Rattan is all the rage in the home decor space. From partitions to wardrobe shutters and seating, it provides a subtle statement that is both organic and elegant. Sourced from over 600 species of palms native to tropical regions of Asia, Africa and Australasia
Tushar, Mannat share lead at AM Green IGPL Invitational CongoTushar, Mannat share lead at AM Green IGPL Invitational Congo Published on: Apr 21, 2026 2:19 PM IST PTI Share via Copy link Lubumbashi , Young golfers Tushar Pannu and Mannat Brar turned in a matching six-under 67 to share the lead after
Apple will have been planning this succession for a long time. Rumours were circulating for a while that 65-year-old Tim Cook was thinking about stepping down, and while a few potential replacements popped up, the name which stuck was the firm's vice president of hardware, 51-year-old John Ternus
Apple has announced a major leadership change. On April 20, the company named John Ternus as its next CEO, with Tim Cook set to move into the role of executive chairman from September 1. This marks a big shift, as a long-time insider prepares to take charge during an important phase for the company
A simple shoulder cloth, the melthundu, has a rich history in Tamil Nadu. It began as a gesture of respect, was later used to challenge caste norms, and became a symbol of equality. Dravidian leaders adopted it as part of their identity. Today
Batik workshops to the world’s first arrack-speciality bar — a lowdown on lesser-known destinations of Sri Lanka
Batik workshops to the world’s first arrack-speciality bar — a lowdown on lesser-known destinations of Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka is trending, especially among Indian travellers, given its proximity, connectivity, pristine beaches, boutique hotels, safari parks and outstanding experiences for travellers. According to the numbers released by the Sri Lankan tourism board, the island nation clocked 2.17 million tourists by December 11, which, despite the effects of the cyclone, have surpassed last year's numbers, with the India continuing to be the highest generator of tourists.
We ask three influential locals, insiders in their own right, to give us their ‘local' recommendations on things to do that are off the beaten path. Colombo can be looked at as a hub for trendy design, art and architecture; Galle, albeit touristy, is a hotbed of insider experiences, and the unexplored parts of Yala National Park can also be looked at through a cultural lens, beyond wildlife.
In and around Colombo
Dambulla/Inamaluwa, Sri Lanka - December 10, 2016: Local women make the colourful batik. The material created by the batik-makers is used to produce bed covers, tablecloths, wall pictures, dresses, shirts, sarongs, beachwear and others men's and ladies' wear. Each batik piece is individually handmade by adult women who look very young. The manufacture and export of the batik textile products are one of the biggest industries in Sri Lanka. | Photo Credit: Adam Smigielski
Few tourists spend more time in Colombo and areas surrounding it. Colombo is a bustling hub of art, design, culture, food and drink, as well as fashion.
Since I love the Sri Lankan art form of batik, I would definitely recommend visitors to take a half-day trip just outside Colombo to the batik village of Koswadiya. Located just 65 kilometres outside Colombo, closer to the town of Negombo,here you can attend a batik workshop to understand how saris and sarongs are made in batik and interact with the artisans. The Buddhi Batiks batik workshop is a great place to do this and you can follow it with a simple, Sri Lankan vegetarian meal cooked by the villagers. Another place to explore, before heading to the Bandaranaike International Airport, is the seaside town of Negombo. It is just a couple of minutes away from the airport. Negombo's main beach road, brimming with restaurants and cafes, is popular with tourists but it is a great place to see authentic Sri Lankan daily life. I enjoy going to Negombo over the weekend.
Darshi Keerthisena | Photo Credit: Special arrangement
I highly recommend spending some time in Colombo to experience the local lifestyle — There are art galleries like Saskia Fernando Art Gallery, or the Radicle art gallery in a restored heritage building with a chic café at the corner, and hidden bars like Kampong in a nondescript part of town.
-Darshi Keerthisena, fashion designer and batik specialist
An Asian elephant can be seen walking along a dirt road at Yala National Park in Tissamaharama, Southern Province of Sri Lanka. | Photo Credit: SolStock
While Yala National Park's popular touristy areas may be done to death, and often jammed with tourists. I do like exploring the lesser-known parts of the national park. Block 5 in Yala is barely frequented by tourists and is my favourite part to explore as it welcomes serious wildlife enthusiasts for its sightings of elephants, leopards, deer, monkeys, water buffalo and sloth bear; and tropical landscape dotted with ponds, rivers and arid planes. There are nice spots to drive around, enjoy a picnic, and take a dip in the lakes and rivers too.
Amrit Rajaratnam | Photo Credit: Special arrangement
Then, there is the town of Sella Kataragama, an important temple town for Hindu pilgrims. This is another lesser known tourist spot adjoining Block 5. At night, there is a market that comes alive, with beautiful stalls from local communities and it is quite popular, so it is amazing to see the energy of Kataragama. I enjoy coming here on weekends, and staying at the four-room luxe lodge, The Warden's House, and I find lots to do in this part of the country. The nearby towns are dotted with small stalls selling fresh hoppers for breakfast, tea by the curb or fresh fruit from the nearby farms.
-Amrit Rajaratnam, hotelier and wildlife photographer
The south coast of Sri Lanka is trending right now, with its thriving surf culture, amazing coffee, food options and beach clubs. Some even call it the new Ibiza or Gold Coast. I go to the south coast towns of Galle, Ahangama, Weligama and Hiriketiya quite often, but I prefer to do some non-touristy stuff — and there is lots to do. I would definitely recommend the silence of a sunrise walk along the beach, to try and spot the famous stilt fishermen at this hour. Look for them at Midigama and Thalpe beaches. Currently trending is the beach town of Hiriketiya, and this beach is open year round. There is a thriving F&B scene there, including the award-winning Smoke & Bitters bar, one of Asia's Top 50 bars, which is now and a landmark in Hiriketiya now.
Limited-edition cocktail selection at Ropewalk
The crown jewel of the south coast is the Galle Fort, but I would recommend doing an insider's walking tour in the fort to understand its nuanced architectural styles, a visit to the art galleries and traditional Galle jewellery stores that have existed here for centuries. And top it all with a visit to try Sri Lanka's national spirit — arrack — at Ropewalk, the world's first arrack-speciality bar.
Chathri Sahabandu | Photo Credit: Special arrangement
- Chathri Sahabandu, Sri Lanka luxury travel specialist and content creator @wandering_unicorns
Published - December 26, 2025 08:26 pm IST
The Hindu Weekend / travelogues / travel and commuting / Sri Lanka / India-Sri Lanka / tourism and leisure / holiday or vacation
Source: TheHindu
Related Posts: Dasun Shanaka admits Sri Lanka hasn’t given fans reason to cheer Why Winter Air Is Especially Dangerous For COPD Patients Sunjay Kapur's heartbroken sister writes note on ‘especially difficult’ Rakhi Stranded Indian Passengers In Sri Lanka Evacuated Sri Lanka’s Tamil parties seek sustained Indian push to realise spirit of Indo-Lanka Accord Not Sri Lanka - ICC Eyes Two Indian Cities In Bangladesh T20 World Cup 2026 Mumbai Metro-3 Saw 39 Lakh Travellers In October India makes e-arrival card mandatory for international travellers What travellers should know about Republic Day flight delays India Advises Caution For Travellers To China
Over 700 citizens, including former civil servants, academics, activists, and journalists, have written to the Election Commission of India alleging violation of the Model Code of Conduct by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his address to the nation on April 18.Over 700 citizens
4 hours ago
President Volodymyr Zelensky has said he considered visits by US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner to Moscow but not Kyiv "disrespectful". The pair visited the Russian capital late last year as ceasefire talks aimed at ending the war in Ukraine gained pace, and again in January
4 hours ago
'World-class buildings, third-class roads': Mohandas Pai on Bengaluru and Mumbai infrastructureIn a post on X, Mohandas Pai called out glaring gaps between “world-class” private developments and crumbling public spaces in cities like Bengaluru and Mumbai. Updated on: Apr 21
4 hours ago
Artist Nalini Malani to reflect on patriarchal violence of wars at Venice BiennaleArtist Nalini Malani to reflect on patriarchal violence of wars at Venice Biennale Published on: Apr 21, 2026 4:56 PM IST PTI Share via Copy link New Delhi, In her latest body of mixed media work
4 hours ago
Apple's leadership change is the start of a new phase for the iPhone maker, in which the focus will be on whether its deep hardware heritage can be successfully fused with AI to sustain growth in a fast-evolving tech landscape, Wall Street analysts said
4 hours ago
Indian opener Shafali Verma has risen to sixth in the ICC Women's T20I Batting Rankings. Her half-century against South Africa boosted her position. Smriti Mandhana has dropped to fourth. Harmanpreet Kaur is now eleventh. Jemimah Rodrigues has fallen to fourteenth
4 hours ago
In a rare call, China’s President Xi Jinping spoke on the standoff over the Strait of Hormuz with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to urge the restoration of transit through the vital waterway. He also pushed for an end to hostilities in the Middle East.In a rare call
4 hours ago
A viral post on X revealing a kindergarten fee of more than Rs 2.5 lakh a year has sparked fresh outrage online, with many questioning why parents are being asked to pay such a huge amount for pre-primary education. The post, shared by a user named Sakshi, drew widespread attention after she wrote
4 hours ago
Eleven persons were injured in a clash in a gurdwara in Germany on Sunday following disagreements about the management and financial affairs of the institution, India Today reported. The dispute involves the election of a new board to manage the institution and the administration of community
4 hours ago
Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Tuesday supplied a quick clarification soon after the BJP went into a complete uproar over his “terrorist" charge against Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Kharge said all he meant is that Prime Minister Modi, who he said “always threatens"
4 hours ago
The Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan (KVS) has released the third round of lottery results for Balvatika and Class 1 admissions for the 2026-27 academic session. Parents who submitted online applications between March 20 and April 2 can now check their child’s selection status on the official KVS
4 hours ago
Madhav Viradiya has emerged as the Maharashtra topper in the Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) Main 2026, securing 100 percentile in both sessions 1 and 2. The National Testing Agency (NTA) declared the results late on Monday evening, with 26 students achieving a perfect 100 percentile
4 hours ago
The Indian Premier League isn’t just cricket, it’s theatre. It’s swagger, strategy, last-over drama, and personalities that feel larger than life. And much like a well-crafted cocktail, every team brings its own blend of intensity, flair, and character to the field
4 hours ago
Dyson unveils travel-friendly ‘Supersonic’ hair dryer for users on the moveDyson has introduced a new, compact hairdryer designed for travel that claims to offer consistent styling performance in a smaller, lighter design. Published on: Apr 21
4 hours ago
The Gauhati High Court on Tuesday granted four more weeks to the Assam government and Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma to respond to petitions seeking action against him for alleged hate speech against Muslims, Live Law reported. During the hearing
4 hours ago
19 Tamil Nadu fishermen return home following release from Sri LankaThe returnees were greeted with emotional reunions after being caught in the crosshairs of maritime boundary disputes. Updated on: Apr 21, 2026 5:02 PM IST ANI Share via Copy link A group of 19 fishermen from Thangachimadam
4 hours ago
Are your vitamin D levels low? Experts explain its function beyond bone strength; share why deficiency is commonDespite being a country with ample sunlight, vitamin D deficiency is very common in India. Experts explain why you shouldn't ignore it. Published on: Apr 21
4 hours ago
'Iran has violated ceasefire': Donald Trump reiterates amid peace talks deadlockDonald Trump has been offering mixed messages about the path ahead for the Iran war as the ceasefire deadline approches. Published on: Apr 21, 2026 5:24 PM IST By Shivam Pratap Singh Share via Copy link US President
4 hours ago
Apple on Monday (April 20, 2026) named insider John Ternus as its next CEO, tasking the long-time hardware chief to steer the company after Tim Cook as the iPhone maker gears up for an industry change spurred by artificial intelligence. Mr. Ternus, who joined Apple in 2001
4 hours ago
iPhone-maker Apple has announced a top-deck transition with CEO Tim Cook set to step down and hand over the reins to longtime hardware chief -- a 'reboot' that marks the end of Cook's decade-and-a-half long tenure defined by quiet leadership style and sustained growth
4 hours ago
US Republican leader Nikki Haley on Tuesday alleged that a vessel recently intercepted by the United States amid a blockade of the Strait of Hormuz was en route from China to Iran, carrying chemicals linked to missile development. Taking to X, Haley wrote
4 hours ago
Daadi Ki Shaadi trailer: Kapil Sharma’s wedding plans go haywire as Neetu Kapoor’s 'savage daadi’ decides to marryKapil Sharma returns with family comedy Daadi Ki Shaadi, featuring Neetu Kapoor, Riddhima Kapoor Sahni and Sadia Khateeb. Apr 21, 2026
4 hours ago
This 43-year-old actor is the ‘World’s Most Beautiful Star 2026’; has a big release aheadA Hollywood star has been named People magazine’s ‘World’s Most Beautiful Star 2026’, with a big upcoming release adding to the excitement around her career. Apr 21, 2026
4 hours ago
Madonna has offered a reward for the return of the outfit she wore on stage at Coachella last weekend, after several of her vintage costume pieces went missing following the festival. "These aren't just clothes, they are part of my history," the Queen of Pop wrote on Instagram
4 hours ago
Indian travel plans for the summer are being quietly but decisively redrawn. As tensions in the due to the Iran war disrupt flight routes and raise costs as well as safety concerns, many travellers are stepping back from long-haul trips to Europe and the US. Instead
4 hours ago
The Skoda Slavia Sportline offers a sportier design with blacked-out styling, sitting between mid and top variants. Priced from Rs 13.49 lakh, it comes with two petrol engine options, strong safety features, and practical space. It balances style, performance
4 hours ago
Amid the World Athletics’ (WA) decision to designate India as country with “extremely high" risk of doping, the government says it remains firmly committed to the promotion of clean sport and the protection of athlete integrity through a robust and evolving anti-doping framework
4 hours ago
