What To Do In Weligama In 2026? Beach, Nightlife, Water Sports, And More

BY  Sibashree Mar 25, 2026

“Love Sri Lanka, Always.” This has been the new campaign of Sri Lanka. Also, this campaign, coming at the time of the ongoing Gulf War, looks quite bold.  It projects the island country as a place that needs constant discovery.  And Sri Lanka has reaped the benefits of launching a bold campaign. It has crossed the mark of 100,000 tourists within the “first 18 days of the March in 2026.” Furthermore, while the marketing campaign has brought Sri Lankan tourism global visibility, the diversity of attractions makes it a powerhouse.  For example, I have been so much in love with Sri Lanka that I have made multiple visits and sometimes to the same place, years apart.  With the changes and developments, the country has still maintained its warmth, lush greenery, and human resilience. The sheer grit of the country has helped it win over the natural disasters such as the Tsunami, Cyclone Ditwah, and endless civil wars.  However, with diverse offerings, it may be difficult to choose the things to do in Sri Lanka. So, here are the places I loved the most.  What Are The Things To Do In Sri Lanka?  Keeping the spirit of the Indian Subcontinent alive, Sri Lanka beautifully portrays an inclusive picture.  For example, its southern and northern zones show a difference in language and culture. However, both are connected through the way of life, sunshine, and more.  Also, Sri Lanka has places such as the Ambuluwawa Tower, which is within a multireligious complex, showing how respectful the country is toward every religion.  1. Exploring The Tamil Culture And Temples In Jaffna Jaffna was the first place I visited in Sri Lanka as a backpacker. It is a hub of strong Tamil culture in Sri Lanka.  Furthermore, Jaffna has beautiful Hindu temples such as the Nallur Kandaswamy Kovil, the Naguleswaram Temple, the Nainativu Nagapooshani Amman Temple, etc.  Also, the beaches in Jaffna showcase the beauty of Northern Sri Lanka.  Moreover, the food in Jaffna is spicier than in any other part of Sri Lanka.  Overall, Jaffna is a world in itself where slow living and staying true to the roots are the best ways.  2. Hiking The Ritigala Forest Monastery Out of all my experiences in Sri Lanka, hiking the Ritigala Forest Monastery has been my silent favorite.  The history of the Ritigala Forest Monastery takes us to the 1st century BC. It has more than 70 caves and was once the abode of the monks of the “Pansukulika” sect.  Furthermore, located inside the Ritigala Forest Reserve, the remains of the ancient monastery are now surrounded by around 96 species of medicinal plants.  The presence of the medicinal plants further makes its association with the Ramayana stronger. 3. Visiting Uppuveli Beach, And Other Attractions In Trincomalee Trincomalee has the famous Uppuveli Beach. However, it would be wrong to assume that the things to do in Trincomalee are limited to beach activities.  You can visit the Thirukoneswaram Kovil Temple, Fort Frederick, Trincomalee Maritime and Naval History Museum, and the Trincomalee Market.  4. Visiting Mount Lavinia Beach The Mount Lavinia Beach is very close to Colombo, the capital of Sri Lanka. This beach has a leisurely vibe with the local folks playing cricket and people taking a sun bath.  However, the main attraction here was the Sea Turtle Conservation Centre. It is located by the beach, and it buys eggs from the locals to hatch them.  5. Climbing Up The Ambuluwawa Tower At the top of the Ambuluwawa Mountain, the Ambuluwawa Tower is an important cultural landmark in Sri Lanka.  Its location is in the Ambuluwawa Biodiversity Complex, in Gampola. Also, it is just 20 km away from Kandy.  You can climb up its spiral stairs to reach the top of the tower and enjoy a panoramic view of the surroundings.  6. Exploring The Cultural Capital, Kandy Kandy, the cultural capital of Sri Lanka, has the beautiful Kandy Lake at the epicenter.  Furthermore, it is fighting with the aftermath of the Cyclone and Ditwah and remains crucial in the political and economic landscape of the country.  The most fascinating things to do in Kandy are visiting the Udawattakele Forest Reserve, bowing before the Bahirawakanda Vihara Buddha Statue, and visiting the Temple Of The Tooth.  7. Climbing Up The Sigiriya Rock The Sigiriya Rock is famous for its mythological significance and history, and its association with Buddhism.  King Kashyapa made the Sigiriya Rock his seat of power in 477-499 AD.  However, before that, it was a Buddhist monastery which later shifted to the Pidurangala Rock.  Also, it has a long history of archaeological discovery, and in 1982, it was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.  8. Climbing Up The Pidurangala Rock The Pidurangala Rock has a history that goes back two millennia. After King King Kashyapa made the Sigiriya Rock his seat of power, the Pidurangala Rock became their refuge on the king’s order.  Furthermore, it has a 1500-year-old Buddha Statue, and it is a protected ancient cave.  Moreover, from the Pidurangala Rock, you will get the best views of the Sigiriya Rock.  9. A Train Ride On The Nine Arch Bridge A train ride on the Nine Arch Bridge is the most iconic experience you can have in Sri Lanka. Also known as the Ella Odyssey, it has been praised by the BBC and Lonely Planet.  Built in 1921, this bridge is a prominent example of the Colonia-era architecture, and it does not have any metal in its construction.  10. Hiking To The Diyaluma Waterfall Hiking to the Diyaluma Waterfall from Poongala is one of the most popular hiking expeditions in Sri Lanka.  Once you reach the Upper Diyaluma Waterfall, you can relax and enjoy a swim in the infinity pools.  From the upper fall, you have to take a further trek of 30 minutes down to reach the Lower Diyaluma Waterfall.  Furthermore, the Diyaluma Waterfall is associated with the tragic love story of a King who fell in love with a lady from a lower caste.  Knowing about their love, the villagers chased them, and the lady fell into the waterfall and died.  11. Visiting The Dehiwala Zoo Since 1936, the Dehiwala Zoo in Sri Lanka has been a favorite spot for a thrilling wildlife experience.  Along with housing monkeys, elephants, fish, and birds, the zoo also has a dedicated section for reptiles.  Moreover, it has always been famous for the animal shows, and it has a Leopard Trail for guided night safari.  12. Spending A Day In Hurulu Eco Park The Hurulu Eco Park near Habarana is one of the best places in Sri Lanka to learn the art of slow traveling.  In the North Central Province of Sri Lanka, it is a great place for spotting elephants.  This dry evergreen is ideal for seeing elephants because it is the corridor between the Kaudulla National Park and the Minneriya National Park.  Take an afternoon safari to enjoy wildlife spotting and your time in nature.  13. Visiting Nuwara Eliya, The Coldest Place In Sri Lanka  Nuwara Eliya, the coldest place in Sri Lanka, is located at an altitude of 1,889 meters. Furthermore, it carries a nickname, “New England,” from the British Era.  Nuwara Eliya is a place of juxtapositions. There are Tudor-style homes, Victorian-style post offices, waterfalls, and jungles, showing the contrast in the landscape and cityscape.  Furthermore, it has natural attractions such as Gregory Lake, Victoria Park, and the Lovers Leap Waterfall.  Also, don’t forget to spend a day in Horton Plains National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.  14. Experiencing A Scenic Train Ride And More In Ella Though Ella has changed in the last 10 years due to rapid development, it has maintained the serene charm with its mountains, rail line, and lush greenery.  Furthermore, it is the place to share a seat with Sir Thomas Lipton and understand how tea runs as the lifeline of the nation.  Also, the Ravana Falls is the place where Ravana hid Sita after abducting her.  Other iconic things to do in Ella are visiting the Nine-Arch Bridge, enjoying a Kandy to Ella train ride, climbing the Ella Rock, watching sunset from the top of the Little Adam’s Peak, etc.  15. Exploring The Galle Fort  Galle is dreamy, and it looks like a movie frame in sepia tone.  However, the Galle Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is at the epicenter of this once impenetrable trading post.  Walk to the Galle Fort and explore this living museum of art, architecture, and history.  Also, watching the sunset from the Galle Fort is a magical experience.  More things to do in Galle include exploring the beaches beyond the fortress wall.  Also, don’t forget to enjoy a drink in a bar in the cobblestone streets of Galle.  Overall, Galle is a place that unfolds with time. The fortress, the streets, and the colonial buildings make history palpable in every nook of Galle.  In a way, it summarizes the true spirit of Sri Lanka. Visiting the country is not about ticking the bucket-list destinations.  It’s about understanding the culture and soaking in the local vibe.  16. Visiting The Hiriketiya Beach  Hiriketiya Beach is the latest addition to the tourism attractions in Sri Lanka. It is a favorite destination for backpackers and digital nomads.  Furthermore, it is a popular surfing beach with zones dedicated to surfers of different expertise levels.  Here, you can walk to the Blue Island, enjoy great food and beer at Smoke and Bitters, and learn how to cook with Rosie.  

BY  Sibashree Apr 21, 2026

Anuradhapura is a part of the Golden Triangle of Sri Lanka along with the Dambulla Royal Cave Enclave, Polonnaruwa, and Sigiriya Rock Fortress.  Furthermore, the Sacred City of Anuradhapura, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, was built from the “cutting of a Bodhi Tree” or the “Tree of Enlightenment.”  Before 993, when it was abandoned due to an invasion, it was the political and religious capital of Ceylon, the previous name for Sri Lanka.  Also, if Jaffna attracted me with its Tamil Culture and Hindu Temples, Anuradhapura was a great calling because it was the first place to adopt Buddhism outside India, the country I belong to.  Moreover, Jetavanaramaya, the early 4th-century BCE Stupa, was once the “third-largest man-made building in the world,” with an original height of 122 meters.  However, while the Jetavanaramaya Stupa continues to evoke awe with its grandeur and mystery, the other ruins and remains of Anuradhapura also wait to tell you the history and cultural richness of the region.  So, here is a brief discussion on the places I visited in Anuradhapura.  What Are The Places To Visit In Anuradhapura?  I was staying in a guest house near the Sacred City of Anuradhapura. I rented a bicycle from my guest house for LKR 500, and I took the back route as the staff in the guesthouse guided me.  Off the main road, the cycling experience was beautiful, and I loved spotting the roaming peacocks and little children waving at me.  Beyond the charming views and ambiance, I noticed one more thing. In Anuradhapura, the past and the present walk side by side.  There have been no evictions of the locals in the name of preserving or promoting the ancient ruins and remains in a UNESCO World Heritage Site.  Nevertheless, after talking to the local children for a while, I reached the entrance of the Anuradhapura Sacred City. The entry fee was around 9500 LKR or INR 2800.  However, remember that the ticket includes archaeological sites such as Jetavanaramaya, Abhayagiriya, Ruwanwelisaya, and Thuparamaya. So, if you want to explore other sites such as the Isurumuniya Viharaya, you will need to pay separate fees.  Nevertheless, these are the places I visited in Anuradhapura.  “This sacred city was established around a cutting from the 'tree of enlightenment', the Buddha's fig tree, brought there in the 3rd century B.C. by Sanghamitta, the founder of an order of Buddhist nuns.  Anuradhapura, a Ceylonese political and religious capital that flourished for 1,300 years, was abandoned after an invasion in 993.  Hidden away in dense jungle for many years, the splendid site, with its palaces, monasteries, and monuments, is now accessible once again.” - UNESCO World Heritage Convention.  1. Abhayagiri Vihara Stupa Complex The Abhayagiri Vihara Gargantuan Stupa is magnificent, and the brick stupa creates a contrast against the bright blue sky and the lush greenery of Anuradhapura.  King Vattagamani Abhaya or Valagamba founded this Stupa in the first century BCE. This prominent center of Mahayana Buddhism remains an active place of worship.  Also known as the Northern Monastery or Uttara Vihara, it changed the course of Buddhism in Sri Lanka by deviating from the monolithic tradition of Theravada Buddhism.  Moreover, the Abhayagiri Vihara Stupa is the first Stupa in Sri Lanka to house the tooth relic of Buddha.  Also, the Abhayagiri Dagoba or Stupa at the epicenter of the Abhayagiri Vihara Complex is one of the largest stupas in Sri Lanka.  The Structure And Architecture Of The Abhayagiri Vihara Apart from the Stupa or Dagoba, most parts of the Abhayagiri Vihara are in ruins. There were living houses for the monks and students, libraries, dinner halls, and meeting halls surrounding the Stupa.  Here is a detailed overview of the structures as I saw them. However, the heat will be scorching, and you will find langur monkeys roaming around.  So, try to be there by 6 AM, when the gates open, or after 4 PM. The Sacred City remains open till 8 PM. However, it will take you around an entire day if you want to explore the major ruins of the Anuradhapura Sacred City. The Dagoba Or The Stupa  The Stupa or Dagoba in the Abhayagiri Vihara is in a well-preserved condition. The massive bell-shaped structure of the stupa has a height of around 120 meters, and at its widest, the circumference is close to 350 meters.  The dome, made of brick and lime mortar, has four entrances, and you will find a Devatakotuva or a cylindrical spire and Hataraskotuva or a square-shaped structure as the crowns of the Stupa.  Image Houses, Refectories, And Sub Shrines  I saw the remains of various refectories, image houses, living complexes, and sub-shrines around the stupa.  Among the smaller stupas, the Indikatu Seya and Silasobbhakandaka Cetiya are the most common.  Meeting Halls The remains of the meeting halls or Uposathagharas have been found in the complex.  These Uposathagharas were multi-storied, and Ratnaprasadaya or the jewel mansion was most prominent among them.  Congregation Hall The Sannipatasala, or the congregation hall near the southern entrance of the stupa, is the largest hall in the complex.  The image of Nagaraja, or the king of snakes, or Virupaksha, the protector of the Western Direction, was found in this congregation hall, which is now in ruins.  You can see this image at the Abhayagiri Museum.  Abhisheka Mandapa Or Anointing Pavilion The Abhisheka Mandapa had a stepped entrance, and people believe it to be the place where the statues of Lord Buddha and other Bodhisattvas were consecrated.  Some even consider this the bathing house or Snanghara.  Stone Slabs  Many stone slabs with inscriptions in Nagari Script have been found in this site.  Again, there are two moon stones in Anuradhapura, and one was found at the Queen’s Pavilion and the other at Mahasena’s Palace.  These moon stones are significant features of Buddhist stupas or shrines, as these semi-circular stone structures depict the Buddhist Samasara.  The Dining Room The dining room or hall of the Abhayagiri Vihara has a stone-clad trough, and it is ideal for storing or serving rice that could feed 5000 monks.  Furthermore, there was a dining area, hearths, underground channels, grinding stones, and a sundial in the site Faxian or Fa-Hien described as the dining hall.  The dining hall also has two courtyards.  The Bodhi Tree Shrine The Bodhi Tree Shrine, or the Bodhighara is a subsidiary shrine of the Abhayagiri Stupa. As a token of Buddha’s enlightenment, Sanghamitta, a Buddhist nun from India, brought saplings of the Bodhi Tree.  She planted the saplings in Abhayagiri, and many patrons built small aediculae-like shrines around these trees.  These sub-shrines had images of Lord Buddha in a meditative or Samadhi posture and his footprints.  Moreover, excavation of Buddha statues took place in the Bodhighara sites, and one of them is from the 3rd century BCE, and these resemble the sculptures of the great Gupta dynasty in India.  You can visit the Anuradhapura Archaeological Museum if you want to see these Buddha statues. The Ponds  The tanks and reservoirs near the living quarters were the main sources of water for the complex.  However, water in these reservoirs or tanks came from the Kuttam Pokana or Twin Ponds to the far east of the Stupa.  Moreover, these rectangular ponds were built by Aggabodhi I in the 6th or 7th century CE, and they have shallow ridges, and the inner walls are made of polished stone.  However, for me, the most fascinating thing was the stone slab with the motif of a hooded cobra.  Also, this hooded cobra or Naga establishes a deep connection with India, as Nagas and water have deep connections in Indian mythology.  As I walked further, I came across the Elephant Pond or Eth Pokuna. It is the largest artificial tank in Sri Lanka, and it is the main water supply for all the tanks and reservoirs in the Vihara Complex.  Here also, I noticed a depiction of a hooded cobra on a stone slab.  At the end of exploring the Abhayagiri Vihara Stupa Complex, I must tell you that you must read a little about the place before a visit.  Otherwise, it will be difficult for you to catch up when the guide shares the details.  2. Jethawanaramaya Stupa You will also find the Jetavanaramaya Stupa in the Sacred City of Anuradhapura. It was one of the largest man-made structures in the world, and it ranked only after the Great Pyramids of Giza.  The original height of this structure was 122 meters, and after restoration, the height is now 71 meters.  The stupa, built by King Mahasena in the 3rd Century AD, is a part of a large Jetavana Vihara complex that used to house around 200 monks. Also, like the Abhayagiri Vihara, it has a brick architecture.  This once again indicates how ancient Anuradhapura was a hub of brick production. In fact, Ruwanwelisaya, the most sacred stupa of the country inside the Anuradhapura Sacred City Complex, also had a brick architecture.  However, for the recent restoration, they used cement in the outer layer of the stupa.  Moreover, massive excavation works have taken place in the Sacred City of Anuradhapura, and the gold panels showing the imagery of the Bodhisattva and the partial inscriptions of the Prajñāpāramitā Sutra.  Now, Prajñāpāramitā Sutra is the foundational text of Mahayana Buddhism. This shows how the Jethawanaramaya Stupa was the hub of different Buddhist thoughts and schools. However, you can see these gold panels now at the Colombo Museum.  Also, I came to know about another fascinating thing from a monk here, that the stupa used to have a diamond in the crown. It used to turn aside lightning during the monsoon season.  3. The Gleaming White Ruwanwelisaya Stupa  The Ruwanwelisaya Stupa is most famous among the locals and followers of Buddhism.  Now, unlike the Ritigala Forest Monastery, the Ruwanwelisaya Stupa or the other stupas in the complex are live hubs of Buddhist practices.  Also, the Ruwanwelisaya Stupa is especially famous for housing the remains of Lord Buddha.  Originally, the Ruwanwelisaya Stupa was much smaller than the Jethawanaramaya Stupa. However, thanks to continuous maintenance, it now stands at a height of 100 meters.  Now, this was my experience in the ancient ruins of Anuradhapura. If you want to explore more, you can visit the Kaudulla National Park, at a distance of less than 2 hours, and the Hurulu Eco Park, at a distance of 1 hour and 50 minutes.   Location And How To Reach Anuradhapura?  Anuradhapura City is located on the banks of the Malwathu Oya. It is the capital of the central-west region of Sri Lanka and the district of Anuradhapura.  Anuradhapura is a 4-hour journey from Colombo and Kandy.  Once I explored the top attractions in Kandy, I took a minivan, which cost me LKR 1600. Now, you will also get private and public buses.  However, I had luggage and wanted to keep the schedule flexible. So, I chose the minivan.  Things To Remember For A Trip To Anuradhapura The Sun is merciless in Anuradhapura, even if you visit the Sacred City in winter. It becomes unbearable past 11 AM.  So, you have to really start early.  Also, carry water and wear full-sleeve clothes to maintain the dignity of the place and protect your skin from the Sun.  Moreover, as I have mentioned, visiting a place like Anuradhapura demands preparation. So, study well and have basic ideas about these stupas beforehand. 

BY  Sibashree Mar 25, 2026

The Shinkansen, or the Japanese Bullet Train, brought a revolution in the transportation system in the 1960s.  It was the need of the hour, considering the rapid growth in the economy. Also, it is an icon of the technological prowess and wealth of Japan.  These days, we have Vande Bharat in India, and no doubt the services and punctuality of these trains are spotless.  However, contrary to popular beliefs, they are never the same.  Why so?  To understand this, you need to take a ride in the Japanese Bullet Train.  However, is Japan Rail Pass worth it for the short and long rides in the Japanese Bullet Train?  In today’s blog, I will discuss its benefits and disadvantages in detail.  Is Japan Rail Pass Worth It?  Japan Rail Pass is a physical pass for train rides. It is only for tourists.  With this pass, you can enjoy unlimited train rides across Japan. Also, these passes include bullet train rides for a specific time span.  Japan Rail Pass Cost Check out the table below to understand the validity period and prices of the Japan Rail Pass.  Japan Rail Pass ValidityOrdinary Japan Rail Pass Cost Green Japan Rail Pass Cost7 Days PassAdult: 70,000 YENChildren: 35,000 YENAdult: 50,000 YENChildren: 25,000 YEN14 Days PassAdult: 110000 YENChildren: 55000 YENAdult: 80000 YENChildren: 40000 YEN21 Days PassAdult: 140000 YENChildren: 70000 YENAdult: 100000 YENChildren: 50000 YEN All ticket prices are sourced from the Japanrailpass.net. Also, remember that children mean kids below 12 years old.  From 12 years onward, they are considered adults.  Is The Japan Rail Pass Worth It? (Considering The Cost)  If you think that buying a Japan Rail Pass would hurt your wallet, you are making a mistake.  Yes, the Japan Rail Pass is expensive, especially if you are buying a Green Japan Rail Pass.  Still, if you want to try individual rides, the cost will be even higher. For example, a single trip to Nara from Tokyo costs 14500 YEN.  A really smart way to decide whether the Japan Rail Pass is worth it or not is to use a Japan Rail Pass Calculator.  Enter the departure and arrival points, check the ticket price for individual rides, and add them. Then, compare the total Japan Rail Pass cost to decide whether you need to buy it or not.  Also, consider the flexibility the Japan Rail Pass offers.  With a Rail Pass, you can complete as many rides as you want within the validity period. Also, there is no rush to buy a ticket every time you board a train.  Is Japan Rail Pass Worth It For Every Train?  The Japan Rail Pass does not cover every train service in Japan. However, it covers most train services.  Check out the details in the box.  Services Covered by Japan Rail PassServices That Japan Rail Pass Does Not Cover - Most Bullet Trains- Express Trains- Local Trains- The Narita Express, Running to Tokyo City from Narita Airport- Tokyo Monorail to and From the Haneda Airport - Joyful Trains in Japan- Bullet Trains Except Mizuho and Nozomi- The Metro Service in Tokyo and Other Cities- The Ferry Service Of Yakushima Where To Buy A Japan Rail Pass From?  You can buy the Japan Rail Pass from an authorized agent based in your country. Sometimes, these passes are available at the Osaka or Tokyo Railway stations or Haneda and Narita airports.  However, these passes are available for a limited time, and they charge around 10-20% extra charges.  Furthermore, upon reaching Japan, you can even buy the pass online at JRailPass.com. You can expect a delivery of the physical pass within 3-5 business days based on your location.  How To Take The First Ride With The Japan Rail Pass?  You have to get your Japan Rail Pass stamped before using it. You have to choose the JR Counter entry at any local and bullet railway station to pass through and board the train.  The JR Officer will check your passport and the JR Pass before stamping it.  From the next ride onward, you just need to show your JR Pass.  Activating your JR Pass at the railway station is always a better idea, as you can activate it only when you need it.  Usually, when you activate the pass at the airport, a day or two is wasted from the validity period, as the city metro services do not accept those passes.  Is Japan Rail Pass Worth It? Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)  Here are the frequently asked questions and answers about whether the Japan Railway Pass is worth it or not.  1. Which Rail Pass Is The Best For Japan? The best Rail Pass for Japan will depend on your itinerary in Japan. For example, if you need to travel nationwide, you can choose a National Rail Pass for 7 to 21 days.On the other hand, Regional JR Passes are the best if you are focusing on specific regions such as Hokkaido or Kansai. 2. Can I Buy Japan Rail Pass From India? Yes, you can buy a Japan Rail Pass from India. In fact, it is a smart move to buy your Japan Rail Pass from an authorized agent in your country before starting the trip. At the Japanese Airports, buying the JR Pass can cost you 20-30% more. TBi Travels and Klook are some of the authorized services from which you can purchase the JR Pass online. When you buy the pass online from an authorized agent, you will receive an exchange order or a voucher via courier. You have to exchange that at the airport to collect the physical pass.  3. Can I Get Bento Boxes On The Trains In Japan? You can get Bento boxes at any railway station in Japan before boarding the train. You will also find vegan-friendly options for the bento boxes. However, you have to be very mindful about how you dispose of those bento boxes. You can throw them in the trash bins in the train, or after alighting from the train, you can dispose of them in the waste box at the station. You will not find trash cans frequently in Japan. So, you may have to carry them home if you do not dispose of them in time.  Read Also: Are You Planning A Trip To Osaka? This Is Your Quintessential Guide Festivals Of Light And Color: Experiencing Japan’s Vibrant Matsuri Is Japan Really An Expensive Place? Have A look