November in Sri Lanka: What to do and see

Sri Lanka is a paradise of pleasant distractions and pursuits. The country offers many things to explore and discover. Every visitor to Sri Lanka can have a taste of local experience even from the simplest wayside tea kiosk or among the green bounty of paddy fields. 

Here is a guide to five things to do while traveling to Sri Lanka on November; get a feel of local entertainment, embark on a culture-voyage to the rhythmic beat of the drum, experience a spiritual carnival of piety and a journey in indulgence with nature.

• Get taste of Sri Lankan coffee

Colombo has been swept by a coffee culture that has a blend of Sri Lankan and international brands. Coffee is the most consumed beverage universally, it is not surprising that prime area of Colombo 3, 4, 5 and 7 are alight with many cosy coffee shops boasting international coffee blends and brands. The compulsory classics of espressos, cappuccinos and lattes are served in these coffee shops that often have separate breakfast, lunch and dinner menus and sweet dessert of brownies, tarts and cakes.

• Visit Gangaramaya Temple

One of the top 10 things to do in Sri Lanka is to visit the gorgeous Gangaramaya Temple in Colombo. While all the temples in the country have something unique to offer in terms of art and architecture, the Gangaramaya Temple is one step ahead of them all. An epitome of artistic brilliance that has stood the test of time, this Buddhist temple reflects a fusion of Indian, Chinese, and Thai style of architecture.

• Get acquainted with Sri Lankan dance

The jingle and jangle of bells accompanied by the rhythmic and acrobatic prowess of the Sri Lankan dancers adorned with colourful costumes is another encounter with the country’s roots. The diverse dance forms of Up-country, Low-country and Sabaragamuwa have all originated from an elaborate ritualistic dance known as the ‘Kohomba Kankariya’.

Most Sri Lankans have learnt at least a few steps or dances as children and students, and the local dance traditions are very much alive as a form of leaning and entertainment, with many dance troupes and academies spread throughout the country. It is not difficult to master the movement and coordination of hands and feet in rhythm to the sound of the drum, in fact it will be another indulgence in Sri Lanka’s culture and ethos.

• Explore the tea hills

Sri Lanka is one of the most important tea producers in the world and its hill country is stunning.  Colonial towns dot the landscape surrounded by tea plantations. One of the best places to sip tea is in Nuwara Eliya and Kandy.

The vegetation is lush and green and the rolling hills make for an awesome site. Pretend you are in jolly old England for a few days.  Stay in old plantation homes, drink tea and eat baked goods.

Read more: Worth-trying dishes in Sri Lanka

• Take the train

One of the things you must things to do in Sri Lanka is to ride the trains. Sri Lanka's trains are like stepping back in time. They chug slowly along through hills and valleys. It is the slow journey that makes it special.

Looking out over the mountains and tea plantations rival any view in the world and the people that you meet on the train will be remembered forever. So if you are planning a trip to Sri Lanka make sure this makes your to do list and take the time to travel by train. It will be an experience you will remember and cherish forever.

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Let's go to Japan in this November

Have you ever thought of traveling to Japan in November? It's truly a great time to enjoy gorgeous autumn leaves at many locations as well as enjoy an onsen bath in upcoming winter. Here are the best places you should visit in Japan this November.

Obara, Aichi

If you are lucky enough to be in Japan's Chubu region during this blooming period, Achi Prefecture is a destination you should not miss. Located just a few hours away from Tokyo, this prefecture is home to one of Japan's most fascinating autumn event - the Obara Shikizakura Festival. The flowers begin to blossom at the end of October and are at their peak from mid-November through early December. The peak period varies somewhat from year to year. The small five-petaled blossoms are thought to indicate a cross between the mamezakura and edohigan species of cherry trees.

Gunma, Kanto

Known as the best place to enjoy onsen in Japan, Kusatsu onsen resort is very famous as one of the three major onsens in Japan. The unique bathing method of Jikanyu (timed bathing) and Yumomi (water beating) are customs that have been appeared since the Edo period. Moreover, the atmosphere of the resort is attractive with the Yubakate (hot water fields, a wooden facility for thermal moderation of the water) located at the center. This onsen resort is truly a representative of Japan.

Otaru, Hokkaido

This winter wonderland in Hokkaido is a port town that lures visitors with its beautiful architecture and long, picturesque canal that’s famously lined with Victorian-style gas lamps and stone buildings that once housed herring merchants but today serves as the home of shops and eateries. The Otaru canal, which is also opened for short cruises, happens to be the main venue for the Otaru Snow Light Path Festival, an event where local places for floating candles inside the canal, distributing some 15,000 snow candles and lanterns to light up the narrow pathways. The entire town has an unusual look to it, somewhat more Russian than Japanese, more industrial than bucolic, but still incredibly delightful, especially in its winter glory.

See more: Hakone, a peaceful place in Japan

Kawaguchi, Yamanashi

Lake Kawaguchi, or Kawaguchiko is the most popular tourist destination among Fuji 5 lakes. In this place, there is a festival called Fujikawaguchiko Autumn Leaves held annually near the lake and featuring beautiful gorgeous autumn leaves and special events. Do not miss the chance to capture the best view of Kawaguchiko, autumn leaves, and Mt Fuji in this November.

Kyoto, Kansai

Visit Toufukuji in Kyoto this mid-November is perfect. The Toufukuji temple is a Buddhist temple which is also considered as one of the Kyoto Gozan (or “five great Zen temples of Kyoto”). The current garden in the area was designed by Mirei Shigemori back in the 1930s and has since been flocked by tourists during the autumn season. It has become a tradition for people to look at the beautiful autumn colors of the maple tree leaves from the Tsuuten-kyou bridge.

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Asian best places to go in November

You are wondering where the best places to visit in Asia are in November? As an ever-evolving region, Asia’s top destinations frequently change and it can be hard to know which places to see first.

Not only that, but due to climate, crowds and culture, November is a good time to visit Asia’s best places, which is why you need to get following guide before you go.

Bangkok, Thailand

This month’s festivals make a trip to Bangkok and its surrounds an unforgettable experience. Loy Krathong Festival of Lights takes place on the night of November’s full moon to celebrate the beginning of the dry season. Lit lanterns float up into the sky, while candles on lotus-shaped boats called Krathongs drift along the rivers, the festival is a spectacular sight across Bangkok.

Phuket, Thailand

The beaches of Phuket’s west coast also take part in Loy Krathong festival, and if you are a sports buff, you might be interested in the annual Laguna Phuket Triathlon, which has become known as one of Southeast Asia’s biggest sports events, with beach parties as well as athletic events for both participants and spectators. If you are looking for somewhere more tranquil, take a boat over to one of the nearby islands, such as Koh Yao Noi.

See more: Phuket Travel Guide

Con Dao, Vietnam

As the dry season begins in southern Vietnam, blue skies and sunny days are in store for visitors to Con Dao. Explore Con Dao National Park, and dive in the surrounding waters where you might be lucky enough to see a Dugong. You’ll also be just in time for Con Dao’s sea turtle nesting season.

Bagan, Myanmar

With the rainy season having passed over, but before the busy peak season and upcoming heat wave, November is an especially comfortable time to visit Myanmar. Visiting Bagan in November is the unforgettable experience of a hot air balloon trip over the different temples, stupas and the famous Irrawaddy River. A trip to Bagan at this time also coincides with Shwezigon Pagoda Festival, which is celebrated over 23 days throughout the month, with fireworks and candle processions among the festival revelry.

Hong Kong

Hong Kong gets an insane amount of rain in the summer, and November is the first of its 5 dry months. November is also the warmest of those 5 dry months, so it is arguably the best month of the year to visit. Hotels will not be particularly crowded, although business-oriented hotels are pretty full most of the year.
During your trip, you will want to take a traditional junk boat ride on the harbor and check out the sweeping city views from Victoria Peak, which you can reach by tram. Another cannot miss? Stockton, a hidden speakeasy-style whiskey bar in Central.

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