Sri Lankan Tourism

Heritance Ahungalla Hotel in Sri Lanka

2012-06-12T18:21:00.004+05:30

Welcome to a beach hotel where style and substance mix like a classic cocktail. Just as the turquoise infinity pool seems to blend into the ultramarine Indian Ocean, so our award-winning cuisine fuses the best of east and west. Your perfect day might combine soaking up the sun on our pristine beach with a river safari among virgin mangroves on the Madu Ganga. Welcome to Heritance Ahungalla, where we weave a little magic into your holiday memories.

Geoffrey Bawa

Heritance Ahungalla was built by Sri Lanka’s greatest architect, Geoffrey Bawa. He began his career as an architect at the late age of 37 (he originally trained as a lawyer in England). However, in a career that continued for nearly 40 years, he came to be regarded as the most prolific and respected architect Sri Lanka has ever produced.

Bawa was a genius at blending buildings with their natural environment, interconnecting outside spaces with the inside. As the Geoffrey Bawa Trust puts it:

“Bawa’s work is characterised by a sensitivity to site and context. He produced ‘sustainable architecture’ long before the term was coined, and had developed his own ‘regional modernist’ stance well in advance of the theoreticians. His designs broke down the barriers between inside and outside, between interior design and landscape architecture and reduced buildings to a series of scenographically conceived spaces separated by courtyards and gardens.”

At Heritance Ahungalla (previously known as the Triton Hotel), the natural environment is never far away. The polished open plan lobby seems to float between two pools of water, with the sea beyond, so as you approach the hotel you look straight through it without really seeing it. “If the world were flat, you would be able to see Africa,” Bawa himself observed.

The style of the hotel harks back to that of a traditional resthouse, with two wings under overhanging roofs. But tucked between the stairs and corridors are unexpected internal courtyards of greenery, again open to the elements.

Decoration is minimal – a giant white plaster pun kalas relief (clay pot of young coconut flowers) in the lobby, or jungle creepers painted by local artist Laki Senanayake snaking down a wall.

Bawa’s buildings are not just bricks and mortar, but the expression of intangible emotions. Heritance Ahungalla is the living embodiment of Geoffrey Bawa’s architectural vision.

His best known works are Lunuganga (his own garden in Bentota that he designed over a 40-year period), the Parliament of Sri Lanka and the Madurai Club in India. He also designed three of the Heritance Hotels – as well as Heritance Kandalama, he was the architect of Heritance Ahungalla and Heritance Ayurveda Maha Gedara.

facilities

Heritance Ahungalla is a wonderful place to relax and recharge your batteries, with two superb swimming pools as well as the beach. And if you want to feel even better or more beautiful, our Diviyan Spa is ready to provide some professional pampering.

If you prefer something a bit more active, you can hire a bike or sweat it out in the gym. Or give your credit card a workout in our shops, where the finest Sri Lankan gems and handicrafts twinkle enticingly.

We are a popular conference venue and provide free Wi-Fi throughout the hotel as well as two computer terminals with high-speed broadband connection in the library.

And of course we provide all the everyday services you might need, such as currency exchange, postal service and taxis. Just ask at reception – we’ll be happy to help.

Some facilities may not be available in bad weather. Use of all facilities is at your own risk.

Location

Heritance Ahungalla is on Sri Lanka’s southwest coast, just south of Bentota and 76km from Colombo. It takes 2.5 hours to drive from Colombo and 3.5 hours from the international airport.

We are happy to arrange pick-up at the airport for $110. We can also provide a taxi service for local excursions – please ask at reception.

Destination	Distance	Time
Colombo	76km	2.5 hours
Nearest town(Ambalangoda)	9km	25 minutes
Bus station	100m	5 minutes(walk)
Train station	200m	10 minutes(walk)
International airport	115km	3.5 hours
Church	3km	10 minutes
Temple	400m	15 minutes(walk)
Hospital (Balapitiya)	6km	15 minutes
Pharmacy	150m	10 minutes

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Source :- View the Official site here

A Tourist’s Paradise - Sri Lanka

2012-06-12T18:03:00.001+05:30

One of the top performing industries in Sri Lanka is tourism. Most of the travelers visiting the country come from Great Britain, Australia, Canada, United States and India. To make the most of the trip, one has to see the top ten tourist spots in Sri Lanka.

Dambulla Cave Temple:

The Dambulla Cave Temple abreast Colombo and Kandy is the best preserved and best temple in the country. It is of stone and the caves are built inside a huge overhanging rock. Inside the caves, tourists can buy paintings and statues. The main attractions are the Cave of the Great Kings, the Cave of the Divine King and the Great New Monastery.

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Polonnaruwa:

Polonnaruwa is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A must see locations are the Lankatilaka Temple, the Royal Palace and the Thuparama. Retail shops, restaurants and hotels are fast growing in this small city.

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Anuradhapura:

One of the traditional cities in the country, Anuradhapura is known for its best preserved ruins. The place is just 206 km away from Colombo. The popular spots here are the Brazen Palace, the Sacred Bo-Tree and therefore the Nuwara Lake.

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Sigiriya:

Sigiriya is of the most beautiful UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the country, located at the heart of the district of Matale. The attractions include the Gardens of Sigriya, the Sigriya Rock & the Mirror Wall.

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Sacred City of Kandy:

The Sacred City of Kandy is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Temple of the Tooth, the Royal Palace of Kandy and the Kandy Lake are the major tourist attractions.

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Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage:

The Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage is in Kegalle. In 2008, eighty four elephants lived here at this orphanage. It is open to public place daily. One can also watch the elephants bathing and eating and this is an enjoyable watch, especially with the kids.

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Hikkaduwa National Park:

The Hikkaduwa National Park is a wildlife altar at the southern part of the country. The abode is accepted for its cute apricot reefs. The abode is home to some baptized breeds including sea worms, prawns and black tip beach shark.

Knuckles Mountain Range:

Knuckles Mountain Range begins at the northeast ancillary of Kandy. It is home to assorted flora and fauna. One can try their hands at hiking, bedrock aggressive and cycling.

Yala National Park:

The Yala National Park is close to Colombo. The Sri Lankan Elephant, the grizzled large squirrel and also the Indian Pangolin are the most famous sightings. Apart from these, Grey-headed Fish Eagle and Estuarine crocodiles are also popular.

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Kumana National Park:

The Kumana National Park is found in the eastern part of the country. The nearest city to the park is Hambantota. The park is home to different wildlife species like the Pacific Golden Plover, the Common Sandpiper and the Wild Boar. Other species at the park include the European Otter and the Fishing Cat.

Sri Lanka is a beautiful country with some breathtaking landscapes and attractions. And the best way to experience the beauty of the place is to opt for the different day trip destinations.

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Author Bio: John Anderson is an ardent outdoor enthusiast who has a special interest in fishing adventures. He is from the land of the Down Under and has travelled almost all the wonderful places in the country and other part of the world in search of some great times and experiences. He is also a proficient author of several outdoor articles on travel with a bias towards boating and fishing.

Mihintale Temple

2012-06-04T22:31:00.000+05:30

mihintaleThe sacred mountain of Mihintale lies just 12 kilometres away from Anuradhapura and is the site where Buddhism was first introduced to Sri Lanka. Mihintale in the Pali language means simply ‘Mahinda’s Peak’, denoting the location where Ven. Mahinda first met King Devanampiya Tissa in 247 BCE before converting him and his followers to Buddhism. Part of a mountain range 300 metres high, it is now a sacred site for pilgrims with many stupas and other places of religious and historical significance.

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Poson Festival In Sri Lanka

2012-06-04T22:07:00.000+05:30

Poson full-moon poya day (Poson Poya Day/Poson Festival) is celebrated the arrival of Buddhism in Sri Lanka in the 3rd century BC, a festival of great historical and religious significance celebrated island-wide by Buddhists. Poson, held on the full moon day of June, commemorates the occasion over 2,000 years ago when Arahat Mahinda, son of Emperor Asoka of India, converted King Devanampiyatissa to Buddhism. The main center of celebration is Mihintale, the ancient monastic complex where the royal missionary monk Mahinda perched the first sermon to the ruling king and at Anuradhapura the ancient capital, to which large crowd of pilgrims converge. Mass religious observances, illuminations pageants are part of the celebrations.

For Buddhists, this hallowed day of Poson is second only to Vesak in terms of importance. Although Poson is celebrated throughout the island, the major ceremonies are to be found in Anuradhapura and Mihintale. Long lines of devotees dressed in white climb the many steps to the top of the Mihintale hill first to the temple, and then to the dagobas that lie adorn the nearby hillocks. In addition, many devotees climb to the very top of the rock, to the spot where Arahat Mahinda delivered his initial discourses.

Poson Poya is celebrated annually with great fervour throughout the island but particularly in Mihinthalaya where Mahinda Thero first put his foot to preach the word of Lord Buddha.This is why Mihinthalaya is called the cradle of Buddhism in Sri Lanka. With the establishment of Bhikku Sasanaya all other elements of a civilized society began to emerge with the art of writing,art, architecture, river civilization, religious rituals in song and dance forms, literature, all with royal patronage.

Many religious activities are organized during this poson period in Sri Lanka such as Sil campaigns,Bodhi Poojas,Dansalas(Freely giving foods, coffee, tea from people ), Poson devotional songs, Poson pandols( thoran) and lanterns. Lot of Poson pandols and Poson Lanterns are making Anuradhapura in Sri Lanka.

In Poson many temples are filled with Atasil devotees and pilgrims all over Sri Lanka to mark this great event. The devout, clad in pure white with no make-up or jewelry,make their way to the temple,to spend the next twenty four hours in quiet contemplation. While the rest of the village, gather at the temple grounds after sunset to participate in lesser religious activities, like reading of holy books, or listen to the saffron clad monk relate ancient stories from Lord Buddha's previous lives. During the Poson Festival, the selling of alcohol and flesh is usually prohibited, with abattoirs also being closed.

A festival of great piety and sanctity which focuses on the virtual of compassion to all living creature,it is also one of much colour and gaiety, with street, homes and public places decorated with beautiful and finely decorated hand-made paper lanterns small and big and glittering with illuminations, pandals depicting the different occurrences in the life of the Buddha or his previous births.

Source :- View the Official site here

SriLankan Air Taxi

2012-05-21T21:17:00.000+05:30

SriLankan Airlines operate domestic scheduled flights, chartered flights and scenic flights branded SriLankan Air Taxi to some of the popular tourist destinations in the southern coastal belt and the Central Highlands of Sri Lanka. The fleet of SriLankan Air Taxis consists of Twin Otter planes on straight floats with a seating capacity for 15 passengers. All otter planes land on identified locations of lakes, lagoons & reservoirs.

Availing of the air taxi service affords the business travelers and leisure travelers with the joy of having breathtaking aerial views of verdant green landscapes, waterways, highlands and beaches. Over and above the scenic beauty, is the advantage of saving 85% of the time spent in surface transport.

SriLankan Air Taxi has made some of the tourist attractions of the island accessible within an hour and now flies to 16 destinations: Kandy (2 sites), Bentota, Nuwara Eliya, Hingurakgoda, Galle (Koggala), Weerawila, Ampara (2 sites), Katunayake, Ratmalana, Trincomalee, Katukurunda, Sigiriya, Dickwella, Kelaniya and Anuradhapura.

Alternatively, SriLankan Air Taxis can be chartered privately as long there is a suitable landing area. Flights are operated only during day light hours and during acceptable Weather conditions.
In the event of a canceled flight, the crew will help you to source alternative transport.

Operator: SriLankan Airlines Ltd., Airline Centre, Bandaranaike International Airport, Katunayake, Sri Lanka
Operating Hours Monday to Friday 0815 - 1645 hrs

TOURS AROUND SRI LANKA
DESTINATION DURATION

Domestic Airport - Kalutara 30min

International Airport - Bentota / Beruwela 40min

International Airport - Galle / Koggala 60min

International Airport - Matara 70min

International Airport - Dickwella 70min

International Airport - Tangalle 70min

International Airport - Kandy 50min

International Airport - Sigiriya / Kandalama 60min

International Airport - Trinco 80min

International Airport - Arugam Bay 90min

International Airport - Nuwara Eliya 60min

International Airport - Hatton 50min

International Airport - Anuradhapura / Polonnaruwa 75min

International Airport - Ratnapura 40min

Air Taxi Route Map

Source :- View the Official site here

Aditya Hotel Resort - Luxury Boutique Resort Located in Galle

2012-05-20T16:47:00.000+05:30

The Seduction Of The Soul

Aditya, open since 2006, has won renown as one of Sri Lanka’s finest and most distinctive boutique hotels. We strive to provide the utmost in discreet personalized service, a tastefully luxurious environment, and an exquisitely private beachside location.

We have only 12 suites in all - six Shanthi Suites (private garden), five Sagara Suites (ocean vista), and the Surya Grand Suite. Each suite is uniquely decorated with exotic art and antiques. All feature a lavish of amenities, including a private plunge pool.

Special Occasions

Celebrate that Special occasion. Your wedding in traditional Sri Lankan style complete with the required legal formalities, customs and décor.
Anniversaries, birthdays and other events just as you want it – our staff will be only too glad to provide whatever your need to make the occasion a memorable one.

Spa & Yoga

Relax & rejuvenate yourself with an invigorating spa treatments in the privacy of your own suite – a specialty of the hotel - or if you prefer at our Garden Spa. Choose from a menu filled with a refreshingly different selection.
What better way to start the day than a purifying Yoga session in the clean sea air. Our on-call Yoga teacher conducts classes on request.

Transfers & Vehicle hires

All arrangements for your transport can be made directly at our reception counter. Airport transfers, Tours and short distance trips in a variety of vehicles ranging from Motorcycles and Scooters to chauffeured/self driven Cars and Luxury Coaches.

Location

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Source :- View the Official site here

The Green Paradise Resort

2012-05-09T19:17:00.000+05:30

The Green Paradise Resort is located in Dambulla , in the central province of Sri Lanka. Nestled in the jungles of the Cultural Triangle, the resort offers 67 ecologically appointed villas offering ultimate luxury and isolation with access to the nearby historical sites like the Dambulla Rock Temple and other cave temples dating back hundreds of years ago, Sigiriya Rock fortress and the ancient cities of Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa as well as a gateway to the East Coast beaches of Sri Lanka. The distance from the international airport is about180 km ( reached within 3 to 4 hours , depending on the traffic flow ).

The resort is surrounded by nature and lush vegetation, and will guarantee you a great variety of services. Two Restaurants, Bar with a separate Bar lounge, Swimming Pool with Bar, Gym, Spa Centre with sauna, Shopping arcade, Wi-fi and internet connectivity, Sport area to practice cricket and soccer are just few services available at The Green Paradise!

Source :- View the Official site here

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Boat Show Sri Lanka 2012

2012-05-09T18:20:00.000+05:30

The Boat Show Sri Lanka 2012 is set to bring in new dimensions of Boating activity to the leisure and adventure hungry Lankan market by way of modern boating technologies, equipments and activities that are part and parcel of the boating industry worldwide. The event is set to be held from the 18th to the 20th of May 2012 at the Sirimavo Bandaranaike Memorial Exhibition Centre for the third consecutive time and will showcase modern boating technologies and methods, which will be introduced to the Lankan public by boat manufacturers, accessory suppliers, service providers and a host of other related sub industries.

Sri Lanka, the pearl of the Indian Ocean as many have termed it has vast resources of water both around the Island and within it. The vast water reservoirs have always been looked at as a mode of relaxation, industry and adventure. The lakes, streams and rivers that surround our beautiful island have always been untapped and used by a very small percentage of our population whose main industry is fishing. However, many people within this country and the world understand the treasure trove that is hidden within the country and tend to explore our natural water fronts for sheer pleasure and adventure. Sports such as kite surfing, jet skiing and a host of other adventure sports have now gradually stepped into fill the void within the waters. Moreover, many people find the serenity of the calm waters and the untapped exploration of the beauty within the waters as modes of leisure and relaxation. The Boat Show will provide all of these different segments an ideal platform to witness and experience the marvel that is boating.

For the ever adventurous Sri Lankan youth the Boat show will provide the ideal opportunity to explore. The very fact that anyone could buy a boat for less than half the prize to that of a modern car with readily available accessories would indeed be motivation to venture into the boating territories. The colonial irrigation system that was put in place by the ruling Colonialist centuries ago is still very much intact. The governments’ efforts are now being directed towards developing these facilities in order to curb traffic and ease transportation. This indeed will require a unique boating experience which the boat show is ready to deliver. To cater to a modern market that is looking forward to something new, together with the sheer thrill of adventure will the Boat show will indeed be the ideal location.

The Boat show organized by the Boat Building Technology Improvement Institute (BTI) in conjunction with its long time partner, Presidential award winning LECS (Lanka Exhibition and Conference Services) is set to bring in a new theme of adventure, leisure and industry dimensions to Sri Lanka. The initiative is ably supported by the Ministry of Industry and Commerce together with the Sri Lanka Export Development Board is set to promote a new and innovative boating experience to the Lankan public.

Today world over boating has become one of the most sought after concepts. The introduction and commercialization of modern cruise ships which are now one of the most sought after activities among the tourism and hospitality industries, the evolution of a new generation of adventure seekers who have developed a ‘thrill’ in seeking their adventures within the beauties of the water have all contributed to the re emergence of boating as a fun filled leisure driven activity.

The very fact that the youth could use their passion of modifying vehicles could also be turned towards the modification of boats which in essence is a much cheaper and fun filled activity. Day outings in the lakes, parties, or simple relaxation with a few good friends are all possible for those boat enthusiasts. Modern safety methods and technologies are also very much a part of the boating industry and are a most important part of any feature within the industry.

The Boat Show Sri Lanka has continuously attracted all leading industry suppliers in the region to display a wide array of products at the exhibition. It is believed that the show is considered as one of the most educative experiences for beginners and professionals. Thus we could expect the show this year to reach new heights and creating a major step towards Sri Lanka being one of the most sought after boating hubs in the region.

BMICH --------->

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Source :- View the Official site here

Club Koggala Village

2012-05-06T16:17:00.000+05:30

Get your groove on and drive down with your family and friends for an unforgettable stay at Club Koggala Village – a hive of vacation activity that is specially designed with the club concept in mind! Play all day and party the warm nights away as you take your fill of the sun, sea and surf at what will soon become your favourite gang holiday venue.

Facilities

Club Koggala Village is meant to be enjoyed to the fullest. All our features cater to the fun lover in you.

Restaurant

Eat, drink and be merry at "Masala", our large restaurant where you can dive in without reservation into our buffet or choose from the a-la-carte menu on offer. The restaurant building features a large balcony that runs on three sides of the building, allowing you a stunning view of the oceanfront. Below the dining area, you may also enjoy a languid stroll on the sea-fronted terrace, pool or garden.

Lounge

Watch the sunset over a chilled beer or your cocktail of choice. Our lounge and bar provide the perfect atmosphere for a relaxing chat with friends and family, or for spending some chilled out moments by oneself, or you can dance the nights away to exciting DJ music.

Swimming Pool

Have a splashing good time! The main attraction at Club Koggala Village is the huge, inviting pool built right in the centre of the hotel, offering easy access from whichever room you emerge out of. The size and space just screams for water games with friends and family.

Banquet Hall

Koggala has a long-standing tradition for being an ideal beach to celebrate. Our banquet hall is designed with your wedding or dinner dance in mind and caters to large groups.

Water sports & Activities

The only thing that stands still at Club Koggala Village is time. You, on the other hand, will be sure to get the best of the experience with one or more of our adrenaline-pumping activities on offer. Our animators are at your beck and call 24/7 and will be more than happy to assist you.

Diving
Tennis
Basketball
Badminton
Chess
Aerobics
Water fitness
Yoga
Fitness room
Darts
Volleyball

Source :- View the Official site here

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Koggala Beach Hotel

2012-05-06T15:16:00.000+05:30

Step into a the ultimate tropical vacation experience at Koggala Beach Hotel – an iconic property that encompasses all the charm and colour that one of the best beachfronts in Sri Lanka has to offer you. Watch the waves dance with soft golden sands to the music of the happy breeze as you bask in the sun's kisses. This is the life.

Facilities

There's never a moment of boredom to be had at Koggala Beach Hotel. If you're not sunning yourself to achieving that perfect tan on the pool deck, you will most certainly be spoilt for choice on the myriad of activities available.

Restaurant

Let your diet go on vacation too and tuck in to some delicious fare as you take in the breathtaking view of the ocean, pool or garden from your vantage point in the hotel's expansive restaurant, "The Grove". The cosy interior and simple southern furnishing lends a special charm to your dining experience. Choose from either the sumptuous buffet laid out for your pleasure, or the delectable al-la-carte menu available on request.

Lounge

Our lounge provides the perfect atmosphere for a relaxing chat with friends and family, or for spending some chilled out moments by oneself. A musical band entertains our guests every weekday, whilst you can dance the weekend away to a DJ specially brought in to liven up the night.

Bar

Watch the sun go down on another great day at Koggala over a chilled beer or your cocktail of choice. Be adventurous. Try the local tipple. Ask our friendly bartender for his own speciality which is guaranteed to spread a warm glow over your heart.

Swimming Pool

The first thing you'll want to do when you visit the hotel will be to dive right in to our inviting pool, ideally located facing the beach. Don't worry, there's plenty of space and time for you to wade through the delicious cool water at any time of the day.

Club

The resort comes alive every Saturday when the lounge transforms into a throbbing discotheque, featuring the best music around and a definite night to remember for those who wish to cut the proverbial rug.

Water sports & Activities

Koggala beach hotel offers our guests a wide variety of activities to keep boredom at bay. Our animators are at your beck and call 24/7 and will be more than happy to assist you.

Diving
Tennis
Basketball
Badminton
Chess
Aerobics
Water fitness
Yoga
Fitness room
Darts
Volleyball

Source :- 01. View the Official site here

Source :- 02. View the Official site here

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Temple of the Tooth - Sri Dalada Maligawa

2012-05-04T23:42:00.000+05:30

Located in Kandy, long a center of the Buddhist faith, the stunning 17th-century Temple of the Tooth (Sri Dalada Maligawa) is believed to house the left upper canine tooth of the Lord Buddha himself. This precious relic attracts white-clad pilgrims, bearing lotus blossoms and frangipani, every day.

History

According to legend, the tooth was taken from the Buddha as he lay on his funeral pyre. It was smuggled to Sri Lanka in 313 AD, hidden in the hair of Princess Hemamali who fled the Hindu armies besieging her father's kingdom in India.

It immediately became an object of great reverence and was enshrined in a series of nested jeweled reliquaries. The tooth was brought out for special occasions and paraded on the backs of elephants, which are sacred to the Buddha. where it survived numerous attempts to capture and destroy it.

When the capital was moved to Kandy, the tooth was taken to the new city and placed in temples built to honor it. The temple was originally built under Kandyan kings between 1687 and 1707, but later severely damaged during the 18th-century colonial wars against the Portugese and Dutch. After the wars, the original wooden structures were restored in stone.

In January 1998 Hindu Tamil separatists bombed the temple, damaging its facade and roof. Restoration began immediately afterward.

What to See

On the outside, the temple buildings are not magnificent or elaborately decorated. White with red roofs, they cluster around Kandy Lake (the island in the middle once housed the king's harem).

In striking contrast to the plain exterior, the interiors of the temple buildings are richly carved and decorated with inlaid woods, ivory, and lacquer.

Around the entire complex is a low white stone wall, delicately and simply carved with openings that give a filigree effect. During celebrations, candles are placed in the openings, lighting up the entire front.

The relic of the tooth is kept in a two-story inner shrine fronted by two large elephant tusks. The relic rests on a solid gold lotus flower, encased in jeweled caskets that sit on a throne.

The temple is joined to the Pattiripuwa (Octagon) tower, built in 1803, that was originally a prison but now houses a collection of palm-leaf manuscripts. The king's palace is also in the temple compound.

Source :- View the site here

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Vesak Festival in Sri Lanka

2012-05-04T22:55:00.000+05:30

Vesak is considered as both a religious and cultural festival in Sri Lanka. It is celebrated on the day of the full moon in May. Vesak Day is one of the biggest days of the year in the Buddhist calendar and is celebrated by Buddhists all over the world. Buddhists commemorate the important events that took place in the life of Lord Buddha on this Vesak Full Moon Poya Day. First comes the birth of Siddhartha Gautama in Lumbini in Nepal which took place under the arbor of Sat trees where queen Mahamaya gave birth to him. The second event was Siddharta Gautam's supreme attainment as the Buddha, the Enlightened One. The third event was Lord Buddha's Parinibbana over 2500 years ago at Kusinagar.

Apart from Sri Lanka, many Asian countries including India, Japan, Singapore, Taiwan, Indonesia and Nepal celebrate Vesak. Many religious activities are organized during this period in Sri Lanka such as Sil campaigns, Bodhi Poojas, Dansalas (Freely giving foods, coffee, tea from people), Vesak devotional songs (Bakthi Gee), pandols (thoran) and lanterns.

Many temples are filled with Atasil devotees and pilgrims all over Sri Lanka to mark this great event. In temples Buddhists worship, offer flowers, light lamps and burn incense. These traditional observances, in essence, have their value in satisfying the religious and emotional needs of the people. As it is mainly a religious event, for devout Buddhists, religious observances form the main activities of the festival. They generally wear white dress and go to the temple and participate in the traditional ceremonies there. Many of them spend the whole day in the temple and reaffirm their determination to follow the teachings of Buddha. On this holy day the Dana plays an important role. Every devotee gives alms. This is a sign of sharing with joy and peace with people. During the Veask Festival week, the selling of alcohol and flesh is usually prohibited, with abattoirs also being closed.

Other than the exclusive religious aspects of the festival, the Buddhists of Sri Lanka, decorate their houses and public places and arrange for various cultural events to bring happiness to everyone on that day.

Birth of Siddhartha Gautama in Lumbini

The Siddharth or lord Buddha, the divine creature inquired about five affairs before expiring for the final birth: right time, right area, right continent, right caste and right mother. Then, as any Buddhist knows, the fully mindful divine being entered the womb of Queen Mahamaya. A prince was born on a Vesak Poya day to the Queen and King Suddhodana and was named Siddhartha, one who has found meaning of existence. The Queen passed away seven days after the prince's birth.

Siddharta Gautam's supreme attainment as the Buddha

Gautama Buddha was trained in various mental skills under many teachers, only to get disillusioned that they do not have the truth he looked for. The right way to achieve the truth dawned on him one day. He directed the mind in the right meditation path. Moments later he reached Enlightenment and conquered the world of sorrows on a Vesak Poya day.

Lord Buddha's Parinibbana

80-year old Gotama Buddha then announced His passing away, Parinibbana, would take place on the third watch of the night at Sal grove of Malla royal family, and it happened to be a Vesak Poya day.

Vesak / Wesak Pandols (Thorana) in Sri Lanka

In Vesak Season in Sri Lanka, Electrically lit Vesak pandols called toranas are erected in various locations in Colombo and elsewhere, most sponsored by donors, religious societies and welfare groups. Each pandol illustrates a story from the 550 Jathaka Katha or the 550 Past Life Stories of the Buddha. While watching illuminated thoranas the recitation of Sinhala verses to the beat of the rabanas throughout the night became popular.

Vesak / Wesak Lanterns in Sri Lanka

Streets on vesak Poya day

Vesak lanterns called Vesak koodu are lit in most of the homes in Sri Lanka on Vesak poya day. The lighting signifies an offering to the memory of the Buddha who delivered the message of Dhamma. In ancient times, people used their clay oil lamps for illumination. When candles became popular, colourful lanterns were made in different shapes and used to be lit with these new modes of illumination. Many associations arrange to hold an exhibition of paintings or competition on Vest lanterns. The winners are awarded valuable prizes.

Source :- View the Official site here

Gal Viharaya - Polonnaruwa

2012-05-04T14:16:00.000+05:30

The Gal Vihara is a rock temple of the Buddha situated in the ancient city of Polonnaruwa in north-central Sri Lanka. It was constructed in the 12th century by Parakramabahu I. The central feature of the shrine are four images of the Buddha, which have been carved into the face of a large granite rock. The images consist of a large seated figure, another, smaller seated figure inside an artificial cavern, and standing figure and a reclining figure. These are considered to be some of the best examples of ancient Sinhalese sculpting and carving arts, and have made the Gal Vihara one of the most visited monuments in Polonnaruwa.

The images of Gal Vihara follow a different style than the images of the previous Anuradhapura period, and show some significant differences. The identity of the standing image is subject to a certain amount of dispute among historians and archaeologists, some of whom argue that it depicts the monk Ananda rather than the Buddha. Each of the images have been carved in a way that uses a maximum possible area of the rock, and their heights seem to have been decided based on the height of the rock itself. Each statue appears to have had its own image house, as indicated by the remains of brick walls at the site. The Gal Vihara, or Uttararama as it was known during that period, was where Parakramabahu I held a congregation of monks to purify the Buddhist priesthood, and later drew up a code of conduct for them. This code of conduct has been recorded in an inscription on the same rock face containing the images of the Buddha.

The Seated image

The Reclining image

Vidyhadhara Guha

The Standing image

Source :- View the site here

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Unawatuna Beach Resort

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The ultimate tropical and exotic destination – Unawatuna Beach Resort is where you find golden sandy stretches, fringed by swaying green palms overlooking the blue India Ocean and beautiful sunsets. It is simply picture perfect and where you would want to holiday. For relaxing, sun and fun, The Unawatuna Beach Resort is pure heaven.

Facilities

Each room includes an additional sofa bed/seating area and coffee table. Facilities include individually controlled ACs, a ceiling fan, IDD telephone, mini bar, flat screen 32” LCD TV, satellite entertainment with international news, sports and movie channels, lap top size safe, hairdryer, umbrella, two bathrobes and slippers, complimentary tea/coffee, complimentary 3 bottles of water daily, complimentary Wi-Fi, complimentary daily snack, and a complimentary tropical fruit basket on arrival. Maximum occupancy is 3 adults or 4 with children.

Location

"Unawatuna - No. 1 Beach in the World" (Discovery Channel)

With its romantic sunsets, friendly smiles of the locals, amazing coral reefs, delightful seafood and as a great place to let your hair down on a good night out partying, Unawatuna Beach can be considered to be the most desirable location for a romantic or enjoyable tropical holiday. With a unique theme concept of a Sri Lankan fishing village, Unawatuna Beach, together with its amazing turquoise blue sea, sandy beaches and sunset views, is an ideal tourist location.
Located in the famed bay of Unawatuna, right on the beach, the resort offers exciting water sports activities including a PADI diving Club, Snorkeling, Fishing, Boating and year round safe sea bathing with turtles to keep your company.
The UBR also offers the best of Sri Lanka by arranging trips to wild life parks, treks in virgin forests, tea estates, temples, water falls, lagoon trips and much much more !

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Sinharaja Rain Forest

2012-04-27T12:17:00.000+05:30

Location of Sinharaja Rain Forest

Sinharaja Rain Forest (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), the last viable remnant of Sri Lanka's tropical lowland rainforest spanning an area of 18900 acres is located within Sabaragamuwa and Southern provinces of the south-west lowland wet zone of Sri Lanka. Sinharaja is bounded by rivers on three sides. On the north, Sinharaja is bounded by the Napola Dola and Koskulana Ganga. On the south and south-west are the rivers Maha Dola and Gin Ganga. On the west are the river Kalukandawa Ela and river Kudawa Ganga. To the east of Sinharaja is an ancient footpath near Beverley Tea Estate and by the Denuwa Kanda.
6°21'-6°26'N, 80°21'-80°34'E

Reaching Sinharaja Rain Forest

From Northern or western parts of the country you can reach Sinharaja Forest Reserve via Ratnapura, Kiriella, Kalawana, Weddala. From the South you can enter Sinharaja Rain Forest from Deniya. Coming form Hambantota, Udawalawe you can enter Sinharaja from Rakwana side.

The total area of the Sinharaja Forest Reserve is 18,900 acres or 7,648 hectares. It ranges in altitude from 300m to 1,170m.

Climate of Sinharaja Rain Forest

Meteorological records gathered from in and around Sinharaja over the last 60 years reveal the annual rainfall of Sinharaja Forest has ranged between 3614mm to 5006mm and temperatures from 19°C to 34°C. The high rainfall is owing to two monsoons: south-west monsoons during May-July and the north-east monsoons during November-January.

Birdlife in Sinharaja Rain Forest

Sinharaja Rain Forest is home to numerous indigenous birds such asthe Ceylon Hanging Parrot (Loriculus beryllinus), the Ceylon Grey Hornbill (Ocyceros gingalensis), the Ashy-headed Laughing Thrush (Garrulax cinereifrons), Layard's parakeet (Psittacula calthripae), the Jungle fowl (Gallus lafayetii ), the Spur fowl (Galloperdix bicalcarata), the Ceylon Wood Pigeon (Columba torringtonii), the Brown- capped Babbler (Pellorneum fuscocapillum), the Red-faced Malkoha (Phaenicophaeus pyrrhocephalus) and the Ceylon Blue Magpie (Urocissa ornate) among others, are prominent in this area.

19 of Sri Lanka’s 20 species of endemic bird species in Sri Lanka are found in the Sinharaja Reserve
Among the endangered birds are Sri Lanka Wood Pigeon, Green-Billed Coucal, Sri Lankan white-headed starling, Red-faced Malkoha, Green-billed Caucal, Sri Lanka Spur fowl Sri Lankan Blue Magpie, and Ashy-headed Babbler, all of which are endemic.

Mammals, reptiles, amphibians and butterflies

Out of 12 endemic mammal species of the country 8 are found here. Giant squirrel, dusky-stripped jungle squirrel, badger mongoose and endemic purple-faced leaf monkey and torque macaque are frequently seen.

Many threatened species of mammals, reptiles, amphibians and butterflies are found in the Reserve including the leopard. Endemism among mammals and butterflies is greater than 50%. Reptiles and amphibia include python, endemic green pit viper, endemic hump nosed lizard (Lyriocephalus scutatus) and and rough-nose horned lizard (Ceratophora aspera).

Map of Sinharaja Rain Forest

A - Kudawa Conservation Centre
B - Jeep track from Kudawa Conservation Centre to Kudawa Research Station
C - Mulawella peak
D - Kudawa Research Station
E - Gal Yen Yaya
F - Sinhagala Peak
G - Pitadenaya Conservation Centre
H - Pitadenaya Ticket Counter
I - Track from Mediripitiya to Pitadeniya Conservation Centre
J - Kohila Aramba
K - Kekuna Ella
L - Patan-oya Ella
M - Duwili Ella (Kosmulla)
N - Morningside Conservation Centre
O - Natural Pool
P - Duwili Ella (Morningside)

1 - Wathurawa-Mulawella
2 - From Kudawa Conservation Centre to Nawanda Tree
3 - From Sinhagala Trail to gal len yaya
4 - Sinhagala Trail from Kudawa
5 - Kohila Aamba Trail
6 - Kekuna Ella and Pata-oua Ella Trail
7 - Sinhagala Trail from Pitadeniya
8 - Duwili Ella Trail from Denuwakanda
9 - Duwili Ella Trail from MCC
10 - From Morningside to the natural pool
11 - Trail from Kosmulla via Duwili Ella to Siththara gal lena (cave)

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Source :- View the Official site here

Yoga and Ayurveda Holidays in a Ulpotha Village in Sri Lanka

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Ulpotha has been a pilgrimage site for thousands of years and remains an oasis of tranquility in the heart of Sri Lanka. It is a beautiful private hide-away open to guests for part of the year; a place of total peace, where you can experience the warm, generous and gentle hospitality which Sri Lankans love to offer.

Ulpotha is a traditional working village cradled on the one side by low mountains and a lotus ringed lake, and on the other by tiny emerald green paddy fields. Our focus, at present, is on the restoration of an ageless agricultural way of life including bio-diverse organic farming and reforestation of the land and its immediate surroundings.

Guests are welcome to Ulpotha and those who come will find a natural sanctuary of exceptional beauty where the main activity is simply relaxing in its remarkable atmosphere of peace and calm. However, for those more purposeful in nature, Ayurveda therapies and Yoga classes are available. The Ayurveda is administered by Dr Srilal Mudunkothge, an acclaimed practitioner of this ancient, holistic medical art, while the Yoga classes are led by some of the world's leading Yoga teachers.

We would also like you to see Ulpotha through the eyes of some of our former guests - people who have experienced Ulpotha just as you will. Before booking a holiday we recommend you read A Fortnight in Ulpotha - a personal impression of Ulpotha written by author and broadcaster, Moyra Bremner, together with comments from our Guest Book and numerous articles from The Press. Or, for a more pragmatic description of Ulpotha from someone who had never been on a Yoga Holiday before, have a look at this down-to-earth account written by Daniel Roberts, director of a large online retail company, on his experience. Similarly, you might find the article that appears in the Green Rooms guidebook useful, as we feel it presents Ulpotha quite accurately and succinctly.

Source :- View the Official site here

Gems of Sri Lanka

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A gemstone is the naturally occurring crystalline form of a mineral which is desirable for its beauty, valuable in its rarity, and durable enough to be enjoyed for generations. There are more than 30 popular gem varieties and many more rare collector gemstones. Some varieties also come in a range of colors.

The Gem industry in Sri Lanka (also known as Ceylon, Serendib, etc..) has been in existence for over 2500 years. Some of the rarest of gem stones of exquisite beauty have taken pride of place, in the Crown jewels of Kings and Queens from time of Great Roamn Emperors.

Sapphire

Sapphire is an aluminum oxide. Its colour varies from very light to dark blue to violetish-blue, bluish-green, yellow, slightly reddish-orange, brown, nearly opaque black, colourless, pink, violet and the pinkish-orange padparadscha (lotus flower).

Varieties
Coloured varieties, star sapphire, alexandrite-like sapphire.

Sources
Sri Lanka, Kashmir (India), Burma, Thailand, Australia, Tanzania, Kenya, Montana, Madagascar

Toughness
Excellent, except in laminated or fractured stones.

Precautions
Sapphires may fade if heated

Treatments
Sapphires can be x-rayed to intensify their colour. Natural sapphires undergo heat and diffusion treatments in Thailand. With the first method, sapphires with latent chemical components for good colour are "ripened" to a desirable colour through heating. In diffusion treatment, sapphires that lack the components for good colour are placed in a bath of colouring oxides that penetrate the outer layers of the stone. Treatment of blue stones is permanent.

History
According to an ancient Persian legend, the earth rested on a great sapphire whose reflection was seen in the sky. The stone also appears in the Promethean legend. Prometheus was chained to a rock by Zeus for having stolen fire from the gods. After being rescued by Hercules, a link of the chain remained on his finger, and attached to it was a piece of rock. Zeus agreed to grant Prometheus his freedom if he wore the link as a reminder of his sin. Later a ring set with a sapphire replaced the link and stone. Sapphire symbolizes truth, sincerity and constancy. It was believed to protect the wearer against capture by an enemy, and to win the favour of princesses. It also protected against poison. It was said that if a poisonous snake were put in a vessel with a sapphire, the rays from the gem would kill it. The name sapphire originally comes from Sanskrit. It became sappheiros in Greek, meaning blue. Before the value of sapphire was known to them, villages in the Zanzkar mountains of Kashmir (India) used the gem as a flint to start fires.

Cuts & Uses
Faceted and en cabochon, usually mixed cut, beads, carved (poor quality). Synthetic sapphire is used in watches, precision instruments and electronic equipment.

Ceylon Sapphires

The Ceylon Blue Sapphire is known for its beauty ? possessing the glorious cornflower blue shade ? as well as for being one of the few sapphires in the world that can be sold as a completely natural stone without heat treatment. The blues aside, Ceylon sapphires also come in beautiful hues including pink, yellow, orange, green, purple, lavender and of course, the inimitable padparadscha sapphire ? named after the lotus flower. All these highly marketable qualities of Ceylon sapphire has created brand recognition world wide - a brand not created by the producers of the stone, but by the sellers and consumers.

Sapphires that show a star-like light effect are called star sapphires; the most famous star sapphire from
Sri Lanka is displayed in the Museum of Natural History in New York. Star sapphires or star rubies display a star-like marking and this effect, commonly known as asterism, occurs when light falls on the cut stone, cut in the cabochon form, and three rays appear giving a six-point star. However, stones with six rays have also been known to occur.

Lastly, there is milky corundum, a white opaque form of corundum also called geuda, which for many years was regarded as useless and discarded, often ending up lining fish tanks in some gemstone merchant's house. This happened until dealers in Thailand learned to heat-treat geudas to change the colour of the stone from an unattractive cloudy grey-white to a bright, sparkling blue. They completed the work nature began and ended up with a blue sapphire - of much greater value than a useless pebble. The colour of heat-treated blue sapphires are stable and the chemical composition of the stone is that of a sapphire, although prices are lower than for a similar quality stone with natural colour.

Choosing a Sapphire
The most famous sources for sapphire are Kashmir and Burma, (now known as Myanmar). Kashmir sapphire, which was discovered in 1881 when a landslide in the Himalayas uncovered beautiful blue pebbles, has a rich velvety colour prized by connoisseurs. Burma sapphires, from the same region that produces fabulous rubies, are also very fine. However, today, these two sources account for a very small quantity of the sapphire on the market.

Most fine sapphire on the market today comes from Sri Lanka, which produces a wide range of beautiful blues from delicate sky blue colours to rich saturated hues. Kanchanaburi in Thailand and Pailin in Cambodia are renowned for deep blue, even colours. Two relatively new mining localities are showing promise: Madagascar, which has produced some exceptionally fine stones in small sizes but has no organized mining yet, and Tanzania, which has long produced sapphire in other colours but is starting to produce blue colours as well from a new deposit in the south.

The most valuable sapphires have a medium intense, vivid blue colour. The best sapphires hold the brightness of their colour under all different types of lighting. Any black, grey, or green overtones mixed in with the blue will reduce a stone's value. In general, a more pastel blue would be less preferred than a vivid blue but would be priced higher than an overly dark blackish-blue colour. As with all gemstones, sapphires, which are "clean" and have few visible inclusions or tiny flaws are the most valuable.

Sapphires are most often cut in a cushion shape - a rounded rectangle - or an oval shape. You can also find smaller sapphires in round brilliant cuts or a wide variety of fancy shapes, including triangles, squares, emerald cuts, marquises, pear shapes, baguette shapes, cabochon cuts and smooth domes.

Ruby

Ruby is an aluminum oxide, a variety of corundum; it occurs in medium to dark tones of red and violetish-red to brownish-red

Varieties
Star ruby

Sources
Sri Lanka, Burma, Thailand, Africa (Kenya, Madagascar, Tanzania), India.

Toughness
Excellent, except in laminated or fractured stones.

Treatments
The Burmese believed that "blazing red" stones could be found in a "bottomless" valley. Natives threw pieces of meat into the valley, hoping that some stones could then be recovered by killing the vultures. In the Royal Collection of England, you can view a gold ring set with a pale but nearly flawless ruby into which a portrait of Louis XII of France is carved.

Cuts & Uses
Faceted or en cabochon, usually mixed cut (brilliant crown, step-cut pavilion), beads, carved (poor quality).

Choosing a Ruby

The most important factor in the value of a ruby is colour. The top qualities are as red as you can imagine: a saturated pure spectral hue without any overtones of brown or blue. The word red is derived from the Latin word for ruby, ruber, which is derived from similar words in Persian, Hebrew, and Sanskrit. The intensity of colour of a fine ruby is like a glowing coal, probably the most intensely coloured substance our ancestors ever saw. It is no wonder they ascribed magical powers to these fires that burned perpetually and never extinguished themselves.

Besides colour, other factors that influence the value of a ruby are clarity, cut, and size. Rubies that are perfectly transparent, with no tiny flaws, are more valuable than those with inclusions, which are visible to the eye. Cut can make a big difference in how attractive and lively a ruby appears to the eye. A well-cut stone should reflect backlight evenly across the surface without a dark or washed-out area in the centre that can result from a stone that is too deep or shallow. The shape should also be symmetrical and there should not be any nicks or scratches in the polish. Rubies and other gemstones are sold per carat, a unit of weight equal to one-fifth of a gram. Larger rubies, because they are more rare, will cost more per carat than smaller stones of the same quality.

The Ruby sometimes displays a three-ray, six-point star. These star rubies are cut in a smooth domed cabochon cut to display the effect. The star is most visible when illuminated with a single light source: it moves across the stone as the light moves. This effect, called asterism, is caused by light reflecting off tiny rutile needles, called "silk," which are oriented along the crystal faces.

The value of star rubies and sapphires are influenced by two factors: the intensity and attractiveness of the body colour and the strength and sharpness of the star. All six legs should be straight and equally prominent. Star rubies rarely have the combination of a fine translucent or transparent colour and a sharp prominent star. These gems are valuable and expensive.

The most famous source of fine rubies is Burma, which is now called Myanmar. The ruby mines of Myanmar date back to centuries ago: stone age and bronze age mining tools have been found in the mining area of Mogok. Rubies from the legendary mines in Mogok often have a pure red colour, sometimes described as "pigeon's-blood", although that term is more fanciful than an actual practical standard in the trade today. Myanmar also produces intense pinkish red rubies, which are vivid and extremely beautiful. Many of the rubies from Burma have a strong fluorescence when exposed to ultraviolet rays like those in sunlight, which layers on extra colour. Burma rubies have a reputation of holding their vivid colour under all lighting conditions.

Sri Lankan stones are often pinkish in hue and many are pastel in tone. Some, however, resemble the vivid pinkish red hues from Burma. Rubies from Kenya and Tanzania surprised the world when they were discovered in the sixties because their colour rivals the world's best. Unfortunately, most of the ruby production from these countries has many inclusions, tiny flaws that diminish transparency. Rubies from the African mines are rarely transparent enough to facet. However, their fantastic colour is displayed to full advantage when cut in the cabochon style. A few rare clean stones of top quality have been seen.

Occasionally a few fine, top-quality rubies appear on the market from Afghanistan, Pakistan or the Pamir Mountains of the Commonwealth of Independent States. The terrain in these areas has made exploration for gemstones very difficult but someday they may produce significant quantities for the world market.

Alexandrite

Alexandrite is a variety of chrysoberyl, which ideally shows a distinct colour change from green in fluorescent light or daylight to red in incandescent light.

Varieties
A very small amount of alexandrite shows a cat's eye effect (chatoyancy).

Sources
Sri Lanka, Tanzania, Soviet Russia, Brazil, Zimbabwe - Rhodesia, Burma.

Toughness
Excellent

History
Alexandrite received its name because it was discovered on the birthday of
Czar Alexander II of Russia in 1830. Red and green are also the colours of the Russian Imperial Guard.

Cuts & Uses
Alexandrite is usually faceted. Chrysoberyl cat's eyes must be cut en cabochon to display a chatoyant effect.

Star stones

Star stones of the corundum family are either star sapphires or rubies. When light falls on these stones, a star effect is visible (known as asterism).

Sri Lanka is the best known source for star sapphires and star rubies. Star sapphires range in colour from grey to bluish-grey and from medium blue to medium dark blue. The very slightly purplish medium dark blue is the best colour grade for star sapphires. Star rubies range from light pink-red to purple-red through deep purple-red. The intense red star rubies are extremely rare. A good quality star stone should have a high degree of transparency and a well defined star with no weak or missing rays. It should be reasonably clean and in the face-up position, no distracting inclusions or cracks should be seen. There should be no excess weight at the bottom of the stone.

Star sapphires and rubies are hard stones (9 on the Moh?s scale), which can take a high degree of polish and retain the shinefor a long time. The special optical phenomenon of a well-defined six-ray star is a fascinating sight. The wearable qualities of the star stones make them suitable for men's rings.

Chrysoberyl

The species name chrysoberyl is given to a transparent, faceted gemstone that does not show a colour change between daylight and artificial light (the chrysoberyl which shows a colour change is called alexandrite). The ideal colours of chrysoberyl are green and yellowish-green. In addition, due to strong dichroism, one may see an
attractive bi-coloured chrysoberyl occasionally. Hardness is 8.5 on the Moh's scale. The high refractive index of the stone makes it very lively when properly cut and polished

Cat's eye

A cat's eye like effect, known as 'chatoyancy', appears to move on this stone's surface. Cat's eye is a gem variety of chrysoberyl.

Hardness: 8.5 on the Mohs' scale.

There are generally two varieties of cat?s eye ? the alexandrite cat?s-eye and the chrysoberyl cat?s-eye, which is very popular in the Far East, particularly in Japan. The ideal colours of the chrysoberyl cat?s-eye are yellowish-brown, which is called the honey colour, and the yellow-green, which is called the apple green colour. A very good cat?s eye, apart from being of ideal colour, should have a high degree of transparency and a well-defined unbroken ray. It should be free from any distracting inclusions visible to the unaided eye. The chrysoberyl cat?s-eye is one of the most beautiful gemstones because of the ?chatoyancy? or the eye effect.

Description
A translucent variety of chrysoberyl (beryllium aluminum oxide) which exhibits a silvery white line across the stone. This moves as the stone, the light source or the observer moves and may appear to open and close like an eye. The finest quality has a sharp eye that appears to open and close as the stone is rotated, and exhibits a strong "milk and honey" effect (stone on one side of the eye appears lighter than the other). These colours switch as the stone or light source is moved. The most highly prized body colours are greenish-yellow and brownish-yellow (honey colour).

Varieties
Rare specimens also exhibit change of colour.

Sources Sri Lanka, Brazil.

Phenomena
Chatoyancy caused by the reflection of light off minute, parallel, needle-like rutile crystals or hollow tubes.

Toughness
Excellent

Miscellaneous
When a gem specimen exhibits both chatoyancy and change of colour, one or both phenomena will suffer. It is more common to find a good eye with poor change of colour. The conditions necessary for one phenomenon conflict with those needed for the other. The term cat's eye when used alone refers to chrysoberyl. Other minerals exhibiting chatoyancy must be qualified, e.g. tourmaline cat's eye.

History
Cat's eye has been regarded as a preserver of good fortune. The natives of Sri Lanka still consider it a charm against evil spirits. British royalty often use it as an engagement stone.

Cuts & Uses
Must be cut in a cabochon to produce cat's eye effect. This should be cut so that the long portion of the cabochon is 90 degrees to the direction of the needles.

Quartz

Quartz is the most common mineral on the face of the Earth. Gem varieties include amethyst (purple), citrine (yellow), milky quartz (cloudy, white variety), rock crystal (clear variety), rose quartz (pink to reddish-pink variety), and smokey quartz (brown to grey variety).

Gem varieties of quartz include: citrine, amethyst, rock crystal, rose quartz, and smokey quartz. There are also varieties of Quartz cat's eye.

Colours: citrine (yellow); amethyst (purple); rock crystal (colourless); rose quartz (pink); and smokey quartz (purplish-brown).

Amethyst

Description
A variety of quartz, silicon dioxide, which appears to be dark purple in transparent light.

Varieties
None

Sources
Sri Lanka, Brazil, Uruguay, Russia, Mexico, Zimbabwe - Rhodesia, Zambia, Arizona.

Toughness
Good

History
The word amethyst comes from the Greek amethustos meaning "not drunk". Therefore, it has been considered a charm against intoxication. A legend accounts for the origin of the stone. Supposedly, Bacchus, the god of wine and conviviality, grew angry at a slight and swore revenge. He decreed that the first mortal to come across his path was to be eaten by tigers. Amethyst, a beautiful maiden on her way to worship at the shrine of Diana, happened to be the victim. Diana, the huntress, changed Amethyst into colourless quartz to protect her from the tigers. When Bacchus witnessed the miracle, he repented and poured wine over the stone, staining it purple. The wine failed to cover the entire stone evenly, and the feet and part of the legs remained clear crystal. So, in keeping with the legend, amethyst crystals are usually uneven in colour with a colourless base.
Cuts & Uses Must be cut in a cabochon to produce cat's eye effect. This should be cut so that the long portion of the cabochon is 90 degrees to the direction of the needles.

Citrine

Description
A transparent variety of quartz, silicon dioxide, occurring in yellow to red-orange to orange-brown. The name is derived from citron, which is French for lemon.

Varieties
Madeira (deep, bright reddish-brown) and Palmyra (medium yellowish-brown) are terms used in the trade.

Sources
Brazil, Madagascar, Russia, Sri Lanka.

Toughness
Good

Treatments
Poor quality amethyst is often heat-treated to achieve a desirable citrine colour.

Cuts & Uses
Usually fashioned into ring and pendant stones. The per carat value of cut citrine usually decreases beyond the size of an average ring stone.

Aquamarine

Aquamarine is a blue to greenish-blue or bluish-green variety of beryl.

Varieties
May occasionally exhibit a cat's eye effect (chatoyancy).

Sources
Sri Lanka, Brazil, Madagascar (only historically), Tanzania, Russia, Kenya, Afghanistan, Nigeria.

Toughness
Good

Treatments
Almost all aquamarine is heat-treated to enhance its blue colour. Irradiation with neutron, gamma rays or with x-rays. Colour change is permanent and is an accepted practice. A morganite (pink beryl) turns deep purple blue (Maxixe type) upon ultraviolet irradiation, though the colour is not stable.

History
The word aquamarine comes from the Latin for sea water. In 1910 a 243 lb. crystal was found in Brazil. The outside was greenish and the inside was blue. It sold for $25,000 and was cut into many high quality gems. The American Museum of Natural History has a 13 lb. uncut piece of the green outside portion.

Cuts & Uses
The step-cut is the most popular because it accentuates the colour. As it is often found in large, flawless, even-colored crystals, it is frequently used in pendants and rings. Given a piece of rough with a certain colour intensity, the larger stones cut from it will exhibit deeper colour.
Other Information Aquamarine is the blue, or perhaps more correctly, blue-green or aqua variety of the mineral beryl. Other gemstone colour varieties that belong to beryl include emerald, morganite, and heliodor. Other colours of beryl are simply referred to by their colour, such as red beryl. Most gem aquamarines have been heat treated to produce the popular blue-green varieties from less desirable yellow or pale stones.

Garnet

A group of gemstones occurring in every colour but blue. One of earth's most common minerals, though only a small portion is considered gem quality.

Species
Rhodolite- violet to purplish-red;
Almandite - red, brownish-red, violetish-red or purple;
Pyrope ? red;
Grossularite - green, yellow, brown, white, colourless, light violet, red, orangey-red; Varieties: hessonite (orange to brown), transparent, green, grossularite (tsavorite);
Some show a colour change from a mauve-brown to orange-red.
Andradite - green, yellow, black. Green called demantoid (high lustre and dispersion);
Spessartite - yellow to yellow-brown, dark orangey-brown, reddish-orange, orange;
Uvarovite - emerald green, found only in tiny sizes, usually opaque.

Sources
Rhodolite - Sri Lanka, North Carolina, Tanzania, Kenya, South Africa, Brazil.
Almandite - Sri Lanka, India, Brazil, star from Idaho - USA.
Pyrope - Czechoslovakia, South Africa, Zimbabwe - Rhodesia, Brazil, Arizona.
Grossularite - Sri Lanka, Brazil, Tanzania, Kenya, South Africa, Canada.
Andradite - demantoid: Russia, Italy; translucent yellowish or greenish-brown, Arizona.
Spessartite - Sri Lanka, Burma, Brazil, Madagascar, Tanzania, Kenya.
Uvarovite - Russia, Finland (hardly mined at all).

Toughness
Fair to good

History
Since earliest times garnets have been carried as amulets against accidents in travel. Asiatic peoples and even our Southwest Indians used them as bullets, believing that their rich, glowing colour might cause more deadly wounds. The Persians have given the garnet a favoured place as a royal stone, allowing it to bear their sovereign's image. Red garnet was once used to relieve fever, yellow garnet to cure jaundice. If the powder failed, the apothecary was accused of using a substitute.

Cuts & Uses
Usually faceted. Sometimes carved into intaglios.

Tourmaline

Tourmaline is a group of minerals comprised of a complex boron-aluminum silicate with one or more of the following: magnesium, sodium, lithium, iron, potassium or other metals. It appears in light from dark red to purple as well as brownish variations of these hues - light to dark green, yellowish-green, greenish-yellow, brownish-orange. It also grows bi-coloured.

Varieties
Bi-coloured, watermelon, cat's eye, alexandrite-like (rare) .

Sources
Sri Lanka, Brazil, USA (California, Maine), Madagascar, Tanzania, Kenya, Russia, Afghanistan, Pakistan (prime new source).

History
Dutch children played with tourmaline because of its ability to attract light objects. The stones were called "aschentrekkers" (ash drawers).

Cuts & Uses
Any cut may be used. Some are carved, some fashioned into beads. Cat's eye are always cut en cabochon. Sometimes carved to make use of more than one colour.

Spinel

A magnesium aluminum oxide which occurs in all colours, ruby-red being the most popular. Most colours are greyed out. Gahno-spinel is a dark blue or greenish-blue spinel with high zinc content.

Varieties
Star material is very rare.

Sources
Sri Lanka, Burma, Minor-Anatolia, Afghanistan, Brazil, Thailand, Australia.
Toughness Good

History
Two of the stones among the Crown Jewels of England are spinels, although they were once thought to be rubies. They are the Black Prince's Ruby and the Timur Ruby. The 361 carat Timur Ruby is the world's most famous spinel. Spinel was recognized as a separate species as early as 1587 in Burma.

Cuts & Uses
Usually faceted.

Topaz

Topaz is a fluosilicate of aluminum, occurring in transparent yellow, yellow-brown, orange-brown, light to almost medium red, very light to light blue, very light green and violet colours.

Varieties
Coloured varieties, Imperial (reddish-orange), chatoyant material (very rare).

Sources
Prime source is Brazil. Sri Lanka (blue), Mexico (mostly poor quality, brownish-yellow), Russia, South Africa (blue), Utah, Afghanistan.

Toughness
Poor, extremely easy basal cleavage - treat with care.

History
The stone began to be used in Marco Polo's time (13th century). Topaz mounted in gold and hung around the neck was believed to dispel enchantment. When the powdered stone was put in wine, it was considered a cure for asthma, insomnia, burns and haemorrhages. Topaz was supposed to become obscure in contact with poison and to quench the heat of boiling water. All these powers were believed to be increased or decreased with the changes of the moon.

Cuts & Uses
Usually faceted, often mixed cut due to long prismatic shape of crystal; some stones cut as longish oval or pendeloque stones. The moderately rich colored stones are emerald cut.

Moonstone

Moonstones are usually colourless to white, semi-transparent to translucent, and characterised by a glowing light effect known as adularescence, the visibility of which is confined to a restricted angle of view. The most valuable of the feldspar gems.

Varieties
Some may exhibit cat's eye effect.

Sources
Sri Lanka, Switzerland, Burma, United States, Madagascar, Tanzania.
Phenomena Adularescence- a glowing effect, the finest of which is bluish. Finest quality moonstone is semi-transparent; poorest is translucent. Occasionally a sharp cat's eye may be present.

Toughness
Poor

History
Considered a love charm, moonstone has been attributed the power to arouse tender passions and foretell the future. Therapeutic qualities include protection from lunacy, appeaser of anger and relief from fever.

Cuts & Uses
Usually en cabochon, sometimes carved into cameos. Generally used as an inexpensive stone for rings, pendants, etc.

Zircon

Zircon is a zirconium silicate, occurring in colourless, light blue, brownish-orange, yellow, yellowish-green, brownish-green, dark red or light red-violet. Blue is the most valuable. This stone is usually heat-treated.

Varieties
High, medium and low property.

Sources
Sri Lanka, Burma, Cambodia, Thailand.
Precautions Avoid heat. Boiling and steaming not recommended.

History
The terms hyacinth or jacinth were often applied to the reddish-brown zircon. During the Middle Ages, hyacinth was claimed to have the power of inducing sleep, of promoting riches, honour and wisdom and of driving away plagues and evil spirits. The pale yellow to colourless stones from Ceylon (Sri Lanka) were called jargoons.

Cuts & Uses
The round brilliant cut is most successful, standard 57-facets with no culet.

Peridot

Peridot is a silicate of magnesium and iron, occurring in yellowish-green, green, greenish-yellow, brownish-green and brown (all transparent).

Varieties
Peridot top grades: medium to dark, slightly yellowish-green. Chrysolite ? greenish-yellow, light to dark yellowish-green to brownish-green to almost brown.

Sources
Sri Lanka, Island of Zeberget (Egypt), Burma, USA, Mexico.

Toughness
Fair to good

History
The ancients called it the "gem of the sun." They attributed to it the power to dispel enchantment and evil spirits due to its association with the sun (which drives away darkness). In order to be worn as a talisman, it had to be set in gold. The Red Sea island of Zeberget, off the southern tip of Egypt, was worked for this stone as early as 1500 B.C. At that time, the island was known as "The Island of Serpents," because it was infested with poisonous snakes. Later, the reigning Egyptian king had the snakes destroyed to facilitate prospecting for peridot. Prospecting was done at night because the gem could not be seen in sunlight. The workers would mark the spots and return the next day to dig them out.

Cuts & Uses
Usually faceted. Step-cut is best; oval, round and pendeloque cuts are common. Very suitable for brooches, pendants, earrings, but not for rings or bracelets because it abrades easily.

Blue Giant of the Orient (466 carats)

Mined in Kuruwita in 1907, this giant blue sapphire is one of the world's most valuable gemstones. In rough, it was said to have been over 600 carats and was fashioned into a jewel of 466 carats. It is the largest blue sapphire in the world. This gem is in the collection of an American gem and art collector.

Logan Blue Sapphire (423 carats)

Considered to be the second largest blue sapphire in the world on record. A flawless specimen with a rich deep blue, the stone was gifted to The Smithsonian Institute in Washington DC by John Logan.

Star of India (563 carats)

The second largest star sapphire in the world was discovered in Sri Lanka. It is almost flawless and unusual in that it has stars on both sides of the stone. Part of the collection of the American Museum of Natural history.

Star of Lanka (362 carats)

Third largest star sapphire on record. The phenomenal stone is a rich deep-blue in colour and has a well-defined six-ray star. Owned by the National Gem & Jewellery Authority in Sri Lanka.

Rosser Reeves Star Ruby (138 carats)

The world's largest star ruby combining excellent colour, good transparency and a well-defined star. Part of the United States National Gem Collection at the Smithsonian Institute.

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Source :- View the Official site here

Sri Pada - Adam's Peak

2012-04-21T23:04:00.000+05:30

The sacred mountain

Located about 122 kilometers due east from Colombo is the sacred mountain Sri Pada. It is situated in the southern reaches of the Central highlands, and adjacent to extensive wildlife reserves. With no other comparable mountains nearby, Sri Pada rises prominently above the surrounding area, soaring to a height of 2,243 metres above sea-level.It is easily Sri Lanka’s most revered site, considered sacred not only by Buddhists, but also by Christians, Muslims and Hindus.

At the top of the mountain is a slab of rock with a large indentation believed to be the Buddha’s footprint, which he left during his legendary third visit to the island. Centuries later, Christians and Muslims developed the belief that this indentation was the footprint of Adam. Thus, Sri Pada is also commonly known as Adam’s Peak. The Hindus, according to their own belief, revere the spot as the footprint of Shiva.

The climbing season is between December and May, as the heavy rains and strong winds during the other parts of the year make the ascent difficult and very risky.

Climbers usually set off in the night to take advantage of the cool temperatures, and time their ascent to reach the summit before daybreak. The trek starts off in a gradual fashion but becomes more and more strenuous as the climb becomes an almost continuous journey of going up steep, but usually broad steps.Along the way are dozens of small but colorful and brightly lit tea houses and shops which break the monotony of the climb, and actually make it quite interesting. These are useful places to take a rest and sip a hot drink. On reaching the peak, there will usually be a huge crowd queuing up to pay respects at the shrine housing the footprint. Sri Pada from a nearby rest house Listening to a dharma talk along the way After witnessing the magical sunrise on Sri Pada, the crowd disperses and makes its way down. The whole trek may take about five to six hours for the fit, but many people opt for a more leisurely walk of about eight to ten hours.

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Unawatuna Beach

2012-04-19T16:53:00.000+05:30

Unawatuna is a coastal village in Galle district of Sri Lanka. Unawatuna is a major tourist attraction and famous for its beautiful beach and corals.

Mythical roots

From Ramayana

The description of the beach paradises in Valmiki's epic Ramayana sounds like Unawatuna.

"a seashore dotted with thousands of trees, coconuts, and palms dominating, strings of houses and hermitages along the coastline, human beings and superior beings such as Gandharvas, Siddhas, and ascetics, living in them and countless bejewelled celestial nymphs thronging the shore, the coast intermittently visited by heavenly beings, Gods and demons.":

Unawatuna traces its roots to the great epic Ramayana. In the mythological epic, the monkey-warrior Hanuman was sent back to India to fetch the four medicinal herbs by Jambavan namely, mritasanjeevani, vishalyakarani, suvarnakarani, and sandhani from the Himalayas in order to heal Lakshman who was wounded trying to save the abducted Princess Sita from the demon king Ravana. Hanuman failed to identify these herbs, so he lifted the entire mountain and carried it to the battlefield to try to save Lakshman, but in the process, a chunk of it "fell-down" in the location of the present day Unawatuna, the name of the village derives from "Una-watuna" meaning "fell down".

Currently, an edifice is being built in honour of Hanuman on the harbour end of Rumassala Hill by Japanese monks of the Mahayana sect of Buddhism near the Peace Pagoda that they built.

Colonial period

After defeating the Portuguese at the Fort of Negombo, the Dutch sailed south and landed on Unawatuna in 1640 and marched to Galle. The Portuguese had encountered the Dutch soldiers at Magalle (where Closenburg Hotel is now located), and fierce fighting took place there. Over 400 Dutch soldiers were killed, and only 49 Portuguese could manage to get back to their fortification in Galle, where they were held in siege for four days before they surrendered.
The Dutch built houses for their officials in Unawatuna. These constructions include the Nooit Gedacht hotel, Unawatuna Hospital and the mansion Maharambe. UBR hotel is situated on a land called Parangiyawatta, meaning "land of the Portuguese", and the area nearby is known as Jayakotuwa, suggesting there may have been some fortification.
The Galle tower or Edwards Pillar in Rumassala Hill is believed to have been a fake lighthouse built during World War I, and the area is shown as property of the British Admiralty in old survey maps.

Eco-Tourism

Unawatuna is rich in its biodiversity. Unfortunately, its greatest potential attraction for eco-tourism was the marsh land or mangrove called Kadolana which was partially destroyed, dredged and filled up to build a chain hotel which never got off the ground. Many locals believe it to have been cursed for being built at the doorstep of the Wella Devalaya.
Over sixty species of endemic birds, including Terns, Egrets, Herons, Sandpipers, Kingfishers, as well as rarer species such as the Lesser Whistling Duck, the Asian Palm Swift, the White Breasted Waterhen, the Turnstone Loten's Sunbird, and the Black Bittern have been sighted in the locality by the ornithologist, Clive Byers. These birds are mostly sighted in the remaining marshy area and Rumassala Hillock.
Off the coast of Unawatuna, beneath the Indian Ocean lies a number of coral reefs, shipwrecks, and a great variety of fish and turtles. The turtles still wade onto the shore to lay their nests and eggs, and at times, as if to lay first claim to the sandy shore now invaded by the tourists and dotted by restaurateurs, even go right into the beach front restaurants .
The Rumassala coral reefs at the east end of the Galle Harbor attract divers, but are now endangered due to possible port development. Eco treks in the shrub jungles of Rumassala are also available.

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Source :- View the Official site here

Arugam Bay - Surfing

2012-04-19T15:49:00.001+05:30

Arugam Bay is a bay situated on the Indian Ocean in the dry zone of Sri Lanka's southeast coast. The bay is located 320 km due east of Colombo. It is a popular surfing and tourist destination. Many of the buildings were destroyed in the 2004 tsunami. Due to its popularity among tourists, the area has managed a slow recovery by private initiatives only. The main road through town has still not been repaved. As late as the beginning of 2010 no help has been received from any official source or international organizations. An exception is uncoordinated support for fishing folk as well as many school rebuilding programs, resulting in a continuation to provide only separatist schools for each community. Although there is a huge demand for an international school, one huge new building donated by the people of Japan remains unoccupied since the grand 'opening' ceremony in 2007.

The bay hosts a large fleet of fishing boats which operates off the beach. Many organizations donated boats after the tsunami and as a result there are far more fishing boats than ever before. The main beach is a bit dirty as it is used as a garbage dump and a toilet by some locals. Nearby beaches are more esthetically pleasing and also have excellent waves. Arugam Surf Point has a very long, consistent, sectiony right hand break. Many organizations claim to have done extensive work in the area. No notable progress can be observed locally and on close inspection, as late as New Year's Day, 2010. The main road, shown below in 2004 still looked the very same at the end of 2009. Despite calls for a walking street contractors have recently (September, 2010)completed construction of a fast trunk road through the hamlet. Repeating the mistakes made in other seaside tourist resorts such as Negombo and Hikkaduwa. US 'Mercy Corps' has been the most active of any organization. Funded by Oprah Winfrey's 'Angel Network', following a huge fund-raising TV series in the United States. Sadly, none of their projects survived the first year of operation. A new bridge has been constructed by USAID. It was opened for traffic in 2008. It replaced the 1960s, original landmark box girder construction linking Arugam Bay with Pottuvil. At km 313 on the main A4 (the famous Colombo High Level Rd. - PottuVille), an excellent shortcut side road exists, which ends up in the very middle of Arugam Bay itself. This picturesque drive avoids the dusty town of PottuVille. Also no bridges need to be crossed. Raising questions regarding the wisdom for the need of the so-called 'high tech' USAID bridge construction. There is excellent elephant viewing nearby, incl. on this mentioned jungle road and the surrounding lagoon, as well as two types of monkeys wandering around the area.

he nearby (4 km) Muslim village of Pottuville is the center of commerce and transportation while tourist accommodations lie along the beach to the south of Pottuville Arugam Bay (4 km) is also the gateway and the only road access to the Yala East National Park. This area is known as Kumana (44 km), to be reached via the Sinhalese settlement of Panama (17 km) and the shires at Okanda (32 km). Sources of further, up-to-date local information: [1] [2] Arugam Bay has its own insiders, veteran and fan club (777 members end 2008, 5,500 members August, 2009). History was made on election day, 26 January 2010. The Community page Facebook page "Arugam Surf" managed to attract more than 10,000 fans. Making it the fasted growing Facebook site in Sri Lanka. By end 2010 this, Sri Lanka's first and oldest FB fan page has attracted near 20,000 loyal members. Remarkable for such a small, remote hamlet of just 2,500 residents.

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Source :- View the Official site here

Yapahuwa Paradise Resort

2012-04-17T22:13:00.000+05:30

We at the Yapahuwa Paradise will go out our way to make your stay in Yapahuwa Paradise a pleasure through our various facilities backed by gracious hospitality and courteous service.

The comfort and charm of the Hotel compliments the natural beauty and wonder of the surrounding. No matter how you choose to relax the beauty of the natural surrounding will help you.

The Hotel’s Lobby has been designed to create a feeling of warmth and comfort. The ambience is homely and inviting.

You will notice when you come to the Hotel, the way we make you feel welcome. Warm smiles of the staff at the Hotel make sure you feel at home and rest assured. We are always ready with a smile to pamper you and make you feel comfortable.

Location
Yapahuwa Paradise is strategically located in the historical city of Yapahuwa, just 115 km from Bandaranayake International Airport, 154 km from Colombo and 53 km away from Kurunegala by side of the main road Padeniya via Anuradhapura.
The only resort is Yapahuwa Paradise in Kurunegala District, Situated amidst the lush tranquility of landscaped garden with a panoramic view of the beautiful lake.

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Guest Facilities

Restaurant
Indoor games
IDD facilities
Conference & Banquet facilities (300 Guests)
Sports & Entertainment
Swimming pool
Billiard
Kingfisher Bar
Water Polo
Darts
Nature walks
E mail & Internet facilities

Source :- View the Official site here

Nuwara Eliya - Little England

2012-04-17T21:51:00.002+05:30

Nuwara Eliya - Little England

Nuwara Eliya meaning "city on the plain (table land)" or "city of light", is a town in the central highlands of Sri Lanka with a picturesque landscape and temperate climate. It is located at an altitude of 1,868 m (6,128 ft) and is considered to be the most important location for Tea production in Sri Lanka. The town is overlooked by Pidurutalagala, the tallest mountain in Sri Lanka.

History

The city was founded by Samuel Baker, the discoverer of Lake Albert and the explorer of the Nile in 1846. Nuwara Eliya's climate lent itself to becoming the prime sanctuary of the British civil servants and planters in Ceylon. Nuwara Eliya, called Little England then, was also a hill country retreat where the British colonialists could immerse in their pastimes such as fox hunting, deer hunting,elephant hunting, polo, golf and cricket.
Although the town was founded in the 19th century by the British, the whole district is today visited by native travelers, specially during the month of April, the season of flowers, pony races, go cart races and auto rally.

Climate

Due to the high altitude, Nuwara Eliya has a much cooler climate than the lowlands of Sri Lanka, with a mean annual temperature of 16 °C. But the temperature changes and sometimes it can be as low as 3°C. In the winter months it is quite cold at night, and there can even be frost. although it rapidly warms up as the tropical sun climbs higher during the day.

Festivals

The town really comes alive in April for the Sinhalese and Tamil New Year, and it is difficult to find accommodation as Sri Lankans holiday in the region during this period. The festive season starts on April 1 annually in a ceremonial manner. The ceremony consists mainly of a band show in which all the local school bands participate.
Main attractions during April season include the numerous motor racing and horse racing events. Motor racing comes alive with the Mahagastotte and Radella Hill Climbs, the former being run since 1934. The Nuwara Eliya Road Race and the 4X4 Lake Cross on edge of Lake Gregory attract a fair share of enthusiasts. Parties are held nightly in the hotels, and the season culminates in the nine furlong (1811 m) Governor's Cup, Golf Tournaments and the flower show at the end of the month.

Source :- View the Official site here

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Places around to visit

The town’s attractions include the golf course, trout streams, Victoria Park, and boating or fishing on Lake Gregory. Victoria Park is an attractive and well-used oasis. It is popular for bird watching at quieter times because of the good opportunities it gives to see various species, particularly the Indian Blue Robin , Pied Thrush or Scaly Thrush lurking in the denser undergrowth. The Kashmir Flycatcher is another attractive bird species found in the park. Galway’s Land Bird Sanctuary, close to Lake Gregory, is another wildlife site of 0.6 km².

Hakgala Botanical Garden

is one of the three Botanical Gardens in Sri Lanka and is the second largest Garden in Sri Lanka. 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.

Lake Gregory

is one of the significant tourist attractions in Nuwara Eliya. It was built by the Governor William Gregory during 1872 – 1877 periods by utilizing the water from the Nanuoya which runs across the town. It is about 91.2 hectares in extent. It was said to be used for water sports and for re-recreational activities during the British rule.

A boat yard now allows visitors to go boating and rowing. Boat Tours is a are very popular activity on Gregory Lake . Both pedal boats and motor boats are offered for holiday makers.

The Victoria Park

The Victoria Park of Nuwara Eliya which is in front of The Trevene Holiday Bungalow said to be named to comorate the 60th Jubilee Coronation of Queen Victoria in the year 1897. Originally the park was used as the research field of Haggala Botanical Garden which is located about 04 km away from the city centre. It is known that this park was established by planting an Oak tree by a German Princes who visited Nuwara Eliya at the latter part of the 19th Century.

The park is 27 acres in extent and about 90% of the tree species available are those of foreign plants. Nanu Oya which flows through the park and a number of lakes within it enhances its beauty. A large number of rare bird species can be found in the park. The park is a great tourist attraction in Nuwara Eliya. It was estimated that over 100,000 local visitors as well as around 4000 – 5000 foreign tourists visit the Victoria Park every year. Victoria Park is an attractive and well-used oasis. It is popular with birdwatchers at quieter times because of the good opportunities it gives to see Indian Blue Robin, Pled Thrush or Scaly Thrush lurking in the denser undergrowth. Kashmir Flycatcher is another attractive bird species found in the park
The course is one of the most naturally scenic in the world. It starts from one corner of the town and is nestled into the valley, between the town and the surrounding forested hills.When approaching via Kandy , it is one of the first views the visitor has of Nuwara Eliya.

Source :- View the Official site here

Yapahuwa (Kingdom of Dambadeniya)

2012-04-17T00:08:00.001+05:30

Yapahuwa kingdom

Yapahuwa was one of the ephemeral capitals of medieval Sri Lanka. The citadel of Yapahuwa lying midway between Kurunagala and Anuradhapura was built around a huge granite rock rising abruptly almost a hundred meters above the surrounding lowlands.
In 1272, King Bhuvenakabahu transferred the capital from Polonnaruwa to Yapahuwa in the face of Dravidian invasions from South India, bringing the Sacred Tooth Relic with him. Following the death of King Bhuvenakabahu in 1284, the Pandyans of South India invaded Sri Lanka once again, and succeeded in capturing Sacred Tooth Relic. Following its capture, Yapahuwa was largely abandoned and inhabited by Buddhist monks and religious ascetics.

Location and Name

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The rock fortress complex of Yapahuwa is situated in the Wayamba province of Sri Lanka. About 4 km southeast of the town and railway station of Maho, midway between Kurunegala and Anuradhapura.
The original name of this Buddhist Heritage site is Yapawwa though now often called as Yapahuwa which is a kind of distortion of its genuine etymological sense.

History

Yapahuwa served as the capital of Sri Lanka in the latter part of the 13th century (1273–1284). Built on a huge, 90 meter high rock boulder in the style of the Sigiriya rock fortress, Yapahuwa was a palace and military stronghold against foreign invaders.
The palace and fortress were built by King Buvanekabahu I (1272–1284) in the year 1273. Many traces of ancient battle defences can still be seen, while an ornamental stairway, is its biggest showpiece. On top of the rock are the remains of a stupa, a Bodhi tree enclosure, and a rock shelter/cave used by Buddhist monks, indicating that earlier this site was used as a Buddhist monastery, like many boulders and hills in the area. There are several caves at the base of the rock. In one of them there is a shrine with Buddha images. One cave has a Brahmi script inscription. At the southern base of the rock there is a fortification with two moats and ramparts. In this enclosure there are the remains of a number of buildings including a Buddhist shrine. There is also a Buddhist temple called Yapawwa Rajamaha Vihara built during the Kandyan period.
The Tooth Relic was brought from Dambadeniya and kept in the Tooth Temple built for the purpose at the top of the third staircase. The relics were carried away from the temple here to South India by the Pandyas, and then recovered in 1288 by Parakkramabahu III (1287–1293), who temporarily placed them in safety at Polonnaruwa.

Source :- View the Official site here

Dambulla Cave Temple (Rangiri Dambulu Viharaya)

2012-04-16T23:14:00.003+05:30

The Golden Buddha statue

Dambulla cave temple also known as the Golden Temple of Dambulla is a World Heritage Site (1991) in Sri Lanka, situated in the central part of the country. This site is situated 148 km east of Colombo and 72 km north of Kandy. It is the largest and best-preserved cave temple complex in Sri Lanka. The rock towers 160 m over the surrounding plains.There are more than 80 documented caves in the surrounding area. Major attractions are spread over 5 caves, which contain statues and paintings. These paintings and statues are related to Lord Buddha and his life. There total of 153 Buddha statues, 3 statues of Sri Lankan kings and 4 statues of gods and goddesses. The latter include two statues of Hindu gods, the god Vishnu and the god Ganesh. The murals cover an area of 2,100 square meters. Depictions on the walls of the caves include the temptation by the demon Mara, and Buddha's first sermon.

Prehistoric Sri Lankans would have lived in these cave complexes before the arrival of Buddhism in Sri Lanka as there are burial sites with human skeletons about 2700 years old in this area, at Ibbankatuwa near the Dambulla cave complexes.

History

This temple complex dates back to the 1st century BC. It has five caves under a vast overhanging rock, carved with a drip line to keep the interiors dry. In 1938 the architecture was embellished with arched colonnades and gabled entrances. Inside the caves, the ceilings are painted with intricate patterns of religious images following the contours of the rock. There are images of the Lord Buddha and bodhisattvas, as well as various gods and goddesses.
The Dambulla cave monastery is still functional and remains the best-preserved ancient edifice in Sri Lanka. This complex dates from the 3rd and 2nd centuries BC, when it was already established as one of the largest and most important monasteries. King Valagambahu is traditionally thought to have converted the caves into a temple in the 1st century BC. Exiled from Anuradhapura, he sought refuge here from South Indian usurpers for 15 years. After reclaiming his capital, the King built a temple in thankful worship. Many other kings added to it later and by the 11th century, the caves had become a major religious centre and still are. King Nissanka Malla gilded the caves and added about 70 Buddha statues in 1190. During the 18th century, the caves were restored and painted by the Kandyan Kings.

Source :- View the Official site here

The Golden Temple Buddha in Dambulla, Sri Lanka in Sri Lanka

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Sinhala & Tamil New Year Festival

2012-04-13T23:44:00.001+05:30

In month of Bak in the Buddhist calendar (or the month of April according to the gregorian calendar), when the sun moves (in an astrological sense) from the Meena Rashiya (House of Pisces) to the Mesha Rashiya (House of Aries) in the celestial sphere; Sri Lankan people of Sri Lanka begin celebrating Sinhala New Year or Aluth Avurudu (in Sinhala). It marks the end of the harvest season and also coincides with one of two instances when the sun is directly above Sri Lanka.

However, unlike the celebration of the new gregorian calender year at midnight on December 31, the Sinhalese traditional New Year begins at a time determined by astrological calculations. Also unlike 31st night celebrations, where old year ends at midnight and new year begins immediately afterwards; the ending of the old year, and the beginning of the new year occur several hours apart from one another (this span of time is usually 12 hours and 48 minutes, which starts when the sun, as a disk, starts to cross the astrological boundary between 'House of Pisces' and 'House of Aries' and ends when the crossing is complete. The halfway point is considered as the dawn of the new year). This period is, referred to as the Nonagathe (or the 'neutral period'). During this time Sri Lankans are, according to tradition, encouraged to refrain from material pursuits, and engage solely in either religious activities or traditional games.

Cultural rituals begin shortly after the beginning of the Sinhala new year with the cleaning of the house and lighting of an oil lamp. In some communities, women congregate to play upon on the Raban (type of a drum) to announce the incipient change in the year. All the families as one carries out variety of rituals in exact timings of which are determined by astrological calculations - from lighting the fire to making the Kiribath (milk rice) to entering into the first business transaction and eating the first morsels. The rituals vary slightly based on the locale. However the core of the celebrations remains the same.

The approach of the each auspicious time for various rituvals is heralded by the unmistakable sign of very loud firecrackers. Although loud firecrackers are an environmental concern, and a safety hazard, especially for children, this remains an integral part of the celebrations throughout Sri Lanka.

Once the important rituals are done, the partying begins as families mingle in the streets, homes are thrown open and children are let out to play. The ubiquitous plantain is dished out alongside celebratory feasts of Kavum (small oil cake) and Kokis (crisp and light sweetmeat, originally from the Netherlands). However, the extent of outdoor activities depends largely on the neighborhood. The suburban communities tend to have such social gatherings than urban or city dwellers.

Aluth Aurudu is an important national holiday for both the cultures of the Sinhalese people and the Tamil people of Sri Lanka. The celebrations are given wide coverage and patronage from state owned media as well as private media.

Source :- View the Official site here