What Are The Unique Things To Do In Sapporo? Exploring The Capital Of Hokkaido  

BY  Sibashree May 4, 2026

Matara, the second-largest city in southern Sri Lanka, is an important gateway to Dickwella Beach, Hiriketiya Beach, or Talalla Beach.   However, beyond that, Matara is a place where the Dutch colonial heritage meets vibrant culture.  Now, talking about this part of Sri Lanka, places such as Mirissa or Galle get more prominence.  However, as I have also mentioned on my blog on Talalla Beach, Matara felt more intimate.  First of all, it was not tourist-heavy, and it is yet to get out of its shell of a hidden gem. Secondly, from beaches to historical landmarks and spiritual retreats, you will find everything in and around Matara.  So, in this blog, I will talk about the places to visit in Matara in detail.  What Are The Best Places To Visit In Matara?  Matara is now gearing up for the Sri Buddha Year 2570 State Vesak Festival on 27th May 2026.   It will take place at the Midellawala Ancient Temple premises at Thihagoda in Matara.  The program involves a week-long celebration and will continue till 2nd June 2026.  From moral teaching to spiritual learning and sessions on environmental conservation, this week will be significant.  Nevertheless, if you are in Matara, do not forget to visit these places.  1. Polhena Beach: Swim, Snorkel, And Relax Polhena Beach impresses at first sight with its calm water. The water here is shallow, making it one of the most family-friendly beaches in Sri Lanka.  Furthermore, the protected coral reef here makes it ideal for snorkeling, even for beginners.  When you snorkel or swim here, you can find many species of reef fish. I could even spot a few sea turtles here as I walked a few meters from the shore.  Above all, Polhena Beach is a great place to unwind. Also, watching the sunset here was a wonderful experience, with the sky changing colors and those colors reflecting in the water.  2. Matara Fort: A Must-Visit For A History Buff  If you are fascinated by the colonial history of Sri Lanka, Matara Fort is a must-visit.  You know, the Galle Fort is iconic. However, the Matara Fort also has a history of Portuguese and Dutch colonialism in this part of the world.  The Portuguese built this fort, and later in the 17th century, the Dutch reinforced it.  Furthermore, the best part of the Matara Fort is how it still has an active presence in the daily life of the town.  There are schools, government offices, and shops inside the wall. Moreover, when I arrived, I heard the noise of local boys who were playing cricket inside the fort.  I started talking to them. From Sangakkara to the rising P Nissanka, we covered a lot of players from the country in our discussion.  It was a fun interaction. Now, talking about cricket has been one of the most important things to do in Sri Lanka for me.  Again, as I walked through the fort, I visited the old Dutch church, which was built in 1706. Moreover, from the Matara Fort, I enjoyed amazing views of the Indian Ocean.  Being a public district, the fort does not have an entry fee, and you can enjoy a walk anytime you want.  3. Paravi Duwa Temple: One Of The Best Spiritual Places To Visit In Matara  The floating temple, or the Paravi Duwa Temple, is on a small island called Pigeon Island or Paravi Duwa.  You have to walk through the footbridge connecting the mainland and the island. If Matara Fort offers you an insight into the region’s history, this floating temple is all about serenity.  The temple has many stunning Buddha statues and a golden Stupa. However, the most fascinating thing is the replica of the footprint on Adam’s Peak.  Furthermore, here, you will enjoy a stunning coastal backdrop.   The temple remains open from 6 AM to 6 PM, and it is best if you walk across the bridge at sunrise.  4. Weherahena Temple: A Proud Example Of Modern Buddhist Architecture  On the east side of Matara, the Weherahena Temple has the biggest seated Buddha statue in Sri Lanka.  The statue is 39 meters tall, and here you will find an underground tunnel.  Now, walking through the tunnel is a fascinating experience. There, you will see more than 200 murals about the life of Lord Buddha.  Moreover, the tunnel remains open from 6 AM to 8 PM.  5. Star Fort: A Dutch Colonial Heritage  The Star Fort, close to the Matara Fort, originally went by the name of Redoute Van Eck.  It is a hidden gem in Matara, but the architecture here is equally fascinating.  Furthermore, the fort gets its name from its unique six-pointed star shape. Built in 1765, the fort had a strategic position to prevent attacks from the land.  The Matara Fort, however, was more instrumental in protecting against attacks from the sea.  Also, you must not miss a visit to the Star Fort museum, which offers insights into the Dutch colonial history of Sri Lanka.  The fort remains open from 9 AM to 4 PM, and I had to pay an entry fee of around ₹100.  6. Dondra Head Lighthouse: Sri Lanka’s Southernmost Part  I took a short tuk-tuk ride from Matara to Dondra, the southernmost part of Sri Lanka.  The Dondra Lighthouse, with a height of 49 meters, is the tallest lighthouse in the country. This 1889 fort offers an amazing view of the Indian Ocean.  However, they did not allow visitors to climb up the lighthouse. So, instead, you can enjoy a coastal walk and take the best snaps for your socials.  7. Matara Local Markets: Offering Insights About Local Culture And Flavors  I always believe that to know a place, you have to explore its local markets. The Matara local market smells of handicrafts, tropical fruits, and spices.  Moreover, here, you will enjoy prawn fritters or isso wade and pol sambol, even kottu roti, the authentic delicacies of Sri Lanka.  Furthermore, despite the language barrier, the crowd there was so friendly. Also, knowing I am from India, some of them even shared how they feel about the solidarity.  So, the next time you are in Matara, don’t just treat it as a stopover for the popular southern Sri Lankan beaches.  Try to soak in the history, culture, and spiritual vibe of this beautiful coastal town.

BY  Sibashree May 4, 2024

The Everest Base Camp Trek is a gorgeous stroll that a trekker needs to cover. Indulging in this grandiose walk allows you to scrape out some of the nicest sights of your life. It isnot just the views of peaks including Mt. Everest, Ama Dablam, Pumori, and Lhotse. You will be also amazed by the images of the lush woods, clean rivers, glaciers, and quaint hamlets. The trekking on Everest base is the third most famous trekking vacation spot in the world. Apart from nature, this trek also gets you pretty close to the dwelling locations of the Sherpas.  It evokes everyone's emotions to a point where you will get to examine a lot of the deep meanings associated with life. Overall, the Everest Base Trek is well worth doing for many reasons. And here, we have woven together the 5 pleasant reasons that you will enjoy doing a trek at the Everest Base. Hillary Bridge (Nepal’s Highest Suspension Point): Hillary Bridge is the easiest suspension bridge in the Khumbu area and expands on top of the Dudh Kosi River. Keep the final bridge for the second or third day of the Everest Trek rather than opting for an abrupt ascent to the Namche Bazaar street.  The non-secular prayer flags flying all across the bridge offer you spiritual and religious vibes. However, the bridge gives you a distinctive vibe of freedom. NamcheBazaar (Mountain Bazaar) (Sherpa People and their Mountain Lifestyle): Namche Bazaar is widely regarded as the tourism capital and the biggest sherpa agreement in the Khumbu area. The city is actually stunning and offers various rejuvenating vacation spots near Everest. Tourism refers to the primary carrier for people residing in Namche Bazaar.  This city portrays a magnificent glimpse of mountain tops. These include Kongde Ri (6,187 m), Thamserku (6,623 m), and, additionally, the 8,848 m-high Everest. All across the town, you will find several restaurants, cafes, lodges, bakeries, Tibetan handicraft stores, and even museums.  NangkarTshang Hill Standpoint (Hiking Place From Dingboche): After Namche, Dingboche is the area where we take a relaxation and adaptation break. During the day, you can go to NangkarTshang Hill’s viewpoint. A 3-hour hike starts from the Dingboche village, extending to the summit of NangkarTshang Hill. It presents views of Makalu, Lhotse, Mera Peak(Island Peak), and Choopulu. Unparalleled Scenery: If you want to head over to excellent scenery, this is where you should go. Along with Himalayan wasteland thrills, you will get to see dozens of mountains.  A lot of peaks can trip their base camps, too. Furthermore, the way offers picturesque destinations that allow you to take Instagram pictures.  Starting from the first day, trekkers are capable of witnessing colossal snowy peaks. Further, it is, in all likelihood, the sole trekking path where you get the mountain surroundings all through the trip.  Lhotse, Everest, Choyou, and Makalu peaks offer grandeur in the entire area. These peaks are in the top 10 absolute best mountains in the world. Hometown Of Sherpa And Unique Culture: This is the first reason the Everest base camp journey has become more popular. Everest Touring Trails are trails that are completely grounded in Tibetan Sherpa culture. Everest Camp Touring Camp Touring trails is only one touring stint in Nepal, where you'll enjoy the Tibetan Buddhism religion and culture. All the touring routes of the Everest region offer pedestrians the unique culture of the Tibetans, the Tibetan Sherpa culture of Nepal.  Tengboche Friary: Tengboche Friary is another third magnet on the Everest hiking trip. It is located in a 3890-meter-high place. There, you will enjoy a Tibetan Sherpa religious experience and a fantastic panoramic view of the whole Everest region of the Himalayas.  The fabulous Sherpa culture of Everest is a subject of important admiration and alleviation for most people around the world. Similarly, the Base Camp Trek at Everest presents a perfect occasion to enjoy the fabulous culture and tradition of the Sherpa. As a matter of fact, the Sherpa people are known worldwide for their nearly superhuman mountaineering chops. Nearest Views Of Mt. Everest From Kala Pattar: The view of Mt. Everest from Kala Patthar is a rallying point of the Himalayas, especially Mount Everest. Kala Pattar is only one stylish and closed viewpoint of Mt. Everest, which is really beyond the imagination and has superb views. The Himalayan lookouts of Nepal are the country’s biggest draw points. The Everest Camp Trek also doesn't fail in this aspect; therefore, you should definitely consider visiting it once in your lifetime. Religious And Cultural Prolificacy: A lot of Sherpa agreements on the EBC route provide Mani buses, prayer flags, inscribed Mani boulders, Gompas, and Chortens. The inhabitants of this region are known to have migrated somewhere from Tibet 400 years ago. Moreover, they still revive the conventional Tibetan language as well as culture. People belonging to this region are not only simple, gracious, and generous but also strict followers of Buddhism.  The Pangboche and Tengboche Gompas are two of the most primitive gompas, each with its own history and significance. The former bone belongs to the biggest gompa of the Khumbu region. It is encompassed by Nuptse, Tawache, Lhotse, Thamserku, and Ama Dablam. These are joints for the Festival, Mani Rimdu. The festival is the longest and takes place from October to November. The concept goes after the bone, which was said to have the genuine Yeti’s crown and hand. However, it just has a replica only. Furthermore, the Tengboche Gompa( friary), Pangboche Gompa, and multitudinous cloisters represent the artistic and architectural productivity of this region. The Sagarmatha National Park: This magnificent demesne, which was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1979, is a biodiversity mecca. Rich in foliage and fauna, Sagarmatha National Park is home to rare species of creatures like snow leopards and black-and-white pandas. It also has hares, jackals, wolves, and numerous others. It is further home to around 200 species of catcalls, some rare, some common. However, all call the thick timbers of this demesne home. The demesne has numerous touring trails within it. It also introduces you to the unique culture of the mountain communities. These communities live within its borders in complete harmony with their surroundings. Everest Base Camp (The Ultimate Peak): Let’s admit it! We have been waiting for this site for so long. 5300m is the elevation of Everest Base Camp, which is the closest to hiking. However, being closer to Mt. Everest, this camping point is prone to natural disasters. Once you are done hiking at the base camp, you will see a magical kingdom full of pebbles, rocks, and snow. This gives trekkers a sigh of relief and success.  The entire Everest Camp location is full of colorful prayer flags, a never-ending valley, and skyscraper-high snow peaks. Also, how can we forget the stunning Khumbu Glacier Icefall, which is a popular touchdown spot for all camp helicopter tours? Begin The Journey To Mount Everest Beginning the epic journey to Mt. Everest is a once-in-a-lifetime memory and experience. So, every step leaves an indelible mark on the hearts of those who dare to complete this extraordinary path. From the vistas of snow-capped peaks and cultural diversity in Sherpa Village to the accomplishment of reaching Everest Camp!  Apart from these reasons, there are several other factors that would compel you to do the trek. Other reasons that might captivate you are suspension bridges, waterfalls, moraines, glacial rivers, and glaciers. Learn More Also: Trekking Kilimanjaro & Salkantay Top 5 Unexplored Treks In Himachal Life Is Enjoyable: Incorporate 7 Best Unique Treks In The World

BY  Sibashree Aug 21, 2026

Chilaw drew my attention with the smell of drying fish at the harbor. As I reached the fishing town, I heard a low chant drifting out of a Shiva temple.  Chilaw, which almost a year back had a Korea FAO Sustainable and Innovative Fisheries and Aquaculture Programme (KOFAF) to boost the shrimp aquaculture of Sri Lanka, is a fishing town first.  Then, it is a pilgrimage site and almost as an afterthought, a beach destination.  Overall, it felt so unpolished and real in a way that many famous coastal stops in Sri Lanka have lost for a long time. How To Reach Chilaw, Sri Lanka And Get Around?  Chilaw is around 52.9 km away from the Bandaranaike International Airport. By road, the journey is around 1.5 hours to 2 hours.  The town's own railway station is about 3 kilometres from the centre, with regular services connecting to Colombo along the coastal line. ModeEstimated Time From ColomboApproximate Cost (LKR)NotesCar / Taxi2 Hours8000-15000(Based on Vehicle Type)Most FlexibleEasiest Way to Combine Chilaw with Anawilundawa and Marawila in One LoopUber2 HoursUber Go Intercity: 12016Uber Sedan: Intercity: 12629UberXL Intercity: ₹16062(Source: Uber.com) Best for First-timers.Safer for Solo, Women Travelers. Train (Colombo Fort–Puttalam line)Around 2.5 to 3 HoursThird Class Tickets: 180Second Class Tickets: 400First Class Tickets: 750(Source: Sri Lankan Railways.)The Station is roughly 3 km from the Town CentreA Tuk-Tuk Covers the Last StretchBus2–2.5 Hours150-300Regular Services along the Coastal RouteIt is the Cheapest Option Once you reach Chilaw, you can move around in tuk-tuks. From the town center, you can take a short ride to the fish market and near St. Mary's Church. You can even ferry to Anawilundawa and back after a half-day trip.  However, here, I had to negotiate a lot with the drivers. You must also fix the price upfront so that they do not end up adding more to the price during the trip.  What Are The Top Attractions In Chilaw?  Chilaw does not offer a resort trip like Bentota or Hikkaduwa. It mostly has simple guesthouses as accommodations.  Also, if you want to focus on the quieter beach experience, you can stay in the larger properties in Marawila.  Still, Chilaw is not like a typical touristy or bucket-list destination, and here are the places I visited during my stay.  1. Munneswaram Temple Like the Pancha Bhoota Sthals in India, Sri Lanka also has its five ancient Ishwarams dedicated to Lord Shiva.  Munneswaram is one of them.  The temple is a complex of five temples, dedicated to Shiva, Ganesha, Ayyanayake, Kali, and, notably, a shrine to the Buddha as well.  This temple once again reminded me that the religious traditions of Sri Lanka have always been inclusive. Also, they have often overlapped with each other, rather than staying separate.  Why Is The Munneswaram Temple So Special?  The temple has a mythological association with the Ramayana. It is said that Lord Ramachandra worshipped Lord Shiva here for penance after killing Ravana, who was an ardent Shiva devotee and a Brahman.  Along with the mythological connection, the temple also stands out with its ambiance. As I entered the temple, the incense smoke rose over the Dravidian-style gopuram.  Also, there was a practiced calm even if the priests and devotees moved between the shrines.  However, the temple bustles with energy and human presence during the annual Munneswaram festival.  It is usually held in August, and the entire town seems to reorganise itself around the procession. 2. Chilaw Lagoon And The Sand Spits Chilaw picks its own rhythm from the lagoon. It is fringed by sixteen species of mangrove and reaches close to four metres at its deepest point before opening into the Indian Ocean. I took a late-afternoon boat out with a local fisherman who moonlights as a guide.  I spotted egrets lifting off the mangrove roots, and the occasional splash of a mullet. Also, with absolutely no other tourists in sight, it was the most peaceful 1 hour in Chilaw.  The lagoon isn't just scenic. It is a working fishery that supports well over a thousand families in the area, and you feel that livelihood everywhere. I saw the nets drying along the banks to the small jetties where boats are unloaded each morning.  Nearby, the Chilaw sand spits offer a quieter, more unusual landscape for birdwatchers, with shifting sandbanks that host wading birds you won't easily spot elsewhere on this coast. Regarding the charges, you have to negotiate directly with a fisherman at the jetty rather than book through a formal operator. My boat ride cost me LKR 500.   So, this is still very much an informal, word-of-mouth arrangement, and that is why there will be a lot of negotiations regarding the trip duration and the charges.  3. Anawilundawa Wetland Sanctuary If you are staying in Chilaw, do not skip a half-day trip to Anawilundawa, located between Chilaw and Puttalam.  This 1400 hectares area is a Ramsar Site, and it has three distinct ecosystems. You will find a  mangrove swamp, coastal saltwater belt, and freshwater lakes. Also, the biodiversity numbers are amazing. 150 Bord Species 20 Mammal Species 70 Types of Butterflies Moreover, half of the freshwater fish species in Sri Lanka call Anawilundawa Wetland Sanctuary their home.  I made a mistake by not taking a guide with me for the wetland visit.  A local birder pointed out species from the boat that I would have completely missed on my own, including a painted stork colony that was, frankly, worth the whole detour. If birdwatching is even a mild interest, hire a guide at the entrance.  It is inexpensive and transforms the visit. The entry is free, and the guide cost will be around LKR 1500 for two hours. Also, the sanctuary remains open from 6 AM to 6 PM.  4. Faith Along The Coast: Churches And Kovils Home to the Munneswaram Temple, Chilaw also harbors a Catholic heritage.  The St. Mary's Church in the town centre is a prominent example, and its architecture and quiet courtyard make it worth a stop even outside service hours.  A short drive away in Thalawila, St. Anne's Church draws thousands of pilgrims each July for its annual feast, one of the larger Catholic gatherings on this stretch of coast, complete with processions and all-night vigils. What struck me most, wandering between kovils, churches, and small unnamed shrines tucked down side streets, was how unremarkable this coexistence felt to the people living it. Nobody made a point of it.  It was simply how the town worked. 5. Beaches, Toddy Taverns, And The Fish Market Chilaw beaches are not the typical postcard frames you will find on the southern coast.  Silver Beach, the most prominent among them, is right in town. I loved an early evening walk there.  Also, nearby Marawila offers a longer, quieter stretch of sand if you are willing to drive twenty minutes north. For a real sense of the town, though, skip the beach and get to the Chilaw fish market before 7 AM.  It was loud, slippery underfoot, and completely unstaged. Furthermore, when the boats came in, auctioneers shouted prices, and vendors were already frying fresh catch on the spot.  I ended up having a breakfast of string hoppers and coconut sambol from a stall two feet from the water, and it remains one of the best meals of the trip. Later, I visited one small family-run toddy tavern. It served fresh fermented palm sap alongside coconut-based snacks.  It was strong, and I just took a few sips. Though it is a slice of daily Chilaw life, it is not for someone who is not used to it.  What Is The Best Time To Visit Chilaw?  Being on the west coast, Chilaw follows a different rhythm than the south or east. SeasonMonthsConditionsDry SeasonDecember–MarchSunny and low-humidity weather conditions are the best for lagoon trips and wetland walks.ShoulderApril, NovemberTransitional months offer fewer crowds, and the weather can be mixed.Southwest MonsoonMay–OctoberHeavier rain makes birdwatching and boating harder to plan around.Munneswaram FestivalUsually AugustThe town reorganises around the temple procession.So, it is worth timing a visit around. Combining Chilaw With Nearby Stops Route SegmentApprox. Driving TimeBest Known ForColombo to Chilaw2 hoursMunneswaram Temple, fish marketChilaw to Anawilundawa30 minutesWetland sanctuary, birdwatchingChilaw to Marawila20 minutesQuieter beach stretchChilaw to Puttalam45 minutesPuttalam Lagoon, salt pansPuttalam to Wilpattu National Park30–45 minutesLeopard sightings, natural "villu" lakes This makes Chilaw a natural half-day or overnight anchor for a longer west-coast loop rather than a single-purpose day trip. Why Chilaw Is Worth It Chilaw is not a destination that announces itself.  There is no single landmark that makes it onto every Sri Lanka itinerary, no beach that dominates Instagram feeds.  What it offers instead is texture. It has a working fish market, a thousand-year-old temple complex, mangrove lagoons, and a religious diversity that's lived rather than performed.  If you are the kind of traveller who would rather stumble into a real town than tick off a famous one, Chilaw is worth far more than the quick pass-through I originally planned.