Yala National Park: Sri Lanka’s Wildlife Gem

It has one of the highest leopard densities in the world. It is one of the 70 important bird areas in Sri Lanka. It harbours 215 bird species including 6 endemic species of Sri Lanka. It is a treasure trove when it comes to an overall wildlife experience. I am talking about Yala National Park, Sri Lanka’s second largest national park that borders the Indian Ocean to the south of the country.



Home to many ancient civilizations, Yala and its surrounding forest has existed for over a million years and this legacy can be seen in its rich flora and fauna. Exotic wildlife such as the land monitor lizard, Sri Lankan elephant. Sri Lankan sloth bear, Golden palm civet, Sri Lankan leopard, Red slender loris, Fishing cat, mugger crocodile, Sri Lankan grey hornbill, Sri Lanka junglefowl, Sri Lanka wood pigeon, Crimson fronted barbet, black-capped bulbul, blue-tailed bee eater, brown-capped babbler, Sri lankan flying snake, Wiegmann’s agama, Bahir’s fan throated lizard, common mormon butterfly and many others can be found here.



A wildlife safari in Yala National park gives you a sneak peek into its many diverse riches that could be anything from a dancing peacock, sunbathing crocodile, strutting leopard, social langurs, colorful butterflies, bright birds to its majestic elephant herds. The longer you stay inside this forest, the richer your wildlife experience becomes. And this experience is different and unique at different times of the day. And that’s what makes this place so special.



Yala was once part of King Ravana’s kingdom and it was an important location on the sea-faring route of Sri Lanka. Today, it is a safe haven for Sri Lankan wildlife and is a paradise for all kinds of nature and wildlife enthusiasts. I have been to Yala National park on 3 separate trips and have absolutely enjoyed each stay thoroughly. I personally feel that the true colours of Yala can be experienced during the rains when the denizens of the forest are celebrating the abundance in the nature around them.



Whatever season you choose to visit Yala in, it is bound to blow your mind with its diversity and depth of animal and bird sightings. If you are going to Sri Lanka on a holiday and if you happen to enjoy wildlife holidays, then Yala National Park has to be an important part of your Sri Lankan holiday itinerary. It is Sri Lanka’s wildlife gem and I absolutely love the place.



Things to keep in mind while visiting Yala National Park

1) Days can be usually warm and humid. Do ensure to carry your sun protection hear and water.

2) Do remember to stay quiet to get the best wildlife experience.

3) Do carry mosquito repellents to combat the mosquitoes that might pay you a visit during the evening and night.

4) Do not get outside your safari vehicle unless and until your forest guide tells you to.

5) Carry beach wear when visiting Yala National Park so that you can enjoy its beaches at its southern extremes.



Best season to visit:

Yala national park is open all through the year. If rich wildlife sighting is on your mind, the dry summer months from Feb to May would be fabulous. If you like lush nature and rainfall drama, visit during the monsoons. For a relaxed and pleasant time, visit during the winter months.



How to reach here:

The closest international airport to Yala National Park is the Mattala Rajapaksa international airport near Hambantota, but due to extremely low number of flights, it has been dubbed as the world’s emptiest international airport. If you find a flight operating to this airport, Yala National Park is just an hour or so away.



The other more popular option is to fly into Colombo international airport and do a road trip to Yala National Park. While one route is the coastal route (Colombo –> Galle –> Unawatuna – Tangalle –> Hambantota –> Yala), the other is the mountain highlands route (Colombo –> Kithulgula –> Nuwara Eliya –> Ella –> Buttala –> Yala). Both routes are about 700 kms long and should take you about 12 to 14 hours.



Where to stay:

If you don’t mind shelling out a bit of moolah, stay at the beautiful beach side properties inside Yala National Park.

For a unique experience, stay inside tree houses in the periphery of Yala National Park.



For budget, yet luxury accommodation, opt to stay in and around Thissamaharama lake.



Nearby Tourist Attractions:

1) Thissamaharama Lake, a great destination for birding and relaxation

2) The beautiful beach destination of Arugam Bay



3) Horton plains National Park for grasslands, mountains and waterfalls

4) The beach destination of Tangalle

5) Rawana Ella waterfalls, one of the tallest waterfalls of Sri Lanka



6) The mountains and tea estates of Nuwara Eliya

7) Sinharaja rainforest for a rare rainforest nature experience

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Sigiriya: Ancient Civilization on top of a Million Year Old Rock

If you are planning a holiday to North Central Sri Lanka, I am pretty sure that Sigiriya will be in your itinerary. I will not be surprised if it is the highlight too. Such is the aura of this 5th century rock top city that is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Sri Lanka’s most visited tourist attractions.



You might be wondering what is the hype surrounding this 200 meter high rock! Well, for starters, it rises out of nowhere.  So basically, it dominates the surrounding landscape. And it is shaped as a lion on one side. And it is this lion that lends the rock its iconic name.



One of the best preserved examples of ancient urban planning, Sigiriya offers an interesting mix of nature, adventure, history, architecture and panorama all rolled into one. It’s gardens are one of its best highlights as they are among the oldest landscaped gardens in the world.



Persian in style, these gardens are divided into three categories: water gardens, boulder gardens and terraced gardens. The beautiful water gardens with fountains and underwater conduits are filled with water lilies and lotus plants. Then come the beautifully laid out terraced gardens and their water system that lead the way to the top of the rock. In between, comes the cave and boulder gardens that were both for ornamental as well as as for protection from enemies. One can experience these gardens both from below as well as from the top where one can understand its style, layout and size in a much better way.



While the gardens are definitely a top highlight, I personally enjoyed the steep climb to the top of the Sigiriya rock along with an enroute view of the frescoes and paintings that bear a close resemblance to the famous paintings in the Ajanta caves of India. The only flip side of this climb is that the ascent is slow as you have to wait for the people in front of you to make their way up. There is no overtaking in this narrow steep trail.



The climb from the lion’s paw to the top of the rock treats your eyes to a view of the dense forest that looks like a green carpet and once you reach the top, you are swept by the strong wind that wicks away all the sweat from your strenuous climb in a matter of seconds. Once you are on the top, you can see more ruins of this once glorious ancient civilization and come to realize that the top is massive and flat. It would have been quite something when the kingdom was at its grandest best .



The top of Sigiriya rock is also a great place to sit and gaze into the green surroundings, the water gardens, the forests and the far away hills while imagining the might of this civilization in its prime. While you are on the top, you will also notice another smaller rock called Pidurangala that is a popular place to catch a sunrise or sunset view of Sigiriya. This rock offers a Buddhist monastery and some off beat trekking adventure for those looking for something different.



Whether you are into UNESCO World heritage sites, ancient cities, history or simply fun travels and adventure, Sigiriya will definitely appeal to you and you should definitely make it a part of your Sri Lanka holiday itinerary. Before making your way to the top, do stop by the Sigiriya museum to get a decent idea of the history. It will be even better if you hire a knowledgeable guide.

Note: Do remember that this place will be warm, humid, open to the atmosphere and there is a steep climb involved. So, do wear simple walking shoes, carry an umbrella or a hat, some sunscreen, a pair of sunglasses, a small towel and a bottle of water to keep yourself company during the climb to the top of the rock.

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North Central Sri Lankan Holiday: An Itinerary full of culture, history, wildlife, adventure and lots of local connections!

It is that time of the year when we are all busy planning our holidays. Winter has been pretty harsh this year and tropical island destinations have never seemed more appealing. While India is surrounded by a lot of tropical paradise destinations (Thailand, Maldives, Malaysia, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Lakshadweep Islands), I prefer Sri Lanka for its proximity, cheaper flight options, diverse holiday itinerary that can be covered with minimal travel  and the fact that it caters to travelers with all kinds of budgets.

While each part of Sri Lanka offers a unique experience (West – the capital, cities and beaches, South – wildlife and beaches, Central – culture, rainforests, tea estates and wildlife, East – off beat beaches, quieter part of the country, North – lots of cultural trails, wildlife and a rich Buddhist heritage), I have a special place in my heart for the North-Central region. This north-central part of Sri Lanka offers a heady mix of UNESCO World heritage sites, ancient roots of Buddhism, innumerable cultural trails, rich wildlife and a true countryside experience.



If you are planning on exploring this North-Central cultural corridor of Sri Lanka or need some inspiring holiday ideas for your tropical holiday this winter, you might be interested in these seven special Srilankan experiences.

The Ancient City of Sigriya



This million year rock is famous for its ancient civilization with water gardens, reservoirs and ancient paintings. A UNESCO World Heritage site, Sigriya is that kind of place that will appeal to all kinds of travelers. Whether you are climbing to the top to catch a glimpse of sunrise, whether you love prehistoric art, whether you love history or whether you simply wish to stand on the top of a million year rock, soak in the views and feel the wind in your hair, this excellent example of ancient urban planning will definitely blow your mind away. Do remember that the steep flight of narrow stairs are sure to send your heart racing.

Cave Temple, Cricket Stadium and Elephants of Dambulla



Home to the largest and the best preserved cave temple complex in Sri Lanka, Dambulla’s history can be traced to as early as the 7th century BC. The cave temple with its frescoes, statues and deep Buddhist connection is definitely the highlight and will make for a great experience along with a knowledgeable guide. If there is an international cricket match taking place in this town, do head to the Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium even if only for a brief bit. And whenever you are driving in and around Dambulla, do keep an eye out for elephant herds. The elephant has right of way here.

Sunset at Pidurangala Rock


A little bit of adventure and trekking and you will be treated to a spectacular sunrise or sunset view of the Sigriya Rock. That is the speciality of Pidurangala, a rock that overlooks Sigriya and one that has a small Buddhist temple, some ruins and frescoes of its own. The Pidurangala rock offers a more off-beat trail for someone who wishes for some hiking and has keen interest in photographing the Sigriya rock from a different vantage point.

Massive Elephant Congregations at Minneriya National Park



Too much of culture, heritage and history can sometimes get to you and that is where I absolutely love an option like Minneriya National Park, which offers you the opportunity to get in close quarters with Srilanka’s wild side. A jeep safari into Minneriya National Park might allow you to see the largest group of wild elephants in Sri Lanka. While this happens mostly during the dry season, a wild elephant sighting is almost guaranteed during each jeep safari. In addition to the wild pachyderms, this part of Sri Lanka is home to a lot of migratory and terrestrial birds and many other wildlife species.

Mihintale – Anuradhapura’s Best Sunset Point



Considered as the cradle of Buddhism in Sri Lanka, Mihinthale is all about peace and tranquillity right from the time you start climbing the broad flight of stairs surrounded by flowering trees. Whether you are standing on the Maha Stupa or the Aradhana Gala rock, you will definitely connect with the spiritual realm here. And personally, I think Mihintale is Anuradhapura’s best sunset point. If you are interested in ruins and history, there are a lot of archaeological sites and ruins spread all across this region.

Anuradhapura – Cultural Highlight of Sri Lanka



Definitely, one of the top attractions of North-Central Sri Lanka, this ancient capital is full of mighty pagodas and well preserved ruins. As per wikipedia, it is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world and one of the eight world heritage sites of Sri Lanka. But, the way I see it, this laidback part of Sri Lanka has some of the largest structures of the ancient world, is deeply rooted to the belief systems of Theravada Buddhism and is a historian and archaeologist’s delight. The Bodhi Tree Temple, Isurumuniya Vihara, Jetavana, Ruwanwelisaya and the citadel are some places that you should not miss. The best way to experience the charms of Anuradhapura is on a bicycle as you slowly pedal from attraction to attraction and from ruin to ruin while connecting with the extremely friendly local people.

Habarana Lake – Rustic Sri Lankan Experience



A pristine lake with lotus, water lilies and rich birdlife, a true Sri Lankan rustic experience, a walk through the paddy fields and riding a tractor through the red dirt tracks, the Habarana lake and village experience holds a special place in my heart. In fact, such was my local connection at this place that I would love to experience all of this again and again. Be it grating fresh coconuts and cooking with them, working in the farm with them or simply enjoying the rustic life, Habarana village has it all.

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Srilanka’s Minneriya National Park: Go here for big elephant gatherings!

No holiday to Srilanka is complete without a glimpse of its wild side! After all, one of the highlights of a visit to this tropical island nation is its rich and diverse wildlife. Yala National Park on the south east corner is famous for its leopards, Horton Plains near Nuwara Eliya is popular for its waterfalls and views, Sinharaja in the heart is known for its rare rainforest species and birds of paradise and Minneriya in the north central region, is known for its massive elephant gatherings.


If you are exploring the cultural trails of North Central Srilanka, then you should pay a visit to Minneriya National Park. And if you wish to see massive congregations of wild elephants, you should definitely have Minneriya National Park in your Srilanka itinerary.


After all, this is the place that attracts herds in numbers of 100 to 200 during the dry season. And provides a definite elephant sighting during all seasons. And that is not all! Minneriya is one of the more important bird sanctuaries of Sri Lanka that is home to a lot of waterfowl and endemic species. So whether you like big mammals or birds, this place is ideal for you.


Surrounding the catchment area of Minneriya tank, this national park is made up of diverse vegetation that includes montane forests, secondary forests, bamboo, scrublands, grasslands, rocky outcrops and wetlands. The best part about this park is that it is nicely tucked amidst all of North Central Srilanka’s cultural gems.


So, whether you are exploring Dambulla’s Rock temple, Sigriya’s ancient city and ruins, the ruins of Anuradhapura, the countryside of Habarana or trekking upto Pidurangala to catch the sunrise over Sigriya, you are not too far away from a rich experience in Srilanka’s wild. Such a wild experience in the laps of mother nature, would give you a welcome break from ruins, history and culture. And may be it will help to charge your batteries to explore more ruins and more cultural attractions.


This wild experience would entail you taking a landrover jeep with a forest guide and criss-crossing the brown jungle trails in search of that massive elephant herd. While you are on your jeep safari, you might come across sambar deer, sloth bears, the Srilankan junglefowl, the Srilankan Grey Hornbill, the Saltwater crocodile, the Asian Elephant and many other animal and bird species. And you can consider yourself mighty lucky if you see more than 100 elephants in one gorgeous view. After all, this is the specialty of this national park.


All you would need is a good pair of binoculars, a camera and an urge to be one with Srilanka’s wild. If you are going for elephants, the dry season would be the best time. For birdwatchers, winter months would be your best bet.


Even though Polonnaruwa is your nearest city, I feel Habarana offers a more laidback retreat option. Whether you are planning a weekend getaway from Colombo or a more relaxed holiday in this North Central corridor of Srilanka, Minneriya, along with the cultural gems of this region should keep you captivated all along!

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Cinnamon Lodge Habarana: Luxurious Base to Explore North-Central Sri Lanka

Are you planning to explore the cultural gems of North Central Sri Lanka? And I am pretty sure if you are then you will be looking for a comfortable pad from where you can explore exotic destinations such as Sigriya, Anuradhapura, Dambulla and Minneriya National Park among many others.

 

As you know, I explored these cultural hotspots on my recent holiday to Sri Lanka. During this holiday, the luxurious base from where I explored all of North-Central Sri Lanka was the Cinnamon Lodge Habarana. This luxurious property tucked amidst lush green vegetation and surrounded by water bodies was my perfect home for 4 days and 5 nights during which I got to explore Sigriya, Pidurangala, Anuradhapura, Dambulla, Mihinthale, Minneriya National Park, Habarana Lake and an authentic Sri Lankan countryside experience.

This detailed review of the property and my overall experience should help you get a good idea while planning your North-Central Sri Lankan holiday.

Fantastic Access to all the Hot Spots
 

Be it 30 minutes to Pidurangala rock, 45 minutes to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Sigriya, 90 minutes to the caves of Dambulla, 2 hours to the ruins of Anuradhapura or an hour to a rich wildlife experience in Minneriya National Park, the Cinnamon Lodge Habarana gave me the ideal base to explore all of the top attractions in the region without worrying about packing, unpacking and shifting hotels.

This proximity to luxury comes in super useful after a tiring day of climbing and exploring in the bright sun and humid conditions. After all, the hotel swimming pool, the spa or simply just your comfortable hotel room is right there to help you recuperate quickly from your active day trip.

Having your own mode of transportation will come in handy. If not, the hotel can arrange transportation services for you.

Oodles of Luxury and Lovely Service
 

Cinnamon Lodge Habarana is a five star hotel that has a traditional décor and feel to it. Its signature experience is it being situated in the middle of a pristine forest where you get to wake up to the sound of birds singing and see langurs and flying squirrels during the day either from your balcony or during your walk inside the property.

Whether you are staying in their villas or bungalows, each one of the them is located on top of a pedestal that is similar to that of South Indian Hindu temples. And the rooms come with all the modern amenities and luxuries that fits the bill of a luxury hotel property.

The property has 2 gorgeous swimming pools that offer the precise break that you need after a tiring excursion to all the tourist attractions. The spa, the massage parlor and the bar are just icing on the cake.

The staff of the hotel are a lovely bunch who are always keen to make your stay comfortable. Personally, I had a fantastic experience with their kitchen staff and their naturalists who dazzled me with their knowledge during the bird watching walks and countryside trips.

Yummy Local Food
 

For me, a holiday is not complete without a traditional food experience. At Cinnamon Lodge Habarana, I was transported to heaven with every meal. Their assortment of traditional curries, fruits, spices and dishes in addition to an international menu was possibly the best gift anyone could offer to a foodie like me. If you have a specific dish or creation in mind, do share it with the chef and/or the restaurant staff and I am pretty sure that they will prepare that for you. I certainly did and I had an absolutely delicious time.

Their Ice Cream is a Must Experience
 
If I remember right, I tried 34 flavors of ice cream in less than 60 minutes. But, these are not your stereotype ice cream flavors. Rather, the flavors that I tasted included curry leaves, cinnamon, chilly, durian, mango and so many more. I did not like all of them, but some of them certainly did blow my mind…in a good way of course. These off beat ice cream flavors are the specialty of the Cinnamon Lodge Habarana and hence it is something that you must try out. I am pretty sure that you will leave a richer person after the ice cream experience. Don’t blame me if you get a sugar rush though.

Fast Internet Almost Everywhere
As a travel blogger, I always look for fast connectivity. The Cinnamon Lodge Habarana did certainly take care of my needs in that department.

 

Whether you are a family with kids, a group of kids or a couple, the Cinnamon Lodge Habarana is a great luxury base to enjoy your rich North-Central Sri Lankan holiday. I certainly had an amazing time with them and would love to stay there on my next Sri Lankan holiday.

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Pidurangala Rock: Sigriya Twist with Off Beat Adventure

If you are on the historical trail of North-Central Sri Lanka, I am pretty sure that you will have Sigriya, the multi-million year old rock, in your itinerary. Sigriya, with its gorgeous ancient city, the prehistoric frescoes and amazing water gardens demands that extra attention. After all, it is one of Sri Lanka’s top highlights and definitely one of its most visited historical sites.



But, if you wish to experience Sigriya with a slight twist and have some off-beat adventure thrown in as a bonus, I would recommend that you climb Pidurangala Rock, a massive rock located a few kilometres north of Sigriya. Pidurangala offers an interesting mix of a rugged climb, a Buddhist temple, ruins of Buddha statues, stunning sunrises and sunsets and a view of Sigriya worth dying for.



All you need to do is take a tuk tuk from your hotel or from Sigriya, reach the base of the temple and begin the steep climb from here. As the climb is quite steep and rugged, it is advised to wear a good pair of walking shoes and carry some water and biscuits/energy bars for hydration and nutrition. The climb in total is about 30 minutes and you will see nothing except a dense tree cover for about 20 minutes. Do not worry and keep climbing the steps and following the arrows made on the rocks. When you feel a strong gust of wind hitting you on your chest, you are pretty close to the top.



The top is flat and rocky with a boulder or two and some shrubs. You more or less get a 360 degree view from the top of Pidurangala rock. You see Sigriya straight ahead, the hills in the background and the lakes and the forest cover in the foreground below. Personally, I feel the wind, the view and the entire landscape make it a perfect place to have breakfast or that late evening snack.



Go here for sunrise or sunset and watch the golden rays of the sun dance on Sigriya and its surrounding green landscape. It is always recommended to carry a camera as sunrise and sunsets here are usually dramatic. As it is pretty windy on top of the rock, drones are rendered useless. If you wish to catch the first rays of the sunrise or the last rays of sunset, you will pretty much ascend or descend in darkness. A flashlight or headlamp will surely come in handy at such times.  Let me know how your Sigriya Twist Adventure goes from the top of Pidurangala rock.

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Mihintale: Anuradhapura’s Sunset Point and the Cradle of Buddhism in Sri Lanka

The North Central corridor of Sri Lanka is full of cultural riches. From Kandy to Dambulla and from Anuradhapura to Sigriya, this region of Sri Lanka is full of ancient civilizations, temples, ruins and so much more. One such important place in this culturally rich part of the country that you should visit is Mihintale.



There are 2 things that make Mihinthale a special attraction. First, it is believed to be one of the earliest sites of Buddhism in Sri Lanka. Second, the Maha Stupa here is possibly the best place in the Anuradhapura region to catch a vibrant sunset.



I visited this place on my recent exploration of the Sri Lankan North-Central cultural trail. The plan was to catch sunset here, but as I had a bit of time on my hand, I got to explore nearly all of Mihintale’s highlights that include Maha Stupa, Ambasthala Dagaba and Aradhana Gala. All these places require a bit of climbing, so it is best to go prepared.



Right from the moment I climbed the staircase lined with gorgeous flowering trees to the fun experience of climbing the rocky outcrop of Aradhana Gala with hundreds of kids, I absolutely enjoyed my Mihinthale experience. Watching the sunset from the Great Stupa while listening to the chants of many Buddhist monks was like the icing on the cake.



One of the most revered Buddhist places in Sri Lanka, one can see a lot of monks, religious fervor and spirituality here. Nature here is also dense and one can see it in its full splendor from the top. For those interested in a bit of history, this was the place where Mahinda, the son of Emperor Asoka from India preached the doctrine of Buddhism to King Devanampiyatissa, the then king of Sri Lanka. Thus began the era of Buddhism in Sri Lanka and hence the name of this place ‘Mihintale’, which in Sinhala means ‘plateau of Mihindu (Mahinda)’.



Go here for an interesting mix of culture, pristine nature and calm! I feel it is definitely one of the top highlights of a Anuradhapura cultural trail tour.

Tips: It is easy to explore Mihinthale in a couple of hours, but it is best to keep half a day to feel the sense of peace and to admire the sunset view from here. A half day trip also helps appreciate the historical connection amidst all these ruins. Carry some water, snacks and sun protection. A tripod will come in handy if you are a photographer. It is quite windy on the top and drones will be a bad idea.

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