Author Archive for Harshi Hewage

Now trending: the Sri Lankan breakfast hopper

Now trending: the Sri Lankan breakfast hopper

Made from a batter of fermented rice flour and coconut milk in a curved pan, the hopper is a crispy pancake shaped like a bowl with a spongy middle. It is really nice and light and even though it is called a breakfast hopper (don’t be deceived by the heading), Sri Lanka loves all day
Top 8 sights and sounds of Colombo

Top 8 sights and sounds of Colombo

Colombo is now a must visit city in your travel itinerary to Sri Lanka where many make a pit stop to shop, buy mementos to take home or to sample the varied restaurants and roof top bars that the capital has to offer. There are also many sites to visit that showcase history of Sri
24 hours in Kandy, Sri Lanka

24 hours in Kandy, Sri Lanka

Kandy is the hill country capital and gateway to the tea region of Sri Lanka. This former Kingdom is a colourful, bustling city of markets, temples, spice gardens, a picturesque lake and surrounded by scenic natural beauty – offering a range of cultural and dynamic experiences for all types of travellers. Located in the centre
Off the beaten track in Sri Lanka – the undiscovered temple in the rocks

Off the beaten track in Sri Lanka – the undiscovered temple in the rocks

The city of Kandy in Sri Lanka is synonymous with the temple that houses the Buddha’s tooth relic but one can go off the beaten track to discover another, hidden away in a cave: quieter, calmer, but rich in history and aesthetic. Beginnings Degaldaruwa Raja Maha Viharaya began construction in 1771 under the guidance of
Top 8 unforgettable Tangalle Beach experiences in Sri Lanka

Top 8 unforgettable Tangalle Beach experiences in Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka is in the news for all the right reasons and is now top of the list of all South Asian itineraries. For a country that offers a multitude of experiences, flavours and locations, its coastal attractions are proving to be the most popular. Tangalle is a quieter option away from the hustle and
Top 5 experiences to celebrate Ceylon tea

Top 5 experiences to celebrate Ceylon tea

Ceylon tea turns 150 years old in 2017 and tea enthusiasts the world over are celebrating the humble cup of pekoe. A marketers dream, Ceylon is synonymous with tea, each sip of its distinctly full flavour kindles images of undulating, lush tea fields and smiling leaf pluckers through the mist of the early morning. Now
5 history bites about your cup of Ceylon tea

5 history bites about your cup of Ceylon tea

Ceylon tea is famous and according to most experts it is the best and the most flavourful black tea in the world.  2017 is a landmark year for Ceylon tea where 150 years ago the commercial production of tea began in Sri Lanka. Here are some nerdy history bites that you may find interesting and
Sri Lanka's culinary delights

Sri Lanka's culinary delights

Sri Lankan food is some of the freshest and tastiest cuisine I have ever come across. Often described as a mix between Thai and Indian, the cuisine is influenced by the island nation’s abundant fresh produce, exotic spices and rich cultural history of regal heritage, subsistence farmers, and colonisation. With diverse recipes from the North
Discovering all things green in Sri Lanka - The Peradeniya Botanical Gardens

Discovering all things green in Sri Lanka - The Peradeniya Botanical Gardens

The Peradeniya Botanical Gardens is a must visit in any itinerary to Kandy. Giant trees, colourful flowers and varied plants both indigenous to Sri Lanka and planted by dignitaries span 147 acres.  The beginning of this garden dates back to 1371 during the time of the ruling Sinhalese king. It was then run by the
Top 5 Sri Lanka experiences with kids

Top 5 Sri Lanka experiences with kids

Sri Lanka is often associated with romantic honeymoons or rugged backpacking adventures, however as it grows in popularity the island nation is increasing in facilities and activities for travelling families. It’s unique landscape, colourful history and cultural charm provides a number of unique experiences the whole family will be recalling for years. Here are my
Off the beaten track in Sri Lanka: the temple in the cave

Off the beaten track in Sri Lanka: the temple in the cave

Mulkirigala Caves boast a remarkable temple and monastery carved out of a large rock formation. Situated in the Hambantota district in the south of the island, this temple is a “Raja Maha Viharaya” denoting its royal beginnings and patronage thereafter. The south coast of Sri Lanka offers beautiful beaches, places of worship, wildlife sanctuaries but
Sri Lanka - take the highway or take it your way

Sri Lanka - take the highway or take it your way

Sri Lanka is a tropical island traversed far, wide and around by tourists and intrepid travellers alike. The teardrop island is blessed with paradise beaches, exotic wildlife from leopards to blue whales, lush tea plantations, ancient ruins, metropolitan cities, a rich culture and exquisite cuisine. Traditionally visitors have chosen the easy route to discovery by
4 things to know about one of the world's oldest parades in Sri Lanka

4 things to know about one of the world's oldest parades in Sri Lanka

The Kandy Esala Perahera is an ancient parade, still alive to this day, with traditional dance, music, and elephants adorned lavishly. The parade lasts for more than a week and attracts thousands of people, both local and visitors alike, where the focal point is the sacred tooth of the Buddha which is usually housed in