Kandy in a Day August is the month of the world famous Kandy Perahera. It climaxes this year on the Full Moon day of Tuesday 20 August with the evening parade of whip crackers, fire dancers, jugglers and elephants, including one bearing a casket containing the revered Buddha’s tooth (or a replica of… Read More »
In my many travels to Galle, I have admired the ancient Fort area and enjoyed the laid-back feel of the place and remnants of the colonial era. While I have read a lot of articles on the place and researched its history, The Galle Fort Walking tour revealed secrets that were hidden in plain sight!… Read More »
When you think of safety jackets, the first thing that comes to mind usually is an activity that has something to do with the sea. In this case however, safety jackets have been deemed a must in one of the driest regions in the country! The Sigiriya Central Cultural Fund has made it essential for… Read More »
One of the many blessings of a peaceful Sri Lanka is being able to explore some of the ancient sites that were hard to see just months ago. One such ancient marvel is Tantirimale, a magnificent site both humbling and inspiring. I visited recently at dusk as the sun was going down over the acres… Read More »
Fed up with the frenzy of shopping and pre-Christmas buzz in Colombo, I escaped to Galle Fort for a peaceful couple of days with friends. My nagging list of unfinished things-to-do and a rather lengthy Christmas gift list was happily put aside to do when I return from my much earned r & r. Our… Read More »
Just before the Christmas rush I was able to escape for a day to visit some new properties in the Bentota area last week. One of these was the wonderful Bawa House 87 where I spent an utterly peaceful morning. Enter through the large white gates and an instant sense of serenity takes over as… Read More »
Plans for Galle Literary Festival 2010, to be held from 27 to 31 January, are gathering pace. With less than 100 days to go, the excitement is brewing with several well-known local and foreign authors confirming their participation. As in the previous three years, the Literary Festival 2010 promises five days of enthralling literary discussions,… Read More »
One of the great thrills of being a Red Dot chauffeur guide is taking clients to the Kandy Esala Perehera, the island’s most colourful and dramatic street pageant, which takes place in the days leading up to the Esala Poya Day in August. This year I escorted Tony and Trudi Barringer, a charming couple from… Read More »
Some good news for those of us worried about the preservation of our heritage. The Central Cultural Fund of Sri Lanka has initiated the establishment of an Archeological Museum, a long overdue facility for the magnificent attraction of Sigiriya Rock Fortress. This new museum would enhance the experience to Sigiriya and would allow the visitors… Read More »
If you are keen visiting somewhere off the beaten track and you like wildlife and walking, considering visiting the Namal Uyana (Ironwood Forest) in the Cultural Triangle. Visited by many locals everyday, Namal Uyana is seldom visited by foreigners. These 1005 hectares of Ironwood forest is famous for many reasons than just the large number… Read More »
