---- Sundara Lanka Matha -----

|Lanka Gems, Pearls & Minerals

2010-03-10T19:20:00.000-08:00

The historical chronicle of Sri Lanka, the Mahavamsa, records that gemstones were among the gifts of Sri Lanka's king, Devanampiyatissa, to Emperor Ashoka of India. The Mahavamsa also records that the Buddha visited Sri Lanka to settle a dispute between the Naga King Mahodera and Prince Chulodera over a throne studded with gemstones. The Buddhist monk, Fa-Hien, reports on the mineral abundance of the land when he visits Sri Lanka.The Venetian traveller, Marco Polo, reaches the shores of Sri Lanka. He writes: "The island produces more beautiful and valuable rubies than are found in any other part of the world. Likewise sapphires, topazes, amethysts, garnets, and many other precious and costly stones. The king is supposed to possess one of the grandest rubies that ever was seen, being a span in length and the thickness of a man's arm, brilliant beyond description, and without a single flaw."

Sri Lanka Waterfalls:

2010-03-10T19:17:00.000-08:00

The island is blessed with 103 rivers and streams radiating from the central hills, rushing down rocky precipices forming a number of roaring waterfalls of various shapes and heights, all ending up loosing the momentum at the Indian Ocean. Here are some of the most picturesque waterfalls, out of which only a few can be viewed with ease, where as the others can only be seen by penetrating thick forests and tea plantations

Galboda Waterfall

2010-03-10T19:16:00.000-08:00

On a bright and sunny day three of us boarded the Colombo-Badulla bound “Podimenike” train at the Nawalapitya Station on a trip to Galboda to see the beauty of the waterfall and the environment.

Passing Inguruoya station we experienced the natural beauty of the hill country. The train passed through several tunnels. In between tunnel no. 12 and 13 we saw a bridge over a stream. The valley below was beautiful surrounded by hills planted in Cyprus and Pinus trees. There were also jungle flowers, Orchids were also seen in bloom on the sides. Passing the 13^th tunnel we reached Galboda Station.
A fellow passenger in the train who became friendly with us voluntarily agreed to give us directions to reach the waterfall. The road was leading through a tea estate. On the way we sat on a terrace and watched the far distance, the beautiful trees hundreds of years old with huge trunks and branches giving shade over large areas.

We walked along passing streams and we met two Tamil friends of school-going age who could converse a little in Sinhala. A little way along this road there was a steep cliff. The person who accompanied us told us that there is a shrine in the forest believed to have miraculous powers and that the path to the shrine is on a difficult track and people who have tried to climb to the summit have failed. He left us at this stage as he had to take a different road to his house. The two Tamil friends accompanied us. We were rather tired due to the rough track and the hot sun. There was a stream to cross and we were very careful as the stones were slippery. Passing the stream, we were stuck by the beauty and grandeur of the scene before us. We were there to observe the Galboda waterfall. One could stand for hours in a spirit of amazement wondering at this beautiful scenery which we all wish to preserve in its’ uniqueness for generations to come.

Rassa Ella - The mystic waterfall

2010-03-10T19:15:00.000-08:00

There are many fascinating waterfalls of great scenic beauty while other cascades, as to where their roots are concerned, are shrouded in mystery.

On a tour around the Kandy-Matale-Wattegama mountain frontiers, I chanced to see a cascading yet boisterous waterfall roaring down into rock water pools. The rock pool, from the point of its source joining the other end of its rivulet, remains a mystery.
About six miles off Wattegama, along the Kandy-Katugastota-Wattegama highway on the road to Panvila, is this mystic waterfall called Rassa Ella. Its name describes it well - that it is as mystic in name and origin.

Rasa Ella is different from all other such miniature 'fountains of paradise' - as romantically described by certain poets. A veil of water cascades down in a loud roar into the abysmal, gurgling waters below. From these rock pools, the rolling waters do not fall and join from the other end as any other waterfalls do, as at the rock pool from where the waterfall arises, there is not a ripple to be seen or even a murmur.

Strangely, the water joins the other end without physically revealing where it actually meets. The people around that area say that it ends in a sub-way that was constructed during the time of the kings of the Kandyan kingdom, as an escape route. Others say that the source lies submerged in the subterranean depths.

While seated on the culvert over Rassa Ella by the roadside, I met a bearded patriarch in his seventies with silvery beard flowing down like a waterfall itself. He smiled at me and asked me if I was seeking the source of the waterfall. When I replied in the affirmative, he told me an interesting and amusing story about Raja Maha Viharaya called Kubiyagoda situated about eight miles away from Wattegama. He said that he lived in its vicinity.

According to him, when the British held sway in the region, a certain English government agent visited Kubiyagoda Rahamaha Viharaya with his wife. His haughty wife was no respector of the sanctity of this hallowed Buddhist temple and she sat boldly upon the arm of the statue of Buddha that was enshrined there.

This act of desecration was brought to the notice of the high priest there. His samanera used to memorise some manthrams but the incumbent priest had requested him to stop learning them. Due to the disrespect done to the statue of Buddha by the GA's wife, the priest asked the samanera to repeat the manthrams once again.

When the samanera began chanting them the GA's wife fell senseless to the floor much to the GA's alarm. The high priest then told the GA that this was due to his wife having being disrespectful. More manthrams were recited and the woman came to her senses. The GA then asked the high priest what he could give him in return. The priest replied that salt was hard to come by in that place and from then on the GA saw to it that a bushel of salt was sent to the temple each month and the temple was never short of this commodity from then onwards.

Mahaweli River

2009-11-18T23:45:00.000-08:00

The Mahaweli River (Sinhala: Mahaweli Ganga; literally: The Great Sandy River)[1] is a 335 km (208 mi) long river, currently ranking as the longest river in Sri Lanka. Its drainage basin is the largest in the country, and covers almost 1/5th of the total area of the island. The river reaches the Bay of Bengal at the north-east end of Trincomalee. It continues as a major submarine canyon, making Trincomalee one of the finest deep sea harbors in the world.[2] Due to the production of hydroelectricity, the river is heavily dammed at multiple locations. The river is also used for irrigation, which had resulted to almost 1,000 km2 (386 sq mi) of land irrigated.[3] One of the many sources of the river is the Kotmale Oya.

Haggala Botanical Garden

2009-11-16T23:19:00.000-08:00

Haggala Botanical Garden
10 km on the Badulla Road.The Garden was first established in 1860 under the curatorship of three Britishers of the same name - William Nock, JK Nocl and JJ Nock. It lies under the Hakgala Peak, between 5000-6000 feet in elevation - the highest set Botanical Gardens in the world. It boasts 100 year old Monetary Cypress trees from California, Japanese Cedars, Himalayan Pines and English Oak.
The Botanical Garden is first as a cinchona plantation and then adapted to an experimental garden for the acclimatization of plants from temperate zones in the tropics. Here can be found all the flowers of an English cottage garden in spring and summer, and much else besides - such as the oldest tea-bush in the island, an ornamental pond and quaint summerhouse. Hakgala (Jaw Rock) rises a sheet 1500 ft/460 meters and offers one of the most stunning views ever. Legend says it was part of the Himalayas carried here by the Monkey God - Hanuman in his quest to help God-Rama rescue Goddess - Sita from the demon king - Ravana. Sita-Eliya, site of Sita's imprisonment, stands a mere mile away, with the 'Sita Amman Kovil' close by.

A short glance on the Nuwara Eliya City

2009-11-16T23:15:00.000-08:00

A short glance on the City
Nuwara Eliya is a mountain station at 1,868 m (6,128 ft) of altitude, in a splendid landscape. The city pretends to be particularly well-kept and neat, and the always green grass gives to the locality an aspect of “colonial British style".
Nuwara Eliya was built entirely during the 19th century and its architecture mimics that of an English country town, with red-brick walls, country house like hill club and mock-Tudor half-timbering.
Blessed with salubrious climate, breathtaking views of valleys, meadows, mountains and greenery; it's hard to imagine that Nuwara Eliya is only 180 Km from the hot and humid Colombo. Temperatures are 14C-21C (Jan- April) 16C-18C (May-Aug) 15C- 18C (Sept-Dec).

Railway To Badulla from Kandy

2009-11-16T02:16:00.000-08:00

About Journey
This is a tour to Badulla from Train with visiting all places including railway stations, Tunnels, bridges and all other visiting places.

Watawala Railway Station

Watawala railway station is famous for local tourism of Sri Lanka. Watawala railway station situated at between Galboda and Ihala Watawala railway stations. Watawala surrounded a lot of mountains and there fore railway of Watawala is has some gapping way.

There are several tea estates and tea productizing factories at Watawala place. There for all mountains of Watawala is become greens look. There are about 15km to Ginigathhena from Watawala. Ginigathhena is a junction and Watawala railway station is main railway station of theirs.

The highest rainfalls of Sri Lanka had been recorded at Watawala and Ginaigathhena places. About 5457 mm of rainfalls is recorded in Watawala. Because of this rainfalls Watawala is very suitable for Tea cultivation. Watawala tea is very famous in Sri Lanka and all around the world

Welcome to Ambewela Sri Lanka

2009-11-16T02:06:00.000-08:00

About Ambewela
Ambewela is at the border of Nuwaraeliya district and 15km from Nuwaraeliya town. Acessing roots of Ambewela from Nuwaraeliya is via Lindula junction. From Nuwaraeliya to Ambewela pass the several places such as Ruwaneliya, Mipilimana and Kandeela. Kandeela is a reservior at Mipilimana and some identified it s Mipilimana lake.

Ruwaneliya and Mipilimana famous for rest houses and SLBC rest bungalow is at Mipilimana place. New Zealand and Ambewela farms are at closed to Ambewela and spray dried milk powder factory also at Ambewela.

There is a railway station of Ambewela and it is at between Parakumpura and Pattipola railway stations. Pattipola is highest railway station of Sri Lanka. There is a school, post office, railway station, butiques, cafeterias, milk bar, liquor bar are at Ambewela.

Sri Lanka Flower - Orchid (Udawediya)

2009-11-16T01:59:00.000-08:00

Orchid is a very beautiful flower of Sri Lanka and all around the world. Orchid flowers are very expensive in world wide although in Sri Lanka it's growing at forest areas. In Sinharaja forest and such tropical low land rain forests easily visit Orchid types. Scientific name of the Orchid is Dendrobium macarthiae and sided picture is taken from Sinharaja forest of Sri Lanka.

Insect Trapper (Bandura)

2009-11-16T01:55:00.000-08:00

Insect trapper is a plant species and which is supplied their food as catching small insects by flower. Sinhalese name of flora type is 'Bandura'. The flower of Insect trapper is green colored and it seems beautiful. Small insects attractive to its color and come to get honey of something from it. But.... It cannot fly again. Then plant supples food from it. In tropical rain forest we can see those plants.
Following first four pictures were taken from Sinharaja rain forest of Sri Lanka and other two pictures were taken by Kanneliya forest reserve of Galle Sri Lanka.

The North West and Puttalam

2009-11-13T10:49:00.001-08:00

The area north west of Colombo is a secret treasure trove of an area – long left untouched by mass tourism. Thinly populated by a fascinating mixture of cultures and religions, this area is beautiful and wild, with looming rocks rising sharply from the earth and dreamy wewas (reservoirs) with their circling storks and eagles and their beautiful water lilies.

The area has several nature reserves. The two most spectacular being the massive Wilpattu National Park and the Puttalam Lagoon. Willpattu is a vast park which re-opened as recently as 2003. Unique scenery and flora combined with a very healthy number of leopards make this park a fantastic and far less touristy alternative to Yala. To really experience this off the beaten track park an overnight stay is wonderful – Kulu Safaris offer a superb safari style camping option.

The Chilaw area is a fine birdwatching area as it is on the cusp between Sri Lanka’s dry and wet zone. The Anawilundawa reserve is a particularly good and remote spot. Get your driver to take you by this spot and simply wander at will – make sure you take plenty of water as there are no shops around here!

Puttalam itself is a melting pot of Moorish, Tamil, Christian and Sinhala cultures - with an interesting, frontier town atmosphere and some good food. As you head north from here the land becomes drier and sparser past the lagoon towards Kalpitiya. This area is becoming a draw with kite surfing and diving possible here in season.

Further inland there are two great nature themed places. The Mudhouse is a unique experiment in simple village style living coupled with boutique style. It is an eco-retreat near the mysterious and beautiful Paramakanda Rock Temple. Bicycles come with the room and exploring this rural area is a joy.

The area resounds with history and legend but two of the most interesting sites are the former and short lived capital of Pandus Nuwara (site of a local Repunzel like legend about a princess with long hair) and the rock citadel of Yapahuwa.

Between December and April, Alankuda is a truly exceptional destination - offering a remote beach paradise and wonderful dolphin watching opportunities,

An opportunity to see a part of the country that most people miss. You may wish to book our Undiscovered Sri Lanka Tour.

Galle and the South Coast

2009-11-13T10:47:00.000-08:00

This is the area from Galle down to Hambatota on the extreme south east coast. The beaches here are far less touristy than the busier west coast; it is not unusual to find yourself alone on long, dreamy stretches of palm fringed sand. Broadly speaking, as you get further east, it becomes more remote and less busy. Some of the prettiest palm fringed bays in the country are found on this stretch of coast and the region is regarded as truly Sri Lankan and a bastion of Sinhala patriotism.

Galle itself recovered very well from the severe shock it took during the 2004 tsunami. It is a bustling, industrious town with a circle of interesting villages surrounding it, all specialising in different crafts. The marvelous Galle Fort is the highlight – an old Dutch fort, left entirely undamaged by the tsunami and characterised by fantastic old buildings, narrow alleyways and craft shops. The Galle Fort Hotel is the last word in style and is fast gaining a reputation as one of the best new hotels in Asia and the food is superb. There are several other excellent small hotels both inside the walled area of the fort and on the hills in the town itself, such as the Sun House and The Dutch House. There are also several beautiful villas available for hire within the fort, even for just a few days. In the lush tropical countryside, 6km from town, is the beautiful Illuketiya. This stunning heritage property has perhaps the most amazing gardens in Ceylon. For all the trimmings of an luxurious 5* spa hotel, stay at the beautiful, Bawa designed The Lighthouse.

A little further down the coast is the cool traveler hang out of Unawatuna. Regarded as one of the best beaches on the 70’s hippie trail, Unawatuna retains a laid back vibe which has survived a battering in the tsunami. Thambapanni Retreat is a great place to retire away from the buzz of the beach with its restaurants, bars and clubs. There are several other inexpensive and chic places in the vicinity.

Next door is the quiter village of Thalpe which has a number of villas for hire. It also has the beautiful Apa Villas, an award winning hotel that has the elegant feel of a private villa with the superb service of a five star hotel.

Further round the coast highlights include hiring your own island at Weligama; Tabrobane Island is just off the coast in the middle of wide bay and favoured by novelists and aristocrats. Mirissa is arguably the prettiest bay on the coast and retains a sleepy fishing village ambiance. The Palace is the place to stay, or Sea View, for those on a budget. Inland a mile or two is the incomparable villa at Mirrisa Hills. The spectcular views of the pretty beaches and wonderful design of the villa make this the most spectacular villa on the island.

In Dickwella the Bawa designed boutique hotel, Claughton House, is a wonderful place to stay.

Skimming across many interesting spots, the next concentration of hotels comes at and around Tengalle. Four main beaches and several smaller coves make up one of the most beautiful and peaceful areas in Sri Lanka. Lansiya is a spectacular villa that can be rented in its entirety to ensure privacy or space for a family or a couple. Amanwella is the new and highly exclusive resort only opened in March 2006. At the other end of the scale, the laid back, friendly and good value Palm Paradise Cabanas is a long running favourite of return visitors to Sri Lanka. The beautiful, deserted and quiet beaches in this area are a million miles from the touristy west coast.

Finally in from the coast and around Yala national park are two of our favourite places. Let nature come to you with Lars and his excellent crew at Treetops, Buttala. This place is an experience in itself taking you back to a more simple way of living – in a remote and beautiful area where elephants and people still co-exist together. Nearby Galapita is an eco-resort too – but with a deeply stylish and fine finish. Although simple this place is extremely comfortable and well equipped – you won’t wish for anything. Families may wish to hire an entire bungalow at Thipola in order to visit Yala, while people who prefer more conventional hotels may prefer the excellent Yala Village.

It is also possible to hire one of several villas along this coast and have it all to yourself. Most of these villas come equipped with full staff including cooks and are perfect for groups of friends, families or couples wanting to get away from it all. Many of these properties are simply amazing: imagine owning your own slice of paradise, if only for a week! Please contact us for more details.

The Cultural Triangle

2009-11-13T10:45:00.000-08:00

The ‘Cultural Triangle’ is the area roughly between Sigiriya to the south, Anuradhapura to the north west and Polonnaruwa to the east. It was the cradle of the ancient irrigation civilisation of Sri Lanka that flourished 2500 years ago. It is a wonderful region to visit – monuments spanning a period of 1700 years are in abundance and in close proximity.

Anuradhapura is the jewel in the crown – one of the worlds’ great cities in its heyday, 2200 years ago. Sigiriya – a pleasure palace built upon a huge rock, is a mind boggling remnant of ancient engineering prowess and has a magnificent view to boot. Polonnaruwa is perhaps the most accessible of the ruins as much is intact and the artistry and skill apparent at sites such as the Gal Vihara Buddhas, is startling.

The area remains thinly populated and large areas are given over to national parks. It is a beautiful area in any case and if you are lucky you may see elephants out in the wild. You will certainly see monkeys and birds of all descriptions; snakes, lizards and various other fauna. For a safari trip you can go leopard spotting in Wilpattu or enjoy the richly varied landscapes at Wasgomuwa. For observing elephants in their natural habitat, there are great short safaris to be enjoyed to either Miniriya or Kandulla.

The best places to stay are clustered towards the centre of this area. Nearby the cave temples of Dambulla by the Kandalama Tank (ancient reservoir) is the incomparable and beautifully designed The Kandalama. Across the Tank is the spacious and tranquil Amaya Lake.

Further north, at Habarana, is the stylish The Lodge, its design based on the ancient monastic complex at Ritigala. At Sigiriya itself, 'Hotel Sigiriya’ offers good value and a lovely view of the rock while the beautifully laid out Sigiriya Village has its own organic farm and is fantastic for families.

In 150 acres of its own land near Sigiriya, Sri Lanka’s first designer hotel, Elephant Corridor offers the ultimate in safari lodge style luxury. The rooms come equipped with night vision goggles and their own pools...

Accommodation is sparse at Anuradhapura but the ‘Tissawewa Resthouse’ is a wonderful old colonial building with atmosphere to match. Situated in the Sacred City (ancient Anuradhapura) itself, it is an evocative place to relax after a long days sightseeing.

Nearby Polonnaruwa has a range of options. For comfort and an excellent spa, try the upmarket, The Deer Park besides Girtale Tank. There are also a number of value hotels in this area.

One of Experience Sri Lanka’s favourite activities in the area is the fantastic Hot Air Ballooning operation run by Asian ballooning specialists, Adventure Asia. There is no better way to see the magnificent Sigiriya Rock and the surrounding wildlife.

The Story of Ceylon Tea

2009-11-13T10:22:00.000-08:00

THE STORY OF CEYLON TEA

TEAS FROM THE ISLAND OF SRI LANKA
Teas from the highest region on the island are described as the ‘champagne’ of Ceylon teas.
Until the 1860’s THE MAIN CROP PRODUCED on the island of Sri Lanka, then Ceylon, was coffee. But in 1869, the coffee-rust fungus, Hemileia vastatrix, killed the majority of of the coffee plants and estate owners had to diversify into other crops in order to avoid total ruin. The owners of Loolecondera Estate had been interested in tea since the late 1850’s and in 1866, James Taylor, a recently arrived Scot, was selected to be in charge of the first sowing of tea seeds in 1867, on 19 acres of land.

Taylor had acquired some basic knowledge of tea cultivation in North India and made some initial experiments in manufacture, using his bungalow verandah as the factory and rolling the leaf by hand on tables. Firing of the oxidized leaf was carried out on clay stoves over charcoal fires with the leaf on wire trays. His first teas were sold locally and were declared delicious. By 1872, Taylor had a fully equipped factory, and, in 1873, his first quality teas were sold for a very good price at the London auction. Through his dedication and determination, Taylor was largely responsible for the early success of the tea crop in Ceylon. Between 1873 and 1880, production rose from just 23 pounds to 81.3 tons, and by 1890, to 22,899.8 tons.

Most of the Ceylon tea gardens are situated at elevations between 3,000 and 8,000 feet in two areas of the southwestern part of the island, to the east of Colombo and in the Galle district on the southern point. In the hot, steamy plains and foothills, the tea bushes flush every seven or eight days and are picked all year round. The finest teas are gathered from late June to the end of August in eastern districts and from the beginning of February to mid-March in the western parts.

Until 1971, more than 80 percent of the island’s tea estates were owned and managed by British companies. In 1971, the Sri Lankan government introduced a Land Reform Act which gave the state control of the majority of the plantations (which also grow rubber and coconuts for export) leaving about one-third in private hands. Since 1990, a restructuring program has been going on to involve the private sector companies (both Sri Lankan and foreign) as Managing Agents of the state-owned plantations. The long-term aim is for the private managing companies to take on most, if not all, of the financial responsibility and control of the estates, with the government retaining ownership.

Tea pickers gathering leaves into their baskets

Extreme political, industrial, and economic problems over the past years have meant that Sri Lanka has fallen from the position of number one producer in the world to number eight in 1993. Producers are having to face major decisions regarding production methods, product range, and export markets. Although the U.K was once Sri Lanka’s biggest customer, almost 70 percent of production now goes to Russia, the Middle East, and North Africa. The Arab market used to prefer orthodox teas but consumers there are steadily moving towards European tastes and are demanding more tea in tea bags. Sri Lanka’s fine orthodox teas, considered by many to be among the best teas in the world, are not suitable for tea bags. Only 3 percent of production in 1993 was CTC and producers are having to decide whether to convert to CTC production in order to reach a wider market. Some manufacturers think that there will always be a market for the orthodox teas; others think that CTC is the best way forward. New customers are also being sought for the increasing range of packeted teas—in sachets, cartons, economy packs, reed ware, basket packs, soft wood boxes, tins, and canisters—that are now available. Products containing 100 percent Ceylon tea are now using the Lion logo, developed by the Ceylon Tea Board, that guarantees the country of origin and protects the image of Sri Lanka’s quality teas.

Ceylon Tea's Lion Logo

Sri Lanka’s finest teas are produced mainly from bushes that grow above 4,000 feet. The bushes grow more slowly in the cooler, mistier climate, and are harder to harvest because of the steep angle of the slopes on which they are planted.

There are six main tea-producing areas. Galle, to the south of the island; Ratnapura, about 55 miles east of the capital Colombo; Kandy, the low region near the ancient royal capital; Nuwara Eliya, the highest area that produces the finest teas; Dimbula, west of the central mountains; and Uva, located east of Dimbula.

The teas produced in each region have their own individual characteristics of flavor, aroma, and color. Low-grown teas, produced at 1,500 to 1,800 feet, are of good quality and give good color and strength but lack the distinctive flavor and bright fresh taste of the higher-grown teas and are usually used in blending. Mid-grown teas, grown between 1,800 and 3,500 feet, are rich in flavor and give good color. High-grown teas, from heights of between 3,500 and 7,500 feet, are the very best that Sti Lanka produces, giving a beautiful golden liquor and an intense powerful flavor As well as the wonderful black teas, some estates also produce silver tip white tea that gives a very pale straw-colored liquor and should be drunk without milk All Sri Lanka’s black teas are best drunk with a little milk.

Wildlife Conservation in Sri Lanka

2009-11-13T10:21:00.000-08:00

The theme of wildlife conservation has been an ancient concept in Sri Lanka. It was considered noble in keeping with the teachings of Gouthama Buddha and later essential to the Island.

"...... ordering by beat of drum that no animals should be killed within a radius of seven gau from the city (Anuradhapura) the King gave security to animals. He gave security also to the fish in the twelve great tanks and bestowing on Kambodin-gold and cloth and whatever other kind of wealth they wished, he commanded them not to catch birds and so gave security to birds."

Royal decree of King Kirthi Nissanka Malla of Polonnaruwa (2nd Century AD)
Stone inscription at Ruwanveli Dagaba, Anuradhapura.

Sri Lanka, because of her diverse physical environmental and tropical situation, harbours rich biological diversity of global significance far larger in proportion to her size. While her cultural traditions have always enshrined the concern for all life, the Island has nearly fourteen per cent of her land area earmarked for the conservation of biodiversity and wildlife. Of the fourteen per cent, twelve per cent are Protected Areas under the Department of Wildlife Conservation. This stands out in comparison with most other countries in South Asia Region.

Sri Lanka Nature locations map

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Sri Lanka Birds

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Sri Lanka is a birds paradise with 435 resident species. There are 26 endemic birds. Most of them are found in the wet zone. The winter migrants come from distant Siberia and western Europe. The reservoirs attract vast number of water birds. The forests attract many other species. There are many birds sanctuaries across the little island 270 km by 140 km in size.

Kumana is situated in east Coast, Bundala, Kalamatiya are is in the southern coast, Sinharaja Rain Forest, Udawatta Kale, Bellanwila, Muthurajawela, Minneriya, Kitulgala and Minipe are other important Bird watching locations. In additions you can see birds through out the country in pockets of forests, lakes, lagoons and river sides during your travel.

Sri Lanka Elephants

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Sri Lankan elephants known as Aliya or Etaha (tusker) by local people are the most loved animal by Sri Lankans. The have a fascinating behavior to watch and has a great National value as a tourist attraction. There are many National parks around the country to see elephants. Pinnawala established and Udawalawe the worlds first elephant orphanages which take care of baby elephants who lost their way or injured in the jungle. The travelers to Sri Lanka enjoy Watching and Photographing and riding on the elephants, Going on Elephant back Safaris in Jungle and Elephant Parades in Festivals.

Although there have been about 36000 elephants with the start of this century it has reduced up to about 2000 due to porching. according to the recent records about 2000 of them scattered all over the country in small pockets and about 500 of them are domesticated.

Sri Lanka Nature Distinct Locations

2009-11-13T10:12:00.000-08:00

Where ever you travel in Sri Lanka, You will find some distinct locations of great nature and ecological as well as cultural interest.

On Colombo - Kandy Road

Kajugama, Ambepussa, Aranayaka, Utuwankanda, Kadugannawa Pass, Batalegala Mountain (Bible Rock), Hantana Mountains, Peradeniya

Kandy- Nuwaraeliya - Talawakale - Kandy

Peradeniya, Ambuluwawa - Gampola, Kotmale Reservior, Ramboda Pass, Ramboda Ella, Garandi Ella, Pidurutalagala, Pundaluoya, Watagoda, Hatton, Sri pada, Devon falls. St Clair Falls, Labukale Falls, Ginigathhena Pass, Nawalapitiya

Nuwaraeliya - Colombo

Hotain plains, St Clair Falls, Hatton Pass, Kaleni River, Ginigathena pass, Kitulgala, Awissawella, Hanwella

Nuwaraeliya - Bandarawela - Haputale - Udawalawe - Hambantota

Hakgala Pass, Welimada Pass, Galkanda, Fox Hill, Diyatalawa, Haputale Pass, Beragala, Udawalawe

Bandarawela - Thanamalwila - Yala

Ella, Rawana Ella, Debara Ara, Handapangala, Tanamalwila Kirindi Oya, Udawalawa

Yala - Hanbantota, Matara, Galle, Colombo

Kirinda, Bundala, Tangalla, Polhena, Weligama, Unawatuna, Galle, Hikkaduwa, Bentota, Kalutara, Bolgoda

Kandy Dambulla Sigiriya, Polonnaruwa

Alu vihara, Nalanda, Knuckels Mountains, Kandalama, Habarana, Ritigala, Minneriya, Giritale, Polonnaruwa

Kandy - Mahiyangana via Raja Mawatha

Degaldoruwa, Victoriya Reservior, Hunasgiri Mountain, Madugoda pass, 18 Bends

Kandy Mahiyangana via Randenigala

Raja Mawatha, Victoria, Randenigala, Rantambe Reserviors, Minipe, Mamahiyangana

Mahiyanganana - Polonaruwa

Maduraoya, Kuda Sigiriya, Dimbulagala, Aralaganwila, Manampitiya

Dambulla - Trincomalee - Nilaweli

Habarana, Kantale, Trincomalee, Nilaweli

Dambulla - Batticaloa - Potuwil

Polonnaruwa, Passikudah, Kalkudah, Batticaloa, Oluvil, Arugambay, Lahugala

Colombo- Kurunagala - Dambulla

Ambepussa, Ahugala, Arankale, Ridi Viharaya, Dambadeniya, Dambulla

Anuradhapura-Puttlam - Chilaw - Colombo

Vijithapura, Willpattu, Chilaw, Madampe, Negambo

Colombo - Ratnapura - Haputale - Beragala - Embilipitiya

Hanwella, Awissawella, Ratnapura, pallmadulla, Balangoda, Pambahinna, Haputale, Beragala, Sankapala

Colombo - Rakwana - Deniyaya

Ingiriya, Kiriella, Kalawana, Weddagala, Rakwana Pass, Suriyakanda, Deniyaya

Bandarawela - Badulla - Monaragala - Ampara, Batticaloa

Demodara, Badulla, Dunhinda, Bibile, Monaragala, Galoya, Inginiyagala

Climate and Seasons in Sri Lanka

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Sri Lanka Lies between 6 - 10 of North Latitude and Between 80 - 82 of East Longitude. It has a Maximum Length of 432 km (Devundara to Point Peduru) and Maximum Breadth 224 km (Colombo - Sangamankanda) . The Land Area is 65,525 Sq. km. The Area Excluding the Inland Water 62,336 Sq. km. The hills appear in the center and the south of Center. Sri Lanka is generally a warm country.

Sri Lanka has no marked seasons. A special feature is that the hot and humid lowlands and the salubrious hill country are separated by a few hours motoring.

Average mean temperature along the coast is 26.7 C (80 F) and 19.7 C (66.50 F) in the hill country. In Colombo, the commercial capital, situated on the west coast, the temperature varies from 26.4 C (79.5 F) to 27.8 C (82.12 F). Relative Humidity varies from 70% during the day to 90% at night. In the lowlands the climate is typically tropical with an average temperature of 27^OC in Colombo. In the higher elevations it can be quite cool with temperatures going down to 16^OC at an altitude of nearly 2,000 meters. Bright, sunny warm days are the rule and are common even during the height of the monsoon - climatically Sri Lanka has no off season. The south west monsoon brings rain mainly from May to July to the western, southern and central regions of the island, while the north-east monsoon rains occur in the northern and eastern regions in December and January.

Annual Rainfall Map of Sri LankaAnnual 2540 mm to over 5080 mm in south west of the Island. Less than 1250 mm in the north west and south east of the Inland.

Rainy Seasons

South West Monsoon- May to August
North East Monsoon- November to February

Yala (Ruhuna) National Park

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Situated 309 km. south of Colombo, Yala is approximately 1,259 sq.km. in extent and is located in the southeastern corner of the island. Its northern boundaries border on the Lahugala Elephant Sanctuary and it has the added bonus of a scenic ocean frontage. The terrain is varied flat plains alternating with rocky outcrops. The vegetation ranges from open parkland to dense jungle. Water holes, small lakes, lagoons and streams provide water for the animals and birds. The specialty here is the large numbers of elephants.

Wilpattu National Park

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Situated 176 km. north of Colombo, Wilpattu is approximately 1,908 sq.km. in extent. It has a dense jungle cover which makes it a more exciting park where animals have to be tracked. There are numerous delightful little lakes - known as villus - and the leopard and sloth bear are the specialty rather than elephants.

Sinharaja virgin forest

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Sinharaja (vergin rain forest of Sri Lanka)

Sinharaja forest reserve is one of the least disturbed and biologically unique lowland rain forest in Sri lanka. This forest covers an extent of about 11187 hectares from east to west .The length of the forest is about 21km and width from North to South is about 3.7km.It was declared a Man and Biosphere Reserve (MAB) in 1978,as representative of tropical humid evergreen forest Eco system in Sri Lanka and has been recognized by UNESCO as part of its International Network of Biosphere reserves. It was declared a National wilderness area in 1988 and lately a world heritage site in 1989.It is situated in the southwest lowland wet zone of the country in the districts of Ratnapura, Galle and Matara. The average annual temperature of Sinharaja is 23.6 C. Annual rainfall is more than 2500mm.The rain fall is well distributed during two monsoons, May to July and October to December.

Flora of Sinharaja

The vegetation of Sinharaja may be described either as a tropical lowland rain forest or tropical wet evergreen forest.some striking characteristics of the forest are the loftiness of the dominant trees, the straightness of their bole, the abundance of regeneration and the diversity of species. Average height of the trees varies between 35m 40m.some individuals rise even upto 50m.The vegetation of Sinharaja is that of humid wet evergreen forest type with a high degree of endemism. In fact some families such as Dipterocarpaceae show an endemism more than 90%. The untapped genetic potential of Sinharaja flora is enormous.
Out of the 211 woody trees and lianas so far identified within the reserve 139 (66%) are endemic. Similarly, high levels of endemism are perhaps true for the lower plants like ferns, epiphyts as well.out of 25 general endemic to Sri Lanka 13 are represent in Sinharaja. The Total vegetation density, including trees, shrubs, herbs and seedlings has been estimated to be around 240,000 individuals per hectare, of which 95% comprise individuals of the ground layer bellow 1m in height.The density of trees, lianas above 30 cm girth at breast height, ranges between 600 700 individuals per hectare while the number of merchantable individuals of trees of girth grater than 150cm ranges between 45-55 individuals per hectare.

Fauna of Sinharaja

Studies on the fauna of Sinharaja have revealed that there is a high degree of endemism among the butterflies, fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals are greater than 50%. There have been reports of sightings of a few animals in the eastern Secter.The most common deer species is the Sambhur The Monk deer and Barking deer are also found within the reserve. Leopards are very seldom sighted, but their frequent presence has been confirmed by tracks and other signs. Badger Mongoose and the Golden Palm Civet have been occasionally sighted. The most commonly seen primate is the Purple - faced Leaf Monkey.Although the elephants said to be common in the past, there have not been reports of sightings during the last 15 years.
Out of the Birds recorded in the western sector of the reserve, 72% were resident non-endemic and 13% migrants. One of the most interesting and colorful spectacles to be found in the in the Sinharaja is the presence of mixed species of foraging bird flocks, a phenomenon commonly found in rain forests total of 100 such flocks were systematically observed, and studies have revealed that some flocks contained 48 species including 12 endemic species. The rare endemic birds to be seen in Sinharaja are the Red-faced Malkoha, the Sri Lanka Blue Magpie, the Ashy-headed Barbbler, and the White - headed Starling and the Green billed Coucal the rarest of Sri Lankan birds. The Agamids are the best represented group of reptiles, the most common being the Green Garden Lizard. Of Special significance are the sightings of Calotes Liolepis an arboreal species, the rearest of all agamids found in the island .The only Tortoise recorded in the reserve is the Hard - shelled Terrapin, while of the species of skinks, the spotted skink can be seen often. Among the snakes The Green Pit Viper and Hump-nosed Viper are commonly found in this forest and are endemic to Sri Lanka.The amphibians are fairly well represented in the reserve and nine endemic species have been identified. The endemic Torrent toad and the common house toad. In most streams and marshes, the Wrinkled frog and The Sri Lankan Reed frog is also found in Sinharaja. Ramanella palmata a rare endemic species is the only microhylid recorded so far while the yellow-banded Caecilian is the only apodan recorded.It is desirable that you, who visit the forest, be sensitive to the need to conserve forests such as Sinharaja.Contray to the chaos and congestion prevailing in urban areas, it is in forests that the quality of life is best expressed. In addition man finds peace and tranquillity in forest.Allow yourself sufficient time to roam about within this natures green cathedral and enjoy its beauty and majesty whether you be a photographer, artist, scientist or a nature lover. Please leave it as you find it is our humble request

Ravana Ella( Ravana Falls)

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It is on the Ella Wellawaya road and visible from the main road. Although the main drop is 30 ft in height, its a wide fall and the water rushes over several steps adding to its beauty.Ravana falls is closely linked in legend with the great epic of the east.Ramayanaya.It name is from Ravana, The powerful demon king who once ruled SriLanka.The cave hidden behind the fall is still believed by many to be one of the places where he hid the beautiful princess, Sita, after her abduction from India.

On Colombo - Kandy Road
	Kajugama, Ambepussa, Aranayaka, Utuwankanda, Kadugannawa Pass, Batalegala Mountain (Bible Rock), Hantana Mountains, Peradeniya

Kandy- Nuwaraeliya - Talawakale - Kandy
	Peradeniya, Ambuluwawa - Gampola, Kotmale Reservior, Ramboda Pass, Ramboda Ella, Garandi Ella, Pidurutalagala, Pundaluoya, Watagoda, Hatton, Sri pada, Devon falls. St Clair Falls, Labukale Falls, Ginigathhena Pass, Nawalapitiya

Nuwaraeliya - Colombo
	Hotain plains, St Clair Falls, Hatton Pass, Kaleni River, Ginigathena pass, Kitulgala, Awissawella, Hanwella

Nuwaraeliya - Bandarawela - Haputale - Udawalawe - Hambantota
	Hakgala Pass, Welimada Pass, Galkanda, Fox Hill, Diyatalawa, Haputale Pass, Beragala, Udawalawe

Bandarawela - Thanamalwila - Yala
	Ella, Rawana Ella, Debara Ara, Handapangala, Tanamalwila Kirindi Oya, Udawalawa

Yala - Hanbantota, Matara, Galle, Colombo
	Kirinda, Bundala, Tangalla, Polhena, Weligama, Unawatuna, Galle, Hikkaduwa, Bentota, Kalutara, Bolgoda

Kandy Dambulla Sigiriya, Polonnaruwa
	Alu vihara, Nalanda, Knuckels Mountains, Kandalama, Habarana, Ritigala, Minneriya, Giritale, Polonnaruwa

Kandy - Mahiyangana via Raja Mawatha
	Degaldoruwa, Victoriya Reservior, Hunasgiri Mountain, Madugoda pass, 18 Bends
Kandy Mahiyangana via Randenigala
	Raja Mawatha, Victoria, Randenigala, Rantambe Reserviors, Minipe, Mamahiyangana

Mahiyanganana - Polonaruwa
	Maduraoya, Kuda Sigiriya, Dimbulagala, Aralaganwila, Manampitiya

Dambulla - Trincomalee - Nilaweli
	Habarana, Kantale, Trincomalee, Nilaweli

Dambulla - Batticaloa - Potuwil
	Polonnaruwa, Passikudah, Kalkudah, Batticaloa, Oluvil, Arugambay, Lahugala

Colombo- Kurunagala - Dambulla
	Ambepussa, Ahugala, Arankale, Ridi Viharaya, Dambadeniya, Dambulla

Anuradhapura-Puttlam - Chilaw - Colombo
	Vijithapura, Willpattu, Chilaw, Madampe, Negambo

Colombo - Ratnapura - Haputale - Beragala - Embilipitiya
	Hanwella, Awissawella, Ratnapura, pallmadulla, Balangoda, Pambahinna, Haputale, Beragala, Sankapala

Colombo - Rakwana - Deniyaya
	Ingiriya, Kiriella, Kalawana, Weddagala, Rakwana Pass, Suriyakanda, Deniyaya

Bandarawela - Badulla - Monaragala - Ampara, Batticaloa
	Demodara, Badulla, Dunhinda, Bibile, Monaragala, Galoya, Inginiyagala