What Are The Things To Do In Nuwara Eliya? Know Why It Is Worth Visiting

BY  Sibashree Mar 26, 2026

If you are like me, your first trip to Japan probably started off in Tokyo, surrounded by bright neon lights and an astounding number of people moving around to get from place to place. Tokyo is a logical starting point because of the many inexpensive daily flights that arrive, as well as its efficient public transportation, making it very easy to get around and communicate with those whom you meet there, because they speak some English. But let me tell you a little secret I learned from spending two different trips to Japan over the course of three weeks. Although I had fun in Tokyo, I’m definitely not a big progressive city person. The real beauty and the heart of Japan are found away from the chaos of Tokyo. The true essence of Japan can be experienced at its best in either the peaceful mountains high above the sea or in the salty air along the coast of Japan. So if you are planning on staying in Tokyo for more than three days, do yourself a favor and venture outside of the city limits.  These are my favorite day trips from Tokyo. You can travel to each of these destinations within 1 to 2 hours. What Are The Best Day Trips From Tokyo?  Tokyo is an incredible gateway. However, Japan’s true magic is often found in the places where the skyscrapers disappear.  Whether you want the spray of the ocean in Kamakura or the mountain air of Hakone, I promise that leaving the city for just a day will change how you see the country. From Mount Fuji to Kyoto, the Soul of Japan, the day trips from Tokyo are as diverse as they can be.  Here is a detailed account of my experience in those places.  1. Mount Fuji And Kawaguchiko: The Icon Travel Time: 2 Hours  How to Reach There: Highway buses from Shinjuku or Shibuya (~¥1,250–¥2,000 one way). If I can only recommend one escape, it will be Kawaguchiko, a town located right at the foot of Mt. Fuji.  "Shy" Fuji hides behind a curtain of clouds and can be quite elusive. While I visited, Fuji showed off for me on several occasions. I spent an entire day in this beautiful town, but would recommend an overnight stay at one of the many traditional ryokans situated on the lake if possible. There, you will notice the the juxtaposition of Fuji's reflection on Lake Kawaguchi at sunrise will be a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Highlights From My Visit Climbing the 398 steps of Chureito Pagoda was strenuous. However, the meditation-like calm through the forest made it worthwhile. I was fortunate enough to see the iconic site of the Red Pagoda with Mt. Fuji as a backdrop, as the clouds rolled in and covered the summit of Fuji. Hōtō noodles are a local specialty and are made up of thick, flat noodles cooked in a Japanese miso broth. Eating them will feel like a warm hug! So, don’t forget to try it.  2. Nikko: A Place Of Mist And Masterpieces Travel Time: 2 Hours How to Get There: Tobu Railway from Asakusa to Tobu-Nikko Station. When you visit Nikko, you will see all that it has to offer in the stunning, misty forests and cedar trees. Moreover, the detailed and ornate shrines seem to be jewelry boxes.    Insider Tip:  Arrive before 9 am at Lake Chuzenji to witness how the morning light creates an incredibly peaceful scene on the water.  If you arrive later than 9 am, visit the Toshogu Shrine first, which is where Shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu is buried and features the famous three monkeys, "See no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil". Many people come to see Kegon Falls, but it can be crowded due to the high tourist volume.  Unless you arrive at dawn, I would recommend skipping Kegon Falls and enjoying the calm waters of the lake instead. 3. The Coastal Soul Of Japan: Kamakura Travel Time: 1 hour How to Get There: JR Yokosuka Line from Tokyo Station (¥940 one way). Kamakura is also popular as the "Kyoto of the East," and I can see why.  Although it is an hour from Tokyo, when you are there, you will be surrounded by the smell of salt and incense from the temples instead of exhaust from busy streets. Be sure to see the Great Buddha (Daibutsu) at Kotoku-in.  This is a large bronze hollow statue located outside.  Standing there, surrounded by trees and soft sea light, I felt a sense of peace and tranquility.  After visiting the Great Buddha, I walked to Yuigahama Beach to watch the surfers and the sunset before enjoying a meal of sukiyaki or shabu-shabu. 4. Hakone: A Breath of Mountain Air Travel Time: 2 Hours How to Get There: Odakyu “Romancecar” from Shinjuku. I recommend the Hakone Free Pass. Tokyo is the pulse of Japanese culture, and it is in Hakone where you'll find peace after the city's frenzied pace. Hakone is a beautiful blend of modern and ancient.  The first stop for my visit was at the Hakone Open-Air Museum, where I walked among sculptures created by some of the most famous artists in the world, surrounded by natural beauty all around me.  Then, I took the Hakone Ropeway across the Owakudani Valley.  It is an active volcanic area where steam rises out of the ground, creating a picture of a living canvas.  On clear days, you may see Mt. Fuji as well.  The day was capped off with a boat ride on Lake Ashi aboard a vessel that resembled a "pirate ship."  I was hesitant about it being cheesy, but the sights were gorgeous. 5. The Easy Escape To Yokohama  Travel Time: 30 Minutes How to get there: JR Tokaido or Keihin-Tohoku Line from Tokyo Station (¥480). When I need to relax from the chaos of Tokyo, I tend to go to Yokohama.  Yokohama is the 2nd largest city in Japan. However, it has a much more relaxing atmosphere due to the harbor.  I enjoy taking a stroll along Minato Mirai, which is another word for "harbor view," while enjoying the ocean breeze.  For something "quirky", I went to the Cup Noodles Museum to create my own cup of noodles and to learn about the history of Nissin Food Products.  However, the highlight was visiting China Town, which is the largest in Japan.  My recommendation is to arrive at China Town around 4:00 or 5:00 PM.  It will be early enough to beat the dinner rush and late enough to see the entrance of all the glow from the lanterns.  Take a bag of roasted chestnuts and enjoy the view of the skyline from the water while riding on the Cosmo Clock 21 Ferris Wheel. 6. A Trip Back In Time To Kawagoe Travel Time: 1 Hour How to get there: Tobu Tojo Line from Ikebukuro or JR from Shinjuku. If you want a taste of the Edo period without trekking all the way to Kyoto, go to Kawagoe.  It’s a walkable town full of clay-walled warehouses and wooden merchant houses. When I arrived at 8 AM, I heard the Toki no Kane (Bell of Time) tolling in the stillness of the morning.  I went back 200 years in time.  If you have time to go to Candy Alley, everything is made from sweet potatoes, cakes, chips, and even ice cream!  I know it sounds strange, but I assure you that it is really good! 7. Kyoto: The Soul Of Japan Travel Time: 2 Hours (by Shinkansen) How to get there: Tokaido Shinkansen from Tokyo Station (¥13,320 one way). I usually tell people to stay at least two days in Kyoto, but if a day trip is all you can manage, do it. It is expensive, but it is worth every yen. To appreciate Kyoto fully, you should focus on finding peace and serenity rather than simply marking off temples from a to-do list.  Instead of fighting the crowds at the bamboo groves, I found my peace by sitting in the wonderful gardens of Kennin-Ji Temple and breathing the incense they burned there. 8. Enoshima: Islands And Icons  Travel Time: 2 Hours How to get there: Odakyu Line from Shinjuku to Katase-Enoshima Station. Enoshima is where Japan’s coastal charm meets its spiritual side.  It’s a small island with a bridge and shrines dedicated to the goddess of the sea. Prepare to take many steps as you make your way to Iwaya Caves on the opposite end of the island.  The sound of waves'll surround you as you leave the noise of the city behind.  Furthermore, inside the caves, it’s a different world! After you leave the caves and head back, stop at a vendor and buy some grilled fish or seafood so you can enjoy the smoky aroma of the grilled fish while walking through Enoshima Island. 9. Chichibu: Mountains And Moss Travel Time: 2 Hours How to Get There: Seibu Line from Ikebukuro to Seibu-Chichibu Station. Chichibu is an outdoorsy place if you love the outdoors!  It's got mountains and has a strong cultural heritage.  If your timing is right in the spring, Hitsujiyama Park gets huge patches of pink and white moss phlox in bloom. This area has deliciously filling meals, including miso potatoes and waraji katsu (a pork cutlet that’s named after a straw sandal because of how large it is). 10. Karuizawa: The Alpine Retreat Travel Time: 1 Hour How to get there: Hokuriku Shinkansen from Tokyo Station. Finally, there is Karuizawa. This is where Tokyo’s elite found an escape from the summer heat, and it still feels incredibly sophisticated. Renting a bicycle is one of the best ways to experience this area.  I spent my first morning biking through beautiful pine tree forests until I arrived at Kumoba Pond. The pond has such calm water that it feels like looking into a huge mirror!  In the winter, it turns into a beautiful, snowy retreat perfect for relaxing after spending several days in the city.  Read Also: Is The Japan Rail Pass Worth It In 2026? Should I Buy Or Avoid It As A Conscious Tourist? What Are The Things To Do In Oahu For Free? A Guide For Budget Travelers Festivals Of Light And Color: Experiencing Japan’s Vibrant Matsuri

BY  Sibashree Aug 21, 2026

It was two in the morning, and I started climbing Adam’s Peak. I was in a line of pilgrims, and the line stretched as far as I could see with my torchlight. All the guides about climbing up this sacred mountain tell you about climbing the 5500 steps. However, nothing prepares you for the experience you will have in conquering them in pitch darkness.  Furthermore, the crowd itself was a reflection of how inclusive Sri Lanka is in its religious practice. It was a gathering of people from four different religious beliefs.  The reasons for everyone’s climb were not the same. However, that did not quite clash with each other.  That is the beauty of the Indian Subcontinent, and Sri Lanka sets an example each time I visit it.   Nevertheless, in this guide, I will talk about my experience of reaching the summit of Adam’s Peak and all the details you need to know.  Adam’s Peak: Some Quick Facts You Need To Know AttributeDetailsLocationInside Peak Wilderness Protected Area, Central Highlands, Sri LankaElevation2,243 Metres (7,359 Feet)Local NameSri Pada ("Sacred Footprint") or SivanolipaathamalaiReligious SignificanceSacred to BuddhistsHindusMuslims ChristiansTotal StepsRoughly 5,500 Stairs via the Popular Hatton RouteAverage Hike Time3 to 5 Hours for the Ascent1.5 to 2 Hours for the DescentPilgrimage SeasonDecember (Unduvap Poya) to May (Vesak Poya)Best Months to ClimbJanuary to March for Dry Weather and Clear Sunrise ViewsCostFree (No Entry Fee or Permit Requirements) What Makes Adam's Peak Sacred Mount Pedro is the tallest mountain in Sri Lanka. However, Adam’s Peak has the highest spiritual significance.  The local name for the peak, Sri Pada, or "Sacred Footprint,” itself sets your expectations high.  Rising 2243 meters in the Central Highlands of Sri Lanka, Adam’s Peak has a rock formation at the summit resembling a large footprint, which is claimed by four separate religions. The Mystery Of The Footprint At The Adam’s Peak Summit The Buddhists believe that the sacred footprint at the summit is of Lord Buddha. On the other hand, Hindus believe that the footprint is of Lord Shiva.  Some Christians think the footprint is of Adam. He set his first footprint here after falling from the Garden of Eden. Muslims also believe Adam, the first prophet in their religion, has left this footprint.  Furthermore, there is a different Christian belief that the footprint belongs to St. Thomas.  Again, the locals call it the “Mountain of Saman,” as they think the mountain is associated with Saman, a significant figure of worship in local traditions.  Irrespective of the religious significance of Adam’s Peak, pilgrimage to the summit has continued for over a thousand years. A Brief History Of The Pilgrimage Some of the earliest recorded efforts to conquer Adam’s Peak go back to the reign of King Vijayabahu I in the eleventh century. He built wayside rest houses along the route. Later, various rulers expanded the mountaintop shrine, built roads, and installed the iron chains that still assist climbers on the steepest sections near the summit. Another fascinating local belief is that the chains in the steep sections of the route belonged to Alexander the Great. Also, you will find a mention of Adam’s Peak in the writings of the Chinese traveler Ma Huan. He described Adam’s Peak as a place rich with precious stones. Along with the religious significance, the richness of gems is another reason why this peak has drawn visitors from far beyond Sri Lanka. Where Is Adam's Peak Located? https://maps.app.goo.gl/CZeW7kGZ8rTZG2Xc8 The sacred mountain is in the southwestern part of the Central Range in Sri Lanka. It is at a distance of around 40 km from Ratnapura.  However, the more popular trekking route is through Hatton, which is just at a distance of 32 km.  The landscape surrounding the mountain is delightful and quintessential of the Sri Lankan Central Highlands. You will see tea plantations and rainforest.  Moreover, Dalhousie, or Nallathanniya, is the village at the base of this mountain. Most trekkers start their journey from this village itself.  It is an easy base to reach from Hatton, Maskeliya, or Ratnapura, depending on which direction you're coming from. Getting To The Trailhead Hatton is the main transport hub for this side of the mountain. It is well connected by train on Sri Lanka's scenic hill-country line as well as by bus from Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, and Colombo.  From Hatton, local buses and shared taxis run the remaining stretch to Nallathanniya. During peak pilgrimage season, you will get extra buses heading to the base.  If you are driving yourself, the roads narrow considerably in the final approach to Dalhousie, and parking fills up quickly on weekends and full moon nights. Choosing Your Route To Adam’s Peak Just as pilgrims of four different religions want to conquer Adam’s Peak, there are six trails that lead to Adam’s Peak.  However, as I have mentioned, the Hatton route via Nallathanniya is popular with travelers. It is also the easiest.  The route is around 5 km one-way, and the staircase on this route is well-maintained for a safe ascent.  The Kuruwita-Erathna, Ihala-Maliboda, and Ratnapura routes are longer, less developed, and used mainly by more experienced or locally guided hikers rather than casual visitors. The Night Climb Most pilgrims start the climb to the summit at around 2 to 3 AM. This reminded me of the walk and the queue for visiting the Tirupati Balaji Temple and Aruanchalam Temple in India, as both of these are located at hilltops.  Nevertheless, with the ascent starting at 2 AM to 3 AM, you can reach the summit before sunrise at around 6 to 6:15 AM.  Depending on your fitness level and the number of stops you are taking at the tea shops along the way, the total duration to complete the ascent will change.  Also, very few people talk about the descent, which is actually way harder, and my knees had a hard time.  The reward of all this hardwork is the sacred "Shadow of Sri Pada" on a clear morning.  Difficulty And Fitness Considerations The climb to Adam’s Peak is moderate to hard. There is no technical scrambling.  However, the stone stairs are relentless, and they test different muscles than a usual hiking trail. So, basic fitness is important, and only reasonably fit adults can complete the ascent in three to four hours. Having said that, mental endurance is most important here.  I passed pilgrims well into their seventies moving slower but steadily upward alongside groups of teenagers.  The descent deserves just as much respect as the climb. The repetitive downward impact on knees and quads catches many first-timers off guard, and rushing it is a common way to end up sore for days afterward. What Is The Best Time To Climb Adam’s Peak From the Unduwap Poya (full moon) in December to the Vesak Poya in May is the official pilgrimage season for climbing Adam’s Peak.  It is the dry season in Sri Lanka.  The entire route gets decked up during this season. The strings of lights, the tea stalls, and rest huts open all night make the ambience festive.  However, if you want to avoid the crowd, you can plan a climb between June and November.  Skip the monsoon months and slippery stone steps.  Crowds And Timing Within The Season If you want to join the pilgrims in the peak season, you must avoid the following days. Full Moon Days Weekends The Week Around the Sinhala New Year in Mid-April. Also, the months of January and February remain the busiest.  So, if you are planning a quieter climb in the festive season, aim for a weekday in early December or late April instead. What To Pack And Expect Comfortable, broken-in walking shoes matter more here than technical hiking gear, since the trail has no scrambling but plenty of relentless stairs.  Nights on the mountain get cold, particularly in December and January. So, a warm layer is worth the extra weight in your bag.  The entry is free, though donations are welcomed at the temple near the base. Moreover, you must carry cash for tea, snacks, and simple meals from the stalls lining the route during the season. Nearby Places To Combine With Your Visit Hatton and the surrounding tea country make a natural base before or after the climb. You can combine Adam's Peak with a trip through Nuwara Eliya or onward toward Ella via Sri Lanka's scenic hill-country rail line.  If you have a rest day built in, the tea estates around Maskeliya and Dalhousie are worth exploring at a slower pace once your legs have recovered from the descent. Guides And Group Climbs To Adam’s Peak Hiring a guide is not necessary on the main Hatton route, since the path is obvious and well-populated during the season. However, having a guide can add real value for first-time climbers who want context on the mountain's history and the shrines passed along the way.  Many guesthouses in Nallathanniya and Hatton can arrange a local guide on short notice.  Also, joining a small group climb is a good option for solo travelers who would rather not do the pre-dawn ascent entirely alone.

BY  Sibashree Mar 27, 2026

Osaka food is slowly and steadily surpassing Tokyo as the poster for Japanese cuisine.  Furthermore, it has been just a few days since La Cime in Osaka became the best restaurant in Japan in the Asia's 50 Best Restaurants list in 2026.   However, the soul of the Osaka food lies in the streets. The Dotonbori neighborhood was especially the best when I visited.  In fact, I was so much in love with the street food here that I chose to cancel the previous booking and chose a hotel in Dotonbori instead.  Also, the Dotonbori Market was the epicenter of my food exploration in Osaka.  Moreover, how can you ever forget what Anthony Bourdain had to say about food in Osaka? He said,  “I’m a big believer in winging it. I’m a big believer that you’re never going to find the perfect city travel experience or the perfect meal without a constant willingness to experience a bad one.  Letting the happy accident happen is what a lot of vacation itineraries miss, I think, and I’m always trying to push people to allow those things to happen rather than stick to some rigid itinerary.” So, let’s explore Osaka food at its best in Dotonbori. What Are The Best Osaka Food You Can Try On The Streets?  Osaka, despite its funky and vibrant appearance, has a history that goes back to the Edo Period in the 17th century.  Furthermore, it was a major trading hub during that period. Also, it was the same time when Osaka earned the nickname “Japan’s Kitchen.”  Moreover, Dotonbori extends across a canal that reaches out to the sea. So, you will always find fresh seafood in the local delicacies.  Ramen Udon Torikara Takoyaki These are some of the delicacies served by the local vendors in Osaka.  However, just mentioning these names does not justify the tangible experience of Osaka food.  I saw a big red octopus getting dressed and served, and the lobsters were irresistible.  Nonetheless, these are the best street foods you can try in Osaka.  1. Mitarashi-Dango Pocket-Pinch: 150 JPY  Mitarashi-Dango is the most comforting street food you will try in Osaka. Furthermore, these are great for budget-friendly travelers and backpackers like me.  These rice balls are sweet and chewy, and have a hint of burnt taste due to the unique browning process that takes place once the rice balls are boiled and cooled.  Furthermore, the glaze of the sweet soy sauce makes it perfect!  2. Okonomiyaki Pocket-Pinch: 400-450 JPY  Do you like frittata? Then, you will love these Japanese savory pancakes even more.  Okonomiyaki has all the flavors. However, you never feel heavy after having them. Furthermore, these pancakes are simple, as cabbage, flour, and eggs are the main ingredients.  However, the local street vendors add seafood and scallions to the dish for more flavor and color.  Also, they serve it with barbecue sauce.  3. Daifuku Mochi Pocket Pinch: 350-400 JPY Mochi, the round rice cake, is a staple Japanese delicacy.  It has the chewiness of Mitarashi-Dango. However, it has filling as the daifuku part of the name suggests.  I loved the ones with strawberry filling, and you can also try them with other fruits.  4. Torikara Pocket-Pinch: 300-400 JPY If the USA has its deep-fried chicken, Japan also has Torikara.  I loved them, and the fried potatoes and the variety of sauces will be the most amazing additions.  5. Takoyaki Pocket Pinch: 700-800 JPY  Takoyaki is probably the most famous street food of Osaka and Japan.  Japanese people love these octopus balls, and that’s why the Takoyaki stalls in Dotonbori are countless.  Furthermore, the scallions and flakes of dried fish sprinkled on top make the dish really amazing.  Moreover, the batter is gooey, and it will melt in your mouth.  6. Taiyaki Pocket Pinch: 300 JPY This is a fish-shaped pastry and my silent favorite among everything I tried in Osaka.  The smell is irresistible, and the main attraction is to see it getting ready in front of your eyes.  You can have this vanilla-flavored pastry with cheese, custard, and hamburger meat. However, the red bean paste is the ideal choice if you want to follow the grammar of East Asian cuisine. 7. Udon Pocket Pinch: 650 JPY The hot broth and noodles! I know that I have kept you waiting for the longest time to find this lethal combination on my list.  The noodles in Udon are thick, and with the right seasoning, their taste grows on you. That’s why you can eat udon every day and not get bored.  Furthermore, there are many variations of udon, such as the curry udon, yaki-udon, nabeyaki udon, and tempura udon.  8. Soba Pocket Pinch: 400 JPY Soba has buckwheat noodles in hot broth. Furthermore, these noodles are darker and thinner.  Furthermore, the simplicity of the dish and flavors make it a perfect palate cleanser.  I loved a bowl of soba with scallions.  9. Ramen Pocket Pinch: 700-800 JPY Ramen, of course, is the quintessential wheat noodles the whole world has been eating for quite some time now.  I tried different variations of ramen in Osaka. However, I loved the one with pork the best.  10. Yakitori Pocket Pinch: 1000-1100 JPY Yakitori is the Japanese take on grilled meat.  Furthermore, you will get many variations in the meat used here. You will get bone meat, chicken skin, seafood, and many other varieties here.  11. Sushi  Pocket Pinch: 1200 JPY If Sushi is an emotion, then it runs in the veins of Osaka.  From sea urchin to tuna, eel, and salmon, Osaka spoils you with choices in sushi.  Furthermore, the art of eating sushi is something that you need to understand. It is just not about gulping down some food.  It’s also about being a part of the Japanese culture.  12. Taiko Manju Pocket Pinch: 100-150 JPY You may think that Taiko Manju and Taiyaki are the same, but the origin and texture are very different.  Despite the use of the same ingredients, Taiko Manju is fluffier. Furthermore, their drum shape is inspired by the taiko drums, which are integral parts of Japanese festivals.  Read Also: What Are The Best Day Trips From Tokyo? 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