Travel Eat Drink Like a Local

Mulkirigala Raja Maha Viharaya (MRMV) and the Monastery is an ancient Buddhist Rock Temple constructed by King Saddhatissa in the third century.  Built on a 673ft natural rock, MRMV, in Southern Sri Lanka is also known as 'Punchi Sigiriya' meaning Little Sigiriya. It's surrounded by four other rocks named Benagala, Kondagala, Bisogala, and Seelawathiegala. 'gala' denotes rock in Sinhala. Great beaches as you drive further south from Matara before turning inland. Beaches along your route from Matara before you turn inland  Beaches along your route from Matara before you turn inland The lush land and paddy fields abound on either side of the road as you head to MRMV Once you pull to the parking area at the bottom of the temple complex, there are flower vendors. It's customary to place a flower at the feet of the Buddha with respect to his teachings of impermanence. I believe you need to pay for parking here. There are seven caves with...

This is the Day 2 of the trip. We were told it's best we were in one of the first few vehicles to enter the Yala National Wildlife Park in any given day. Therefore will have the best chances of seeing most of the animals. Roaring sounds of vehicles tend to send the animals far in to the thicket. We woke up early and was ready by 4:00am. a row of safari vehicles were lined up outside the hotel. We were in the second vehicle in line. Form Tissamaharama to Yala National Wildlife Park takes less than an hour. Here's few pictures taken en route: A paddy field engulfed in early morning mist Herd of cattle Lotus galore in a giant wewa(tank) When we reached Yala National Park it was still dark. The counter than issues passes for the vehicles was not open. As I remember they open at 6am. There was a small queue that had already formed. Our well seasoned driver/guide took care of these logistics. In the meantime there is a small exhibit you can peruse and also it's a...