Discover-SriLanka

Sri Lanka - Garcinia quaesita [Goraka]

2026-08-26T10:26:56.229+05:30

It is a medium-sized evergreen tree, often growing about 10–20 meters tall under favorable conditions. It has a dense crown and glossy, leathery leaves. The flowers are relatively small and may be yellowish, cream, or pale pinkish, depending on the plant and stage of development. Like other Garcinia species, male and female flowers may occur separately. The fruit is rounded and somewhat similar in appearance to a small pumpkin when mature and the rind is sliced and dried, becoming dark brown to almost black.

This dried goraka has a distinctive sour, smoky flavor. One interesting feature of goraka is that it is both an important Sri Lankan culinary ingredient and a traditional medicinal plant, making Garcinia quaesita a valuable indigenous fruit tree.

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Sri Lanka Desserts - Watalappan[made with Kithul jaggery]

2026-08-13T11:44:15.132+05:30

Watalappan (also spelled Wattalapam) is a rich, steamed Sri Lankan custard dessert that originated in the Malay community. It's especially popular during festive occasions such as Eid, but it's enjoyed year-round.Watalappan has a silky, creamy texture with warm notes of cardamom, nutmeg, and caramelized jaggery, making it one of Sri Lanka's most beloved traditional desserts.

Ingredients

600 gr eggs
500 gr grated kithul jaggery (or palm jaggery)
500 ml thick coconut milk
1/4 tea spoon ground cardamom
1/4 tea spoon ground nutmeg
2 tea spoons vanilla extract

Method

Beat the eggs gently
Stir in the grated jaggery, coconut milk, spices and vanilla,
Strain the mixture through a fine sieve for a smooth texture.
Pour into a heatproof dish
Steam over gently simmering water for 35–45 minutes, or until the center is just set.
Cool completely, then refrigerate for a few hours before serving.

Tips

Kithul jaggery gives the most authentic flavor, but palm or dark brown sugar can be substituted.
Serve chilled for the best texture and flavor.

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Sri Lanka - Jaggery from the Kithul palm[Caryota urens]

2026-08-05T08:38:42.724+05:30

Sri Lankan Kithul Jaggery (Kithul Hakuru) is a traditional sweetener made from the sap of the Kithul palm (Caryota urens), also called the fishtail or jaggery palm. The palm is particularly associated with Sri Lanka's wet-zone regions.

How it is made

Sap is collected from the flowering stalk of the Kithul palm.
The fresh sap is filtered.
It is slowly boiled to concentrate it.
Further boiling changes the thickened sap from Kithul treacle into solid jaggery.
The hot jaggery is traditionally poured into moulds and allowed to cool and solidify.

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Sri Lanka - The Green One [Calotes calotes]

2026-07-21T11:28:41.549+05:30

This is the Calotes calotes, commonly called the Green Forest Lizard (Calotes calotes).The bright green coloration, strongly keeled scales, pointed spines along the neck, and head shape are characteristic. Sri Lanka also has several similar green Calotes species.

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Sri Lanka - Why do Butterflies flutter?

2026-06-13T05:11:32.507+05:30

Butterflies “flutter” because of the way their wings and bodies are built for flight. Unlike birds, butterflies have large lightweight wings covered in tiny scales, thin bodies with weak flight muscles and a flight style that relies on rapid, uneven wingbeats.

This creates the characteristic zigzag, bobbing motion we call fluttering.

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Sri lanka Fruits - Guava [ Psidium guajava ]

2026-05-18T05:56:57.076+05:30

Guava is a tropical fruit that’s widely loved for its sweet taste, strong aroma, and high nutritional value, a native plant to Central America but now grown in many tropical and subtropical regions worldwide.

Guava from my garden.

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Sri Lanka - More pictures of the Kandy Wax Museum

2025-11-12T10:15:00.000+05:30

More pictures of the Kandy Wax Museum

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Sri Lanka - Museums - [The Kandy Wax Museum]

2025-11-08T15:11:00.001+05:30

It’s Sri Lanka’s first historical wax museum of this kind. A good complement to other historic sites in Kandy (if you’re visiting the city anyway). For history buffs: gives a visual, almost theatrical, representation of the Kandyan Kingdom’s people and lifestyle.

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Sri Lanka - Museums - [The Kandy Wax Museum]

2025-11-05T16:04:00.000+05:30

The museum features lifelike wax figures (35 to 36 statues) of historically significant figures tied to the Kandyan Kingdom era, exhibits also recreate the architecture, customs, arts & crafts from the Kandyan era, plus a dining-area set up to illustrate ancient royal meals. One of the goals is educational: to allow current and future generations to study the Kandyan Kingdom in an engaging, immersive way.

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Sri Lanka - The Huntsman spider (family Sparassidae).

2025-07-20T07:40:00.003+05:30

The Huntsman spider (family Sparassidae). Here are a few identifying features: They have large size, long, crab-like legs that often extend outward and flattened body, allowing them to squeeze into narrow spaces. Coloration is usually brown to beige with darker markings, aiding camouflage on bark or wood.

Huntsman spiders are not dangerous to humans. While they can bite if provoked, their venom is not considered medically significant. they are beneficial in controlling insect populations, feeding on cockroaches, flies, and other pests.

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Sri Lanka Fruits - Guava[Psidium guajava]

2025-07-01T06:22:00.000+05:30

Guava is a tropical fruit known for its sweet flavor, high nutritional value, and multiple health benefits.

Health Benefits: Boosts immunity (rich in Vitamin C), Improves digestion (high in fiber), Supports heart health (contains potassium and antioxidants), Helps control blood sugar (low glycemic index), Improves skin health (Vitamin A & C).

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Sri Lanka - Plants[Torch ginger, Etlingera elatior]

2025-06-16T03:59:00.002+05:30

The most distinctive feature of the Torch ginger is its spectacular inflorescence, which resembles a flaming torch. These flower spikes emerge directly from the base of the plant on long, leafless stalks (peduncles). The vibrant "flower" is actually composed of colorful bracts, typically bright red or pink, that enclose the smaller, true flowers.

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Sri Lanka - Kids can Draw [More Drawings by Yunemi Sawethma, Age 8 years]

2025-05-01T05:32:00.003+05:30

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Sri Lanka - Health Foods[Amaranth]

2025-04-30T11:57:00.001+05:30

Amaranth is a group of plants known for their edible leaves and seeds. It's considered a pseudocereal—nutrient-rich and gluten-free—often used in health foods.

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Sri lanka - Blogging: Discover-Sri lanka reached 1,000,000 Views

2025-03-14T09:14:00.000+05:30

A big 'Thank you' to all my readers!

Sri Lanka - Kid's Art [Drawings by Yunemi Sawethma, Age 8 years]

2025-03-11T05:50:00.001+05:30

Children use art to explore their thoughts, emotions, and the world around them. It allows kids to express their feelings and ideas in a non-verbal way.

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Sri Lanka - Kandy at dawn

2025-02-28T02:23:00.005+05:30

Kandy is known for its rich cultural heritage, stunning natural beauty, and historical significance. It was the last capital of the ancient kings of Sri Lanka and is located in the central part of the island, surrounded by picturesque hills. The city is famous for the Temple of the Tooth Relic (Sri Dalada Maligawa), which houses a tooth relic of the Buddha, making it a key pilgrimage site for Buddhists.

Kandy at dawn - Pics taken at 5.30 a.m.

Pics By - NelPhotography

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Sri Lanka - Kids can Draw [Drawings by Yunemi Sawethma, Age 8 years]

2025-02-20T04:23:00.000+05:30

Yes, kids can absolutely draw! Drawing is a fantastic way for children to express their creativity and even boost their confidence. Depending on their age and skill level, kids might start with basic shapes and gradually move on to more complex images as they grow.

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Sri Lanka - Hibiscus [Family: Malvaceae]

2024-12-22T16:26:00.002+05:30

What a vibrant and stunning hibiscus flower! With its fiery blend of red, orange, and yellow hues.

Hibiscus is a genus of flowering plants in the mallow family, Malvaceae. The genus is quite large, comprising several hundred species that are native to warm temperate, subtropical and tropical regions throughout the world.

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Sri Lanka - The turmeric flower (Curcuma longe)

2024-10-18T10:19:00.001+05:30

The turmeric flower is the blossom of the turmeric plant (Curcuma longe), which belongs to the ginger family (Zingiberaceae). While turmeric is primarily known for its rhizome (the underground stem) that is used as a spice and for its medicinal properties, the plant itself produces a beautiful, ornamental flower.

Color and Shape: Turmeric flowers typically have pale green, white, or light pink bracts (modified leaves) with small yellow flowers emerging from the center. The bracts can be quite striking and colorful, adding to the plant's ornamental appeal.

Blooming Time: The flowers usually bloom during the monsoon season, as the plant thrives in warm, tropical climates with adequate moisture.

Appearance: The flowers grow on a spike that rises from the base of the plant, often above the large, broad, lance-shaped green leaves.

Cultural Uses: Although the turmeric root (rhizome) is more commonly used in cooking and traditional medicine, the flower is sometimes used for decorative purposes or as part of rituals in some cultures.

Turmeric plants are popular in home gardens, both for their culinary uses and their aesthetic appeal when in bloom.

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Sri Lanka - Kids' art [by Kivein]

2024-06-22T17:35:00.000+05:30

Kids' art is a delightful and important form of expression for children, reflecting their imagination, creativity, and development.

Drawings by Kivein. Age - 8 years.

Sri Lanka - Clitoria ternatea

2024-06-03T17:55:00.003+05:30

Clitoria ternatea, commonly known as butterfly pea, blue pea, or Asian pigeonwings, is a plant species belonging to the family Fabaceae. It is notable for its vibrant blue flowers, which have various uses in traditional medicine, culinary applications, and as a natural food coloring.

Potential Health Benefits

Antioxidant: Due to its high anthocyanin content, it may help neutralize harmful free radicals in the body.

Anti-inflammatory and Analgesic: The plant has been studied for its potential to reduce inflammation and pain.

Cognitive Function: Some studies suggest that Clitoria ternatea may enhance memory and cognitive function.

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Sri Lanka - The Dambulla Cave Temple

2024-05-15T04:55:00.004+05:30

The Dambulla Cave Temple, also known as the Golden Temple of Dambulla, is a renowned Buddhist temple complex situated in the central part of Sri Lanka. It's one of the country's most impressive cultural and religious sites, holding significant historical and spiritual importance.

The temple is located atop a massive rock outcrop, offering stunning panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. What sets Dambulla apart are its cave temples, which are carved into the rock and adorned with intricate Buddhist murals and statues.

These caves date back to the 1st century BCE, with the complex being continually expanded and renovated over the centuries. Inside, you'll find over 150 Buddha statues, as well as various depictions of Buddhist deities and scenes from the life of Buddha painted on the cave walls. The ceiling of the caves is also adorned with elaborate frescoes, depicting religious motifs and narratives.

The Dambulla Cave Temple is not only a religious site but also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognized for its historical significance and architectural beauty. It's a must-visit destination for anyone interested in history, culture, and spirituality while exploring the wonders of Sri Lanka.

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Sri Lanka - Mongoose[family Herpestidae]

2024-04-15T06:13:00.006+05:30

Mongoose is a fascinating creature! It's a small carnivorous mammal belonging to the family Herpestidae, native to Africa, Asia, and southern Europe. They have long bodies, short legs, and a bushy tail. One of the most interesting things about mongooses is their ability to fight venomous snakes, including cobras. They're known for their agility and quick reflexes, which help them to avoid snake bites. Some species of mongoose have even developed a resistance to snake venom. Additionally, mongooses are highly social animals, often living in groups called "packs" or "businesses."

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Sri Lanka - Cactus[Cactaceae]

2024-04-05T04:56:00.003+05:30

The term "cactus" refers to a type of succulent plant that typically grows in arid regions. Cacti are known for their unique appearance, often characterized by thick, fleshy stems, spines, and sometimes colorful flowers. These adaptations help them survive in harsh desert environments by storing water and reducing water loss through evaporation.

Cacti come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes, from small, round species to towering columnar forms. They are popular as ornamental plants in gardens and homes due to their low maintenance requirements and distinctive aesthetic appeal. Additionally, some species of cactus have cultural significance in various indigenous communities and are used for food, medicine, and other purposes.

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