Vavuniya, Sri Lanka: The Crossroads Of Tamil And Sinhalese Cultures Everyone Just Passes Through

BY  Sibashree May 4, 2026

Yes, the Kandy to Ella Train is still closed. Even if you search for the Kandy to Ella trains on the Sri Lanka Railways website now, it will show, “The rail line from Kandy to Ella is still under repair. Please select Ambewela as your closest alternative departure station.” So, it means that the Sri Lankan Railways, especially the iconic Kandy to Ella train route, is still recovering from the destruction of Cyclone Ditwah in 2025.  However, operation of the Ella Odyssey train has resumed from 7th January, 2026.  Nevertheless, as everyone waits for the Kandy to Ella train route to be fully functional, here, I want to share my experience of an iconic train ride on this Kandy to Ella route.  I will also share details about the Ella Odyssey Train, now running between Ambewela and Badulla.  Kandy To Ella Train Journey: Quick Facts  FactsDetailsRoute DistanceAround 120 KmBest ClassReserved Second ClassBest Time for the Train JourneyDecember to April The Most Beautiful Stretch Nanu Oya and EllaRail Route Built In1864 The Kandy To Ella Train Journey: Why Is It So Famous?  The Kandy to Ella train service was started in the British period for the transportation of tea to the highlands.  However, today, it is acknowledged as the most beautiful railway route in Sri Lanka.  The best thing is that the scenes outside the train window do not remain static. From small villages to tea plantations, hills, and waterfalls,  Furthermore, the train on this route passes at a slow pace, making the experience all the more immersive.  So, a train journey on this route is one of the best things to do in Ella and, in fact, one of the top attractions in Sri Lanka.  My Experience Of The Kandy To Ella Train Journey  If you are traveling from Colombo to Kandy, you now have to take a bus.  However, I visited before the devastation caused by Cyclone Ditwah. So, I enjoyed my train journey from Colombo to Kandy.  From the Kandy Lake to the iconic Temple Of The Tooth, the top attractions in Kandy make it the cultural epicenter of the country.  After exploring Kandy, I took a train ride to Ella, and here is how I enjoyed the journey.  1. Train Journey Started From The Kandy Station  Like the city itself, the Kandy Railway Station is also very pretty.  It has a history dating back to the British era. Even today, behind its modern exterior, you will find a Victorian interior and platforms.  So, once you enter the station, you will feel history and nostalgia becoming palpable in front of your eyes.  The station is hot and humid, and the crowd may seem a little annoying.  However, a glimpse of the iconic blue train of Sri Lanka will take all irritation away.  2. The Blue Train  The train reached Kandy station, and the color of the Chinese diesel locomotive was turquoise blue.  I boarded the third-class compartment and luckily got a seat.  I already knew about the history of this rail route at the National Railway Museum, Kadugannawa.  The train has been operating since the 1920s. However, passengers started traveling in these trains in the 1960s.  Nevertheless, the train was jolting heavily, and it slowly left Kandy, making its way to the hill country.  Cricket And More  Coming from India, it was fun talking about cricket with the Sri Lankan locals in the train.  As they showered their love for every cricketing legend, from Sachin Tendulkar to Virat Kohli, I also shared my adoration for Kumar Sangakkara and Sanath Jayasuriya.  You know what the best thing about this train ride was? The train moved slowly. However, the wind coming through the windows got mixed with the voices of the locals singing.  Overall, it was a feeling of freedom and excitement.  The Vendors  The Kandy to Ella train ride will be incomplete without having chai and hot wade. As the vendors get on board, the fragrance of hot wade and tea immediately makes you hungry.  Also, as soon as the train leaves the Kandy station, you start enjoying the cool breeze.  The View  Ever-stretching tea plantations, misty mountains, and beautiful stations, I got to see everything throughout the train journey from Kandy to Ella.  So, within a few hours, I got a glimpse of the local lives of Sri Lanka.  I also understood why it is called one of the greatest train rides in the world.  Continuing The Kandy To Ella Rail Route Journey: Toward The Nine Arch Bridge And Demodara Railway Loop Once I got down at Ella after a train ride from Kandy, I took a tuk-tuk to reach the iconic Nine Arch Bridge.  The Nine Arch Bridge is a historic landmark for its role in World War I. The first train on the bridge passes at 9:30 AM, and the last train passes at 5:30 PM.  Moreover, along with the Nine Arch Bridge, the Demodara Railway Loop is another attraction on this route.  I had the most peaceful experience of train riding at the Demodara Railway Loop, as unlike the Kandy to Ella train, it was not crowded at all.  The Kandy To Ella Train: Running Between Ambewela And Badulla Now  Train $11015 runs between Ambewela and Badulla except Wednesdays. It departs the Ambewela station at 3 PM and reaches Badulla at 5:46 PM.  You can buy a first-class ticket, and it costs ₹INR 1000.  Furthermore, the train $11005 leaves the Ambewela Station at 9:30 AM and reaches Badulla at 12:16 PM.  You can buy second-class and third-class train tickets. A third-class ticket costs ₹575 and a second-class ticket costs ₹770.  Moreover, on Wednesdays, train #111043 departs Ambewela at 1:30 PM and reaches Badulla at 4:15 PM. The tickets for this train are expensive.  The second-class ticket for this train is ₹2326 per adult.  If you want to learn more about the trains running between Ambewela and Badulla, you can check out the information here. 

BY  Sibashree Mar 31, 2026

If you want to explore offbeat Japan, you can surely visit Sapporo, the capital of Hokkaido Island.   Hokkaido Island,anyway, teaches the art of slow living and slow traveling.   The scenic beauty here is amazing, the winters are snowy, and the food and beer here are amazing.   Also, it is an amazing year-round destination, and the things to do in Sapporo are as diverse as they can be.   And here are the details. However, before that, let us talk about the best time to visit Sapporo.  What Is The Best Time To Visit Sapporo?   As I have mentioned, you can visit Sapporo throughout the year. However, December to February is the best time to plan a visit.   Especially, February is the month of the winter festival in Sapporo.   Moreover, April to May is the ideal time if you want to experience the Cherry Bloosm Season from the Hokkaido Shrine and Maruyama Park.   Also, the warm and humid summer months are ideal for enjoying the “beer garden events.”   In addition, from September to November, or the autumn months, are great for seeing the fall foliage, hiking, and attending the food festivals.   What Are The Most Unique Things To Do In Sapporo?   More than ticking the bucket list, in Sapporo, you need to soak in the laid-back vibe.   It is way less crowded than Osaka and Tokyo, and despite that, it has an important role to play in the tourism industry of the country.   That is why many people travel from Tokyo to Hokkaido.   1. Visiting The Parks And Gardens  As a nature lover since forever and daily walking the streets and parks of Sapporo, I have learned that Sapporo has lots of green spaces where you can enjoy nature.  The parks of Sapporo are the city's heart.   Odori Park is my usual starting point in the morning when I first walk.   This park is located in the center of downtown and is an ideal and convenient place to take a refreshing morning walk before starting your day.   On days when I want to be more active, I cycle, jog, or photograph all the amazing trees and flowers at Moerenuma Park. It is absolutely stunning how vast the area is!  You will probably find me at Maruyama Park, located next to Hokkaido Shrine, during the spring and fall months.   It’s an incredible place to see the cherry blossoms in full bloom, and it’s usually very pretty to see the fall leaves change color from green to red.   During the wintertime, it becomes a wonderful family-oriented ski resort that I simply love!  For a bit of a deeper dive, I love visiting the Hokkaido University Botanical Gardens. It’s a peaceful retreat where I can admire rare plants and learn about the indigenous Ainu culture.  2. Exploring The Galleries And Museums  Upon arriving in Sapporo, I did not take long to figure out that this is a city that has beautifully integrated its history with modernity, which is a masterclass.   I spent the first day of my trip exploring the history of the island of Hokkaido by visiting the Hokkaido Museum.  Then, I went to the Historical Village, which showed how the early infrastructure and primitive architecture were examples of the area's strength.   The Hokkaido University Museum is also a majestic place, with its enormous collection of extensive academic research and archaeological artifacts through the ages.  Of course, I couldn't resist a detour to the Sapporo Beer Museum. Learning the history of Japan’s iconic brew made that final tasting session feel well-earned.  As a fan of art, I was spoiled for choice with several locations from which I could pick my favorites.   The JR Tower Art Gallery has an impressive array of artwork, and at the Sapporo Art Park, there are some unbelievably large sculptures sitting throughout the grounds.   I was amazed at how much creativity and energy could be found in the city of Sapporo.   While looking at all the galleries, you can also plan a trip to Uji, located approximately 500 km south.   A visit to Japan would not be complete without enjoying a cup of matcha at this city's matcha capital.  3. Visiting The Shrines And Temples  Kyoto may have the most amazing shrines, but Sapporo also has some beautiful ones.   The Hookaido Shrine is the most popular among them, and you will find it just next to the Maruyama Park.   Furthermore, the Sapporo Suitengu Shrine is another place where families and pregnant women visit for a healthy baby.  Moreover, if you are a seeker and want some spiritual guidance, Joganji Temple is your place. It has the most meditative environment.  4.  Exploring The Historical Landmarks Of Sapporo  Sapporo has many historical places to visit, and you can start with the “Former Hokkaido Government Office.”   It has beautiful gardens, and with its insightful exhibitions, it offers a deep understanding of the local history.   The next place you can visit is the Sapporo TV Tower. It is an important landmark for broadcasting and tourism.   Furthermore, from the TV Tower, you can enjoy an amazing view of Odori Park and its surroundings.   The Clock Tower is another important landmark in Sapporo. It has been standing there since 1878.   However, for me, the most iconic historical landmark in the city was the Hoheikan Guest House.   This 1880 guest house in Nakajima Park had many important guests, including the royal family and important foreign guests.   In addition, for a culturally immersive experience, you can explore the Hokkaido historical village. It is like an open-air museum with distinct architecture, buildings, and Japanese townscapes.  5.  Souvenir Shopping   It’s a sin to visit Sapporo and not do some serious shopping.   Furthermore, souvenir shopping is one of the best things to do in Sapporo because of the diversity of stuff you can procure.   Firstly, the sweets here are amazing. You must try Marusei butter sandwiches and Royce chocolates.   Also, you will find skincare products made of horse oil.   In addition, you will love local crafts such as Ainu crafts and Otaru glassware.   Moreover, the best places for shopping in Sapporo are “Ario Sapporo Mall,” “Apia Mall,” “Sapporo Stellar Place Mall,” and “Tanukikoji Shopping Street.” 

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