- Swim, surf, snorkel and scuba with the fishes. Hikkaduwa may well have the bravest of fishes in the shallowest of beaches. Add the warm sun to it and you have a perfect picnic spot.
- Enjoy the lunch at nearby eateries including a Pizza Hut and several hotel restaurants. Its a typical beach town with a long beachline.
- Shower is a problem as the facilities are dirty even if paid. Arrange for shower with the same shop which provided scuba gear.
the world is a book and those who do not travel read only one page - saint augustine
Tuesday 19 December 2017
Hikkaduwa, Sri Lanka
Monday 18 December 2017
Unawatuna, Sri Lanka
- Stay at Unawatuna rather Galle as most buzz is around the beach specially in the evening and later. This will also help in watching the sunrise from shore with a short walk.
- Evenings in Unawatuna get wilder. Torches come up and restaurants extend their seating to closer to beach. Make sure you get one of those front benches to enjoy the ambience.
- Scuba and snorkels are available although the water is not ideal for these activities. Still it is worth a go. Weligama is half hour drive and is perfect for surfing activities.
Unawatuna is a quintessential beach. It has an independent personality and proximity to Galle is just a coincidence. It has the buzz of Calangute and the serenity of Kovalam. It has a long beach line and yet the curve ensures everything is within eyesight. When we first visited it, our hearts were won over and over again, so much that we had to come again just to say goodbye.
Surfing @ Weligama |
Sunday 17 December 2017
Mirissa, Sri Lanka
- Mirissa is more famous for whale watching as the ferries start from here for the middle of the sea. The activity is for the elderlies and is getting costlier every year.
- The beach is one of the most beautiful you will come across. If you want to go for the secluded and cosy one, this is it.
- Weligama is equal distance from here and Unawatuna. There is a Marriott not very far in case you want to go for a luxury hotel.
Sunrise @ Mirissa Beach |
Saturday 16 December 2017
Galle, Sri Lanka
- Galle is essentially a beach fort town. Do not expect more. There are well located restaurants within the fort with a beautiful sea view and authentic Sri Lankan cuisine that you should try.
- Fort is the place to explore within Galle. The lighthouse and area around it is spectacular shares during sunset with fort on one side and the infinite sea on another.
- Galle beach is another attraction although nothing compared to so many beaches in Sri Lanka. Beachside restaurants are a good option for breakfast.
Lighthouse, Galle Fort |
Wednesday 22 November 2017
Udaigiri Caves, Vidisha
- One can book a vehicle for less than $10 for half day to cover both Udaigiri and Heliodorus Pillar from Vidisha station. The pillar is worth 20 minutes stay.
- November to February is the best time to visit Udaigiri Caves. Both the climate of this region and the small uphill climb traversing this hill demands cool temperature.
- At the top of the hill, there is a cave dedicated to Lord Ganesha. People mostly come back from here. There is a path from here that takes you to the other side which has few more caves.
Varaha statue, Udaigiri |
Monday 21 August 2017
Hill Fort, Kesroli
- Great food, picturesque swimming pool and solitude, these are what Hill Fort Kesroli offers to you. If you are looking for adventure, go somewhere else.
- Morning walks around the village and fields is possible. Hotel also offers bicycles to help you take a round.
- Bhangarh and Abhineri are each an hour away although in different directions. You can go for them if you are staying for couple days.
Hill Fort Kesroli is a Neemrana property and inaccessible to outsiders. You need to book a room to even enter the premises which is on high grounds and not at all easy to reach. It was my birthday and so we decided to spend a night at the resort. The August sun was bright as we drove from Gurgaon to Kesroli near Alwar in two and half hours. We checked in and roamed around the property. While the entrance is a climb, the fort is an easy navigation with rooms on two levels.
Swimming pool at lower levels, Hill Fort Kesroli |
Wednesday 28 June 2017
Himeji Castle
- Go all the way to the top. You will appreciate the thick wooden pillars and beams on which this massive palace is built from ground up.
- The armoury on the third floor is amazing with a collection of Japanese Katana Swords from Samurai era.
- Try to walk around the castle. The beauty from inside is architectural, from outside Himeji Castle is a giant work of art.
Himeji Castle, Himeji |
Tuesday 27 June 2017
Kyoto
- Kyoto is huge. Plan ahead on what are the top sites you want to visit. Top three in my list were Kiyomizu-dera, Kinkaku-ji & Fushimi Inari-Taisha.
- Expect a lot of walk. Even if you reach the gates of one of the attractions, the walk inside will be tiring but worth it.
- Take Kyoto Day Pass which includes transport and entry to some of the main shrines. For food, the restaurants near the river are best.
Labels:
Abroad,
Religious,
UNESCO World Heritage Site,
Walk
Google Maps:
Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture, Japan
Monday 26 June 2017
Universal Studios Japan (USJ)
First thing first. You cannot cover all at Universal Studios Japan (USJ) without a plan. So here is step by step guide to help you.
1. Reach USJ by 8.30AM. Based on inbound crowd, the entry time changes between 8AM and 9AM. Avoid weekends & holidays because they attract both tourists and locals. Best days are Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. Buy tickets in advance through www.usj.co.jp or in worse case counter. There are two tickets. One is the Studio Pass for entry, the other is Express Pass (optional but strongly recommended) for selective rides.
1. Reach USJ by 8.30AM. Based on inbound crowd, the entry time changes between 8AM and 9AM. Avoid weekends & holidays because they attract both tourists and locals. Best days are Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. Buy tickets in advance through www.usj.co.jp or in worse case counter. There are two tickets. One is the Studio Pass for entry, the other is Express Pass (optional but strongly recommended) for selective rides.
Universal Studios Japan Map |
Sunday 25 June 2017
Atomic Bomb Dome, Hiroshima
- If you have a JR Pass, traveling in Hiroshima is not a problem. The hop-on-hop-off is part of the pass.
- Most visited place is of course Atomic Bomb Dome but you can start walking from station and cover some other attractions in the same direction.
- The city of Hiroshima buzzes as if to defy the existence of bomb attack. Malls and high streets are a treat to visit and restaurants are abundant.
Atomic Bomb Dome, Hiroshima |
Labels:
Abroad,
UNESCO World Heritage Site,
Walk
Google Maps:
Atomic Bomb Dome, Hiroshima
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