing because it once again highlighted the inclusive nature of Sri Lanka.  If Jaffna is the hub of Hindu temples and Tamil Culture, Beruwala is the place where Islam first took root in Sri Lanka.  Also, as a coastal town, it has been welcoming pilgrims, traders, and sailors for more than a thousand years now.  All these make Beruwala an important spot on the southwest coast of Sri Lanka. In this article, I will discuss my experience there, Beruwala Beach, things to do, and more.  Beruwala: A Harbor With A Long Memory  Beruwala had the first multi-day fishing boat launching yard in Sri Lanka on 11th June, 2026.  It will promote the boat manufacturing industry of Sri Lanka. The boat manufacturing industry will be a leading export sector in the economic development of Sri Lanka in the future.  While this is a new feather added to the crown of Beruwala, it already has a long history as a harbor.  The name Beruwala itself has a Sinhalese origin, meaning “Lowering the Sail.” So, it functioned as a national anchorage since anyone even knew about it.  According to local history, the Arab traders landed here in the 8th century. They used this sheltered bay as a stopover on their trade routes across the Indian Ocean.  They came for gems, spices, and pearls, and some of them stayed. The Settlement Of The Moor Community  The first wave of settlement in Beruwala marked the beginning of the Sri Lankan Moor community. This community, or the Sri Lankan Muslims, can trace back their origin to the early Arab arrivals. Over the centuries, many intermarriages happened, and the community thrived.  Today, Beruwala remains one of the cultural centers of that community, and you feel it the moment you walk through town. You will hear the call to prayer drifting over the harbor, halal eateries lining the main road, and a rhythm of life that is different from most coastal areas in the stretch.  What Are The Things To Do In Beruwala?  I spent my first morning at the fishing harbor, the heart of the town.  If you can be here before 7 AM, you will see outrigger canoes and small trawlers come in loaded with the night's catch. Also, fishermen wearing wide-brimmed hats haul their nets while gulls circle overhead.  Yes, it is chaotic, but nothing is staged here. That authenticity or rawness stays with you.  Furthermore, the harbor of Beruwala is the main supplier of fresh seafood across the region. However, to be that, the fishermen did not have to leave everything old behind.  From the looks of the boats, they look like they have not been changed for generations. So, watching the fishermen sailing or working in the boats felt like being at a museum that preserves the working identity of this coastal town.   While you can spend an entire day at the fishing harbor, there are many attractions in Beruwala. So, let’s discuss the things to do.  1. A Visit To The Kechimalai Mosque And The Headland From the harbor, I took a short walk to Kechimalai Mosque. It is on the northern promontory where the earliest Arab-Muslim settlers first came ashore, according to local traditions.  There is a little confusion, though, about the origin or age of the mosque. Still, the popular opinion is that it was built between the 11th and 13th centuries.  The mosque has a humble architecture with pale walls, a modest dome, and arched windows facing the sea. Some parts of the mosque further reflect later renovations from the colonial period. Even if you do not want to enter the mosque, you can cherish the view of the harbor and open sea beyond it from the headland.  I was thrilled to know that it was the same vantage point sailors would have used a thousand years ago to judge the weather before setting out.  Moments like this ground you and help you connect with history.  2. Visiting The Masjid Al Abrar  Masjid Al Abrar is very close to the Kechimalai Mosque, and it is one of the oldest mosques in the country.  These two mosques and the smaller mosques scattered through the town carry an Islamic heritage that few other places on this coast can match,  3. Exploring The Beaches My beach experience in Beruwala started with Moragalla Beach. It was just north of the main town.  It won me over with its calmness, and it was uncrowded. So, I could do what I love the most, watching people.  I saw the fishermen working the shallows in the early morning.  The water here is gentle enough for casual swimming and decent snorkeling if you catch it on a clear day. Closer to the hotel strip, the main Beruwala beach stretches out with the kind of golden sand that made this coast famous in the first place. It is more developed, with resorts backing directly onto the shore, but it's still noticeably quieter than Bentota or Hikkaduwa further south.  Watersports In Beruwala Beach  If you are after watersports, this is also where you'll find operators offering jet skiing, parasailing, and diving trips out toward the reefs.  Beruwala and Bentota together form one of the more established watersports hubs on the southwest coast. Just offshore sits Barberyn Island, marked by its lighthouse. This makes for a nice reference point if you're out on the water or just watching the horizon from a beachfront restaurant at sunset. 4. Exploring The Food, Markets And China Fort Legacy  Beruwala has the best seafood in Sri Lanka, and it is tied to the identity of the town.  I had some of the best deviled prawns of my entire trip at a small place a few minutes' walk from the fish market. Furthermore, the fish curry I had here had a prominent presence of tamarind, and it was very different from what I ate in Jaffna and other parts of the north.  Once again, the prawn fritters or Isso wade was a good street-side snack, and you want to just chill and watch the fishermen in action.  5. Knowing Beruwala As A Gem-Trading Hub Beruwala has a famous history of gem trading. The historical landmark of China Fort here was the place from where the gem traders used to operate.  The China Fort Gem Tower still has many jewelry and handicraft shops. You will also find similar shops around the town.  Even if you are not buying something from these shops, you must browse them.  It will be a great experience to know how central trade once was to the town's economy. Reaching Beruwala And Getting Around  Beruwala is just 60 km south of Colombo, and you will find it along the A2 coastal highway.  If you are traveling from Colombo, you can take a car or taxi or travel by bus and train.  1. Reaching Beruwala By Taxi Or Car Despite a distance of just 60 km, a private car rental or taxi service from Colombo to Beruwala will be around LKR 13000.  The higher range can reach around LKR 22000 based on the type of vehicle you are hiring.  Considering the high cost, it is best to combine a trip to Beruwala with other coastal stops.  How To Combine A Trip To Beruwala From Colombo With Other Coastal Stops? Route SegmentApproximate Driving Time (Coastal Road)Best Known ForColombo ➔ Kalutara1 HourStupas and Historic CastlesKalutara ➔ Beruwala20 MinutesFishing Port and Muslim HeritageBeruwala ➔ Bentota10 MinutesJet Skiing and Mangrove River SafariBentota ➔ Kosgoda15 MinutesSea Turtle HatcheriesKosgoda ➔ Hikkaduwa30 MinutesSnorkelingCoral ReefsNightlifeHikkaduwa ➔ Galle35 MinutesColonial Fort ArchitectureShopping  2. Reaching Beruwala By Train If you are traveling from Colombo Fort to Beruwala by train, the journey of around 54.33 km takes around 1 hour and 20 minutes.  Furthermore, the 1st class ticket costs LKR 500, the second-class ticket costs LKR 300, and the third-class ticket costs LKR 140.  3. Beruwala By Bus  You can get buses from the Bastian Mawatha Terminal of Combo regularly to Galle. These buses run along the A2 Highway.  The buses take around 2 hours to complete the journey. Also, the ticket price for regular bus services is LKR 235, and the ticket prices for AC buses are LKR 390.  4. Getting Around Beruwala  Tuk-tuks are the best option to explore Beruwala and other nearby coastal areas. You can also reserve a tuk-tuk for half-day sightseeing.  The cost is slightly higher here, and the amount will be around LKR 4000.  Why Beruwala Is Absolutely Worth It  A coastal town with a history of 1000 years! If that is the tagline for Beruwala, it is absolutely worth a visit.  Also, it is a working fishing harbor and a stretch of genuinely good beach all sit within walking distance of each other. So, if you are planning a southwest coast itinerary, don't just let Beruwala be the town your bus passes through on the way to Bentota or Galle. Give it a morning, at least.

BY  Sibashree Mar 31, 2026

The scent of that first Japanese temple I visited, full of damp cedar, ancient dust, and high-quality incense, immediately slowed my pulse.  The architecture felt magnetic, heavy with history that seemed to settle into your bones.  Furthermore, these temples aren't just buildings. They've stood for centuries,  and are a part of Japan's cultural fabric.  Moreover, the connection between nature and devotion isn't just symbolic here, and it's real.  Also, every temple holds stories passed down through generations.  A single stone path or carved gate can carry centuries of meaning. You don't just walk past them. You feel their presence. How Buddhism Shaped The Island And Each Japanese Temple  Buddhism started in India, the land I come from. Then it moved through China and Korea before reaching Japan in the 6th century.  Now, the first official step came when King Seong of Baekje sent Sutras and a Buddha image to Emperor Kinmei.  1. The Rise Of Sects  Over time, new sects poured in from China, changing how Buddhism looked here.  Saicho brought the Tendai sect in 805.  Kukai, later called Kobo Daishi, founded the Shingon sect in 806.  Then, Zen arrived in 1191, and it shifted Japanese art, tea traditions, and samurai life.  Now, Buddhism shares space with Shinto, the local religion.  So, the two coexist side by side without conflict.  Though it's not perfect, that's how things work now. The Architectural Layout Of A Japanese Temple  Once you enter a Japanese temple, you will find the main hall, or Hondo. Furthermore, the table below explains the other key features of a Japanese temple. Features of a Japanese TempleDetails Pagodas•These have three to five stories. •Furthermore, these are the repositories of the sacred relics. Lecture HallsMonks study and teach here. BelfriesThese house massive bronze bells that are rung during the New Year.CemeteriesOften located on the grounds, these emphasize the Buddhist focus on the afterlife and ancestors. What Is The Best Japanese Temple?  I cannot pick a favorite when it comes to choosing the best Japanese temple. However, these are the ones I loved visiting.  1. Kinkaku-ji (The Golden Pavilion), Kyoto Kyoto is not just famous for its cherry blossom season. It also has the Golden Pavilion.  This is the "poster child" of Kyoto, and for good reason.  Two levels of this Zen temple have a covering of gold leaf.  Seeing its glittering reflection in the "Mirror Pond" is one of those travel moments that actually lives up to the hype.  It was originally built as a retirement villa for a Shogun, which is why it has a slightly "king-of-the-hill" air. 2. Todai-ji Temple, Nara A visit to the Todai-Ji Temple is one of the best things to do in Nara.  Standing in front of the great Buddha Hall (Daibutsuden) makes you feel incredibly small.  The structure was once the largest wooden building ever built, and even now, at two-thirds its original size, it still stands with quiet power.  Inside, a 16-meter-tall bronze Buddha dominates the space, and it was cast in 752. 3. Senso-Ji Temple, Tokyo  As Tokyo's oldest temple, Senso-ji pulses with color and movement.  Daytime visits pull you into a sea of people.  After dark, though, the scene shifts entirely.  Vermilion walls glow warmly under lanterns, the air settles, and the five-story pagoda rises softly against the sky. That night view became my favorite moment in four days in Japan. 4. Sanbutsu-Ji Temple, Misasa Here is a temple for the daring ones.  To get a glimpse of the inner hall, Nageiredo, I had to do a really challenging hike up Mount Mitoku.  The hall can be seen right on the cliff's face, supported on stilts over a dangerous drop.  Whenever I looked at it, I kept asking myself how 8th-century monks could have built it without falling off the mountain. Besides, this "National Treasure" might even have to stand up to a scene in an Indiana Jones movie.  5. Tenry-Ji Temple, Kyoto  This temple is right in the heart of the Arashiyama district and is also famous for its garden.  The landscaped grounds of the 14th century surround the central pond walkways.  It was cherry blossom season when I dropped by, and the view of the weeping cherry trees against the forested mountain is a picture I still take out whenever I am stressed. 6. Kongobu-Ji Temple, Koyasan For a deeply immersive experience, head to Mount Koya.  Kongobu-ji, the main temple of Shingon Buddhism, houses the largest rock garden in Japan.  The granite rocks have been carefully arranged to depict dragons arising from a sea of clouds. It's an excellent venue for peaceful meditation. 7. To-Ji Temple, Kyoto While there are other things to see in To-ji, its five-story pagoda is the main draw.  At 57 meters high, it is not only the tallest in Japan but also a city landmark.  Plus, when it is lit up at night in spring, it appears like a golden light rising from amidst the cherry trees. What Are The Best Offbeat Japanese Temples?  Aside from the well-known "Golden" and "Great Buddha" temples, there are also sites that allow you to connect more closely with nature and pilgrimage traditions.  It is at these places that I experienced the most "human" contacts. I observed pilgrims dressed in white robes or witnessed monks conducting their daily rituals. 1. Daisho-In Temple, Miyajima While most tourists to Miyajima are attracted by the floating torii gate, Daisho-in, situated at the base of Mount Misen, is the island's true spirit.  The most memorable feature? The 500 Rakan figures. Each one has an entirely different face. So, some are laughing, some are grumpy, and some look like they're whispering a secret. 2. Seiganto-Ji Temple, Nachisan There is probably no other place on the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage that has been as pictured as this one.  You have a vivid red pagoda in the front, and Nachi Falls is the highest waterfall in Japan, thundering down in the background.  It is a wonderful site where the noise of the water and the quietness of the temple together form an ideal spiritual harmony. 3. Zenko-Ji Temple, Nagano The temple sits in Nagano, a town that grew around it.  This is where Japan first received a Buddhist statue.  Though the statue itself isn't visible, you can walk into a pitch-black tunnel under the altar.  The goal? Try to touch the "Key to paradise." It's creepy, but there's something real about it. A genuine cultural moment. 4. Horyu-Ji Temple, Nara Located just outside Nara, this site holds the oldest wooden buildings still standing.  These structures date back to 607. Standing in them feels like stepping into Japan's earliest days. History lives in the wood and silence of the halls. How To Visit A Japanese Temple Like A Local? Visiting A Japanese temple is not just about seeing but also experiencing it.  One way to do this is through politeness, talking softly, and following a few simple etiquette rules.  You will find a large incense burner (Jokoro) at the temple entrance.  A common practice is to fan yourself with the smoke, as it is said to have medicinal effects. 1. Getting In And Praying You'll most likely have to take off your shoes before going into a building (make sure you have stylish socks! ).  Once inside, you can go up to the altar, put a small coin in the donation box, and silently make a respectful gesture.  In contrast to a Shinto shrine, at a Buddhist temple, you shouldn't clap.  Only a silent bow with hands in the prayer position is the right way to show reverence.  2. Taking Photos In A Japanese Temple  Generally, temples are okay with you taking photos in the outdoor areas.  However, you cannot take photos inside the main worship halls where the statues are.  Also, personally, I feel that you should put your camera away and spend five minutes just sitting on the tatami mats in silence. What you get is a more vivid "picture" than any photo could ever represent. 3. The Water Purification Ritual (Temizuya)  Before you pray, take a moment to cleanse your mind and body at the Temizuya or the stone water pavilion near the entrance.   Watching a local glide through this ritual can look intimidating, but it follows a simple, beautiful sequence using a single scoop of water.  Purify your left hand: Pick up the wooden ladle with your right hand, scoop up water, and pour a small amount over your left hand.  Purify your right hand: Switch the ladle to your left hand and wash your right hand.   Rinse your mouth: Switch the ladle back to your right hand. Pour a little water into your cupped left hand.  Then, use it to rinse your mouth softly, and spit out the water into the drainage trough beside the fountain.  Next, never put it back into the main pool. Do not drink directly from the ladle.   Clean the ladle: Tilt the ladle vertically so the remaining water runs down the handle, washing it clean for the next visitor. Place it face down.  4. The Temple Stamp (Goshuin) Tradition  If you want a physical memory of your journey that goes deeper than a digital photograph, look for the temple’s stamp office (Goshuinjo).   Before you start your trip, purchase a Goshuincho.  It is a specialized accordion-style book designed specifically for collecting sacred temple stamps.  For a small offering (usually 300 to 500 JPY), a monk or temple calligrapher will hand-ink a stunning, highly detailed page just for you.   They stamp the page in bright vermilion ink and write the temple’s name, the date of your visit, and a sacred Buddhist phrase in elegant, sweeping calligraphy.   It is a deeply respected tradition, transforming your travel itinerary into an authentic, personalized pilgrimage logbook.  Visiting Hours And Entry Fees At These Temples  Temple City Typical Hours Entry Fee  Kinkaku-ji  Kyoto  9:00 AM - 5:00 PM 500 JPY  Todai-ji  Nara  7:30 AM - 5:30 PM (seasonal)  800 JPY (Daibutsuden) Senso-ji Tokyo •Grounds open 24 hours. •The main hall is open from 6:00 AM - 5:00 PM.   Free Tenryu-ji Kyoto  8:30 AM - 5:00 PM  500 JPY (garden) and 300 JPY for buildings   Kongobu-ji  Koyasan 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM 1,000 JPY  To-ji   Kyoto  9:00 AM - 4:30 PM (grounds later)  500-800 JPY (varies by season, pagoda access)  Fees and hours shift seasonally.  Also, several of these temples charge extra for special exhibitions or evening illuminations during cherry blossom and autumn foliage season.  So it is worth checking the specific week you're traveling rather than relying on a fixed number.   Senso-ji is the one genuine exception on this list.  It is free and open around the clock, which is part of why its night-time atmosphere, mentioned above, is worth planning for specifically. 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