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We arrived at Hotel Arch in New Delhi around 2 AM, greeted by the early winter chill. My room, though small, was clean and comfortable, including the bathroom. The next morning, breakfast was served before 7 AM, a thoughtful gesture despite the limited choices. The highlight was undoubtedly the Bru coffee, a beloved staple in any part of India, whether at street stalls or in hotels.
The van arrived with my new travel buddies and our Thai lady guide, a humble and amazing soul. Thrilled to explore (HOKKAIDO WANDERLUST), we headed to Mae Sai. After our guide handled the permits at the border, the real adventure began. The sun was blazing, but I didn’t care - I was too pumped. Crossing the border, I was hit by the raw energy of everyday life. People hustled about, street vendors manned their stalls, and no one gave us a second glance. Our guide filled us in on Tachileik and our stops (KOCHI KALEISCOPE).
Kumbalangi Chinese Fishing Village
Kumbalangi, known as India’s first model tourism village, is famous for its “cheena vala” - Chinese fishing nets. Introduced by Chinese traders centuries ago, these nets still stand as a symbol of traditional fishing methods in Kerala. The area is calm, surrounded by backwaters, and gives a feel of how the local fishing community lives. We saw coir making and crab farming demonstrations. Most of the time, we were just standing around observing. Street vendors were around too, selling snacks and small items on the roadside (ALLEPPEY BOAT CRUISE).
Dutch Palace/Mattancherry Palace
We started in Mattancherry. The area is a mix of old buildings, shops, and narrow streets. It’s a place for browsing - clothes, souvenirs, local snacks, and spices are available in small stores. One main attraction here is the Dutch Palace, also called Mattancherry Palace. It was built by the Portuguese and later renovated by the Dutch before being handed over to the local ruler.
Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple
One of the most iconic landmarks in Kerala, Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple is a must-visit in Thiruvananthapuram. This temple, dedicated to Lord Vishnu, is famous for its ancient Dravidian architecture and spiritual significance. Built in the 18th century by Travancore Maharaja Marthanda Varma, the temple houses the deity in the unique "Anantha Shayanam" posture - reclining on the serpent Anantha.
No trip or any trip to Kerala, India, is complete without experiencing their houseboat cruise. It’s a must. Those who’ve done it will vouch it's one of the best things Kerala offers for your things to do in Kerala list or sightseeing in Kerala (COLOMBO SRI LANKA SIGHTSEEING).
As for the three of us, this backwater tour in Kerala was already part of our Kerala travel itinerary, all necessary payment included. We opted for an overnight stay in a houseboat, which also included all meals. Ours was a two-room private houseboat, just for the three of us.
Back to Hokkaido, Japan (HOKKAIDO TRAVEL GUIDE) and sadly, winter and snowfall were severe, dropping to -0 degrees Celsius. Many things to do in Hokkaido during winter were halted due to heavy snowflakes blanketing everything, which also risked our flight back home being canceled (OTARU WHAT TO DO & SEE).
Best Tourist
Sightseeing Spots in Hokkaido
Okurayama
Viewing Point
It was definitely disappointing that our visit to Okurayama Viewing Point, the
famous 1972 Winter Olympic Games ski jumping venue in Sapporo, was canceled.
Okurayama Viewing Point is well known as a top Hokkaido sightseeing spot, where
visitors can take a chairlift to the top for panoramic city views and the ski
jump. There’s also a small museum showcasing winter sports history and ski
jumping. It’s an interesting stop for both the view and winter sports
enthusiasts. Unfortunately, it didn’t materialize for us.
A day in Otaru, a charming port city on Hokkaido’s
west coast, is all it takes to see why it draws visitors year-round, especially
during winter (WHAT TO DO IN SAPPORO). Otaru’s roots date back to the late 19th century, when it
thrived as a major trading and fishing hub. Today, it remains famous for its preserved
architecture, scenic spots, and local delicacies.
We spent a full day in Otaru, quickly catching the highlights and popular attractions while also admiring from our coach (SRI LANKA SIGHTSEEING).
An
appreciated winter holiday and the travel journey so far in Hokkaido, Japan. We
still had two more destinations to cover. From Noboribetsu (THINGS TO DO IN NOBORIBETSU) we arrived in
Sapporo. Winter had mellowed, making it more conducive to explore what Sapporo
has to offer - especially for those wondering about things to do in Sapporo
during winter.
This stop in Sapporo was part of our multi-day Hokkaido itinerary. It showed us that Hokkaido winter travel doesn’t feel complete without experiencing Sapporo (SRI LANKA SIGHTSEEING SPOTS).
Located in southwestern Hokkaido (THINGS TO DO IN HOKKAIDO) and roughly a two-hour drive from Hilton Niseko Village, Noboribetsu is part of Iburi Subprefecture and sits within the Shikotsu-Toya National Park. Known for its volcanic activity and natural hot springs, this small town is a popular wellness destination. Snowy winters add a magical touch to its rugged terrain shaped by past eruptions.
Noboribetsu
Date Jidaimura Village
This 25-year-old theme park recreates the Edo Period (1603–1867) - a significant era in Japanese history. Though often linked with Emperor Meiji, the Edo era actually preceded his reign and was defined by samurai rule under the Tokugawa Shogunate, before Japan began modernizing (NUWARA ELIYA SRI LANKA).
Winter is the season that draws travellers to Hokkaido, Japan - and for good reason (HOKKAIDO TRAVEL GUIDE). While destinations like Kyoto, Osaka, Nagano, Yuzawa, and Nozawaonsen also boast winter charm, Hokkaido stands out as one of the top spots for snow-filled adventures. From thrilling snow activities to comforting local cuisine, here’s a closer look at what makes a Hokkaido winter experience truly special (THINGS TO DO IN GALLE, SRI LANKA).
Snow Activities
in Hokkaido
Winter in Hokkaido is synonymous with snow adventures. While skiing is a popular choice among visitors, snowmobiling offers an equally exciting alternative. Near Hilton Niseko Village, a designated area offers snowmobile rides suitable for beginners and thrill-seekers alike.
Hokkaido, located at the northernmost tip of Japan, is one of the most popular destinations among Malaysians (KERALA INDIA TOURIST SPOTS). Particularly during winter, Hokkaido becomes a magnet for travellers thanks to its soft powder snow, ski resorts, snow festivals, hot springs, and comforting local food. A winter holiday in Hokkaido for Malaysians is truly an unforgettable experience. We were amongst the thousands enjoying winter in Hokkaido - and there’s more to do and explore beyond the snow.
Finally, here I come - Colombo, Sri Lanka (THINGS TO DO IN GALLE). Two days before flying back to Malaysia. Without a fixed itinerary, I just went with the flow - exploring places to visit, see, and do. Thankfully, I still had my travel guide, who doubled as my driver, to point out the sightseeing highlights. And yes, even before reaching Colombo from Galle, there were stopovers worth mentioning.
Tsunami
Honganji Vihara Memorial
I paused briefly at the Tsunami Honganji Vihara Memorial - built in
remembrance of the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami victims. A somber moment. Ten
quiet minutes, standing in silence, paying respect before resuming my road
trip (PLACES TO VISIT IN SRI LANKA).
Honestly, I knew nothing about Galle when I left KATARAGAMA SRI LANKA. It was a blank slate - no expectations, no images in my mind. But once I arrived and explored, I understood why this city draws thousands of visitors year-round. Galle is a blend of cultures shaped by Portuguese, Dutch, and British rule. From colonial buildings and forts to churches and quaint streets, it’s where East meets West - yet still proudly Sri Lankan at heart (PLACES TO VISIT IN SRI LANKA).
Leaving NUWARA ELIYA early in the morning, it took us several hours to reach Kataragama. Located in the southeastern part of Sri Lanka, Kataragama is one of the island’s oldest and most sacred towns. People from all walks of life - Buddhists, Hindus, Muslims, and even tourists - visit this spiritual town, either to seek blessings or as part of their travel journey (THINGS TO DO IN NEGOMBO).
Temples
On the drive into Kataragama, I noticed temples along the way - some active, others seemingly quiet or unused. I briefly stepped down at one, just for a quick look. Even without stopping at every temple, I could feel the spiritual pull. Kataragama is, as I like to call it, a pilgrimage town. These temples speak directly to your breath, body, mind, and soul - meaningful and significant in their own quiet way.
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