Kimbulawala, located near the Diyawanna Lake near Colombo , is a popular 4-km scenic gravel walking and jogging track set amidst wetlands and paddy fields. It is widely used by residents for exercise and relaxation, offering a tranquil natural environment often frequented by birdwatchers to spot species like the Blue-tailed Bee-eater. Kimbulawala has many Sri Lankan…
After very pleasant six days at Exotica Bungalows at Hikkaduwa, we came to the Red Parrot Beach ‘Villa’ at Ambalangoda for five nights of rest and relaxation. The little Air B&B villa is right on the beach off the busy Colombo Road and has an open varanda, sitting and dinning room, a well equipped kitchen,…
Hikkaduwa Lake is a scenic natural attraction known for its tranquil waters and lush surroundings. The lake offers an escape from the bustling beaches nearby. It offers birdwatching, leisurely walks and an opportunity to unwind by the water’s edge. The best time to visit Hikkaduwa Lake is during the dry season, which runs from late November to April.…
Turtle Beach in Hikkaduwa is a popular, calm bay where wild sea turtles swim near the shore, offering snorkeling opportunities. Visitors can frequently see 3-4 large resident turtles in shallow, clear water. It is best visited during the dry season, roughly November to April. The Hikkaduwa Turtle Beach is only a short Tuk-Tuk ride from…
A short walk along the beach from Exotica Bungalows in Hikkaduwa takes you to the Seenigama Temple complex. A small shrine is dedicated to the local Hindu deity named Devol – protector of fishermen and boats. According to the Sanskrit epic Ramayana, Seenigama was the place where Sugriva, helper of Rama, began his campaign against…
The car from Exotica Bungalows picked us up in Colombo and drove us to the delightful little hotel by the sea at Hikkaduwa – a vibrant, tourist-friendly coastal town in southwestern Sri Lanka, renowned for its golden beaches, bustling nightlife, and excellent surfing (especially from November to April). Located about Located about 100km south of Colombo, it is a…
We returned to Sri Lanka in February 2026 for a six weeks stay. We were glad to leave the cold and damp in Harrogate behind and fly to Colombo from Manchester with Turkish Airlines via Istanbul. It was not the same as flying with Emirates. The seats were smaller with less leg-room. No spirits were…
We celebrated Christmas 2025 with the family in London. Nadja, Lotti & Alma flew in from Germany. We drove to London from Harrogate to stay with Diluk & Cliona in Islington. Christmas Eve Diluk, Cliona, Alma and Lotti first went to see Matthew Bourne’s The Red Shoes at Sadlers Wells before joining us at Nick…
Video created by Renuka Dias
After a restful day at Port na Mine, we drove to Kilchrenan to have dinner at the Kilchrenan Inn. We had drinks before dinner in the garden in front of the inn.
It was warm and sunny – an ideal day for relaxing at Port na Mine, swimming in Loch Etive, walking in Oban and exploring the Ganavan Sands and Dunstaffnage Castle Circular. Relaxing At Port na Mine Loch Etive Again… Ganavan Sands Circular This is a 7 km circular walk above the coast line starting at…
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