Travel Eat Drink Like a Local

This is one of the most scenic drives in Sri Lanka. Matara to Galle takes only 45 minutes. I have made this trip many a times in my life and I still look forward to it every-time I visit home. The city of Galle has undergone major developmental changes since 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami that devastated coastal areas of Sri Lanka. Stilt fishing is a sight not to be missed as you pass Ahangama, Kathaluwa areas heading towards Galle. They catch small fish that get caught in the waves heading to the beach. This is not a very lucrative fishing business. Their catch is mostly used to feed their own families. Stilt-Fishing Then you approach the world famous Unawatuna Beach. When I had not traveled to the beaches in other parts of the world this was awesome. As children we had spent quite a bit of time here. Waters are calm in the morning and late afternoon for a good swim, fun and frolic in the ocean. However, since I have beaches to compare with now, this ranks very low on my list for th...

Oh how wonderful it is to wake up in the little town you grew up in! Walk the streets even if they have completely changed. Stop to talk to people who recognize you and wonder how you have been. Show your children around with the stories that accompany locations, people, colors and smells. Just priceless. This is home! Portuguese and  Dutch built fort . Is still in tact even after the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami. The entrance to Matara Fort The clock tower River Nilwala meets the Indian Ocean at the lands-end inside the Fort. River Nilwala So glad we got to see one of these; A bullock cart used to deliver goods. It's a rare sight. Bullock Cart Fruit vendors are everywhere... Try them all Durian Mangoostin and Mango Rambutan in the season...don't forget to negotiate Rambutan 8 for 100SLR Rambutan We always make it a point to visit a market or a farmers' market when in a new place. It gives a good sense of the local culture and ...

Trincomalee is the most important port city in eastern Sri Lanka. The natural bay that has been converted to a harbor is a hot spot in sea fare in the Indian Ocean. We drove from Sigiriya to Trincomalee. Last one hour of the trip was painfully slow due to the road conditions in December of 2011. Double bullock cart is a rare sight - Sigiriya to Trincomalee Our destination in Trincomalee was well appointed Chaaya Blu by the sea. The view from the lobby The buffets were good. Not world class, however. Not worth if you are a picky eater or a calorie conscious person. They offered traditional Sri Lankan, Italian pasta station, sometimes Chinese and European. Lines for certain items prepared live were long and they didn't have a system to deliver it to you. Desserts were a wide variety, but lame and lacked good flavor that comes from fine ingredients. Fresh fruit varieties were very good. However, sugar soaked stewed fruit was not my favorite.  Hotel grounds were well ...