Healthy fruits

 

“An apple a day keeps the doctor away,” or so the saying goes. It explain healthy benifits of fruits.

Healthcare professionals know that fruit is a highly nutritious, delicious, and convenient addition to any diet. With more than 2,000 varieties of fruit available, you may wonder which ones you should pick.

Each type of fruit brings its own unique set of nutrients and benefits to life. The key is to eat fruits of various colors and various sizes, as each color provides a different set of healthy nutrients.

Jackfruits

Jackfruits grow in tropical countries, including Sri Lanka, India, and other South Asian countries. This fruit has a very good smell and is yellow in color. Its taste is very unique. It weighs about 5 kg–10 kg. Jackfruit outer skin is rough and green to yellowish-brown. Jackfruits have so many high nutritional values: they are high in fiber, support blood sugar regulation, and have antioxidant properties. Jackfruit timber is a very valuable tree in the market. Its furniture has a very luxurious appearance and durability.

Rambutan

Rambutan is a very famous fruit among the young and elder generations because of its very sweet taste and eye-catching look. Rambutan are small round fruits. It is covered by small red or green hair-like things. Rambutan is high in vitamin C, iron, and fiber. This fruit grows in tropical countries, especially Sri Lanka and Vietnam. This fruit grows on during July–December.

Pineapple

Pineapple is another of the most popular fruits among fruit lovers. Because its sweet and sharp taste is a very uncommon taste. It is yellow inside and smells very sweet. Pineapples have a very acidic taste. It is used for fruits and cooking purposes. Pineapple chutney is very tasty. This fruit is healthy for reducing cancer prevention and is highly nutritious; also, it helps to boost immunity. Pineapple grows in tropical countries.

Soursop

Soursop is a tropical fruit. It is a soft and creamy fruit. Soursop has a unique sweet-sour flavor. The soursop shape is oval. It's green in color. Inside it is white in color. It includes black seeds. Soursop is rich in B vitamins, C vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants. It helps to boost immunity and reduce inflammation. Soursop juice is a very famous drink among the elder and young generations.

 

Camping Sites in Sri Lanka

 Gongala Mountain

Gongala Mountain is located in the Sabaragamuwa Province of Sri Lanka. It is a popular destination for campers, hikers, and nature lovers, with the surrounding environment offering beautiful, attractive viewpoints. There are a variety of flora and fauna, and other endemic trees are visible around this environment. The name Gongala is derived from the fact that Gongala Mountain is shaped like a bull.

Madulsima Area

The Madulsima Area is located in the Uva province within the Badulla District. It’s known for its mountainous terrain and is a popular destination for camping and hiking. This area has two campaign sites. Those are Mini World's End and Cave of Madulsima. When you visit those places, you can experience a very lovely, comfortable camping experience.

Kohobagala Mountain

Kohobagala is situated in the Gampaha district near Mirigama town. It is a favorite mountain area for camping and hiking. It takes 03 hours to reach Colombo. Kohobagala is about 2,300 meters high. So it is easy to consider it the easiest climbing and camping place.

Idalgashinna campsite

Idalgashinna is a scenic village in the Haputale–Namunukula mountain range. The campsite site offers sweeping views of misty peaks, tea estates, valleys, and distant landmarks like Bambarakanda Falls and the southern coast. This area is highly favored by locals and adventurous travelers. Generally use the train to reach this site.

Best Beverages in Sri Lanka

 Ceylon Tea

Ceylon Tea is a very popular tea all over the world. It has a specific brand. Ceylon tea is considered a strong natural drink. Ceylon tea grows in special weather conditions. That weather condition and other natural environmental factors affect the quality of this tea. Especially this tea plant planting in the Uva, Kandy, Galle, and Nuwara Eliya areas. Also, Ceylon tea leaves picking, processing, packing, and every industrial step are maintained with good quality and standards according to government and international methods. Also regularly continue R&D for this tea sector. There are specific qualities you can see (physical tea leaf shape, color, and taste) in those tea plants. There are so many types of tea processing in the tea factory. (Ceylon Black Tea, Ceylon Green Tea, BOPF, Silver Tips). When you visit Sri Lanka, you should experience this tea picking and visit a tea factory.

King Coconut

The king coconut's local name is “Thambili.” It is a bright orange-colored variety of coconut. This coconut variety is unique to Sri Lanka. It is considered highly nutritious, sweet, fresh water. Especially this king coconut water preservation for some dangerous patients (cancer) as a treat. As well as this drink being considered an energy drink, it helps to maintain good condition for kidney and urinary health. This king coconut plant is growing in the Puttalama and Kurunegala areas. When you visit Sri Lanka, you can taste this natural energy drink very easily.

Ayurvedic Herbal Drink

A Sri Lankan Ayurveda herbal drink is a traditional, natural beverage made from plant roots, tree parts, flowers, and spices. Ceylon’s (Sri Lanka’s) ancient hospital and treatment system was built on this Ayurvedic medicine. These drinks are an important part of Sri Lankan culture. They are often used on the human body for their healing and cooling properties. Iramusu drink, Ranawana Tea, Belimal water, and Polpala water are considered popular Ayurvedic herbal drinks. Some Western medicines can’t treat it clearly; use these Ayurvedic herbs. If you visit Sri Lanka, don’t forget to drink this Ayurvedic drink.

Ginger Beer

Ginger beer is a good nutritional drink. It has a strong spicy taste. It is specific to Ceylon Ginger Beer. This drink is made with natural ginger and a carbonated drink. Its colors are dark brown and white. This drink helps with digestion and reduces nausea. Especially Sri Lankans use it as a soft drink and sometimes use it in cooking or baking for added zing.

Healthy Sweets

 Aasmi

Aasmi is a traditional Sri Lankan sweet delicacy, often served during special occasions such as Sinhala and Tamil New Year, weddings, or special occasions. It is known for its crunchy texture and unique flavor, which comes from a blend of rice flour and coconut milk with cinnamon or cardamom. That sweet taste is very soft.

Helapa

Helapa is a beloved part of traditional Sri Lankan village cuisine. It is nutritious, natural, and often enjoyed as a healthy snack or breakfast item. The use of kurakkan makes it rich in fiber and iron, which is especially valued in rural diets. This helapa is made by mixing Kurrakan powder and treacle. It steamed with Kanda leaves. Which gives it a distinct flavor.

Aluwa

This is a traditional Sri Lankan dessert. Generally it is used during tea time. It is made with toasted rice flour, sugar syrup, ground cashew nuts, cardamom, and cashews. The mixture is spread into pans and is then sliced, usually into diamond-shaped pieces. Aluwa is a staple dessert served on Avurudu—the Sinhalese New Year celebrated in April.

Athirasa

Athirasa is a traditional Sri Lankan sweet treat. This sweet is specially used during Sinhala and Tamil New Year, weddings, and other cultural celebrations. It’s a deep-fried, sweet rice cake made with rice flour and jaggery, offering a rich, chewy texture with a caramel flavor. This sweet is offering older Ceylon people's food style.

Bibikkan

Bibikkan is a rich, spiced coconut cake that is a beloved traditional Sri Lankan dessert. This food item is especially enjoyed during Christmas, New Year, and special occasions. It is made with grated coconut, kithul jaggery, spices, cashews, butter, and vanilla. Unlike light Western cakes, bibikkan is hearty, rustic, and very filling, often enjoyed in small portions with tea.

Kokis

Kokis is another Sri Lankan traditional food item. Its batter is made with coconut milk, eggs, and rice flour. The batter is coated around decorative molds and deep-fried in coconut oil until it develops a crispy texture. Sometimes spices mix with this batter. Kokis can be consumed as an appetizer, snack, or dessert, and it is a compulsory food item around Sinhala and Tamil New Year celebrations.

Ella to Kandy Magical Train Ride

 

I experienced a magical train journey on this Kandy to Ella train ride. This is one of the most well-known travel destinations for both domestic and foreign travelers. Actually, this journey feels like a way to paradise. Because of the green, colorful natural environment, waterfalls, and misty mountains. The train chugs along narrow, winding tracks, climbing higher into the cloud-kissed mountains. The pace is gentle, allowing you to lean out of open doors and breathe in the cool, fresh air. Locals wave from villages tucked among the hills. The train crosses small bridges, snakes around tight bends, and dips into dark tunnels, adding a thrill of adventure. When included in a dark tunnel, your body feels very fresh.

Sometimes you feel a different environmental zone between the tunnel starting point and the end point. Actually, this exclusive experience is only enjoyed on this Kandy-Ella train journey. This train journey from Kandy to Ella typically takes between 6 and 7 hours. However, this train journey offers a leisurely pace, allowing passengers to fully appreciate the surrounding beauty and embrace the charm of slow travel.

Train Ticket Prices.

3rd Class   (Non-Reserved)    Rs300

2nd Class   (Non-Reserved)    Rs600

3rd Class   (Reserved)            Rs1,200

2nd Class  (Reserved)            Rs1,700

Air Conditioned Saloon         Rs2,500

Most important things of the Kandy to Ella journey.

1. The doorways are the real hotspot.

During travel on a train door, you can see very attractive sights around you. It helps to capture immortal photos of your album. Every time, you should pay attention to your and others' safety and freedom. 

2. Book express train ticket

If you can book an express train ticket, you can save your time and enjoy your ride without any delay. 

3. The side you sit on makes all the difference.

If you are heading to Hillside, aim for a seat on the left side of the train. That’s where you’ll catch the best views, from waterfalls , tea estates, and much more.

4. Pack some snacks and use safety methods.

When you travel this journey, collect your own Trust-branded food items (biscuits and drink bottles). Also use masks, sanitizer, and soaps for preventing germs and viruses.

Best Places to Visit Tricomalee

 

Trincomalee is a port city located on the northeastern coast of Sri Lanka. It is known for its natural deep-water harbor, beautiful beaches, cultural heritage, and strategic importance. Trincomalee has a rich history dating back to ancient times, referenced in both Tamil and Sinhalese chronicles. Trincomalee is peaceful and is now reviving as a tourist and cultural hub. This area's coastal and marine biodiversity is rich, especially around coral reefs and lagoons. In this area, ecotourism is becoming a growing industry in the region. Trincomalee is the best travel destination situated on Ceylon Island.

Koneswaram Temple

Koneswaram Temple, also known as Thirukoneswaram, is a renowned Hindu temple located in Trincomalee on the northeastern coast of Sri Lanka. It is one of the most sacred and historically significant temples in the country, dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is a major pilgrimage site, especially during Maha Shivaratri, attracting devotees from across Sri Lanka and South India. This Hindu temple has over 2000 years of history. Koneswaram Temple is a very blessed place. Fishers are worshiping it using their boats, riding 3 rounds before starting their fishing jobs at sea. This Kovil has very colorful arts.

Fort Frederick

Fort Frederick is an old Portuguese fort in Trincomalee. It is currently operated by the Sri Lankan Army but is open to visitors. The fort provides panoramic views of Trincomalee's harbor and surrounding landscapes and is an attractive spot. The fort's grounds also house a few historical buildings. The fort's name is Frederick, and it is the construction commander's name. The architecture of Fort Frederick reflects the influences of its various colonial occupants, blending elements of Portuguese, Dutch, and British design.

Kanniya Hot Springs

Kanniya Hot Springs is a group of natural thermal springs located near Trincomalee, in the Eastern Province of Sri Lanka. They are one of the country’s most popular and historically significant geothermal attractions. This site consists of seven square-shaped wells, each about 3-4 feet deep. The water in each well is warm but varies slightly in temperature. This spring water is clean and odorless, unlike some other sulfur-rich hot springs.

Nilaveli Beach

Nilaveli Beach is one of the most beautiful and serene beaches in Sri Lanka. It has fresh white sand, clear blue waters, and a peaceful atmosphere, making it a favorite destination for every tourist. Surrounded by coconut palms and lush greenery, Nilaveli offers a free environment far from the crowds found at more commercialized beaches. Nilaveli Beach is a calm seaside. Nearby Pigeon Island National Park, just a short boat ride away, is the best place for snorkeling and diving. It's home for turtles and colorful fish.

Diamond Hill

Diamond Hill is located in Wellaimanal, Trincomalee town area. It is Small Mountain, about 46 meters high. This Diamond Hill is relatively gentle, making it accessible to most visitors. The trail is unpaved, featuring natural terrain with rock and vegetation. When you climb this mountaintop, you can see beautiful sights around Trincomalee, including Trincomalee Bay and the Prima Flour Factory.