Prishi Travel Diaries

Sri Lanka is a vibrant country with a multicultural population living in peace and harmony. Just like there are plenty of World Historic Sites, wildlife and nature reserves to explore, food too is a subject you could delve into during your time here. Here's how to find your way in Sri Lanka with food. Kottu Walking down the streets, especially the streets of Colombo you are sure to hear a rhythmic clamping of steel. Follow the sound and you'll begin to smell the aroma of something great cooking. Follow the aroma and you'll probably find yourself at what the locals call as petti kade, which translates to small shop in a corner selling the best street food in Sri Lanka, Kottu! This is a combination of godamba roti cut into pieces stir-fried with vegetables and your choice of egg, chicken or fish. You can also add on cheese for a taste that's truly out of this world! The dish is served with a spicy curry to complete it all. Appa                                             

Not all religious places in Sri Lanka are worshiped equally by devotees of all religions. But, there are a few such places and Kataragama is one such destination. Kataragama is a holy city for both Buddhists and Hindus and because of this reason, it has become one of the most visited pilgrimage towns even among tourists. It was a less developed rural village, but it's no longer so, thanks to the country's fast-developing tourism industry. Sella Kataragama Temple A person who visits the Kataragama shrine hardly misses the Sella Kataragama Temple. The temple has been built on the Menik Ganga (river) banks and just as the Kataragama shrine, this holy site also attracts all Buddhists and Hindus alike. Other than the temple, the devotees also visit the Valli's Cave, Ganesh Shrine, and various other Kovils located on the same premises. An experience that most of the tourists love to take here is feeding the fish in the Menik River and locals do believe feeding them (with corn esp

The Kalpitiya Dutch Fort is an important colonial landmark found near the north-western coast of Sri Lanka. For the Dutch, it served as a military and governance capital with many canals and trade routes being created to travel to and from the Fort. This historical site is well worth a visit if you’re in the area and if possible, you should consider hiring yourself a guide to take you through it – here’s how to find a good one.                                                     Img via Dolphin Beach Resort What is the Kalpitiya Fort To start off with, you’ll want to check whether your guide knows of the rich history associated with the fort – how it came to be, what purpose did it serve, and how its role changed with the times. In this regard, it’s good to know a bit about the fort yourself. a bit of reading up and research will help you discern if the guide knows what he’s talking about. As such, here’s a quick rundown on the history of the fort. In 1544, the Portuguese invaded Kalpi

China, the Red Dragon of East Asia, is a land where rich traditions and customs abound. Although the Chinese society is exposed to the western world, its society is still heavily dictated by Confucian tradition, which has dictated the values and the social norms of China. It has also defined a way of life in which the Chinese practice a myriad of ways of greeting each other. Read on to find out these customary practices deeply ingrained in the Chinese culture, even today.                                                                      Img via  wallpaperflare Greeting Essentials When navigating the unchartered waters of China, you must be well-informed on the customary ways of addressing a native. Whether it be a friendly neighbour, a monk, or even a government official, there are special addressing forms reserved for each category. For instance, you have to generally address the Chinese by their family names, preceded by their honorifics such as Mr., Mrs., or Miss. You should also

Among many things that you need to consider when planning a meeting, one critical factor that directly influences the success of the event is its venue. When selecting a venue, it is crucial to look beyond the costs involved in the process. Here's a look at the different aspects you should consider when sourcing the ideal meeting venue  in China!                                                                   Img via  Park Hotel Hong Kong Size of Venue What you should know before selecting a venue for a meeting is the number of people who'd be attending it. Therefore, before making reservations, get confirmation on the number of heads available on the particular date of the meeting. This way, you can have your pick at a proportionate venue to compliment your audience's size. Do not opt for a venue that is colossal if the audience is small, which would only work towards overwhelming them instead of the outcome you expect. Conversely, selecting a smaller venue for a large c

Sometimes, a memorable food experience is just what's needed for a memorable vacation. Sri Lankan cuisine is definitely up to this task – the island's signature dishes offer unique flavour combinations and have intricate preparation techniques. So, if you're itching to go on a gastronomical adventure through the sapphire isle, here's how you can make the best of it. Start with a Local Breakfast If you take a brisk walk along Sri Lanka's streets in the morning, you'll find countless restaurants tirelessly preparing all kinds of Sri Lankan dishes for breakfast. So, why not stop by one and try something out? One of the best options you can try out are hoppers. These are essentially Sri Lanka's take on the pancake – they are a bowl-shaped mix of rice flour and coconut milk. Hoppers are best enjoyed with spicy sambal or classic dhal curry. You can even up your hopper game by ordering some hearty egg hoppers. These, as the name suggests, have an egg thrown into th

Being a quaint little area in Singapore, Farrer Park is often overlooked by many tourists who visit Singapore. It is located in a vibrant area in the country and offers a myriad of things that would delight the inconspicuous tourists. Read on to find out about how you can plan a day out in this adorably chaotic neighbourhood.                                                                   Img via  Park Hotel Farrer Park                                              Getting There You can get to Farrer Park either by Singapore’s MRT system or by bus. There are several lines and routes that have stops nearby this area. The bus routes that run closer to Farrer Park are 131, 147, and 21. Also, Downtown Line and North-East Line will take you closer to Farrer Park as well. Morning Start your day by treating yourselves to some local delicacies in Pek Kio Market and Food Centre. Enjoying a hearty breakfast at one of the many long-standing restaurants is a must! Although some of the prices migh

Sri Lanka is full of sights to see and experiences to witness. Over the past few decades, the island has continued to establish itself as one of the premier destinations to visit in South Asia. For those looking for a bit of action and adventure in their vacation, Sri Lanka is just perfect! Here’s how you can spend an adventurous holiday here on the island of Sri Lanka. Out on the Water                                                                                                  Img via  wallpaperflare Sri Lanka has long been known as a beach paradise, and indeed there are many fantastic beaches to choose from all across Sri Lanka’s coastline. Now, if you’re staying at one of the  hotels in Colombo City  – for example, the Cinnamon Lakeside Colombo – you might be tempted to just head to the nearest beach and lounge around. While that may be a relaxing way to spend the day, you can always take things up a notch and try out some of the exciting water sports on offer. Indeed, you can t

Heading out to Singapore for the first time? Fret not- It is ranked among the top-safest countries in the world. However, to survive in a whole-different culture with varying attitudes, there are things that you need to know. Moreover, as many services demand hefty amounts of your wallet, you should also safeguard yourself from unnecessary expenses. Read on to know about these and more! Hawker Centres and High-end Restaurants An easy way to save money in Singapore is to skip the fancy restaurants and high-end dining options available to enjoy a delicious smorgasbord at the country's many hawker centres. Not only would it be easy on your wallet, but it would also let you explore the country's authentic flavours. Although, you should be aware of the "chope" culture of these food centres where diners reserve or rather "chope" seats with a packet of tissues, a name card, or even an umbrella while they roam around placing their orders. Do not sweep it off and set