Idyllic Breakfast Stop: Cinnamon Bentota Beach

Combining local culture and renowned architecture, Cinnamon Bentota Beach makes an inspiring breakfast stop. Designed by one of Asia’s most influential architects of his generation – Geoffrey Bawa – the resort is nestled between the Bentara River and Bentota Beach. Experience breakfast while watching either the waves or the river birds over gourmet waffles or Sri Lankan egg hoppers.

Sri Lankan Mask Workshop: Ambalangoda

In Ambalangoda, make a small detour to the Traditional Mask Workshop & Museum for an immersive experience of local art. Explore ancient collections related to rituals and dances, participate in workshops, or take home unpainted masks as souvenirs. Cinnamon Bey Beruwala can help arrange this experience for your convenience.

Exploring Galle Fort: Galle

The magnificent Galle Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage site built by the Portuguese in 1588, is en-route to Mirissa. Take a leisurely stroll along the grassy ramparts or cobbled streets, and don’t miss visiting the charming shops and cafes that serve everything from coconut ice cream to king coconut. Hikka Tranz by Cinnamon can arrange a guided walking tour with prior notice.

Galle Fort is about an hour’s drive away from Mirissa Beach, so you can spend a little longer exploring the Fort or ask around to book an experience at Mirissa itself – ideally whale watching in Mirissa during season. While Mirissa is renowned as a beautiful destination, the journey there adds an extra dimension to your trip.

Here are 5 things to know about Pidurangala:

1. How to get there

Pidurangala is situated in a village of the same name, within the district of Matale. It is only 2.5 km from the rock fortress in Sigiriya which makes an ideal base from which to visit. Whilst you stay with us at Cinnamon Lodge Habarana or Habarana Village by Cinnamon, we can arrange a visit to Pidurnagala for you, with ease.

2. A part of history

Pidurangala Rock has a long history which is widely believed to date back to the second century BC and is where a monastery was built by King Kashyapa. Ancient chronicles state that monks who previously resided at Sigiriya were donated the temple by the king before he took to building the marvellous structure atop Sigiriya Rock. The temple consisted of five buildings called ‘Panchavasa’, some of which can still be seen during your visit.

3. At the foot

At the very entrance of the ancient monastery premises, a whitewashed temple built into the rock interface is housed, constructed during the early 1930s. Venture in to explore the ancient
cave temple which quite literally dates back thousands of years! Here you will also see on display vintage objects and artefacts which reflect influences from various Buddhist periods. We think you should sonsider taking a little detour to visit the ruins of an ancient Image House and Chapter House.
It is important to remember to cover your shoulders and knees and walk barefoot as you pass through the temple premises as a sign of respect.

4. The Climb

We suggest you take the trek to the summit of Pidurangala to catch the sunrise or sunset and witness the show of colour put on by the sky. The hike takes around 45 minutes (depending on your pace) and there is much to see on the way up.After around 15 to 20 minutes you will reach a plateau-like area where you can take time to just soak up the amazing panorama. You will find some historic ruins here, along with one of the highlights, a statue of a reclining Buddha; the age-old plaster now only covers the bottom half, the rest made up of russet coloured bricks exposed to the elements.The brickwork supposedly divided meditational spaces for the monks. At the very furthest into the cavern, a massive 46 foot recumbent Buddha can be seen. At one point in time, this was the largest brick statue of a reclining Buddha statue and offers an insight into the rock’s rich past.

After a short while, you will reach your reward; a breathtaking vista of an emerald carpet of greenery leading up to the inspiring sight of the Sigiriya Rock Fortress, soaring majestically to the clouds. As time passes, it is easy to get lost in this sight and do take your time just soaking it all in.

5. At the summit

Don’t know what to expect at the end of your Pidurangala Hike? Words won’t do justice but do take our word for this one! At the summit of this 199m tall Pidurangala Rock you will be greeted by a breathtaking view of the Sigiriya Rock and its surroundings! Thich jungle, clouds, rolling and endless blue skies and clouds, and a cool breeze to replenish your energy. So don’t miss out! Make sure you visit Pidurangala during your visit to Sri Lanka.

Photo credits: Flora Gonzalez Lopez

The perfect getaway consists of the following: uninterrupted views of the beach, a cocktail in hand and excellent company, everything that makes you feel alive. The Tropic Bar at Hikka Tranz by Cinnamon is the embodiment of this concept. From the lively plants decorating the interior, the upbeat music and to the friendly bartenders, all elements of the bar celebrate life and all its moments, good and otherwise.

The Tropic Bar is a place your worries will be left at the threshold. Amongst the crashing waves and the eccentric interiors and the cocktails that come in all flavours sweet, spicy, and sour, you will soon find yourself swaying to the music and feel lighter as your worldly troubles slip away. Here, everything is a new experience yet delivered with the familiar luxury of Cinnamon making you fall in love with the thrill of being alive.

The Tropic Bar has two infamous cocktails: the Chili Martini and the Gin Pincha. The drinks are of colour with unique flavours you will only find in Hikka Tranz. The Chili Martini is made by muddling a few secret ingredients and shaken and poured into a martini glass. On the other hand, the recipe for Gin Pincha is too kept undisclosed. It is served on the rocks and is the perfect combination of sweet and spice. While these are just two of the plethora of cocktails prepared here, they have the punch to bring you alive and have you dancing the night away, making your stay in the party central of Sri Lanka a most memorable one.

An element that catches the eye of all those who step in the bar is the custom painting of the tropical birds. This adds colour to the set up and brings the theme of tropics to the bar, offering the customers a wholesome tropical experience. Hikkaduwa is crowded with eager partygoers making it the party central of the island. The city is waiting for the next big party and the Tropic Bar makes it happen every night.

Among the tropical plants, birds and the exotic cocktails is the sound of laughter of friends turned family. The setting is casual, and the crowd is clad in beach shirts and shorts. The weekend away at Hikka Tranz by Cinnamon soothing enough to rejuvenate you for the week that awaits but the Tropics Bar is a must visit to complete your getaway. Spend your day at the golden beach, dip in the pool in the evening and head over to Tropic Bar to watch the sun go down while you live it up, the perfect recipe for the picture-perfect getaway.

Life can be challenging, rough and even weary but at the Tropic Bar, it is nothing but good. We have concocted the elixir of life to remind you of the good times and the lasting memories that will have you coming back for more. Book your next visit at Hikka Tranz by Cinnamon for a truly transcending getaway with your friends and family and visit the Tropic Bar to embrace the spirit of life and let us take you to a different state of mind where life happens at its best. Let the week end, and the party begin.