Friday, September 20, 2024

Kithulgala Adventures

If you love adventure and want to spend a holiday enjoying nature, you must visit Kithulgala. Located just 80 kilometers from Colombo , Kithulgala is a small village known for its stunning scenery and outdoor activities. Go Kithulgala, an adventure camp on the banks of the beautiful Kelani River, offers many fun activities like white water rafting, waterfall abseiling, and rainforest walks. It’s the perfect place for thrill-seekers and nature lovers looking for an unforgettable experience.

Why Visit Kithulgala?

Kithulgala is surrounded by lush green forests, hills, and the Kelani River, making it the perfect spot for outdoor adventures. The adventure camp, Go Kithulgala, is set up right by the river, allowing visitors to enjoy exciting activities in a beautiful natural setting.

Activities at Go Kithulgala

  • White Water Rafting: Rafting on the Kelani River is one of the most popular activities at Kithulgala. You can ride through thrilling rapids, splash through waves, and enjoy the excitement of being on the water. The rafting routes are suitable for beginners and experienced rafters, so everyone can join in the fun.
  • Confidence Jumps and Waterfall Abseiling: For more adventure, try confidence jumps, where you jump into natural pools, or waterfall abseiling, where you climb down waterfalls with ropes. These activities give you an adrenaline rush and a chance to test your bravery.
  • Rainforest Walks: If you prefer a slower pace, you can take a guided walk through the rainforest. These walks let you explore the rich plant and animal life of Kithulgala, including birds, butterflies, and exotic plants. It’s a peaceful way to connect with nature.
  • Multi-day Adventure Packages: Go Kithulgala also offers multi-day adventure packages that include a mix of activities. These packages are perfect for those who want to experience everything Kithulgala has to offer, from rafting to hiking and exploring the rainforest.

Adventure Packages

For those looking to plan their adventure in Kithulgala, Epic Adventure offers different packages that cater to various needs, including half-day, one-day, and one-night trips. If you need a guide or a team to assist you, you can book these packages through their website, making it easy to customize your adventure. You can find the details and book your experience through this link: 

https://www.kitulgalaadventures.com/kitulgala-adventure-camp.php

To join any activities at Go Kithulgala, you need to book in advance online. The camp accepts Visa and MasterCard for payment, making it easy to secure your spot. They also offer pick-up and drop-off services, making your trip even more convenient.

Safety and Expert Guidance

All activities at Go Kithulgala are carried out by experienced and well-trained guides who follow international safety standards. This means you can enjoy your adventure with confidence, knowing you are in safe hands.


Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage

Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage is a well-known place in Sri Lanka located in the village of Pinnawala, about 13 kilometers northeast of Kegalle town in the Sabaragamuwa Province. Established in 1975, it is an orphanage, nursery, and breeding ground for wild Asian elephants. Pinnawala is famous for having the largest group of captive elephants in the world. Many tourists visit this unique sanctuary to see elephants up close and learn about their conservation.

History and Purpose

Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage was set up by the Department of Wildlife Conservation to care for orphaned, injured, or abandoned elephants. Many of these elephants lost their parents due to poaching, conflicts with humans, or accidents. The orphanage provides these elephants with food, medical care, and a safe place to live. It also plays an important role in breeding elephants, helping to increase the endangered Asian elephant population.

What Tourists Can See and Do

Pinnawala attracts thousands of visitors each year. Tourists can watch the elephants being fed, playing, and bathing in the river. The bathing time is a highlight, where elephants splash around and cool off in the river. A sight that many find unforgettable.

Visitors can also interact with the elephants by feeding them fruits or milk bottles, which allows people to get close to these gentle giants. The orphanage educates visitors about the importance of saving elephants and the problems they face in the wild.

Visiting Hours, Ticket Prices, and Rules

Visiting Hours:
Pinnawala is open daily from 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM. The best times to see the elephants being fed are at 9:15 AM, 1:15 PM, and 5:00 PM. The elephants bath in the river at 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM.

Ticket Prices:

  • Local Adults: LKR 500
  • Local Children: LKR 250
  • Foreign Adults: USD 20 (approx. LKR 6,500)
  • Foreign Children: USD 10 (approx. LKR 3,250)

Note: Prices may change, and special rates are available for school groups or local residents with ID.

Rules for Visitors:

To keep everyone safe and protect the elephants, visitors must follow these rules:

  1. Be Quiet Around the Elephants: Avoid loud noises or sudden movements that might scare them.
  2. Feed Only with Guidance: Only feed the elephants when guided by the staff with food provided by the orphanage.
  3. Do Not Touch Without Permission: Touching elephants is only allowed when supervised by caretakers.
  4. Stay in Visitor Areas: Visitors must stay in designated areas for safety reasons.
  5. No Littering: Keep the orphanage clean by disposing of trash properly.
  6. Photography: Avoid using flash as it may disturb the elephants.

Why Tourists Visit Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage

  1. Close Interaction with Elephants: Tourists love getting close to elephants, feeding, and watching them in their daily routines.
  2. Watching Elephant Bathing: Seeing the elephants bathe and play in the river is a fun and calming experience.
  3. Learning About Elephants: Visitors learn about elephant behavior, conservation, and the challenges these animals face in the wild.
  4. Supporting Conservation: The entrance fees help fund the care and protection of the elephants, making each visit meaningful.
  5. Great Photos: The orphanage offers amazing opportunities for taking photos of elephants in a natural setting.

Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage is more than just a tourist attraction. It is a sanctuary that plays a crucial role in caring for and conserving elephants in Sri Lanka. Visitors not only enjoy seeing elephants up close but also contribute to their protection. The experience combines learning, fun, and the joy of watching these magnificent creatures in a safe and loving environment, making Pinnawala a must-visit place in Sri Lanka.

If you are a tourist planning to visit the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage in Sri Lanka, you can book a tour through a website that offers one-day tours to the orphanage. You can easily make a reservation online, and the tour service will pick you up from your location and return you to your destination at the end of the day.

Book online: elephant orphanage day tour


Thursday, September 19, 2024

Sri Lankan Breakfast

  • String Hoppers with Curries

String hoppers, or "Idiyappam," are a popular Sri Lankan dish usually enjoyed for breakfast or dinner. Made from steamed rice flour dough, they look like thin noodle discs and are soft, light. String hoppers are usually served with different curries, making them a tasty and filling meal.

String hoppers are great at soaking up the flavors of the curries served with them, and here are some popular choices:

  • Chicken Curry: A spicy curry made with tender chicken cooked in coconut milk and spices. It’s rich and savory, adding bold flavor to the mild string hoppers.

  • Fish Curry: Made with fresh fish in a spicy and tangy coconut milk, this curry adds a slightly sour and spicy taste that pairs well with string hoppers.

  • Dhal Curry : A creamy curry made from dhal cooked with coconut milk and spices. It’s comforting and goes perfectly with the soft string hoppers.

  • Potato Curry/Kiri Hodi: A gentle and creamy curry made with soft potatoes in coconut milk, flavored with turmeric and curry leaves. Kiri Hodi, a simple coconut milk gravy, is also popular and adds a rich, smooth taste to the meal.

  • Pol Sambal: A spicy coconut side dish made with grated coconut, chili, onion, and lime juice. It adds a fresh and spicy kick to the meal, making every bite more exciting.

Eating string hoppers with these curries is a fun experience where you mix different flavors on your plate. This meal shows the best of Sri Lankan cooking, bringing together the light texture of string hoppers with the rich, flavorful curries.

For tourists, trying string hoppers with curries is a great way to enjoy Sri Lankan food. It’s simple, tasty, and full of the island’s unique flavors.

  • Roast Paan, Pol Sambal, and Curries

Sri Lankan food is full of amazing flavors, and some of the best dishes are simple and local, like Roast Paan, Pol Sambal, and curries. If you’re visiting Sri Lanka, these foods are a great way to taste the country’s delicious cuisine.

Roast Paan is a type of bread that is crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. It is baked in a wood-fired oven, which gives it a smoky flavor. Roast Paan is perfect for dipping into curries and eating with spicy sides.

Pol Sambal is a spicy coconut mixture that adds extra flavor to your meal. It’s made with grated coconut, chili, lime juice, onion, and salt. It’s fresh, spicy, and tangy, making every bite exciting and tasty.

Sri Lankan Curries are full of rich, bold flavors. Curries are made with different ingredients like chicken, fish, vegetables, or lentils cooked in coconut milk and spices. They can be mild or spicy, depending on what you like. The curries are usually thick, creamy, and go perfectly with Roast Paan and Pol Sambal.

Together, Roast Paan, Pol Sambal, and curries make a delicious meal that shows the best of Sri Lankan food. You can enjoy them at local food stalls, small restaurants, or even in Sri Lankan homes.

For tourists, this is more than just food. It's a taste of Sri Lanka’s culture and hospitality. Don’t miss the chance to try this delicious combination when you visit!

  • Pol Roti/Coconut Roti

Pol Roti is a popular food in Sri Lanka. It is made with flour, grated coconut, and a little salt. Sometimes, people add chopped onions, green chilies, or curry leaves for extra flavor. The dough is shaped into round discs and cooked on a hot pan until it is golden brown and slightly crispy on the outside, while remaining soft inside. Pol Roti is a simple but tasty meal enjoyed by many.

One of the best ways to eat Pol Roti is with Lunu Miris, a spicy sambal made from crushed red chilies, onions, salt, and lime juice. Lunu Miris is full of heat and adds a burst of flavor to the  roti. The combination of the soft, slightly sweet roti and the spicy sambal makes every bite exciting and delicious.

After enjoying Pol Roti with Lunu Miris, a cup of Sri Lankan Plain Tea is the perfect way to end the meal. This black tea, served without milk, has a strong flavor that balances well with the spicy sambal. The tea refreshes your palate and helps wash down the rich flavors of the roti and sambal, leaving a warm and satisfying feeling.

Together, Pol Roti, Lunu Miris, and plain tea create a true taste of Sri Lanka. Simple, flavorful, and very satisfying.

  • Manioc with Pol Sambol

Manioc, is a root vegetable loved in Sri Lanka. When cooked, manioc becomes soft and tender, making it a comforting food. One of the best ways to enjoy manioc is with Pol Sambal, a spicy coconut side dish.

Pol Sambal is made from grated coconut mixed with chili powder, onion, lime juice, and salt. It has a fresh, spicy, and tangy taste that goes really well with the mild flavor of manioc. The soft, creamy manioc pairs perfectly with the spicy Pol Sambal, creating a delicious combination.

For tourists, trying manioc with Pol Sambal is a must. This dish highlights the unique flavors of Sri Lankan food. Dipping pieces of manioc into the spicy sambal is a fun way to enjoy the meal and explore local food culture.

Overall, manioc with Pol Sambal is a simple yet tasty dish that offers a true taste of Sri Lanka, making it a great choice for anyone wanting to try authentic island flavors.

  • Pittu

Pittu is a popular dish in Sri Lanka made from rice flour and grated coconut. It is steamed in a special round mold, giving it a soft and crumbly texture that many people love.

To make pittu, rice flour is mixed with grated coconut and a little salt. This mixture is layered in the mold, with more grated coconut on top. The mold is then steamed until the pittu is fluffy and smells great. Once cooked, it is removed from the mold and served warm.

Pittu can be enjoyed in different ways. It is often served with coconut milk, curries, or spicy sambal like Lunu Miris. The combination of soft pittu with rich curries or spicy sambal makes for a delicious meal.

Pittu is a comforting dish that can be eaten for breakfast or dinner. It is also a part of Sri Lankan culture, often enjoyed during family gatherings and special occasions.

For tourists, trying pittu is a must. It showcases the simple rich flavors of Sri Lankan food, giving a taste of the island's culinary traditions.

  • Hoppers and Egg Hoppers

Hoppers, or "Appa," are a popular food in Sri Lanka. They are made from a batter of rice flour and coconut milk that is fermented. Hoppers are cooked in a special round pan, giving them a bowl shape. They are crispy on the edges and soft in the middle, making them great for enjoying with different sides.

One of the most loved types of hoppers is the Egg Hopper. For this dish, an egg is cracked into the center of the hopper while it cooks. The egg cooks gently, creating a runny yolk that adds delicious flavor. The mix of the crispy edges and the soft yolk makes it a favorite among many.

Hoppers are usually served with tasty sides, such as:

  • Lunu Mirisa spicy sambal made from crushed red chilies, onions, salt, and lime juice that adds a fresh flavor.
  • Curries: Different types of curries like chicken, fish, or dhal go well with hoppers, adding rich and savory tastes.

Eating hoppers and egg hoppers is a fun experience. You can tear the hopper with your hands and scoop up the sides, enjoying the mix of textures and flavors. The combination of crispy hopper and rich egg yolk is very satisfying.

For tourists in Sri Lanka, trying hoppers and egg hoppers is a must. They provide a taste of local culture and showcase the delicious food of the island. Whether for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, hoppers are a true Sri Lankan treat.

  • Kiribath with Lunu Miris

Kiribath, or coconut milk rice, is a traditional dish in Sri Lanka. It is made by cooking rice in coconut milk, which gives it a creamy flavor. Kiribath is usually cut into squares or diamond shapes when served.

One of the best ways to enjoy Kiribath is with Lunu Miris, a spicy sambal made from crushed red chilies, onions, salt, and lime juice. Lunu Miris adds heat and tanginess that goes perfectly with the mild Kiribath. The soft, creamy rice paired with the zesty sambal creates a delicious combination.

In Sri Lankan culture, Kiribath is often eaten for breakfast or during special occasions. It is commonly served on a banana leaf for a traditional touch. Mixing Kiribath with Lunu Miris makes for a fun and flavorful meal.

For tourists, trying Kiribath with Lunu Miris is a must. It’s a great way to experience Sri Lankan food and enjoy the island's delicious flavors in a simple and satisfying way.

  • Sri Lankan Pancakes and Lavariya

Sri Lanka is known for its delicious food, and two popular sweet snacks that you must try are pancakes and lavariya. These treats are often enjoyed during tea time or breakfast, bringing a bit of sweetness to everyday life. 

Sri Lankan Pancakes (Pol Pani Pancakes)

Sri Lankan pancakes, also called "pol pani pancakes," are different from the regular pancakes you might know. They are thin, like crepes, and filled with a sweet mixture of grated coconut and treacle, which is a thick syrup made from coconut . This filling, called "pol pani," is cooked with coconut, treacle, cardamom, and sometimes a little vanilla, making it sweet, sticky, and full of flavor.

The pancakes are made by cooking a light batter of flour, coconut milk, and eggs on a hot pan. Once the pancake is cooked, the coconut filling is spread inside, and it’s rolled up like a wrap. The result is a soft, slightly chewy pancake with a deliciously sweet coconut center.

 These pancakes are a favorite because they are soft, sweet, and perfect with a cup of tea. They’re great for breakfast, tea time, or as a simple snack anytime.

Lavariya (Sweet String Hoppers)

lavariya is another popular Sri Lankan sweet. It’s made using string hoppers (rice noodles), which are usually served with curry but in this case are used to make a sweet treat. The noodles are filled with the same coconut and treacle mixture used in pancakes.

To make lavariya, the sweet coconut filling is placed inside a layer of soft string hoppers, which are then wrapped up into little parcels. These parcels are steamed, making the outer layer soft and the inside sweet and sticky.

 Lavariya is loved for its unique mix of textures. the soft rice noodles and the sweet, chewy coconut filling. It’s a simple yet satisfying snack, often enjoyed with tea or as a treat during special occasions.


Wednesday, September 18, 2024

Sri Lankan Street Food

Sri Lankan street food is full of bold flavors and spices, offering tasty dishes found at markets and roadside stalls. Eating street food is not just about the food; it’s a way to experience local life and culture.

The Street Food Experience

The charm of Sri Lankan street food comes from its authentic taste. Street food stalls are lively, with vendors cooking right in front of customers, filling the air with the smell of spices and grilled food. Eating at these stalls is a shared experience where locals and tourists enjoy tasty, cheap meals in a vibrant setting.

Sri Lankan street food is more than just a quick meal.it’s a look into the country’s culture and everyday life. The flavors are strong, the choices are many, and the experience is unforgettable. Whether you’re eating a spicy Kottu Roti or drinking fresh King Coconut water, Sri Lankan street food promises a fun and exciting food adventure.

Tips for Tourists

  • Try Different Foods: Be adventurous and taste different dishes to enjoy the real flavors of Sri Lanka.
  • Watch the Hygiene: Choose busy stalls where food is freshly cooked. Look for clean cooking areas.
  • Ask for Spice Levels: Sri Lankan food can be very spicy. If you are does not eat more spicy food, ask the vendor to reduce the spice.
  • Carry Cash: Most street food vendors only accept cash, so keep some cash in hand.
  • Stay Hydrated: It’s hot in Sri Lanka, so drink plenty of water, especially if you’re eating spicy food.

Enjoy the experience and dive into the vibrant world of Sri Lankan street food!

Popular Street Foods

  • Kottu Roti

Kottu Roti is one of the most popular street foods in Sri Lanka. It’s made by chopping godamba roti and mixing it with vegetables, eggs, and meat, all cooked together on a large hot pan. The dish is seasoned with spices, soy sauce, and sometimes chili paste for extra heat.The dish is spicy, flavorful, and full of different textures, making it a favorite meal for many people.

Variations of Kottu Roti

There are many variations of Kottu Roti, allowing everyone to enjoy their favorite flavors. Some popular types include:

  • Chicken Kottu: Made with chicken pieces, this version is flavorful and satisfying.
  • Beef Kottu: A heartier option that uses beef, perfect for meat lovers.
  • Vegetable Kottu: A great choice for vegetarians, filled with mixed vegetables.
  • Egg Kottu: This variation includes eggs mixed in for a rich and tasty dish.
  • Seafood Kottu: Made with shrimp or fish, this version offers a unique twist.
  • Cheese Kottu: A newer version that adds cheese for extra creaminess and flavor and can add any meat item you want.

Why People Love Kottu Roti

People love Kottu Roti because it’s tasty, filling, and can be eaten at any time of the day.whether for lunch, dinner, or a late-night snack. It can be customized with different ingredients, allowing everyone to create their own version of the dish.

A True Street Food Experience

Eating Kottu Roti is more than just a meal. it’s an experience. Vendors cook it right in front of you, with the sizzling sounds, the smell of spices, and the quick chopping making it exciting and fun to watch.

Kottu Roti is more than just food.it’s a big part of Sri Lankan culture. It’s a must-try for anyone visiting the country, offering a delicious and unforgettable taste of Sri Lankan street life.

  • Wade

Wade is a beloved street food in Sri Lanka, known for its crispy  and rich flavors. These deep-fried snacks are made from various ingredients, mainly lentils (dhal), and are enjoyed by both locals and tourists. There are different types of wade, each with its own unique taste.

Types of Wade

  • Parippu Wade: This wade is made from split yellow lentils (kadala parippu). The lentils are soaked and ground into a thick batter. Spices, chopped onions, and green chilies are added for flavor. The batter is shaped into small patties and deep-fried until golden brown. Parippu Wade is often served with fried chille.
  • Isso Wade: Isso Wade is made similarly to Parippu Wade . Small prawns are then stuck onto the surface of the patties using the batter before frying. After frying, vendors top the Isso Wade with fresh onions, carrots, and spring onions, serving it with a tamarind sauce. This combination makes it a tasty treat for seafood lovers.
  • Uludu Wade: This version uses uludu, which are soaked and ground to make a rich batter. It is mixed with spices and fried until crispy. Uludu Wade has a distinct flavor due to the uludu and is often served with a green chili sambal. This type of wade is popular among those who want a heartier snack.

Why Wade is Loved

People love wade for its crunchy outside and tasty filling. Eating wade is a fun experience, as friends and families often share them while enjoying the lively atmosphere of Sri Lankan streets.

In Sri Lanka, wade is often sold from small carts, especially near beaches and busy markets. The sight of vendors frying wade right in front of customers attracts many people, creating a lively atmosphere. The smell of the cooking wade draws in both locals and tourists, making it a popular choice for a quick snack while enjoying the beach or exploring the area.

Wade is not just a tasty treat. it’s part of Sri Lankan culture. Whether you try Parippu Wade, Isso Wade, or Uludu Wade, each bite gives you a delicious taste of the island’s rich food traditions.

  • Paratha with Chicken curry

Paratha with Chicken curry is a popular street food dish in Sri Lanka, often found in small Saiwar shops. These shops are simple, affordable eateries where many locals enjoy a quick meal at any time of the day.

Paratha is like a flat bread that is soft  on the outside. It is made from dough that is kneaded with oil and cooked on a hot pan until golden brown. The bread is perfect for dipping into curries and soaking up delicious sauces.

Chicken curry is a curry made with chicken pieces cooked in a creamy coconut milk gravy. It’s full of spices like curry leaves, turmeric, and chili powder, giving it a rich and spicy flavor. The curry is thick, tasty, and goes perfectly with the paratha.

Eating Paratha with Chicken curry at a Saiwar shop is not just about the food. it's also about the lively experience. You can hear the sound of food frying, smell the aroma of spices, and feel the warm, friendly atmosphere. Saiwar shops are often crowded, with people chatting and enjoying their meals together.

This simple but delicious meal captures the heart of Sri Lankan street food, offering a warm and satisfying taste of everyday life in Sri Lanka.

  • Sri Lankan Short Eats

Sri Lankan street food is an exciting part of the country’s culture, and one of the best things you can try are the “short eats.” These are small, tasty snacks sold at street stalls, bakeries, and small shops across the island. For tourists, trying short eats is not just about eating. It's about experiencing the real Sri Lanka through its flavors, sounds, and lively streets.

What It’s Like to Try Sri Lankan Short Eats

Imagine walking down a busy street filled with the smell of frying food, spicy aromas, and the sound of vendors calling out to customers. Small food stalls display all kinds of snacks crispy samosas, golden patties, spicy fish cutlets, and soft stuffed buns. The choices are endless, and each one is tempting.

When you take a bite of a hot patty, you feel the crunchy pastry and taste the spicy filling of curried vegetables or chicken. The combination of crispy, warm, and spicy is exciting and delicious. It’s a simple snack, but it’s full of flavor, and every bite feels like a little piece of Sri Lankan culture.

Reasons to Try Short Eats as a Tourist

  • Authentic Sri Lankan Taste: Short eats offer real Sri Lankan flavors that you might not find in big restaurants. They’re spicy, tasty, and made using traditional recipes.

  • Affordable and Easy to Find: Short eats are cheap, making them perfect for tourists on a budget. You can try a little bit of everything without spending too much.

  • Experience Local Life: Eating street food lets you see local life up close. You’ll notice workers grabbing a snack, kids enjoying after-school treats, and families sharing food together.

  • Cultural Insight: Short eats highlight the mix of cultures in Sri Lanka, from Indian and Malay to Portuguese and Dutch influences.

Why Tourists Love Sri Lankan Short Eats

For visitors, short eats are a fun and easy way to explore local food. These snacks aren’t just tasty. they also show the mix of different cultures that have influenced Sri Lankan cuisine. Eating a samosa connects you to Indian flavors, while a Chinese roll gives you a taste of something uniquely Sri Lankan but with international roots.

Trying short eats makes you feel part of the local scene. You’re not just watching from the outside. you’re joining in. You grab a snack, chat with the friendly vendor, and move on, maybe stopping to enjoy your food with a cup of sweet Ceylon tea. There’s no need for fancy restaurants. short eats are quick, casual, and full of character.