Sahitra Ukwatte
Sahitra Ukwatte is a freelance writer and content marketer passionate about exploring parts unknown, and known, of Sri Lanka. An English Literature graduate from the University of Edinburgh and a Colombo native, Sahitra loves spending time by the beach, reading, listening to music, cooking new recipes, and making puns.
AnchorSri Lanka’s Last Lacquer Workers
There’s a hushed fervour in the workshop. A small group of artisans sit on the floor, quietly and meticulously carrying out their tasks.
In Slovenia, Harvesting Olives Is Not Just a Tradition; It’s a Way of Life
It’s early September, the sun is still warm, and the afternoon carries the heady scent of thyme, oregano, rosemary and other fresh Mediterranean herbs mingling together with sweet lavender. There’s a slight
Tracing the Living History of Colombo Fort and its Surroundings
Colombo Fort has never been ‘just’ a neighbourhood. Long before the city’s skyline was pierced by skyscrapers, and the area was dotted with five-star hotels, it was once the beating heart of the country’s maritime world.
Northbound 15 of the Best Things to Do in Jaffna
The eight-hour-long drive to Jaffna is worth the journey alone. As you head north, through lush Kurunegala and the historic cities of Dambulla and Anuradhapura, the landscape slowly shifts. Coconut
Paradise in Peril? Overtourism in Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka is, without a doubt, a paradise. From secluded beaches wrapped by coconut groves to misty, terraced tea plantations, or wild jungles where leopards prowl, to ancient sites that droop with history, Sri Lanka certainly “has it all.” In a recent blog post written by Big 7 Travel, a global travel organisation, our country was crowned as the most beautiful island in the world. Of course, I agree with that, and it is a well-deserved accolade;
Experience the Nallur Festival
The smell of camphor curls through the air, and the rhythmic beating of drums echoes while rituals unfold. Tens of thousands of devotees flood the temple grounds, clad in brightly coloured sarees and white, gold-trimmed sarongs. The Nallur Festival is not one of moderation; it is a festival of abundance.
Wanderings by Sahitra Ukwatte
In a tiny taverna in Hydra, Greece, sunlight drizzles through the leaves of the grape vine that snakes its way up the wooden pillars. Perched on a cliffside, below you is a tangle of olive, citrus and fig trees, all
A Journey Through Bawa’s Colombo
Colombo is a city under constant metamorphosis. Day to day, nothing seems to change. In fact, it can be frustratingly mundane.
A Guide to the Green Season on the South Coast of Sri Lanka
A hushed, humid lull blankets the south coast of Sri Lanka during the summer. Traditionally referred to as “off season”, between May and October, this region is viewed with less desirability.
ISTANBUL : A CITY OF JUXTAPOSITIONS
Istanbul is a city that cannot be contained. The 15-million-plus megapolis spills over into two continents (Europe and Asia), and keeps one’s senses on edge with its constant juxtapositions.
Dhowa Rock Temple
Where does history end and legend begin? In Sri Lanka, they often go hand in hand, fusing together to become a wondrous swathe of stories that border on fiction, but are always fascinating.
Intentional Living in Kyoto
Kyoto has an air of mystery. Once the imperial capital of Japan, much of Kyoto’s pre-war architecture still exists as it was spared from the large-scale destruction of World War II. You might feel as though you’ve slipped through time as you weave through tight alleyways lined by wooden (machiya) townhouses and pass girls wearing kimonos. After spending a few days under Tokyo’s neon glow and non-stop movement, Kyoto’s gentler pace will be a welco
Kalpitiya: The Ultimate Dream Spot
The crimson sun had just dipped behind the mangroves in the distance, and the cool evening breeze washed over us.
Is This Hanoi’s Best Bún ChÃ?
Hanoi’s Old Quarter is a tangled, thrilling mess of scooters, French colonial buildings, crumbling pre-colonial structures and delicious smells wafting from every corner.
Overcoming Misconceptions in Mumbai
“You mean you’re fully Sri Lankan?!” the waitress asked us in wide-eyed disbelief.
Haputale Uncovering the Hill Country’s Hidden Gem
As I write this, it’s 3 o’clock in the afternoon in Colombo. I’ve thrown open all my windows and have the ceiling fan going on full speed, yet despite this, I can feel the heat wafting up from the concrete floor outside, and sweat trickles down the back of my neck. April in Colombo is dreadful.
Arugam Days and Arugam Nights
April usually marks a shift. The first signs of the southwest monsoon appear, warm balmy winds and evening showers roll across the palm-fringed south coast.
Experience the Sights & Sounds of Saigon
Saigon, or Ho Chi Minh City, to use its official name, is synonymous with chaos. The city is crammed with over 10 million people and 8 million motorbikes!
