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images from the Nature Group

2010-03-09T04:26:00.000-08:00

images from the Flickr Urban Nature Group

2010-03-09T04:14:00.000-08:00

Beautiful View Of The Ocean With Waterfalls

2010-03-08T08:09:00.000-08:00

Interesting how the waterfalls are below sea level... I would like to see where the water goes...

Sometimes it pays to take that couple extra minutes out of your day to stop and admire your surroundings...

What a fantastic scenic view of Akhtamar Island on Lake Van... Simply stunning!

Popular Wallpaper Categories

2010-03-08T08:00:00.000-08:00

Beautiful Yellow Lily taken at my grandmothers house... Love the texture in this one...

Took this on right before a bonfire in the land of water... Michigan... Sharpened up just a bit for effect... Can u tell?

Another one that was taking up North here in Michigan... The clouds were simply amazing!

Took this one up north near Alpena on a small lake...

The clouds really make this photo... What do u think about it?

After the rain today I went out into the sunshine to snap this one...

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Taken in Connecticut on the East Coast of America..

Taken on the East Coast of America... The lighthouse always shows you the way home...

One of the first pictures I took with my brand new camera... It's a Olympus Stylus 9000... What do you think? So far so good from the looks of it... Happy Summer!

Best ever high definition Wallpapers collection by Dexzone

2010-03-08T02:51:00.001-08:00

Here is an best ever High Definition, Widescreen wallpaper collection of several categories taken by dexzone. this wallpapers includes the images and wallpapers of pretty celebrity emotional Emma

Watson, High Quality Nature Wallpapers, Japan Digital Arts, Amazing Landscape Wallpapers and other miscellaneous Unique wallpapers.

Earth, CO2, sensitive

2010-03-08T02:10:00.000-08:00

London: The earth's temperature may be 30 to 50 percent more sensitive to atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) than has previously been estimated, says a new study.

The results show that components of the earth's climate system that vary over long timescales - such as land-ice and vegetation - have an important effect on this temperature sensitivity, but these factors are often neglected in current climate models.

Dan Lunt, from the University of Bristol, and colleagues compared results from a global climate model to temperature reconstructions of the earth's environment three million years ago when global temperatures and CO2 concentrations were relatively high.

The temperature reconstructions were derived using data from three million-year-old sediments on the ocean floor.

"We found that given the concentrations of carbon dioxide prevailing three million years ago, the model originally predicted a significantly smaller temperature increase than that indicated by the reconstructions. This led us to review what was missing from the model," said Lunt.

The authors demonstrate that the increased temperatures indicated by the reconstructions can be explained if factors that vary over long timescales, such as land-ice and vegetation, are included in the model.

This is primarily because changes in vegetation and ice lead to more sunlight being absorbed, which in turn increases warming, said a Bristol release.

Climate models used by bodies such as the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change often do not fully include these long-term processes, thus these models do not entirely represent the sensitivity of the earth's temperature to CO2.

Alan Haywood, study co-author from the University of Leeds, said: "If we want to avoid dangerous climate change, this high sensitivity of the Earth to carbon dioxide should be taken into account when defining targets for the long-term stabilisation of atmospheric greenhouse-gas concentrations."
These findings were published in Nature Geoscience.

Nuwara Eliya

2010-03-08T02:08:00.002-08:00

Nuwara Eliya is located at the heart of the hill country 6182 feet above from the sea level. The town is situated at 74 km away along Kandy-Nuwara Eliya road and this was rediscovered by British in 1827. It is still very much like an old English town with styled Bungalows and buildings. The cool calm climate, gorges rolling tea plantation which makes the best “Ceylon tea” and the breathtaking beautiful waterfalls makes Nuwara Eliya one of the most beautiful town in the world.

History of Nuwara Eliya

Nuwara Eliya can be treated as one of the most beautiful nature creations in the world and it is the most beautiful city in Sri Lanka. Even though British claim that Nuwara Eliya was found in 1827 by British hunting party it was known to Sri Lankan long before. It is said that the British governor Sir Edward Bans (1824-1831) was very much interested about the cool climate Nuwara Eliya had and build a bungalow called “Bans Hall”. He is treated as the person who encouraged the human settlements of Nuwara Eliya. During these times other buildings were also build such as St Andrews and Carlton. The “Bans Hall” is converted to a hotel called “Grand Hotel” later with more than 150 rooms.

The person behind the Agricultural revolution of Nuwara Eliya was Sir Samuel Baker who came to Sri Lanka in the year of 1845. The farm started by Baker got popular as “Bakers Farm”. To commemorate Baker there is a monument at the location of his farm and there is a word called “Baker’s ward” at Nuwara Eliya hospital to remember him.

The Governor during the time of 1872-1877 Sir William Gregory choused the capital as Nuwara Eliya and the development became fast. He built a lake called Gregory Lake within the city limits which has become a popular tourist attraction of Nuwara Eliya.

Horton plain

Horton plain is the only mountain National Park which has an area of 3,162 ha. The park is one hour away from Nuwara Eliya. Best months to visit are April and August.

Hakgalla Garden

Hakgalla Garden is located along Nuwara Eliya ~ Badulla road (along Kandy~Ramboda) This place is 5581 feet high from the sea level. It is said that the King “Rawana” used this place as a herbal garden.

This place was started as a Botanical garden by British botanist Dr. G.H.K. Thwaites who was the director of “Peradiniya Botanical Garden “ in the year of 1859. Initially they grew “ sinkona” which was used to produce “ quiveenen” for malaria. There are more than 60000 species of plants have planted here. During the summer season this one of the most scenic places of Nuwara Eliya

With the cool climate of Nuwra Eliya many differnt kinds of plants from differnt parts of the world can be seen. For example conifers and cedars from Australia, Bermuda cypresses from the Himalayas English oak are some of the highlights.

Victoria Park

Victoria Park was established in 1897 as for the jubilee of Queen Victoria in completion of sixty years on here thorn.The park is within the city limits and it has become a must see location anyone who visit Nuwara Eliya. During the summer the park is filled with colorful roses and various flowers where you wont be able to see them in any other city of Sri Lanka.

Pinnawala

2010-03-08T02:08:00.001-08:00

Pinnawela orphanage is situated northwest of the town Kegalla, halfways between the present capitol Colombo and the ancient royal residence Kandy in the hills of central Sri Lanka. It was established 1975 by the Sri Lanka Wildlife department. This 24 acres large elephant orphanage is a also breeding pace for elephants, twenty elephants were born since 1984, and it has the greatest herd of elephants in captivity in the world. The difference between the elephant orphanage in Pinnawala and Ath Athuru Sevena Transit Home at Uda Walawe is that at the Transit Home these baby elephants once cared for are released to the wilds when they reach a certain age.

The City of Kandy

2010-03-08T02:07:00.001-08:00

At an altitude of about 500 m above sea level lies Kandy which is one of the most beautiful cities in the world. It is about 115 km from Colombo.

The city was founded in 1592 by King Vimaladharmasuriya I. It was the last capital of Sri Lanka until it was captured by British in 1815.

The valley of Kandy is surrounded by magnificent hills which made it as the last bastion of the Sinhalees Kings.Even though Kandy is a new city it was evident that the inhabitance was the more than 880 years. Today Kandy offers its visitors rich collection of art and craft
and historical buildings. It includes a collection of ancient temples buildings, handicrafts, souvenirs, rich cultural practices and rituals. Most of all the world popular Kandy pageant or “Kandy Asela Pererahara”. Boating on the lake visiting the royal Botanical Gardens are some of other attractions.

Kandy “Asela Perahera” is annually held in the months of July or August. The inner caskets used to cover the tooth relic of Buddha is taken in a grand procession through the streets of the city. It includes traditional Kandyan dancers, drummers, flag of the provinces of Kandyan kingdom and the elephants are grandly dressed with attire specially made for them. The, it attracts large crowds from all parts of the island.

The temple of Tooth Relic (Dalda Maligawa)

Temple of tooth relic houses the most sacred Buddhist relic, the Tooth of loard Buddha. Buddhists from all around the world venerate this place. During the ancient times the Tooth Relic is considered the symbol of Kingship and became the most sacred object.

The temple was built in 17th Century by King Wimaladharmasuriya and renovated by his son King Narendrasingha and Kirti Sri Rajasinghe. King Sri Wickramasinghe built the octagen known as the “Pattirippuwa”. The only remaining relic of Buddha is housed in this temple. There are seven golden caskets enclosed for the tooth relic. The relic casket is covered with bullet proof glass frame. Daily rituals are performed three times a day (at dawn, at noon and in the evening) by two chapters of Malwatte and Asgiriya vihara monks.

Peradiniya Botanical Gardens

Peradiniya botanical garden is situated 1500 feet above from the sea level and covers an area of 150 arches. Mahaweli river flows from North and West of the gardens making a beautiful place. This garden was used by King “ Keerthi Sri Rajasinghe” in the year of 1747 – 1780.

Peradiniya botanical Garden is home for so many plant species which are local and foreign. At the entrance of the garden you can see the species Amherstia nobilis which as flowers blossom all the time. Along the river banks of Mahaweli river there are many plant species from many different countries such as Japan, China and Java. The most attractive place of all is the orchid house.

The most suitable time to visit is from 8.00 to 13.00 and from 16.00 to 18.00. Contact Golden Lanka Travels for reservations.

Wildlife Parks

2010-03-08T02:06:00.001-08:00

Wildlife Parks of Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka is famous for its natural beauty and wildlife. The Magnitude of bio diversity found in Sri Lanka has led to rank Sri Lanka as the 10th highest in bio diversification present per square area. Many species are endemic. There are many beautiful National parks which are rich with flora and faun. Wildlife sanctuaries and national parks are located all around the country which are very popular among local and foreign travelers.

Yala National Park

Stated about 309 km from Colombo Yala National Park is treated as one of the most premier tourist destination of Sri Lanka. The park is very popular for Jeep Safaries among local and foreign tourists Park is home to elephants,spotted deer, barking deer, sloth bear, Wild buffalo, wild boar. More than 120 species of birds are living in the park.

Bundala National Park

Bundala National Park is located about 250km south east of Colombo in Hambantota district. Biodiversity of this parkis very high as the water land system gives the maximum support for numerous species.

Wasgamuwa National Park

Wasgamuwa National Park is located in Matale and Polonnaruwa districts. Park is home to elephants, sloth bear, leopards, crocodiles.More than 143 species of birds found in this park.

Horton Plains

Horton Plain National park is situated about 200 km away from Colombo falls within the Nuwara Eliya district. This is the only Park which is situated in Hill country.Horton Plain is very famous for its panoramic scenic beauty of the Hill country. The major attraction of the park is famous “Worlds End” which is a 1000m spectacular drop.

UdaWalawe National park

Uda Walawe National park is situated about 170 km from Colombo. It covers an area of 30,821 hectares. As the park lies within the dry zone mostly the vegetation is grassland.

Gal Oya National Park

Gal Oya National Park is situated 314 km from Colombo in Inginiyagala district. It is surrounded by the Senanayake Samudra.The park is famous for its extraordinary elephant population which is about 150.The idealway to watch animals of this park is to have a boat Safari around the tank.

Minneriya National park

Do a jeep safari in Minneriya National park. The park covers an area of 8,889 hectares giving home to 160 species of birds about 25 species of reptiles, 26 fish species,09 amphibians and more than 78 butterfly species. The park is ideal place for elephant and leopard watching.

Hikkaduwa

2010-03-08T02:05:00.000-08:00

The beautiful world lies beneath the waves, and Sri Lanka offers a wide variety of experiences and vistas for photographers .
Hikkaduwa reefs support five species of angel-fish and twelve species of butterfly-fish. These fish feed on coral tentacles and coral polyps. Statistics from the Hikkaduwa Marine Sanctuary have revealed that 18.2% of the lagoon area have live hard coral cover, 8.19% of coral rubble and 28.9% of dead corals.
In this area, traditional fishing types such as angling and the use of cast nets are prevalent.

Ambewela

2010-03-08T02:04:00.000-08:00

Ambewela is one of beautiful places of Sri Lanka and it's situated at Nuwaraeliya district. Ambewela has highest and widest grass grounds of Sri Lanka.

Milko and Highland full cream milk powder factory is situated at Ambewela. One and only Sri Lankan milk powder factory is it. New Zealand farm and Ambewela farms are also at Ambewela. New Zealand farm has Cows, Bulls, Rabbits, Pigs, Hens, Cocks and gouts and many more animals and lot of products are manufactured buy Ambewela farm. Cheese , Butter and many milk products are manufactured buy it. Widest grasses ground also at Ambewela farm. You can see lot of bulls and cows in there. Getting milk with machine at 12:30 noon in Ambewela farm.

There are very beautiful very beautiful reservior in Ambewela. It's not very big but it has various beauties in various pots. The lake which had got for Anjalika movie and teledramas is Kandeela lake and it is situated at Mepilimana from 6km from Ruwaneliya junction of Nanuoya..

Ambewela is situated at the way of Horton plains from Nuwaraeliya. Ambewela is more famous because of Ambewela milk powder factory, New Zealand and Ambewela farms, Railway station, Mipilimana Kaneela lake and cool climate. There are some residence places at Ruwaneliya and Mipilimana. SLBC guest house and some rooms at Mepilimana and several rooms and hotels at Ruwaneliya. Ambewela cool is feeling comfortable at every time of the year. In new year season period most tourists are come to Ambewela for visit farm and other beauty .

Sigiriya

2010-03-08T02:03:00.000-08:00

Sri Lankan architectural tradition is well displayed at Sigiriya, the best preserved city centre in Asia from the first millennium, with its combination of buildings and gardens with their trees, pathways, water gardens, the fusion of symmetrical and asymmetrical elements, use of varying levels and of axial and radial planning.

The Complex consists of the central rock, rising 200 meters above the surrounding plain, and the two rectangular precincts on the east (90 hectares) and the west (40 hectares), surrounded by two moats and three ramparts.

The plan of the city is based on a precise square module. The layout extends outwards from co-ordinates at the centre of the palace complex at the summit, with the eastern and western axis directly aligned to it. The water garden, moats and ramparts are based on an 'echo plan' duplicating the layout and design on either side. This city still displays its skeletal layout and its significant features. 3 km from east to west and 1 km from north to south it displays the grandeur and complexity of urban-planning in 5th century Sri Lanka.

Sinharaja

2010-03-08T02:02:00.000-08:00

Sinharaja Forest Reserve is a national park and a biodiversity hotspot in Sri Lanka. It is of international significance and has been designated a Biosphere Reserve and World Heritage Site by UNESCO.

The hilly virgin rainforest, part of the Sri Lanka lowland rain forests ecoregion, was saved from the worst of commercial logging by its inaccessibility, and was designated a World Biosphere Reserve in 1978 and a World Heritage Site in 1988. The reserve's name translates as Kingdom of the Lion.

The reserve is only 21 km from east to west, and a maximum of 7 km from north to south, but it is a treasure trove of endemic species, including trees, insects, amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals.

Because of the dense vegetation, wildlife is not as easily seen as at dry-zone national parks such as Yala. There are about 3 elephants and the 15 or so leopards are rarely seen. The commonest larger mammal is the endemic Purple-faced Langur.

An interesting phenomenon is that birds tend to move in mixed feeding flocks, invariably led by the fearless Greater Racket-tailed Drongo and the noisy Orange-billed Babbler. Of Sri Lanka's 26 endemic birds, the 20 rainforest species all occur here, including the elusive Red-faced Malkoha, Green-billed Coucal and Sri Lanka Blue Magpie.

Reptiles include the endemic Green pit viper and Hump-nosed vipers, and there are a large variety of amphibians, especially tree frogs. Invertebrates include the endemic Common Birdwing butterfly and the inevitable leeches.

National parks of Sri Lanka

2010-03-08T02:00:00.000-08:00

Yala National Park

Yala National Park is the 2nd largest national park in Sri Lanka.It is situated in the southeast region of the island in the dry zone. The park is situated about 300 km from Colombo which is capital city of Sri Lanka. Yala park belongs to two provinces in Sri Lanka namely Uva Province and Southern Province. The park divided into five blocks and only I and II blocks are opened for the visitors. The reserve covers 979 km², although only the original 141 km² are open to the public. It was established in 1894 as a Game Sanctuary.

The park is situated in dry zone of the country which has long period of drought season in the year. Main source of rainfall is Northeast monsoon and inter monsoon rain during April - May. Mean annual precipitation is 900 - 1300mm and mean annual temperature is around 27°C.[1] During June to October this area has experienced with very drought condition. The day time temperature is normally higher than 30°C which is not uncommon in this region.

Much of the reserve is parkland, but it also contains jungle, beaches, freshwater lakes and rivers and scrubland. The latter zone is punctuated with enormous rocky outcrops. The range of habitats give rise to a good range of wildlife.

Yala has the world's highest concentration of Leopards, although seeing this largely nocturnal carnivore still requires some luck.

The park was badly damaged by the tsunami of 26th December 2004, with the destruction of the wildlife center and tourist lodge. Many tourists, including a party of 22 Japanese, died in the disaster, as did several of the national park and lodge employees. It is claimed that no evidence of large-scale animal deaths from the tsunami was found indicating that animals may have sensed the wave coming and fled to higher ground.

Now it is again open to the public visitors.

Wilpattu National Park

Wilpattu National Park (Willu-pattu; Land of Lakes) is a park located on the island of Sri Lanka. The unique feature of this park is the existence of “Willus” (Natural lakes) - Natural, sand-rimmed water basins or depressions that fill with rainwater. Located in the Northwest coast lowland dry zone of Sri Lanka. The park is located 30km west Anuradhapura and located 26 km north of Puttalam (approximately 180 km north of Colombo). The park is 131, 693 hectares and ranges from 0 to 152 meters above sea level. Nearly sixty lakes (Willu) and tanks are found spread throughout Wilpattu. Wilpattu is one of the largest and oldest National Parks in Sri Lanka. Wilpattu is among the top national parks world renowned for its Leopard (Panthera pardus kotiya) population. The Leopard population in Wilpattu is still not yet known.

Rivers in Sri Lanka

2010-03-08T01:59:00.000-08:00

Mahaweli

Sinhalese: “Great Sandy River”), river, central and eastern Sri Lanka At 208 mi (335 km) in length, it is Sri Lanka’s longest river. It rises on the Hatton Plateau on the western side of the island’s hill country, flows north through a tea- and rubber-growing region, and turns east near Kandy; it then turns north across the lowlands, receives its tributary, the Amban Ganga, and flows past Polonnaruwa to its mouth on Koddiyar Bay, 7 mi south of Trincomalee.

Kelani

Kelani Ganga is not the largest river of Sri Lanka, but one of the most important. It covers 80 percent of the water supply to Colombo. In addition, it is used for hydropower production, transport, irrigation, fisheries, and sewage disposal, and sand is extracted from its bed. In these ways, many people depend on the river for their daily life.

Gin River

The Gin River (Sinhala: Gin Ganga), is a 115.9 km (72 mi) long river situated in Galle District of Sri Lanka. Its water source arrives from the Gongala Mountains in Deniyaya. The Gin River flows past the villages of Baddegama, Nagoda, Thelikada and Hegoda. The Wakwella Bridge, which is the longest bridge in Sri Lanka, is built over this river. The river is also dammed at the Thelikada village.