What To Do In Shinjuku As A First Time Traveler? 10+ Attractions You Cannot Miss In 2026 

BY  Sibashree Jan 2, 2026

When Lonely Planet names Jaffna one of the 25 best cities to visit in 2026, it becomes a celebration of Jaffna’s culture and heritage. It is the spiritual heartbeat of the Tamil culture, and temples such as the Nallur Kandaswamy Kovil serve as the epicenter of the local community. Also, during my visit to Jaffna, I found the Hindu temples there similar yet different from South Indian temples. From the look of them, I could tell that there was something inherently Dravidian about them. However, the Jaffna temples have a wide use of palmyra wood instead of granite or bricks of the South Indian temples. Also, the temples in Jaffna, the spiritual and social anchors of the community, are more eclectic in nature compared to the South Indian temples. It is the intense spirituality that makes them so special. I shared a beautiful experience at Nallur Kandaswamy Kovil in my Jaffna Sri Lanka Travel Guide. It is about how a priest offered me sweets out of 1000s of devotees present there. Overall, these Hindu temples in Northern Srilanka are places to worship, appreciate architectural beauty, and celebrate the Tamil culture. In this Jaffna temple guide, I will talk about the major temples of Jaffna, their history, significance, hours, festivals, and more.  What Are The Top Hindu Temples To Visit In Jaffna, Sri Lanka?  The men entering the Nallur Kandaswamy Kovil were bare-chested. Now, I am familiar with such customs, being from India. But I saw some travelers being uncomfortable around it. Probably, they only go bare-bodied in public when hitting the best beaches in Jaffna. So, taking their shirts off for a temple visit was weird for them.  All the temples in Jaffna are associated with such customs, stories, history, and spiritual significance. Let’s talk about them in detail and know why you must include them in your Jaffna travel itinerary.  1. Nallur Kandaswamy Kovil (The Icon)  Nallur Kandaswamy Kovil, with Lord Murugan as the presiding deity, is the most prominent religious landmark in Jaffna, Sri Lanka. It is also an important place to learn about the Tamil culture in Jaffna.  Lord Murugan is the God of valor, eternal youth, and the destruction of ignorance. The Vel or spear in his hand stands for divine wisdom. He has six faces, which represent the five senses and the mind. These symbolize his mastery over all these faculties. The first thing I noticed was the magnificent golden Gopuram with detailed carvings. As I entered the temple, I felt calm instantly with the smell of the incense sticks. History And Significance Of Nallur Kandaswamy Kovil (Lord Murugan)  The current architecture of the Nallur Kandaswamy Kovil temple is of the 18th century, specifically in 1734. However, the origin of the temple goes back to 948 AD. The temple was further built in the 13th century by Puvenaya Vaku. He was a minister to King Kalinga Magha of the Jaffna Dynasty. Nallur was the capital of this dynasty. Currently, the descendants of Ragunatha Maapaana Mudaliyar and a private trust are in charge of the temple. The Golden Arch And Architecture  With the Dravidian style as the base, the Nallur Kandaswamy Kovil beautifully integrates water, wind, space, fire, and earth, the five elements that constitute the universe. Furthermore, the temple has four gates, and its multi-tiered gopurams feature sculptures of important mythological figures and Hindu deities. Again, the large halls (Mandapas) and compounds are ideal for gatherings and celebrations. These features show how these temples are important for the community activities in Jaffna. Visitor Rules: The "Shirtless" Law Explained  The Nallur Kandaswamy dress code requires men to wear dhotis with their chests bare. Women need to wear modest clothes with their shoulders and knees covered. Sarees, long skirts, and blouses are the ideal outfit for women. Like any other temple, here also, you need to take off your shoes before entering.  Nallur Kandaswamy Kovil Temple Timing  Check out the table below for details on the temple timing and rituals. Temple Timing HoursDoors Open 4 AM Morning Palliyarai Pooja 4:30 AM Ushathkala Pooja 5 AM Temple Doors Reopen, Morning 7:30 AM Kalasandhi Puja 10 AM Uchikala Puja 12 PM Temple Doors Reopen, Evening 3 PM Sayarakshai Pooja 4 PM Second Kala Pooja 5 PM Evening Palliyarai Pooja and Arthasama Pooja 6 PM  Major Festival At Nallur Kandaswamy Kovil  The annual Nallur Festival, observed for 25 days in August, is a major event at the temple. The celebration starts with a flag hoisting ceremony, and there are daily processions with Nadaswaram or music, dancers, and idols. Furthermore, on the 24th day, the devotees pull colossal chariots. This festival has a deeper cultural significance as it celebrates the Tamil identity of the Sri Lankan people. The Karthigai Festival, celebrated in the Tamil Month of Karthigai (November-December), is another major festival here. It is a festival of lights. How To Reach Nallur Kandaswamy Kovil?  I took a cab from Jaffna to reach Nallur Kandaswamy Kovil. I reached the temple within 5 minutes, and the price was INR 90. 2. Naguleswaram Temple (Keerimalai)  Naguleswaram Temple is the most revered among the Pancha Ishwarams of Sri Lanka, or the five prominent Shiva Temples in Sri Lanka. Furthermore, this Hindu shrine has all the features, such as the deity (Moorthy), the holy water (Teertham), and the temple with its precinct (Thalam).  The temple remains open from 6 AM to 11 AM and 4 PM to 7 PM. Naguleswaram Temple History  The Naguleswaram Temple or Keerimalai gets its name from Nagulam or Keeri, which means mongoose. It is associated with the myths of Nagula Muni or Nakula Swami, who was said to have a mongoose-like face due to a curse by another sage, Yamathagini. Nagula Muni was originally called Sudhama, and he got this name for a sacrifice he made during his penance. He regained his human form after a holy bath in the Keerimalai spring. A devout follower of Lord Shiva, Nagula Muni, built the shrine. That is why it is called the Naguleswaram Temple.  This temple has a mention in the Dhakshina Kailaya Puranam and Suta Samhita, a part of the Skanda Purana, which is also a prominent work on Shaivism. Thus, the temple is a prominent landmark in the spread of Shaivism in ancient Jaffna. Also, the Keerimalai spring here has a mention in the ancient texts. It has the water from the Ganga Samudra Sangamam or the sea and the coastal springs. Thus, the spring is seen as a symbol of the holy union of Lord Shiva and Shakti, the divine masculine and feminine. The spring water is believed to have curative properties, and it has an association with the Ramayana, as Lord Rama took a bath here. Naguleswaram Temple Destruction, Restoration, And Architecture  The Naguleswaram Temple you see today is a reconstructed form during the Mahakumbhabhishekam in 2012 under the leadership of the chief priest. The temple was severely damaged after the bombing by the Sri Lankan Army in 1983. Nevertheless, the first restoration of the temple took place by Prince Vijaya in 543-505 BCE. Then, in 1621, the Portuguese destroyed it. Again, nearly 400 years later, Arumuka Navalar revived it in 1894. Then, in 1918, it was destroyed by fire and later reconstructed. Moreover, the final blow was the bombing by the Sri Lankan Army, and it was restored in 2012.  The Current Architecture Of Naguleswaram Temple  True to the Dravidian style, the temple has big pillars, towering Gopurams, and intricate sculptures. However, with restoration in different ages, the temple now shows eclectic influences. So, along with granite stones, concrete and cement are widely used in the construction of these temples. Naguleswaram Temple Festivals Aadi Amavaasai is the main festival at the Naguleswaram Temple. It is the New Moon night in the Tamil month of Aadi. The Moon ascending in the Kataka rasi is occupied by the Sun. So, it is seen as the confluence of the Shiva and Shakti. On this day, the Sri Lankan Hindus pay respect to their ancestors. How To Reach Naguleswaram Temple (Keerimalai)?  The Naguleswaram Temple is located at a distance of 25 km from Jaffna. You will get Tuk Tuks and public buses (768 and 769) from Jaffna to this temple. Of course, you can book a private car to travel the short distance.  3. Nainativu Nagapooshani Amman Temple  Located at Nainativu Island, the Nagapooshani Amman Temple is located at a distance of around 35 km from Jaffna City. It is one of the 64 Shaktipeethas in the region, and Goddess Nagapooshani, an avatar of Devi Durga, is the presiding deity here. The goddess gets her name as Nagapooshani because the idol depicts a 5-headed cobra around her head. This also relates to her other name, Bhuvaneshwari, or the Queen of the Universe. She is also called Indrakshi, as she eliminated the curse of Lord Indra by transforming his wounds into eyes. Lord Indra was cursed by Gautama Maharishi, and he received the blessings of the goddess after penance. The History And Architecture Of The Nagapooshani Amman Temple  The current form of the temple is the restored version, which took place after the Portuguese attack in 1620. However, the restoration took place much later, between 1720 and 1790. Nainativu has been an important strategic location for the people of South India and the Hindus of Sri Lanka, as it was on an important trade route in the medieval era. The temple today has four large Gopurams, and the main Gopuram, or the Raja Raja Gopuram, rises to the height of 108 feet. The idol of Goddess Nagapoosani is also very unique here. The idol has a ten-headed statue of Ravana at the base. How To Reach The Nagapooshani Amman Temple  I took the bus 776 to reach the Kurikkaduwan Jetty from Jaffna city center. The journey took an hour, and from there, I boarded a ferry to Nainativu Island, and it cost LKR 160 for a round trip. The ferry ride took us around 20 minutes. Major Festival At Nagapooshani Amman Temple  The Mahostavam or Thiruvilla is the biggest festival at the Nagapooshani Amman Temple. It is a 16-day observation during the months of June and July. More than 100000 devotees attend this ceremony. The Nearby Nagadeepa Buddhist Temple  The Nagadeepa Buddhist Temple is within 700 meters of the Nagapooshani Amman Temple. The Mahavamsa Buddha, an ancient Pali text, records that Lord Buddha visited this island for the second time in the 6th century BCE. He made this visit for the pacification of two Naga kings who were at loggerheads. Today, it has a main Stupa and a Bodhi Tree. Of course, the ambience is very peaceful. Hidden Gems: Lesser-Known Temples For Culture Lovers  Along with these major Hindu temples, Jaffna also has many lesser-known temples. Here, I will share details about the ones I loved.  1. Vallipuram Alvar Vishnu Kovil (Point Pedro)  Built by the Vijayanagar kings, the Vallipuram Alvar Vishnu Kovil is one of the ancient temples in Jaffna. The Maha Vishnu Utsavam festival here in September and October is the biggest celebration here. The pillars of this temple are intricately carved. 2. Selva Sannithi Murugan Temple  The Selva Sannithi Murugan Temple near the Thondaimanaru Aru stream has Lord Murugan as the presiding deity. Chola King Kulottunga first built the temple from 1070 to 1122 A.D.  3. Maviddapuram Kandaswamy Temple (The Historic Royal Temple)  King Thissai Ukkirasinga Cholan built this temple dedicated to Lord Murugan around 789 AD. He built the temple after his daughter, Maruthapuraveegavalli, got rid of her congenital deformity, a horse-like face, by the grace of Lord Murugan. Maviddapuram also literally means the holy city (Puram) where the horse (Ma) was removed (Vidda).  Cultural Immersion: The Annual Festival Of Nallur Kandaswamy Kovil  The Annual Nallur Festival, centered on the Nallur Kandaswamy Kovil, is a deep spiritual and cultural experience. A local friend of mine shared that more than 60 priests were present at this festival. The best thing is the inclusive spirit and vibe of the temples. There are no VIP gates or lines. Everyone is treated equally. The Festival Experience  From the grand chariot festival to devotees performing penance, the 25-day celebration is quite eventful. It begins with Kodiyetram, or the flag hoisting ceremony. The Chariot Festival or Ther and the Water Cutting Ceremony or Theertham are the other highlights of the festival. It culminates with Tirukalyanam or the divine marriage ceremony. Cultural And Spiritual Highlights The festival is dedicated to Lord Murugan (also known as Kandaswamy or Skanda), who is worshipped here in the form of the Vel (sacred spear).  1. Discipline And Purity  The people of Nallur are very particular about punctuality, and they adhere to their traditions. You have to maintain silence inside the inner sanctum, and the atmosphere there is meditative. 2. The Chariot Procession (Ther Thiruvizha)  The 24th day of this 25-day-long festival is reserved for the grand chariot procession. In 2025, the Annual Nallur festival started on 29th July, and the chariot procession took place on August 22nd. Devotees pull the wooden chariot of Lord Murugan by thick hemp ropes. “When we pull the ropes, we feel that he is among us! The divine.” A temple volunteer shared with me. 3. Acts of Devotion (Penance)  Kavadi Attam: Kavadi Attam is a rhythmic dance where devotees carry decorated semicircular structures or Kavadi in their hands.  Angapirathshanam: Some people perform an extreme level of penance by rolling their bodies along the hot sands surrounding the temple. This is a form of prayer and humility. Self-Mortification: Again, this is not for the faint-hearted. The devotees pierce their skin with small silver spears to fulfill vows.  4. The Atmosphere In Jaffna  The air reverberates with the resonance of the Nadaswaram, a long pipe instrument, and the drum or Thavil during these 25 days. The environment is trance-like. Also, the streets are decked out in a sea of white, gold, and red, the temple's signature colors. You can try the famous Nallur ice cream, Vadai, and Murukku, and the traditional food of Jaffna at the temporary street stalls.  However, as I mentioned earlier, the festival's greatest asset is unity. People from all walks of life and irrespective of their social status stand shoulder-to-shoulder to pull the chariot. Practical Tips For Visitors  You have to be an early bird to see the Chariot Festival, as the temple grounds get filled by 5 AM. You cannot take photos inside the inner sanctum, and it is disrespectful to turn your back to the deity and take selfies. The Sun is scorching in Jaffna during this festival. So, carry water. If you want to donate, do so only in the designated boxes or areas of the temple. A Jaffna Temple Guide Tips From Experts People of Jaffna are warm and inclusive. However, they are very sincere about their traditional practices. So, follow these tips. “The temple is not a tourist attraction; it is a living organism of devotion. Every renovation and every ritual is done to enhance the 'Vibration' (Shakti) of the space, not just its beauty.”  - A Temple Trustee Member Shared.  1. Evening Puja Feels Different  I visited the Nallur Temple at around 4:30 PM. The atmosphere was electric with the trumpet and drumming music. Also, it was less crowded. 2. You Will Get The Archana Or Fruit Basket Outside The Temple  Buy the fruit basket for $2-3 and hand it to the priest after entering the temple. Be a part of the ritual. 3. Be Respectful To The Vibuthi Or Holy Ash When the priest offers you the Vibuthi or the Kungumam (Red Powder), you must put it on your forehead. 4. Carry Extra Clothes For Keerimalai Dip  At Naguleswaram, pack a change of clothes. You can bathe in the historic Keerimalai ponds next to the ocean. It’s said to cure skin ailments.  5. Carry Cash For Shoes  You will always find a shoe keeper at the gate. Keep a small change of 50-100 handy. 6. The Island Commute  If you are traveling to Nainativu, arrive at the Jetty by 8:00 AM. It will help you avoid long queues and the Sun in the open sea. Temple-Specific Architecture And Jaffna Architecture Photography  You will notice a fusion of the Dravidian style of architecture and Portuguese, Dutch, and British styles in the Jaffna temples. They have the large Gopurams, a signature of the Dravidian architecture of Sri Lanka. Furthermore, these colorful temples of Sri Lanka have wide circumambulatory paths and sturdy outer walls. Unfortunately, you cannot take photographs inside these temples. For Gopuram photography in Jaffna, you have to capture the golden-ochre Gopurams from the surrounding roads, like Point Pedro Road, during "Golden Hour."  In July and August, especially during the Nallur Annual Festival, you will love capturing the street photos and the devotees in action. Jaffna Temple Visit Itinerary: Nallur And Nainativu  Here is a combined itinerary of Nallur Kandaswamy Kovil and Nainativu Nagapooshani Amman Kovil. Morning in Nallur • 5 AM to 6:30 AM - Attending the first puja at the Nallur Kandaswamy Kovi• 07:00 AM: Having hot Jaffna Dosa for breakfast.Mid-Day: The Island Pilgrimage (Nainativu) • 08:30 AM: Depart Jaffna for the Kurikadduwan (KKD) Jetty.• The drive takes about 1 hour across the scenic Kayts and Pungudutivu causeways.• 09:45 AM: Board the ferry to Nainativu Island.• The Ferry: It is a public service (approx. 80–100 LKR). The ride takes 15–20 minutes. • 10:15 AM – 12:30 PM: Explore the two major sites on the island: Nagapooshani Amman Kovil and Nagadeepa Purana Vihara (A 5-minute walk or short tuk-tuk ride away). Afternoon: The Return & Coastal Views • 01:00 PM: Catch the ferry back to the mainland.The last public ferry usually departs around 4:00 PM, but schedules can shift.• 02:30 PM: Stop at the Baobab Tree on Pungudutivu Island on your way back. It is a massive tree planted by Arab traders centuries ago.• 04:00 PM: Arrive back in Jaffna. Visit the Jaffna Fort for sunset to capture the coral-stone walls against the sea.  Jaffna Temple Guide: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Here are the frequently asked questions and answers about the Jaffna temple guide. 1. Can Non-Hindus Enter Jaffna Temples?  Yes, non-Hindus can enter Jaffna temples. However, you need to be respectful of the temple's customs. Be careful about the dress code, as women need to wear modest clothes and men need to wear dhotis with a bare chest. 2. Is It Safe To Travel To Jaffna Now?  Jaffna is currently recovering from the aftermath of Cyclone Ditwah. Also, the recent Chikungunya outbreaks have been a concern. Still, Jaffna is one of the most popular bucket-list destinations in 2026. Also, politically, it is stable, and there is increased landmine safety with military installations in multiple places. However, you must always carry your original ID and passport. 3. How Long Does A Temple Visit Take?  It will take around 45 to 60 minutes to explore each temple in Jaffna. However, if you want to attend the Pujas or talk to the trustee members about the history and significance of the temple, you may need an additional 45 minutes to one hour. 4. Are There Guides Available At The Temples?  No, there are no official guides available at the temples in Jaffna. However, you can hire a local guide or get in touch with the temple volunteers and trustee members for more guidance on the temples and the protocols of visiting them. 5. What Is The Red Dot Placed On The Forehead?  The red dot placed on the forehead is called Pottu or Tilak. It is a blessing from the deity, and it symbolizes divine wisdom. You must be respectful when the priest applies the red dot on your forehead. Read Also: What Are The Raja Ampat Liveaboard Tips? What Are The Best Liveaboard Diving Trips In Raja Ampat? What Are The Kotor Montenegro Free Activities For Budget Travelers? (Cheap And Free Are Not The Same) Top 13+ Famous Wonders Of India That You Must Visit [Updated 2024]

BY  Sibashree Mar 16, 2026

The National Zoological Gardens of Sri Lanka, or Dehiwala Zoo, is one of the first zoos in Asia.  So, if you have enjoyed the Kaudulla National Park safari, you will also love a visit to the Dehiwala Zoo.  This zoo has an area of 26 acres, and it is home to more than 2000 animals. Furthermore, you will find fountains, orchids, and peaceful lakes here. Moreover, it offers a unique Night Safari experience. On this night safari, you can spot the mysterious nocturnal animals.  In addition, you can join the educational workshops here to learn about wildlife conservation.  So, come and have a thrilling wildlife experience at Dehiwala Zoo. However, before I talk about its location, how to travel, things to do, and the best time to travel, here is a quick look at the essential details.  Dehiwala Zoo In Colombo: Quick Info  Address120 Galvihara Road, Dehiwala-Mount Lavinia, Sri LankaTimings8:30 AM to 6 PMTicket- LKR 100 for Local Adults- LKR 2,500 for ForeignersFacilities- Souvenir Shops- Restaurants- Boat Rides- Icecream Stalls- Zoo Aquarium- Butterfly Garden Pony Rides- Elephant Rides- Flowers- Fountains How To Reach Dehiwala Zoo?  Dehiwala Zoo is well accessible by air, train, bus, taxi, and ride-hailing apps. While the easiest option is to take a taxi or private car, traveling by bus is the cheapest way.  1. By Air Dehiwala Zoo is just 40 km away from the Bandaranaike International Airport.  Furthermore, you will easily get a ride-hailing service or a taxi to reach the Dehiwala Zoo within 45 minutes.  2. By Train The Dehiwala Railway Station is the closest to the zoo. So, if you are traveling from the north, you have to take a train from Colombo Fort Station to Dehiwala Railway Station.  Also, if you are traveling from the south, you can stop at Mount Lavinia Railway Station. The beautiful Mount Lavinia Beach is just 1.4 km away from the railway station.  Tuk-tuks are available from both these railway stations, and the train ticket price will be between 40 and 100 LKR.  3. By Taxis Or Ride-Hailing Apps The easiest way to reach Dehiwala Zoo is to take a ride-hailing service or a taxi. Uber and PickMe are the main ride-hailing services here.  You can book vans, tuk-tuks, or cabs using these apps.  Furthermore, the travel cost in this way is between 1700 and 2400 LKR.  4. By Bus  You will get buses to Dehiwala Zoo throughout the day. You can take bus 176, 100, and 101.  Furthermore, the ticket prices are between 30 and 50 LKR.  What Are The Best Things To Do At Dehiwala Zoo?  From watching the elephant performance to taking a ride in the zoo train, the activities in the zoo are diverse and ideal for tourists of all age groups.  However, for me, the most delightful part was watching the elephants in action. Here is more about the things to do at Dehiwala Zoo.  1. Watching The Animal Shows  Located on the Anagarika Dharmapala Mawatha, Dehiwala Zoo has monkeys, animals, fish, birds, reptiles, and other animals.  The zoo further hosts animal shows.  So, you will love seeing an elephant dancing or a seal playing with a ball.  2. A Walk Through The Zoo The zoological garden has a reptile house, aviary, aquarium, and butterfly garden. So, you can take a walk through the garden.  The zoological garden area also has a dedicated botanical garden.  However, if you don’t want to walk much, you can take a ride on the zoo train.  3. Learn About The Flora And Fauna Present Here  If you want to know about the animals and plants here, you have to take a guided tour. Furthermore, you can learn about the flora and fauna and the rich history of the zoo from the Educational Center.  Moreover, the zoological garden has an animal hospital. You will find veterinary doctors and caregivers at work there.  4. Take A Part In The Night Safari  The zoo has a dedicated Leopard Trail for night safaris. You can watch the nocturnal animals in action during the safari.  Furthermore, you can arrange a picnic or explore the local Dehiwala Market. Furthermore, if you want a spiritual experience, visit the Bellanwila Rajamaha Viharaya.  If you want to explore more Buddhist places of importance in Sri Lanka, you can visit the Ritigala Forest Monastery and Sigiriya Rock.  What is the Best Time to Visit Dehiwala Zoo In Sri Lanka? December to April is the best time to visit Dehiwala Zoo. This is the dry season and hence is ideal for outdoor exploration and wildlife spotting.  However, it is also the peak season. So, plan a visit early in the day and avoid weekends.  Furthermore, May to November is the wet season in the garden, and the zoo looks lush and green. However, the animals can be less active in these months.  Things To Keep In Mind For Visiting The Dehiwala Zoo In Sri Lanka Irrespective of the season of your visit, you have to keep the following things in mind.  You have to wear comfortable footwear with a good grip as you have to walk a lot through the zoo.  Furthermore, you have to be respectful to the animals and follow the rules of the zoo. Is A Trip To Dehiwala Zoo Worth The Experience?  Yes, Dehiwala Zoo is a place worth visiting because you don’t just spot animals here, but learn about their livelihood and nature.  Furthermore, this is one of the oldest zoos in Asia and was built in 1936.  However, the zoo authority must be more focused on the preservation of the zoo, as the last time I visited, certain things drew my attention.  Seeing the animals here, the night safari, and the performances by animals have become more like a curriculum, and they show a lack of infrastructure.  So, you may feel sometimes disappointed if you are planning to visit the zoo to see a performance of the animals.  Still, many people visit this zoo because of its heritage. 

BY  Sibashree Mar 31, 2026

A trip to Nara was long overdue, and as the first permanent capital of the country, it is a must-visit.  Furthermore, this Japanese capital, before 794 AD (then Kyoto became the capital), has many UNESCO World Heritage Sites.  The Todai-ji Temple is the most famous among these 8 UNESCO World Heritage Sites. You will find one of the largest Buddha statues in the country here, and the statue is made of bronze.  Of course, the deer roaming in the city are beautiful, and you feel like getting transported to a bygone era.  It reminded me of one of the most famous literary works in our country, Shakuntalam Abhigyan, an immortal love story between King Dushyanta and Shakuntala, written by Kalidasa in Sanskrit.  Also, this is a place that will ask you to come back, and most people plan a day trip to experience its historical charm and natural beauty.  But, smitten by its beauty, I chose a 2-day trip, and here is the list of things to do in Nara. Also, I will discuss how I can get to Nara.  How To Reach Nara?  Nara is easily accessible from Kyoto, which is also famous for its history and cherry blossom season.  You can also visit Nara from the Osaka prefecture. So, overall, a visit to Nara can fit well into your itinerary of visiting the Kansai region of Japan.   Also, the robust railway system of Japan makes it easy and budget-friendly to visit Nara. A Japan Railway Regional Pass will be the best for traveling across Nara, Kyoto, Osaka, and Kobe, and the entire Kansai Region.  Also, when in Osaka, don’t forget to explore the street food stalls and have the best Osaka food, including Mochis and seafood delicacies.  Here is how you can travel from Kyoto to Nara. 1. Traveling From Kyoto To Nara Through The JR Nara Line You will get an express train or a local train from Kyoto to Nara every hour.  Furthermore, if you opt for the Miyakoji Rapid Service on this line, you will reach Nara within 45 minutes, and the ticket price will be 720 JPY.  Also, the local train services, with the same ticket price, will take about 70 minutes.  Once you reach the JR Nara station, you will get buses to the Nara Park and other top attractions in Nara.  2. Take The Kintetsu Railway To Reach Nara From Kyoto This is the most convenient way to reach Nara from Kintetsu Railway Station.  The train journey is the fastest, and the journey takes about 35 minutes by the express trains, and the ticket price is 1280 JPY.  Also, the regular trains take about 45 minutes to complete the journey. The ticket price is 760 JPY.  What Are The Things To Do In Nara?  From a visit to the Nara Park to exploring Heijo Palace and the temples, there are many things to do in Nara.  Here are the things I did during my 2-day stay.  1. Day 1 In Nara: Exploring The Nara Park  With deer passing by, Nara Park, the home to the main attractions in Nara, is a place you cannot simply miss.  The park is free to enter, and it remains open for 24 hours.  However, many attractions in the park close after 5 PM. So, you have to be early when visiting it.  Also, here are the attractions you will come across in the Nara Park, along with the deer passing by.  • Kasuga Taisha One of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Nara, Kasuga Taisha, takes us back to the Nara Period from 710 to 794 AD.  It is the most revered shrine among the Fujiwara clan as the tutelary shrine.  Furthermore, the main attraction of the shrine is the “Hall of Lanterns.” There, I saw many bronze lanterns illuminating the darkness.  During the special festivals, Setsubun Mantoro in February and Chugen Mantoro in August, all these lanterns are lit.  Moreover, you will find a cider tree in the inner shrine, and it is 1000 years old.  • Mt. Wakakusa I took the back road from Kasuga Taisha on the way to the Todai-Ji temple.  I came across many small shrines there. However, the highlight was Mt. Wakakusa.  This hill between the two shrines has a height of 350 meters. Also, on the 4th Saturday of January, it becomes the venue for the Wakakusa Yamayaki celebration.  People burn dead grass on the slopes, and this is a ritual that has been celebrated since the 18th century.  • Todai-Ji Todai-Ji is another UNESCO World Heritage Site, and one of the “Historic Monuments of Ancient Nara.” It was built in 752 AD, and it was the head of all the temples in the province. It even had a strong influence on the royal family.  In fact, with Todai-Ji being the seat of control even in the royal decisions, the emperor decided to move the capital to Nagaoka in 784 AD.  However, the main attraction of the Todai-Ji Temple is the massive Buddha statue, or Daibutsu.   A depiction of Dainichi Nyorai,  it represents the primordial Buddha in the orthodox East Asian Buddhist philosophy.  You will also find two similarly sized Bodhisattva statues here.  However, the temple and statues you see today were burned down, and they were rebuilt during the Edo period (1603–1868).  2. Things To Do In Nara: Day 2 I visited the Heijo Palace and many other temples of Nara on day 2.  • Visiting The Heijo Palace  When Nara was the capital, the Heijo Palace was the seat of power for the chrysanthemum throne.  It had a dimension of 1 kilometer, considering the other palaces and architecture of that time.  However, the remains of this UNESCO World Heritage Site in Nara are now at the Toshodai-ji Temple, nearby.  However, since the 1950s, archaeologists have been studying the remains of the Heijo Palace, and this has evoked further public interest.  That is why you can now see many placards there and read about the history and legacy of the site.  Moreover, the audience hall and two other parts of the palace were rebuilt. The restoration of the largest part, the audience hall, happened in 2010.  It was an ode to the 1300th anniversary of Nara as the capital of Japan.  • Toshodai-Ji As I have mentioned, the Toshodai-ji Temple has the remains of the Heijo Palace.  This temple dates back at least a millennium. Ganji, a Chinese monk, built this temple in 759 AD.  Monk Ganji brought Buddhism to Japan, and the Toshodai-Ji today is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.  • Yakushi-Ji It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and people here worship Lord Buddha as Yakushi Nyorai or the Medicine Buddha.  The dual main halls here have unique architecture, and each has a dedicated 3-story pagoda.  • Horyu-ji  Horyu-Ji is older than most temples in the Nara region, and Prince Shotoku founded it in 607.  Furthermore, this UNESCO World Heritage Site stands out with its wooden edifices, which are some of the oldest in Japan. This time, I missed many attractions such as Asuka, Omiwa Shrine, and Mount Yoshino. Some day for sure!  And till then, Sayōnara, guys!