Gartmore Falls, Maskeliya

Gartmore waterfall is also known as Sri Pada waterfall or Adam’s Peak fall as it is close to Adam’s Peak. However, this waterfall is also called as Gartmore Falls because it is a part of the Gartmore estate. Gartmore Falls is nourished by two rivers that merge over the falls and instantly fall onto the Maskeliya Reservoir. Before merging, each of these rivers creates a cascade on the Gartmore Estate. These two waterfalls are so commonly referred as Gartmore Estate Waterfalls.

Moray Falls is another waterfall that enters the same Maskeliya Reservoir and is located a few meters away from Gartmore Falls. However, sometime people get confused with these waterfalls as they are so close to each other and identify Moray Fall as Sri Pada falls.

Few weeks back I hopped onto Night Mail train from Colombo Fort station with a friend. Got down from Hatton station around 4 am in the morning. It was freezing cold outside. Me being stupid and not carrying a sweater made it worse. Had to wait few hours till dawn to take the bus to Maskeliya. Thanks to the station master at Hatton station, we got the chance to wait at the tourist rest room. Around 6 am when we decided to go out of the station, realized that the station is closed and no one was there to be seen. So had to walk here and there, climb few steps to find a way out. Then we reached Hatton bus stand and got into a Hatton –Maskeliya bus.

Bus rides are always specialwhen you get to sit near a window. Songs playing in the bus, view of the misty hills and cold wind set the right vibes for you to get lost in your own thoughts. We got down from Maskeliya to get another bus from there. Maskeliya –Gartmore bus is what we got into. Bus was not crowded, got ourselves seats and kept looking outside the windows to enjoy the view. What a bus ride it was! Sri Lanka is truly a land of beauty. A little bumpy bus ride in a red color CTB bus, but with million-dollar worth views!

Life is all about experiencing these amazing movements. It was a rainy day. The views were to die for! The mist and the mountains set the right feelings for the rainy weather. We got down from Gartmore, and decided to follow a trail that we saw. Had no idea what is the right direction to the Gartmore falls, but decided to follow and see anyway. After few de tours and wrong turns, we figured out the way. There was a small water stream that we had to pass in order to get near the waterfall. First, we were scared as the water was running fast and it was raining heavily. There was a risk that we might slip and fall. But I didn’t want to miss that beautiful view of the waterfall. We travelled many kilometers, so it will be in vain to miss the most beautiful part of the journey. And for our surprise there were few guys who were coming back from the falls. Thanks to their help we could cross the water stream.

I have no words to describe the views I enjoyed, so I can only recommend you to go and see for yourself. The views are indescribable. Fall was in its fullest form due to the heavy rains. White cascades of water crashing over the rocks creating a mist around. Wind was so strong it was difficult to stay near to the fall. That was once in a lifetime experience for me to witness the glory of Gartmore Falls in its fullest form.

Luckily, we met two other guys and they helped us cross the water stream on our way back. They have spent the night there. Heard that they put up their tent closer to the waterfall. But they were forced to leave because of the heavy downpour. Me and my friend walked through Gartmore estate to take the bus. Rain didn’t stop, neither did we. Had to walk few kilometers, cause we had no idea where we were heading. So asked random strangers for directions and somehow ended up in the bus halt. Had few unplanned meetings with few leeches as well and they were really happy to sense our presence.

Took the same bus route to Hatton and got into Colombo – Hatton bus. Got no seats, had to stand in a crowded bus for few hours but somehow managed to reach Colombo safely.
I can’t type more about this adventure, but it was one hell of a ride to the misty mountains. I will never forget that adventure,

Kandy War Cemetery

Sometime back I got the chance to pay a visit to Kandy War Cemetery while I was in Kandy. This was formerly known as Pitakande Millitary Cemetry. This Cemetery is maintained by Commonwealth War Graves Foundation under UK government. 

There are 11 locations in Sri Lanka where you can find Commonwealth War Graves and this Cemetery is one of them. 

Casualties from First and Second World War are buried here. It is reported that a total of 203 casualties are buried in this Cemetery. Two are entirely unidentified. In those 201 of identified casualties 16 are from Navy, 151 Army, 32 Air Force, 1 Merchant Navy and 1 from National Fire Service. These casualties are from different countries and nationalities. 107 of British, 6 Canadian, 23 Indian, 26 Ceylonese, 35 East African, 1 French and 3 Italian.

 Cemetery is well maintained to date. It is situated 5 km away from Kandy Railway Station. Easy to reach and it is open everyday from 7 am to 4 pm. It’s free for the public.

 Pay a visit if you get a chance and you will understand the width and depth of a war. How it affects people worldwide and how it will change people’s lives forever. Being born in another country to traveling the world to be buried in another country because of war. To sleep their longest sleep in a foreign land without their loved ones must be tough. 

  No use of maintaining Cemeteries, when it should be humanity that we should maintain. 

You can find more about Commonwealth War Graves on the following website. 

cwgc.org 

Basilica of Our Lady Lanka, Ragama

I was after my exams and was in need of a getaway. I thought of going to Ragama, to see the most famous Roman Catholic church – Thewaththe Basilica.

It’s just 18km from Colombo. Easiest way to reach is by taking a train from Pettah to Ragama.
I went by bus. I reached Kadawatha bus stand through Katunayaka highway. From Kadawatha there are two buses you can take, 325 and 327. Both buses go by the church and only costed me 28 rupees for the bus ticket.

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  This church is built in the shape of holy cross, in aerial view. The surrounding is so calm and quiet. Gladly I went in a day where flowers were bloomed everywhere. It was really beautiful. Inside the premises there are so many things to see. I walked around all the paths to see around. It was so relaxing and calm, just what I needed.

The most sacred place of the church is the underground shrine in the main church. It is believed to have the power for miracles.
   Eventhough I am a Buddhist, I find peace in all these religious places regardless of the religion that is followed there. I think that’s what religions for, to bring peace to the humankind.

   Next to the Basilica is the old Thewaththe church. Basilica was built later as a promise made to the God during Second World War. Thewaththe church is the oldest church.
The architecture of the Basilica is something to talk about. The shape of the Holy Cross can be beautiful seen in bird’s eye view. The church opens doors from all 4 directions. In the center is the altar. Sculptures of the church showcase important incidents of Sri Lankan History that is related to Roman Catholics and how the church has contributed in historic events.
  I was glad to be there and would go again someday for sure.

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Catching waves in Kabalana

After my first ever experience of surfing in Weligama, I was excited to go again. This time I found the perfect place to do so.
   Hotel Lean 83 offers surfing lessons for beginners with an amazing package where you get breakfast, lunch and evening tea. This is ideal for everyone who are looking to learn surfing and spend a day by the beach. Hotel Lean 83 is located by Kabalana beach and they provide surf boards, meals and stay on your request.
   Kabalana beach is ideal for beginners. Better to start your lessons early morning where sun is nice and waves are beautiful. We were a bit late when we reached Kabalana, so the sun was on point and it was hot.
   We had our pre- surfing exercises and lessons by the beach and then went into the water. Pre surfing session is important and stretching exercises and some cardio exercises will be helpful.
   Waves were nice. Being a beginner, I was trying to make a balanced stand on the board. Can’t say I was very successful. But it was fun. But my friends managed to do it few times. I mostly enjoyed sliding with the board, catching waves.
  Balance is the key to be a good surfer. Most of my friends said they like to learn surfing, but they are afraid. I can totally recommend this place for everyone who are interested in learning surfing. There is nothing to be afraid. Because you are not gonna surf in deep sea. And in down south there are so many beaches that is ideal for beginners. Also you don’t have to know swimming to do surfing.
    It was good day. Should go back again for more lessons.
If you want to contact Hotel Lean 83, I have put their contact details below.

Instagram https://instagram.com/hotellean83?igshid=ijiural8q4dq
Facebook https://m.facebook.com/hotelleanat83/?tsid=0.03700748096738682&source=result

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Surfing in WELIGAMA

Weligama is a world famous surfing spot in between Galle and Matara, a small beach town in south coast that offers beautiful waves for surfing.
I always wanted to try out surfing and decided to give it a go when I was in Weligama on the last Poya day of 2020. I didn’t want to waste the last public holiday of 2020. So I got into a bus to go to Weligama. But I didn’t have any plans to try surfing until I got there.
There are several ways to reach Weligama.

1. Southern expressway – Fastest way to reach Weligama. Takes nearly 2 hours.

• Take a highway bus to Matara or Galle. (Matara is the closest to Weligama) And then take a bus to Weligama from there
• If you are going in your own vehicle exit highway at Kokmaduwa exit.

1. Galle road
   Takes around 4 hours to reach Weligama, if you are coming from Colombo. Get into a Colombo – Matara/Hambantota/Katharagama bus and get down from Weligama. This is the cheapest.

It’s always better to be there in the morning. Waves are easy and sun is friendly. Even though it’s the seasonal time for Weligama it wasn’t so crowded because of this corona virus situation. It’s a sad time for all the locals as they are struggling with tourism industry.

There are plenty of places that offer lessons for surfing. I wasn’t actually planning to do surfing. But then I understood, it’s meaningless if I don’t try it while I am in Weligama. So I decided to give it a go and I don’t regret at all.
Weligama is a sandy beach, that’s the reason why it’s called “Weligama”. I really enjoyed learning surfing and managed to balance my surf board and paddle. I am still a beginner and definitely going back for more lessons.
While I was there I could see professional surfers doing their thing with waves. It was amazing to see how they slide with waves and how they balance the board.
Beach is calm in the morning. Evening is also a good time to go surfing. If you are a pro-surfer you can rent out just surf boards and go surfing. As I was a beginner I signed up for lessons with a trainer. I had few lessons before going in with the waves. I managed to stand up on the board during lessons, but not when I was in the water 😛
It’s an art you should master. And definitely require more focus and practice.

Apart from surfing, Weligama is an ideal place to hangout with your friends. Small cafes are everywhere, even though some are closed these days. And if you want to stay one night there are some affordable hostels you can try out. You can try out water sports like jetski also.

15 minutes from Weligama, is the famous Mirissa Coconut tree hill. You can pay a visit there too.
I wish I had more time to be there. But sadly had to leave around 4pm. So sadly I took a bus back home. Hopefully I will visit again in 2021.
So that was our last getaway for 2020. Stay tuned for new adventures in 2021!

For surfing lessons you can contact,
Blue Wave Surf School 094775308993

So far what have YOU achieved in 2020

Along with 2020, the world took a twist and we are still struggling with it. Having less than 2 months to go to reach 2021, you may be wondering about what you have achieved in this year.

For most of us, I am sure we have no great achievements to be proud of. All our plans that we made for 2020 have been cancelled. Having to put our lives on pause and having to live in uncertain times, we all have lost our hopes we had for 2020. We are all focusing on surviving rather than thriving.

I want to tell you, that it’s okay. If surviving is all you have done this year, that’s okay. That’s actually better than okay. It’s great. Because not all who started the journey of 2020 is reaching the finishing line of 2020, which is so heart breaking and shocking to think of.

Many lost their lives, their loved ones. Lost their jobs. Had pay cuts. Had to pause their careers and education. We all have sacrificed a lot in this year, just to survive.
But remember you are not in this alone. We all are in this together. The whole world is fighting to take our normal lives back. So that we can hangout with our loved ones without any restrictions. To eat our favorite snack spot, to be able to travel and discover amazing places, to roam around without any restrictions, to hug our loved ones and to tell them how much they mean to us. To do all of that!
To feel normal again.

These hard times are not gonna last forever. So let’s just pause our dreams and hopes and plans. But let’s not cancel them. Pausing is okay. When the times are better we can restart from where we left. But we can’t cancel our dreams, then we will have to start all over again.

So if you are worrying about not achieving anything great this year, stop worrying. Be happy that you are surviving. And all those great achievements you want to reach, are waiting for you. Train may be a little late. But it will definitely take you to the right destination. And your hopes are the ticket to reach your destination. Keep your ticket safe, so you can get off from the correct platform.
Till then, stay safe!

Seth Ceylon brings you the best handmade soaps

Even though there are hundreds of soap brands in the market, it’s difficult to find a soap that is chemical free. Almost all the soap brands contain chemicals that are toxic to our body. Here are some of those chemicals and their harmful effects. I am sure you all didn’t even know.

1. Paraben – cancer, hormone problems
2. Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES) – skin irritation, eye and lung toxicity
3. Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) – irritation to skin, eyes and lung
4. Methylisothiazolinone – skin irritation, neurotoxicity
5. Triclosan – hormonal imbalances
6. Cocamidopropyl betaine – contact dermatitis, skin allergy

 

These are only a few ingredients from the commercially available soaps in the market. You may now realize how toxic these soaps to our body are.

Now it’s time to move into a toxic free soap brand, which is good for our skin and body. After doing some research around, gladly we found one.

Seth Ceylon brings you the best range of handmade soaps. They make all the soaps only using natural ingredients.

They use coconut, neem and castor oils in their soaps. These are excellent moisturizers and packed with antioxidants which will keep your skin supple, also it has antibacterial, antifungal properties. They use cinnamon, hibiscus, neem, papaya leaves, coffee, moringa leaves in their soaps. These natural ingredients bring the color and smell to these handmade soaps.

Seth Ceylon Soaps are made in small batches using old-fashioned cold process method, which helps to retain the glycerine. Hence it will leave your skin re -hydrated, smooth and soft.

We loved the smell of these soaps. So refreshing! Our favourite one is cinnamon. They can even be used as body scrub.

They take customized orders to cater your needs. You can order your personalized batch of handmade soap to your specification.

They have also introduced shampoo bars to the market. These all natural shampoo bars are good for your scalp and hair growth. Most importantly they are chemical free. Seth Ceylon also brings you natural scrub bars that are packed with antibacterial and anti-fungal properties.

Cinnamon Scented Sachets are also a product that they bring. These act as natural refreshers and keep your space free from insects. Also gives a nice cinnamon aroma.

As a self-sustainable and environmentally responsible brand Seth Ceylon promises to bring you the best products from nature. This home grown brand pays attention to every detail. That is why they only use eco-friendly packaging for their products. Unlike the commercially made soaps, Seth Ceylon cares about our health and the health of our planet.

You should definitely try out this all natural soap brand. Because I promise you will love it. Our family loves their soap and so will yours.

Now they are available at,

Nebula Supermarket, Aluthgama

Pendi, 14, Reid avaenue, Colombo 07

The Design Collective Store, 28, Stratford Avenue, Colombo

Good Market, 14, Reid Avenue, Colombo 07

 

Contact Seth Ceylon

+94713226449

FACEBOOK https://www.facebook.com/sethSustainableliving/

Instagram    https://www.instagram.com/sethceylon

Why you should deactivate your social media accounts

The same way it’s important to stay connected, it’s important to stay disconnected.

Today we all live in an online world where you receive tons of free information. Information is freely available regardless of whether they are expected or not, whether they are true or fake, whether they are important or not. Everything is just a click away.
During this quarantine period I realized how stressful it is to know all these things that we see online. It started to make me depressed, so I deactivated my Facebook, Instagram and all my social media accounts. Because I was so stressed about my life. But now I feel better.
I am living a better life since then.
I know social media is fun, seeing and talking to your friends is fun. But also it’s so annoying at times. People arguing over comments, writing posts and criticizing people and things, never ending arguments, meaningless political posts! Those are not fun.
Some people have the ability to balance online – offline life. But I realized I am not that person. I easily get carried away with things. And I lose the track of time and focus. If you are also like me, I strongly recommend you to take a break from your online life.
I felt like I was in a competition I didn’t want to participate. Being 26 and still being a student, I felt like I am a failure. We see our friends posting pictures from their wedding, graduation, engagement, job promotion etc. We are surly happy for our friends. But automatically we compare ourselves to them. This automatically happens even without having a thought about it. Because we all are human. And I found myself endlessly questioning about myself, my future. I felt like a failure, because I had no idea about my journey and nothing seemed promising.
But now I feel much better. I have saved a lot of time off social media. I found a lot of time to myself to explore about the things I love. I have been learning new things and enjoying my life in private. Even now, my future is so blurry and unpredictable. But I don’t feel sad or bad about it. I am enjoying my journey.
People only post happy and beautiful things. They hardly talk about the real life situations on their social media. Because we all are in a competition to select the richest/wealthiest/happiest/prettiest person comparing all the pictures and media we see. This drags people in to a place where they are sad, unsatisfied, miserable and insecure about their lives. Because we are constantly comparing ourselves to the world. But this virtual world is fake. It’s not what we see.
All are battling battles behind the curtains. We only see a very little on the stage. Always be kind to others and don’t use your online platforms to hurt others. I have come across so many experiences where I went through online abuse. So use your words wisely while you are on social media. Because words can kill! Use your comments, likes to uplift someone and help someone feel better.
Also one more thing we don’t realize is, we are promoting people, things that we should not promote. People and things that should get attention don’t get attention. Everyone is carried away with online trends that come and go like short waves. We all are running behind temporary things for no meaning.
So I think it’s important to stay disconnected once in a while. So you can re-focus on your life, take time to look back on your journey and to re-adjust your directions.

Red Coconut Villa, Bentota

We recently visited a place that is to open for visitors soon. Thought you all would like to know about this place and its story.

Mr. Aruna De Silva lived in Germany for almost 3 decades and came back to Sri Lanka recently to settle down here. Having an interest about architecture and with his knowledge about hospitality field, he started building “Red Coconut Villa” in Warahena, Bentota.

Villa got its name because of a Red coconut tree that was planted in this place years ago by Mr.Aruna’s loving mother. That is how Red Coconut became the villa’s theme and the symbol.

The villa is almost in its last step to open for visitors. Built among coconut trees, this villa offers 3 double rooms with separate bathrooms. Enough space for a relaxing holiday, a pool to dip in and sea breeze to listen to! This place is ideal for a family vacation, friends get – together or a day out.

Red Coconut villa is located very close to the beach, only few steps from the Galle road. It’s very easy to reach as it’s located so close to Galle Road. If you are coming from Colombo, it’s just 2 hours away (If you are coming through Southern highway, only 1 hour!)

Mr. Aruna works with locals, so he can help them with jobs. They are also planning to open their restaurant soon. His idea is to open the restaurant 3 days per week. So the restaurant will be open on Thursday, Friday and Saturday. The staff is working on the restaurant menu to bring out flavors from the world. “We want to build up a friendly space here. So people can come and enjoy each other’s company and our food”, says Mr. Aruna.  It sounds like a great idea and hopefully we will be able to experience it soon.

Stay tuned as we will let you know when this place is open for visitors. I know you all are excited to go there.

For any information you can contact them through their website.

redcoconut-villa.com

phone : 076 473 7160

Famous Red Coconut

Panchakapaduwa Island, Kaluwamodara

This tiny island in Kaluwamodara makes a meditation center for Buddhist monks. From one side of the island it is the Indian ocean, on the other side it’s Bentota river. So this tiny island is located in between a river and the ocean which is not very common to see.
This island sets a calm and serene surrounding for the monks, providing them the ideal environment to meditate.

Visitors are also welcome to this place. But they should come in appropriate dress code and maintain discipline without disturbing this island’s peaceful atmosphere.

This place is the ideal place for anyone to meditate. Sea waves crashing at the rocks, birds chirping in the trees and with the shelter of the trees, you get lost in its charm. It instantly sets your mind free.

If you are in the area you should definitely visit this place. You can either walk all the way following the sea border or you can come from the land side. Second one is the shortest way.
But we walked all the way from Bentota beach to the island and it wasn’t so long.

 

Martin Wickremesinghe Museum, Koggala

Martin Wickramasinghe museum in Koggala is the best place to understand how such a creative person was born. Being one of the greatest authors of all time Martin Wickramasinghe has gifted us so many books that contain bits of his life. If you have read his books you will see how his upbringing in his village has shaped the characters and stories.

When you visit the museum also you will feel like you are living in his books. Museum is built around his birth home and gives an insight to the life style back then in author’s time.

Once you visit his birth home you come to understand how simple his life has been. How close it has been with the nature and the village. No wonder how his thinking process has been creative when he has grown up in such a surrounding.

So I suggest you definitely pay a visit to this place. You will see how his life has been shaped. You can even buy his books for a reasonable price there.

A part of the museum is dedicated to display the village life style and how it has evolved in different eras. Evolution of transportation, food, clothing, cultural items, money is displayed with specimens.

 

 

Grow your own vegetables

Why you should start growing your own vegetables?

As the world is locked down due to Covid19 pandemic, there are things that we should pay attention while staying home safe. No need to say this pandemic has brought the world a very complicated situation economically, socially, mentally and so on.

An economic crisis is ahead all of us. Not even ahead, we are already facing it. So here is why you should start growing your own vegetables in this lockdown situation.

1. Getting daily food supplies is getting harder everyday
2. As the world is locked down most of the supply chains are not functioning.
3. We can’t depend on others anymore.
4. We don’t have enough food storage to feed the whole world.
5. Farmers are also stuck in this lock-down situation. So they are not growing vegetables for our consumption like they used to do.
6. Some families survive on their daily earnings, and there are thousands of families who are fighting every day to provide their daily necessities.
7. This can be your distraction to keep you sane in this challenging situation.
8. Even if you have money there can come a day where there is nothing to buy, if this situation continues.
9. You get to eat fresh produce from your own garden.
10. You are helping this world to be a better place.

 

So here are few tips you can try to grow your own garden.

1. You can use plastic containers, bottles to grow your vegetables.

This is very useful if you have limited space. It also helps to reduce plastic waste.

2. Use organic waste as fertilizer.
3. Use all your available space.
4. Start small and simple.

You don’t have to have a great garden. Just start by planting some green chillies, some green beans etc.

5. Share with others.

If you can share some seeds and plants with others. So it will motivate them to start. But keep distance! Safety first!

Here are few pictures from our home garden to motivate you!

Let us know about your views, tips and ideas about home gardening.

Duli Ella, Maduwanwela

Duli Ella in Maduwanwela is a not-so-popular waterfall you come across. Most of the people visit the famous “Maduwanwela Walawwa”, but only very few go and see this beautiful waterfall.
So next time you visit “Maduwanwela Walawwa”, make sure you visit Duli Ella also. It’s only around 3km away from Maduwanwela Walawwa.

When you are coming through Embilipitiya-Panamure-Bulutota road you will see Maduwanwela Walawwa. From there you have to take a turn to the road that is infront of the entrance of Maduwanwela Walawwa. You can easily go on a vehicle and the road is in a good condition. You can find directions through Google maps or simply ask around from a villager. It’s around 1.5km drive from Maduwanwela Junction. Then you come across a small lake, from there you have to walk to the waterfall. Foot prints are there and it will guide you to the waterfall. This small road takes you across paddy fields and vegetable crops. It’s around 20 minute hike to reach the waterfall. Finding the road is easy but be careful as the road is a little edgy at times. Didn’t spot any leeches on our way. Road runs parallel to the water flow, you hear the sound of the water flowing down.

Once you reach the waterfall you can see beautiful veils of water splashing down. Be careful not to go so close, as the water flow is so fast and powerful, especially during rainy season. If you want to take a dip in the water, don’t go near the main fall but select a safe place where you can see the depth of the waters.

Enjoy the view, but make sure you don’t spoil it.

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A visit to Jaffna

Last year for Christmas I was in Jaffna and I am so glad I took on that journey. Got in to an intercity bus from Wellawaththa around 7.30pm and got down from Jaffna early in the morning around 4.30am. Going by bus is easier and comfortable I think.

Being a Sri Lankan it nearly took me 25 years to be there. Once I was in Jaffna I realized how much I have been missing on. Blue skies, endless ocean, palmyrah trees and beautiful culture. Jaffna has so much to offer. I instantly fell in love with this city and now it’s one of my favourite cities to visit.

As I went in December weather was not so hot, but still a bit hot. That’s how Jaffna is. Here are some of the places I went to see. Make sure you also pay a visit once you are in Jaffna.

 

1. Malayan café

This is very old pure vegetarian restaurant in Jaffna. They are quite famous for their Vadai. But when we went they were not ready yet. So we decided to go for Dosai instead. Dosai were served on banana leaf with sambaru and we loved it. Food here are very very cheap. You can eat well for just 100LKR.

 

2. Jaffna fish market

If you are to buy fish and sea food, this is the place. What I noticed is boats they use for fishing are bit different than what I have seen before. It’s better to go in the morning.

 

 

 

3. Kankasaithurei Beach (KK beach)

This beach is quite famous for sea bathing. It’s shallow and sea waves are smooth. Safe for a bath. You need to get a ticket to enter. As I remember it was less than 50 rupees.

 

 

4. Dambakolapatuna

This place is a historical place and gains more attention from Buddhists. It is believed that Bikkhuni Sanghamitta landed to Sri Lanka from this port with the branch of Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi on an Unduvap Poya Day.

 

5. Keerimalai pond

This is a must visit place. It is said that this pond is connected with the sea. Water is deep blue colour. It is a crime if you do not take a bath here. There are separate sections for male and female. You have to buy an entrance ticket which was around 20 rupees. Water is so refreshing, you could spend the whole day here.

 

6. Nallur Kovil

Regardless of the religion this temple is popular among all Sri Lankans. A visit to Jaffna is not complete without a visit to Nallur Kovil. Everyone makes sure to get blessings from this place.

 

7. Rio ice cream

The world famous ice cream in Jaffna! Sadly it was so so crowded when we went, because of Christmas. So it took a bit long to make an order. I really really need to go back, just to check out all that flavors of ice cream.

 

8. St. Mary’s Cathedral, Jaffna

On Christmas morning I paid a visit here. Christmas mass was taking place there. It was nice to listen to all hymns and carols that was sung in Tamil. I didn’t understand the meaning but I felt what they were telling.

 

9. Old Dutch Building (Dutch Kachcheri Building)

This was the administrative building that was used in Dutch times. Now it’s half ruined, but you can still see the signs of the beautiful architecture. I loved this place, kinda felt like I am living in a historical time.

 

10. Nilavarai Well

This is an old underground well and has been listed as a historical site. People believed this was a bottomless well. Recently Sri Lankan Navy carried out an expedition and found some remains of old carts. Some believes this well is connected with Keerimalai pond.

 

11. Point Pedro Lighthouse

This lighthouse is not functioning now and it’s under the maintenance of Sri Lankan Navy. You have to take permission before visiting. However you can’t go to the top as the stairs are not in a good condition.

 

12. Sakkotai Cape

This is the Northern most point in Sri Lanka. Even though many believe it’s Point Pedro, geographically Sakkotai Cape is the Northern most point in Sri Lanka.

 

13. Ancient caves

I can’t remember the name of this place. But it was closer to Point Pedro. It is believed in ancient times the King used to hide in this place. Without a doubt it is one of the best places to hide. From outside you can’t really say there’s a cave and can easily make space for around 100 people.

My stay was just two days in Jaffna and it was sad to leave. There is so much more to explore in this beautiful city. So many beautiful beaches to discover, lovely people, amazing food and a sky full of hope, Jaffna is beautiful.

I took the train back home, luckily I got a seat.

So much thanks to my friend Madushani, for letting me stay in her hostel. And so much love to Shawya for taking me everywhere and showing me places. I hope I was not that annoying to you.

One thing I was sad about is not knowing Tamil. I wish, I knew more than “Ungaludeiya Peyar enna”. So I could have real conversations.

My favourite part of my Jaffna visit was the Christmas party I attended before leaving Jaffna. It was at one of Shawya’s Friend’s place. A Christmas tree, food and a group of girls laughing out loud and talking about uni! It felt so lovely. Me being a Buddhist, Shawya being a Hindu and her friend being Catholic didn’t stop us having a good time. Shawya’s friend was from Peradeniya University and me and Shawya from University of Sri Jayewardanepura, I realized how much a difference we can make. No matter where we come from or where we live, if there is love, there is life.

 

Food to try when in Vietnam

Vietnam is heaven to food lovers! New, old, traditional or whatever the category you mention there will be something that you can try. Here are some of the stuff I tried and loved.

1. Coffee

This is one of the main reasons why I wanted to go to Vietnam! It’s like the land of coffee. Saigon smells coffee 24/7 and you can just taste that smell. I am not joking. Try as much as you can and take home as much as you can. That’s my coffee theory for Vietnam.

 

2. Banh Mi

This is the Vietnamese hot dog version. This was literally my breakfast every day. So cheap and comes with a lot of stuff inside and you can customized your own. If you want chicken you can ask for a “Banh Mi Ga” and if you want egg ask for “Banh Mi Op La”

3. Viaetnamese pizza

Okay so this is also a bomb I would say! You can eat 10-20 in a row. If you go to Da Lat, you will find it everywhere. These pizza huts are almost everywhere unlike our pizza huts. 🙂

 

4. Pho

No one leaves Vietnam without having Pho. If you go to a street you will see so many people sitting on little chairs and slurping noodles. And you should do too. It’s a soup kinda thing with rice noodles with chicken or beef and herbs.

5. Milk tea

Vietnamese people love their milk tea. It’s a good way to beat the heat. And this milk tea is so fancy, comes with jelly belly and so many fancy things inside. You go to a milk tea shop and design your own milk tea like a food designer. isn’t that cool?

6. Fruits

This country has a lot of varieties of tropical fruit available. Mango, dragon fruit, kiwi, guava whatever the fruit, you name it. It’s there. They also eat mangoes like we do, with salt and chili. But it tastes a bit different. But in a good way.

 

7. Banh khot

Now I am not actually sure whether it’s the right name. But I am 200% sure I will go back just to eat what’s in the picture. My friend took me to this place in Vung Tau and I absolutely loved eating them. I sometime see those in my dreams also. 🙂

 

8. Goi cuon

These are spring rolls wrapped with rice paper. You eat them with fish sauce. Most of the dishes in Vietnam comes with fish sauce and it’s always a good combination.

 

9. Banh Xeo

These are crepes stuffed with mung beans, herbs, meat or prawns. Normally eat with fish sauce and herbs.

10. Bot Chien

These are fried rice flour cake. Rice plays a major role in Vietnamese food. And they eat rice in so many ways that you won’t think it’s made out of rice. This is one of them.

11. Hot pot

Vietnamese know how to do their hot pot. This is a method of cooking for a group of people. You can add so many varieties to a hot pot with boiling water and make your own hot pot.

12. Banh trang tron

 

The best thing about Vietnamese food is they are super cheap and super delicious. Also most of the food you can customize with what you prefer. And food are so fresh. You can see how they are made most of the time. You can experience a lot of different kind of food just by eating off street. Once you taste all these I am sure you will crave for them so much. Also Vietnamese eat a lot of fresh herb leaves along with almost every dish. I think it’s a way of having the balance between ingredients and eating healthy.

I am still suffering from separation anxiety, because I can’t find Banh Mi here. 😦 I know I am gonna go back there soon. Only thing is I don’t have holidays and I am super poor these days. 🙂

A Ride to Weligama

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