Sri Lanka – The Island Paradise

Sri Lanka, the pearl of the Indian Ocean, is described as a Paradise on Earth and an Island of exotic beauty with warm friendly people. It’s summer sunshine all round the year in sunny Sri Lanka, which, with lush greenery throughout the country and nature’s bounty from the land and the sea, makes it a land like no other.

Rural Sri Lanka still retains life styles and work activities of a by-gone era -Water Buffaloes working in rice paddies, Colorful weekly village fairs, Elephants hauling logs, men on aerial routes using rope bridges to collect Nectar from Coconut Palms and Stilt Fishing in the coastal belt of South Sri Lanka are some of the quaint scenery of the Island.

You will not miss the Sri Lanka smile – the warm friendly smile of Sri Lankan every where, who welcome visitors to the Island as guests of the country. Travel in rural Sri Lanka is an experience of traveling back in time seeing the country as it was a century or more ago.

sri lankan flag

The flag of Sri Lanka, also called the Lion Flag, consists of a gold lion, holding a kastane sword in its right fore paw, in front of a dark red background with four golden bo leaves, one in each corner. Around the background is a yellow border, and to its left are 2 vertical stripes of equal size in green and saffron, with the saffron stripe closest to the lion. The lion represents the Sinhalese ethnicity and the bravery of the Sri Lankan nation while the four Bo leaves represent Mettā, Karuna, Mudita and Upekkha. The orange stripe represents theSri Lankan Tamils, the green stripe represents Sri Lankan Moors, and the maroon background represents the majority of Sinhalese, like the lion, this is the color used in early flags of Sri Lanka by Kings

Dunhinda Adaviya

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This is considered to be one of the most enchanting falls in Sri Lanka and is in close proximity to Badulla town. The water resembles a thin cloud as it cascades 63m downwards into a large pool. The backdrop to the fall is known as 'Dunhinda Adaviya'. 'Dunhinda' translates to 'spraying/vapour waterfall' - the word 'dun' means 'gave/was given', while 'hinda' means 'evaporate'.
This fall is steeped in history. According to IJD Borger in his book Ceylon Today 6 (1957), the area was once inhabited by indigenous people - the Vedda tribe. During the time of King

Rajasinhe, a giant fern became stuck at the top of the fall, between two mountains. This acted as a dam, which resulted in the flooding of Badulla town. Seeing the gravity of the situation, the king entrusted the task of clearing the sluice to a person named 'Ranhavadidaraya'. After toiling for three months he managed to clear the water and the town re-emerged.
The fern was swept away but got stuck again at a place now known as Pusselawa ('pus' meaning fern). It was the first fall on the island where a fee was introduced to view it. This applies to

both native and foreign visitors. On the approach to the fall, there are a large number of unauthorized pitches put up by traders. Visitors who patronize these stalls often carelessly throw away rejected food, polythene and other refuse on the site surrounding the fall. To aggravate the problem, illicit logging is carried out in the reserve causing an environmental nightmare. Urgent conservational measures are required.
Dunhinda Falls is 5km from Badulla town and from the main highway it is a tortuous 1km walk. The Ella rest-house is 29km away.

sigiriya

Sigiriya is an archelological site in North Central Sri Lanka. It contains the ruins of an ancient palace complex, built during the regin of King Kasyapa (477AD – 495 AD). It is one of the 7 world heritage sites in Sri Lanka and is one of it’s most popular tourist destinations.

The Sigiriya site consistes of a 180m tall granite rock, whose sides are so steep that at some points the top overhangs the base. At the top of the site there is a palace complex. The ruines of various chambers, stairways and pools can be seen at the top. There is a stone stairway leading from the base to the top of the mountain. About half way to the top, there is a pair giant pair of lions paws which is infact the ruind of a huge head of a lion whose open mouth served as the entrance to the royal palace. Surrounding the palace complex are the ruins of a garden complex consisting of two moats, various pools.
uma oya project

Work on the implementation of the Uma Oya Multi Purpose Development Project has been accelerated with the purchase of two tunnel boring machines considered the latest and most efficient in the industry.

Irrigation and Water Resource Management Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva said his ministry has purchased the two machines to help speed up the construction of the Uma-Oya tunnel system.

Uma-Oya is a multi-purpose project which will divert water for agricultural and drinking purposes in Hambantota and Monaragala areas. It will also be used to generate hydro power.

The Minister said the construction of the Uma-Oya project tunnel system is being implemented smoothly and praised the work done by the Iran Engineering Company, local and foreign engineers. He also thanked the Iranian government for help rendered for the Uma-Oya Project.

The Minister said that acquisition of private lands for the project have already been compensated and others who need alternative land for agricultural purposes will be given land in the Handapangala area.

Dalada Malaigaw

Kandy was the capital of the Singhalese Kings from 1592 to 1815. Fortified by a terrain of mountains and the difficult approach Kandy managed to operate in independence from Dutch, Portuguese and the English till 1815. The city is a world heritage site declared by UNESCO, in part due to this temple.

The Sri Dalada Maligawa or The Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic is a temple in the city of Kandy in Sri Lanka. It was built within the royal palace complex which houses the one of the two surviving relic of the tooth of Buddha, an object of veneration for Buddhists. The other tooth relic is believed to be enshrined in a stupa calledSomawathi Chethiya.

The Sri Dalada Maligawa in Kandy, the temple which houses the Sacred Tooth Relic of The Buddha, is possibly the most sacred Buddhist shrine in the world. It is venerated not only by Buddhists in Sri Lanka but by Buddhists all over the world.

King Wimaladharmasuriya I (1592 – 1603), the first to select Kandy as the ruling capital originally built a two storied Temple for the Relic and brought the tooth relic from Delgamuwa near Kuruwita in Sabaragamuwa which has been hidden for protection. Remains of this temple no longer exist. Wimaladharmasuriya II (1686 – 1706) built a three storied temple and his son king Viraparakrama Narendrasinha (1706 – 1738), the last Sinhalese king to rule the country, built a new two storied temple temple seeing that the old temple built by his father has decayed. The last king of Sri lanka, Sri Wickrama Rajasinghe (1797 – 1814) built the Pattirippuwa (the Octagon). Originally, the Pattirippuwa (octagon) was part of the royal palace. It was used by the king to address his follow countrymen. Today the Pattirippuwa has become a part of the temple and houses ancient textures written in ola leaves.

The entrance to the temple complex is through the “Maha Vahalkada”. There are two walls on the sides of the “Vahalkada”. The outer wall is called “Walakulu Bamma” (wall of clouds). This same pattern is also used in the wall surrounding the Kandy lake. The inner wall is called “Diyareli Bamma” (wall of water ripples). Both these walls are built with holes to place oil lanterns during the night.

Hikkaduwa beach

Hikkaduwa is a small town on the south coast of Sri Lanka located in the Southern Province, about 17 km north-west of Galle.

Arranged around the heavily trafficked main Galle to Colombo road which runs mostly parallel to the shore, Hikkaduwa's beach and night life make it a popular tourist destination. A well-known international destination for board-surfing, the town was featured in an episode of Anthony Bourdain's television show No Reservations.

Hikkaduwa was affected by the tsunami caused by the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake along with nearby villages Telwatta, Paraliya (Queen of the Sea rail disaster), Dodanduwa, Kahawa and Rathgama. In the wake of the tsunami, many of the families who had lost everything were given sewing machines as part of the relief operations. As a result, the town has a multitude of tailors who will custom make shirts, pants, and shorts.

Hikkaduwa is a small town on the south coast of Sri Lanka located in the Southern Province, about 17 km north-west of Galle.

Hikkaduwa Coral Gardens

Hikkaduwa, a popular tourist destination in the Galle District is renowned for it's beach and the corals. The Coral Garden here is considered to be the best out of all such coral gardens found in Asia. There is a reef of lime stones running parallel to the coast. The corals are in between this line of lime stones and the coast. The sea up to about 200 m from the coast is very shallow. The reef of lime stones protects the corals from high tide. The coral type found mostly here is the type locally called "Gampara". These corals are found in various forms , shapes and colours. They are a very fascinating sight especially when there is bright sunlight which gives a very clearer view of the corals. You see some corals in the shape of a cabbage leaf; some are like a lady's fan. Since there is no silt, corals can grow in their natural form and colour.

Animals of Sri Lanka

Even though Sri Lanka is not a big country and differs in many ways from African countries such as Kenya and Tanzania, Sri Lanka offers plenty of opportunities for wild life safaris. The chances of seeing big herds of animal like in African safari are rare in the island. But Sri Lankan national parks are rank among the best places to witness wild animals such as leopards and elephants in the region. Recently conducted survey on wild elephants revealed that Sri Lanka has the highest number of wild elephants in the region. Unlike many national parks, you will be able to witness many number of wild animals within a one hour safari in Sri Lanka, Due to the large concentration of animals within a small geographical areas.

Elephant

Elephant is the biggest animal in the island. You encounter them not only in national parks but also in some populates dry zone areas. For instance, along the highway between Polonnaruwa and Habarana, or Sigiriya. About 150 elephants are tamed and trained to perform various activities. Today, they are mainly used in religious activities and traditional events. Elephants are not employed to do tedious and difficult tasks such as carrying heavy logs in the jungles anymore. With more than 5800 wild elephants in the jungle, Sri Lanka has the highest number of wild elephants in Asia. Esala ceremony is participated by large number of beautifully dressed elephants and an elephant is en-trusted to carry the most sacred element for Buddhists namely Dalada or Tooth relic around the city of Kandy.

Mongooses are encountered very often in the island. They are very shy and hide themselves in a flash upon encountering human. They usually prey on snakes, birds, bird eggs, and insects. Monitor lizards are also can be spotted very often by the side of roads.

Adam’s Peak.

Jutting sharply skyward from the lush jungles of southwestern Sri Lanka is the 7362 foot (2243 meter) peak of Sri Pada, the 'Holy Footprint'. Also called Adam's Peak, the mountain has the unique distinction of being sacred to the followers of four of the world's major religions: Hinduism, Buddhism, Christianity and Islam. Long before the development of these religions, however, the mountain was worshipped by the aboriginal inhabitants of Sri Lanka, the Veddas. Their name for the peak was Samanala Kanda; Saman being one of the four guardian deities of the island. For Hindus, the name of the mountain is Sivan Adi Padham, because it was the world-creative dance of the god Shiva that left the giant footprint (5 feet 7 inches by 2 feet 6 inches). According to Buddhist traditions from as early as 300 BC, the real print is actually beneath this larger marking. Imprinted on a huge sapphire, it was left by the Buddha during the third and final of his legendary visits to Sri Lanka. When Portuguese Christians came to the island in the 16th century they claimed the impression to be the footprint of St.Thomas who, according to legend, first brought Christianity to Sri Lanka. And finally, the Arabs record it as being the solitary footprint of Adam where he stood for a thousand years of penance on one foot. An Arab tradition tells that when Adam was expelled from heaven, God put him on the peak to make the shock less terrible - Ceylon being that place on earth closest to and most like heaven.The mountain is more easily seen from the sea than from land, and also more impressive

. Early Arab seafarers fascinated with the pyramidal peak wrote of it as "the highest mountain in the world" (it is not even the highest in Sri Lanka), and "visible from three days sail". The ancient Sinhalese also believed it to be of great height and a native legend tells "from Seyllan to Paradise is forty miles, and the sound of the fountains of Paradise is heard here". Visited by many early world travelers, among them the Arab Ibn Batuta (1304-1368) and the Venetian Marco Polo (1254-1324), Adam's Peak attained a legendary status as a mystic pilgrimage destination. Today the pilgrimage season commences in December and continues until the beginning of the monsoon rains in April (from May to October the mountain is obscurred by clouds). Certain parts of the path leading up the mountain are extremely steep and the climbing chains secured in these sections are said to have been placed by Alexander the Great (365-323 BC), though there is no evidence that he made it this far south on his Asia travels. Atop the peak is an oblong platform (74 x 24 feet) where stands a small Buddhist temple and the shrine of Saman with the strange footprint. Votive offerings are made here, especially of a coil of silver as long as the donor is tall, for recovery from sickness; and rain-water taken from the footprint is known to have a wonderful healing power. Adam's Peak is also called Samanalakande or the 'butterfly mountain' because of the myriads of small butterflies that fly from all over the island to die upon the sacred mountain.

Piduruthalagala Mountain

Piduruthlagala is the Highest mountain and highest top of the Sri Lanka. Top of the Piduruthalalgala mountain is high 2524m above sea level. this mountain is very beautiful and very cool mountain of Sri Lanka. piduruthalagala cool climate is very wonderful.
Most highest pot of Sri Lanka called Piduruthalagala and top of this mountain and meter to every place of Sri Lanka with their distance and vector. Piduruthalagala mountain is at Nuwaraeliya place and secret plants secret animals and various things are hidden in there. Most plants and animals are endemic to Sri Lanka. Soma plants which are only grows at Himalayas of India are grows in this mountain.
Their is a coolest and highest village of Sri Lanka called Shanthipura which is at between Nuwaraeliya city and Piduruthalagala mountain. Their are busses to Shanthipura and Nuwaraeliya but shutters of this buses are can not opened. Because thir is very cool. Most big Radar station and most powerful Sri Lankan Sri Lanka Rupavahini television tower is situated at top of Piduruthalagala mountain.In security seosons sometimes you may not permit to enter or climb this mountain.

Sri Lanka Food

As a cross cultural hub in Asia, Sri Lanka hosts a variety of culinary delights beside her own indigenous preparations. City to city, district to district dishes can have a twist to otherwise a homogeneous food types. Rice being the staple meal all round, Sri Lankan food has a gamut of dishes which or ‘curries’ to go with it. Wheat/ rice flour are turned out to ‘Rotties’, String hoppers or Hoppers as in South India. Quite a proportion of the populace are vegans. However, a good number go for meat of all kinds, fish and egg to complement the rice meal. Sri Lanka food is rich with locally cultivated vegetables that are prepared in varied forms. Some are made as gravy while some are served as ‘mallum’ (chopped) or even tempered with oil. Meat and fish kind are made to different tastes and textures. Sri Lanka food comes in hot and spicy, sweet and sour and also ‘white’ delicacies. The sea around sources enough fish .Farm products such as the eggs and poultry are never short. There is a disparity in meat consumption in certain areas, as they do not sell nor slaughter due to a strong concentration of vegetarians in these especially during certain religious days or periods, owing to religious injunctions.

Short eats and pastries are to be found throughout the day. Sweets and beverages are in abundance. Eats made of wheat flour sweetened with either sugar or juggery is also common delicacies that savour the Sri Lanka food. Fresh fruit juice of Young Coconut, Mango , Avocado, lime etc., are to be found from wayside vendors, boutiques and hotels whilst Tea, the main hot beverage of international fame is a household beverage. Cleanliness is carefully monitored by authorities. Coffee too is taken for stimulation by a fair number. As you travel to the North that’s verdant with Palmyrah, you can relish the food derivatives of the palm. The simplest but not the least in taste is the ‘pol sambol’, grated coconut preparation, a temptation!.

Mirisawetiya Vihara

The Mirisaveti Stupa is situated in the ancient city of Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka.^[1] King Dutugamunu built the Mirisaveti Stupa after defeating King Elara. After placing the Buddha relics in the sceptre, he had gone to Tisawewa for a bath leaving the sceptre. After the bath he returned to the place where the sceptre was placed, and it is said that it could not be moved. The stupa was built in the place where the sceptre stood. It is also said that he remembered that he partook a chilly curry without offering it to the sangha. In order to punish himself he built the Mirisavetiya Dagaba. The extent of this land is about 50 acres (20 ha). Although the king Kasyapa I and Kasyapa V renovated this, from time to time it was dilapidated. What stands today is the renovation done by the cultural Triangle Fund.

Royal Pleasure Gardens Also known as the Park of the Goldfish, these gardens testify to the skill of the architects and landscape gardeners of King Dutugemunu's reign. Covering approximately 14 ha (35 acres), they are built around ponds and rocks, with views over the Tissa Wewa tank, and were intended as a tranquil retreat from affairs of state. Some of that tranquility survives.

Vijithapura Raja Maha Viharaya

Vijitapura Raja Maha Viharaya is located close to great Kalawewa reservoir in the field where the hero of the nation, King Dutugamunu (161-131 BC), following a series of battles in numerous Dravidian strongholds through long 30 years, finally defeated Elara of Marauding Dravidian invaders & rescued the nation & faith. The victorious king allowed the defeated Dravidians to live in northern peninsula to where they fled: live & let live ideology of the Aryan Sinhalese. The gentle sway of Buddhism with its concept of right to life of all beings saved the marauding southern Indian Dravidians from being pushed into the Indian Ocean.

Lankaramaya Stupa

Lankaramaya stupa located south-west of the Abhayagiriya Dagoba at Anuradhapura was built by King Valagambahu [Vattagamini Abhaya] [103 BC & 89-76 BC], the builder of Sri Lanka Holidays Golden Dambulla Rock Cave Temple at Dambulla. Though some historians claim the Lankaramaya stupa was named Manisosmarama as it was built in honor of the heroic consort Somadevi, who voluntarily dismounted from the chariot fleeing from the marauding Dravidian invaders to lighten the load: it was carrying the king, his two consorts [Somadevi and Anuladevi] and his son. Following fourteen years of refuge, recovery and reinforcement, the lion-heated king regained the kingdom of Lanka.

The diameter of the renovated dagoba measures 38 feet. The circular terrace on which the stupa was built measures 132 feet. Four flights of steps, each with a width of 12 feet, oriented in cardinal directions, lead to the terrace, which itself is 10 feet above the ground level. During the glorious era of Anuradhapua, Lankaramaya stupa had a roof supported by 88 stone cut columns in the cetiyaghara (vatadage) architectural design at Polonnaruwa vatadage at Sri Lanka Holidays Polonnaruwa and Medirigirya vatadage and Thuparama stupa. Today only a few of the columns remain surrounding the stupa.

Ritigala mountain range

Ritigala mountain range consists of four peaks of which the main and the highest peak at the south of the range is named Ritigala Kanda. Ritigala mountain range, a 3776-acre (1582 ha) Strict Nature Reserve, one of the well inventoried bio diversity hot spots in the Dry Zone of Sri Lanka is managed by Department of Wildlife of Sri Lanka together with Forest Department of Sri Lanka.

Ritigala Kanda rises to an elevation higher than the other main tourist attractions of north central plains, namely Sigiriya, Dambulla and Mihintale. Then again at an altitude of 2513 ft, Ritigala Kanda is comparatively a low mountain. The significance of this topographical feature lies in the cumulative effect of abrupt sheerness of the massif, its wooded slopes and wet microclimate at the summit. During the North East monsoon (December to February), Ritigala experiences the highest rainfall (125 cm) of entire dry zone. The combination of mist and cloud which encapsulate the crest during South-West monsoon (May to September) results in a high vapor condensation, and therefore, a moist earth at a time when the plain below is gripped in drought.

The wet micro climate therein at Ritigala is a singular occurrence in the north central plains, the ancient Sri Lanka’s “Wewe Bandi Rata” meaning “the land of rainwater reservoirs” in Sinhalese. Then again, Ritigala is steeped in history, woven in legend and epic and shrouded in mythology and mist.

Ritigala couldn’t be better located: it is right between the two ancient cities of Anuradhapaura and Polonnaruwa in the north central plains of Sri Lanka. Anurdhapura is 43 kms to the north-west while Polonnaruwa is 49 kms to the south east of Ritigala. Located midway of Habrana-Maradankadawala (A11) road, it can be seen from afar even in Dambulla- Anuradhapura (A9) main road: north east of Kekirawa and south east of Maradankadawala.

The Approach to Ritigala
The most convenient transportation hub and accommodation option for the visiting tourists at Ritigala is Habarana (21 kms). Ritigala can be reached by a minor road, a jungle track off Habarana-Maradankadawela-Anuradhapura road. The regular entry point to the ruins of the monastery caves and forest is reached by a dirt road running from 9 kms from Galapitagala, meaning rock upon rock in Sinhala, a hamlet a little to the north-east of 8 m mile-post (12km) on Habarana-Anuradhapura road. Ritigala is also accessible from the village of Ganewelpola.

We are at a mountain steeped in epic, legend, history, mystery and mist crowned with cool & wet micro-climate. The site is Indescribable. We are in central plains, dry & humid yet the climate herein is reassuring and cool with ever green environment of the mountain range. And we are still at the foot of the mountain. About 70 caves, once used by Buddhist monks, are splattered over the slopes of the Ritigala Mountain. Brahmi inscriptions herein date the site from the third & second centuries BC.

The ascent of Ritigala Mountain at reservoir
Ruins of Ritigala monastery are located on the eastern side of the mountain at the foot of the gorge which separates the main peak from the northern ridge of the range. The ruins cover an area of 24 hectares (60 acres). The monastery precinct begins at the office of the on-site branch of Department of Archeology of Sri Lanka close to the foot of the reservoir named Banda Pokuna. The ancient man-made reservoir is an impressive feet of engineering with a bund of polygonal plan completing a circumference of 366 meters. The construction of the reservoir is credited to King Pandukabhaya (437 -367 BC). The reservoir possibly served a ritual bathing purpose, with visitors bathing herein before entering the monastery. The order of ritual bathing tank, ruins of entrance complex and a pedestrian path seem to indicate devotees in large numbers visiting the monastery. We will only be following an ancient path. The procession is similar to that of Kataragama where pilgrims begins with a cleansing bath at Kataragama Manik river and end with an offering to the God Skanda, the much adored and benevolent Hindu deity of Kataragama at the main shrine.

Bubbling streams, huge boulders & noble trees
We follow the edge of the reservoir in a clockwise direction to arrive at the other bank. We cross the bed of the stream feeding the reservoir. The steep steps here onwards lead up to a beautifully constructed pavement, a stone path 1.5 meters wide that meander upwards through the forest. It links all the major buildings of the monastery, in perfect harmony with huge boulders, mighty trees & burbling streams of the sylvan environment. The stone cut path that testifies to superior craftsmanship is beautifully laid with interlocking four-sided slabs of hewn stone. Still more, it is edged with proportionate curbstones. Overhanging branches over & along the stone path provide shade and shelter to such an extent, even during the fierce High Noon of dry zone, the sunrays onto the path is reduced to a soft glow. It’s a lovely herein along the sheltered and paved path. The three large circular platforms at intervals along the pavement allow us to take a rest.

Stone bridges, raised platforms & courtyards
Then we are at the remains of some extraordinary stone structures named double-platforms, which are characteristic of Ritigala & other forest monasteries such as Arankele, Veherabandigala and the western monasteries at Anuradhapura. Spreads over an area of about 120 acres are about 50 such double platforms. We are free to take any path that our heads turn and find ruins. Then again, we are in a dense jungle, as such we need to close ranks and stay close together so as not to get lost. Moreover we need to be guided not to cross paths with the snakes.

Raised platforms formed by retaining walls of massive stones are found in pairs, linked together by a stone bridge. The main axis of the combined platforms is set exactly east west. The structures were then most possibly roofed & divided into rooms. These are believed to be used for solitary practices such as meditation, as well as congregational functions such as teaching & ceremony. We take the path over a stone bridge, then following a part-restored pathway, trek a few meters to the right-hand (east) laid with interlocking ashlars and then to the first major clearing & we are at the ruins of a monastery hospital, where we can still see the medicinal herbs-leaves & roots-grinding stones and huge stone cut Ayurvedic oil baths.
The pavement continues straight ahead to reach one of the roundabouts. About 20 meters before reaching the round about, a path heads off to the right, leading through enormous tree roots to a lookout, reached by a stone high above a burbling stream. Further up is another lookout. Then we encounter an artificial waterfall contrived by placing a stone slab between two rocks.

Another 500 meters & we reach two further sunken courtyards. The first courtyard contains a large double platform structure, one of the largest stone structures in the entire monastery; one of the platforms preserves the remains of the pillars which once supported a building. A few meters beyond lies the second courtyard & another large double platform.

Extreme austerity at Ritigala Monastery
With the exception of few broken granite Buddha statues in a number of caves, Ritigala has none of the traditional icons of Buddhist temples: no bodhi tree, no stupas. The first Lanka Vihare (temple) was founded near Ritigala at the foot of the mountain in the second century BC. The Aritta Vihare was founded a century afterwards. Royals proved generous patrons. In the ninth century AD, King Sena made endowment of the monastery, a larger complex higher up the slope for a group of Buddhist ascetics called the Pansukulikas (rag robes) monks who devoted themselves to extreme austerity in search of supreme enlightenment.

Such was the detachment of these wilderness bound Buddhist ascetics from the traditional life of Buddhist monks at village temples, their robes were simply cleaned, washed and repaired rags, mostly shrouds picked up from cemeteries, in line with one of the thirteen ascetic practices (Dhutanga) outlined in Buddhism.

Horton Plains

Horton Plains National Park, a World Heritage Site perched on the southern edge of the Central highlands, midway between Nuwara Eliya & Haputaleconsists of montane forests, where the land rises to 2,500 meters above sea-level. Horton Plains is home to an extraordinary range of flora and fauna, including several endangered species such as the western-purple-faced langur, the Horton Plains slender loris and the Sri Lankan leopard. The region is considered a super biodiversity hotspot. The Park (10,000 ha), named after British governor Sir Robert Horton is a world apart from rest of the tropical island. This is the island's highest & most isolated plain, a result of millions of years of erosion. The importance of conservation of the park lies in, among others, in its role as the catchment area of the major rivers of the island.

The early morning drive

The high altitude plains are beautiful, silent, strange & excellent for trekking & bird watching. A light sweater & stout shoes for the morning; a hat & sunscreen for mid day. The weather can change very quickly on the plains. One minute it can be sunny & clear, the next chilly & misty. Pastries & sandwiches. canteens of water, a flask of tea or a flask of coffee. We will be leaving as early as 5.30 am from Nuwara Eliya. The drive from here on via beautiful Diyatalawa (of military cantonment since the days of the British) to Horton Plains is particularly beautiful. Mountains, mist, tall trees, green vegetation, flowers & fruits all hugging you all along. The crisp & cool air would be wrapping you around. The pain in the A of waking up, getting up & getting ready early in the morning is all gone now. You start to feel assured that all that trouble is nothing compared the ride, hike & the park. This is hill country of Sri Lanka. Just before we reach the park we drive passing a stunning dawn view of Adam's Peak. The peak is prettiest during the pilgrimage season from December to May while the mountain is illuminated with lights). By 7 am we are at the entrance to the park.

Trekking in the morning

Now on it's the trekking. A 9.5 km circular track (round trip entrance to the park /the World's End/ Baker's Falls/Entrance to the park) around the plains. The crystal-clear pools still run with trout, a legacy from colonial times. Shallow streams run over pebbled beds.

Scottish moorlands

The breathtaking landscapes of this high, misty, silent, strange plateau, some 20 km (12miles) south of Nuwara Eliya & up to 2400m (7870 ft) above combines bleak, windswept, high altitude mountain grasslands similar to Scottish moorlands of Emily Bronte's "Wuthering heights" with areas of miniature "elfin" forest-dwarf forms of tree & shrubs adapted to the cool climate & skimpy soil of plains. A blend of temperate montane forest & wet patina grassland. For the first half of a kilometer, the path leads through rolling open land dotted with gorse & rhododendron bushes before entering a stretch of wonderful cloud forest: a tangle of stunted grey-barked trees & shrubs are draped in lichen & bog moss (sphagnum). This is a Tolkienesque imaging.

polonnaruwa temple

The Mediaeval Capital of Sri Lanka

Polonnaruwa was a great city in Sri Lanka which came in to prominence during its' brief period of 2 Centuries of Sri Lankan history, being second only to the ancient city of Anuradhapura in ancient cultural heritage.

Polonnaruwa is 216 kMs from Colombo and 122 kMs from Kurunegala. Most common way to reach Polonnaruwa is to come to Habarana and then turning off along A11 Road [Maradankadawala-Tikkandimadu] and to proceed about 45 kMs to come to Polonnaruwa.

Polonnaruwa today is a showcase of the great ancient Sri Lankan architecture dating back to 12th Century AD ,which was interwoven with many Buddhist monasteries and monuments which were built by the King Parakramabahu I. Later King Nissankamalla (1187-1196 AD ) from Kalinga dynasty also had contributed to the development of many buildings and monuments at Polonnaruwa.

During the Anuradhapura period around 1st to 6th Century AD, , there has been agricultural developments with irrigation work and constructions such as Elahera canal,Minneriya tank, Kaudulla tank, Giritale tank etc. at Polonnaruwa area. The Anuradhapura kingdom's ruling King's army units were also stationed at Polonnaruwa . It had not been a major city at that time. King Aggabodhi IV ( 667-685 AD) was the First King who lived in Polonnaruwa and ruled the Anuradhapura Kingdom. In the earlier times this city was called as Pulatthinagara, after a famous sage, Pulasti which gives an indication of the Hindu influence existed.

King Parakramabahu I , was the greatest King who ruled Polonnaruwa during the Polonnaruwa era for 33 years from 1153-86 AD and it had been a prosperous time for the entire island nation. It was a time with numerous architectural activities which one can still see even in the present time. He developed the city with architects and technicians brought down from India and the influence of the Indian architecture can be seen from many well preserved sites existing today.Polonnaruwa Architecture, Art and Sculpture is well displayed at Gal Viharaya,Thuparamaya Image House and Lankatilaka Image House and many other sites scattered through out Polonnaruwa ancient city.

Due to invasions from the Cholas of South India, the Polonnaruwa kingdom was under the rule of Cholas for about 73 years. Polonnaruwa kingdom was abandoned by Sinhala kings in the latter part of the 12th century.

Famous places like Sigiriya,Medirigiriya, Somawathie, Dimbulagala and Buduruwayaya are not far away from Polonnaruwa so can be reached without much difficulty.

Vatadage Moonstone

This is believed to be built by King Parakramabahu the Great who reined Polonnaruwa kingdom from 1153-1186 AD. This has been used originally as a Relic House for the Temple of the Tooth. It is suggested that this would have been renovated later during King Nissankamalla's reign and converted in to the Vatadage as seen today. The Moonstone and the Guard Stones considered to be best examples of their kind in Polonnaruwa.

In the center of this circular building, which is raised on a granite circular terrace, is the Dageba, which is made of bricks. There are four seated Buddha images facing the four entrances to the upper terrace entrances. In earlier times, this dageba had been covered by a roof , resting on stone pillar

Gal Vihara.

Since I was a child I remember the famous video of Duran Duran and its wonderful Buddhas, well here my dream came through as i saw them live and in color. The Gal Vihara is a majestic group of Buddhas all cut from one long slab of granite, Four images of different sizes are carved out of a cliff about 56 yards long and falls away gradually at each end. Nearly 15 ft. of rock has been cut away to form the three large images and the cave. For me it was a very rewarding experience.

Rangkot Vihara.

Outside the quadrangle, north of the city wall, stands the Rangkot Vihara a huge Dagoba (the largest in Polonnaruwa) constructed as other Dagobas in the country of a earth fill building, covered by a dome made of brick mantle and plaster.

Atadage.

The Atadage is the first Tooth Relic Temple of Polonnaruwa. It was built by Vijayabahu in the 11th century. The name Atadage means "House of Eight Relics". What remains of Atadage today are 54 stone pillars which once supported a timber upper floor where the relic was kept.
A big Buddha statue stands near the end of the temple.

Gal Pota.

Located on the north side of the quadrangle, the Gal Pota is an old stone book that sings praises to king Nissanka Malla, also includes the foot note that the slab (Weighin 25 tonnes) was brought from Mihintale (100 kms away).

Satmahal Prasada.

This ziggurat-style temple wich consists of six diminishing storeys is an example of south-east asia influence on Sinhalese architecture, and it really reminds me of other pyramid style temples i´ve seen in Angkor Wat and Tikal.

Vatadage.

The centerpiece of the ancient city of Polonnaruwa, the Dalada Maluwa (the hall of the Tooth Relic), was a sacred precinct containing 12 magnificent buildings. Although there are numerous vatadage across Sri Lanka, the Vatadage at Polonnaruwa is the most famous. As with many other vatadage, it had a stupa in the centre with four Buddha images facing the cardinal directions.

The Vatadage, one of the oldest & most beautiful monuments in Polonnaruwa, is to our left as we enter the Dalada Maluwa. In spite of its modest proportions, the circular building with concentric terraces is a superbly planned & executed 12th century masterpiece. It was certainly intended to house the Sacred Tooth Relic of Buddha, which is now deposited at The Sacred Temple of Tooth in Kandy. Built by King Parakrambahu the great (1164-1196AD), it was later embellished by King Nissankamalla (1198-1206).

Outer structure, the first terrace
The entire outer structure with a diameter of 18m is a gorgeous riot of artistry, with almost every surface carved in a melee of decoration. The outer wall is decorated with friezes of lions & dwarfs, & topped by an abstract lotus design.

Upper structure, the second terrace
Four entrances to the upper terrace are adorned with magnificent stone carvings: moonstones flanked by nagaraja (Cobra king) figures with seven hooded cobra head guardstones.

While the Nagaraja figures were believed to prevent evil spirits entering the premises, the moonstones- elaborate semi-circular welcome step stones carved in polished granite- represent the spiritual journey from samsara, the endless cycle of death & rebirth, to Nirvana, the ultimate escape from suffering. These were unique decorative features of Sinhalese architecture. The moonstone at the northern entrance is the finest in Polonnaruwa.

Central dagoba (stupa)
From the upper terrace, steps lead through four entrances, aligned in the cardinal directions & each presided over by a seated Buddha. In the center are the ruins of the small central brick stupa in which the Tooth Relic was enshrined during the glorious days of ancient capital, Polonnaruwa. In sharp contrast to the building, this innermost sanctum, the reason for the very existence of Vatadage itself, is virtually unadorned.

Lost to the Dravidian invaders
The building has lost the conical roof of three concentric circles, most of the dagoba (stupa) and one of its guardstones at the base of the steps among many other features & surrounding buildings to the marauding Dravidian invaders from South India.

Thuparama Gedige.

Located in the quadrangle, a compound within its own rectangle of walls, guarding the richest collection of ancient buildings in any of Sri Lanka's ruined capitals. The Thuparama Gedige (hollow Buddihist temple with tick walls) is a fine example of the gedige style of temple architecture which flourished at Polonnaruwa, and the only one to survive with its roof still in place. There are several Buddha images in the inner chamber, maybe one of the most beautiful and well preserved buildings in the city.

Council Chamber

A mond wich was once the site of King´s throne (the throne is now housed in the Colombo archaelogical museum) adnd was used also as a audience hall. At the bast of the council chamber are bas-relief elephants. At the entrance are two flights of steps with moonstones, franking them are Makaras (mythical dragon-like beasts). The wooden roof of the building now gone was supported by elegantly carved pillars under which the great king used to seat and hold council.The acoustic of the council chamber is said to be so good that the king can hear his ministers even those standing at the far end of the chamber.

Royal Palace.

King Vijayabahu reunite the country after defeating the Chola invaders from India, and moved the capital from Anaradhapura, declaring Polonnaruwa as the new capital. A massive tank was constructed encircling the city and creating a stable defensive barrier against attacks. The royal palace was the center of the power, a huge palace of seven storeys, where the king used to l

Anuradhapura

Sri Maha Bodhia

Sri Maha Bodhia is the right branch of the secred Bodhi tree where Buddha attained enlightenment. This was brought to Sri Lanka by “Sangamitta Their” in 3rd century B.C. The Bodhi branch was received with respect by the King Devanampiyathissa and was planted in the terrace prepaired for it in Mahameuna garden Anuradhapura. This is treated as the oldest living tree in the world in documented history and it is a place respected by Buddhist’s from all around the world.

Ruwanweli Stupa the magnificent Stupa in Anuradhapura

Ruvanveli Dagoba was built by King Dutugemunu , who is treated as one of the most outstanding ancient Kings of Sri Lanka and this treated as one of the most greatest Stupas in the world.This magnificent huge Dagaba which is 103 meters in height and 287 meters in circumference was built in 2nd century B.C

Abhayagiri Stupa in Anauradhapura

It was King Valagamba (Vattagamani Abhaya) in 103 B.C. founded this large monastery Abhayagiriya and gave it to Mahathissa thera who had protected the king when in adversity. Abhayagiriya is treated as the second highest dagoba in Sri Lanka

The magnificent Twin Ponds of Anuradhapura

Kuttam Pokuna or Twin ponds are the most magnificent bathing ponds located at Anuradhapura. These breathtaking beautiful ponds tell everyone how artistic and the knowledge ancient Sri Lankan had in engineering

Aukana Buddha Statue

Awkana Statue is situated in Anuradhapura district 51 km southeast of Anuradhapura. The 13 meter high statue is carved out of solid granite on a lotus pedestal. This was built during the reign of King “Dathusena” in 5th century AD and this is treated as one of the magnificent carved stature in Sri Lanka

Thuparamaya The very first Stupa built in Ceylon

Thuparama stupa is treated as the first historical built stupa in Sri Lanka by King Devanampiyathissa. It was built by enshrining the right collarbone of the Buddha. Originally this stupa was in a shape of a heap of paddy and later once the repairs were done it has the shape of a water bubble.

Magnificent stone carving of Isurumuniya Lovers

Isurumuniya temple was built by King Devanampiyathissa. It is very popular for its rock carving among them is the Isurumuniya lovers. It is believed that the figures may represent son of Dutugemunu “Saliya” and the law caste maiden “Asokamala” whom he loved. It’s known that he gave up the throne for her.King Kasyapa the 1st in 473-491 AD renovated this and named this as “Boupulvan, Kasubgiri Radmaha Vehera”

Mihintale sri lanka

Mihinthale is located about 8 miles east of Anuradhapura about 1000 feet high mountainous range.place very popular among Buddhist as the cradle of Buddhism in Sri Lanka. This was the place where Arahath Mahinda thera met King Devanampiyathissa. It is stated that King Devanampiyathissa constructed a Vihara

Jetavanarama Stupa in Sri Lanka

Jethavana stupa which is 121 meters in height was built by King Mahasena in 3rd century A.D. This massive brick structure is treated as the largest and tallest brick built structure in the world.

Mirisawetiya stupa Sri lanka

Mirisaveti Stupa was built in 2nd century B.C. by King Dutugamunu after defeating King Elara. Currently this stupa is partial decayed and under construction by the Cultural Triangle

Magul Uyana

Magul Uyana (Gardens) is situated close to Isurumuniya Vihara Anuradhapura. In the gardens there were lot of ponds and seats made from stone. It is said that Prince Saliya met Ashokamala met in this garden.

Vessagiri

Vessagiri is located about half a mile south of Isurumuniya, in a mountainous region. Scattered around 23 caves made of stone with the inscribed names of it’s donor. These are treated as the oldest inscriptions in Sri Lanka written in Brahmi script.

sri lankan beaches

Sri Lanka is blessed with over thousand kilometers of palm fringed Coastline. The long stretched deserted golden beaches of East, West and South are the most popular among visitors and the glistening clear waters will guarantees year around water sports, Swimming and Sunbathing.

When the northeast monsoon winds blow from November to March you can enjoy the sunny, calm beaches of West and southern coastline. During the southwest monsoon season from April to October you can visit the east cost.

The beautiful beaches of Sri Lanka with not be short of activities like warm sea baths to beautiful coral reefs and shipwrecks exploration, large lagoons and bays with fascinating habitat of marine life, bird life and range of water sports.

The costal resorts of Sri Lanka offers wide range of water sport activities like snorkeling, scuba diving operated by professionally qualified diving schools, wind surfing, fishing, canoeing and water skiing.

Not only the activities you can select range of accommodation options such as simple home stay, exclusive boutique hotels, range of Ayurveda spa facilities and ultra luxury 5* hotels as well.

Plan your next holiday in Sri Lanka, for further information please contact Golden Lanka Travels (Pvt) Ltd

Beruwala Beach

Beruwala is located in the south west cost of Sri Lanka about 60 km from Colombo. It will take an hour’s drive to take you to Beruwala and it is treated as the starting point of the southern cost beach resorts.

Benthota Beach

Benthota is 62 km away from Colombo in Galle district. The beaches of Benthots offer plenty of water sports activities such as water-skiing and windsurfing. The best time for visiting Bentota is during October and April.

Hikkaduwa beach

Hikkaduwa Beach100 km away from Colombo, Hikkaduwa is treated as one of the most popular beach in Sri Lanka with plenty of Hotels, restaurants and bars.You can spend time doing snorkeling ,surfing or relaxing in the beach.

Ambalangoda Beach

Ambalangoda is 86 km from Colombo. It is very famous for white sandy beach and for mask making using soft woods with bright colors.

Unawatuna beach

Unawatuna is 120 km from Colombo and four kilometres south of Galle is popular tourist destination. Ramayanaya epic story says that Unawatuna was created from piece of earth of Hialaya. Sleepy peaceful clear waters of unawatuna are famous for safe bathing.

Waligama beach

About 143 km from Colombo Waligama is a costal town with various attractions. The most famous of all is the still fishing and rose-red ironstone cliffs. Still fishing is a scenic view from a distance when fisherman’s are supported by wooden poles standing in the shallow water catching small fish.

Nigambo Beach

To the north of Colombo about 37 km lies Negombo. The wide golden sandy beaches are the most tourist attractions of Negombo. Lagoon of Negombo is famous harvesting of lobster harvesting. Negombo is the deal place to those who want a quick access to KBIA (Katuayake Bandaranayake International Airport ) which is 6 km away.

Arugam bay beach

Arugam bay is a small fishing village located 314 km away east of Colombo in Ampara District. This newest hotspot offers you best surfing , swimming and under water photography.

Mirissa Beach

Mirissa is situated about 4 kilometers south east of Weligama. Mirissa beah is one of the most beautiful beaches I the world, quitter calm deserted and hot.

Hotel Jetwing Beach

Waterfalls of in Sri Lanka.

Bambarakanda Ella

Sri Lanka is blessed with over one hundred waterfalls. The tallest is the Bambarakande Falls which cascades down 263 metres like liquid light. It is only four miles away from the Colombo-Bandarawela road in a forest glade, but it is not visited often, though well worth the trip.

Bambarakande is taller than the famous Diyaluma falls which is only 220 metres but thought to be the tallest waterfall in Sri Lanka. The Diyaluma or Diya Haluma collects its water from the Poonagala Oya in the vicinity of Koslanda and Wellawaya. Located six miles from Koslanda and 13 miles from Wellawaya, its waters originate from the Mahakande Pass in Koslanda. You can see this waterfall if you stop a while on your way to Haputale and detour.

Due to the geological formation of Sri Lanka, the central highlands are surrounded by peneplains, plateaus and valleys. Rainfall sends a large volume of water hurtling down the precipitous edges of the highland mass. The up thrust millions of years ago has caused several peneplains to form, the highest being well over 6000 ft. It is in this area that the water is collected when there are showers and flows down along tributaries down the mountain slopes

Bopath Ella

"Bopath Ella", not like many of the others of her kind , finds her abode in a busy surrounding in the village called Devipahala off Kuruwita on A4 High Level road close to Ratnapura. Being within 3 hours driving distance from the capital, it thus claims the honour of having the highest turn-over of enthusiasts seeking respite from the grimy and monotonous town life .Nevertheless, it has the notorious reputation of devouring its visitors off and on who , attracted by the surroundings ,indulge in over-enjoyment .Here again, the falls take the shape of a "Bo" leave ( "Bo" tree is a sacred tree here ) from which the name has been derived.

Diyaluma Waterfall

With an appearance and location which often make people believe that it is the highest waterfall in the isle, this lanky "Diyaluma" waterfall pours its way down and flows towards Kirindi Oya underneath a bridge on the highway from Beragala to Wellawaya. The extent of water spilt downwards is so great during the rainy season that it makes amends for the monotonously undisturbed water trunk falling from head to foot with no intermediate cascade whatsoever. Its geographical location by one of the mostly used Highways spanning the Hill Country to the Plains speaks for its reputation not only here but in other parts of the world as well.

Dunhinda Waterfall

"Dunhinda" is one of the mostly spoken-about waterfalls in Sri Lanka. Although she couldn't come even close to the highest waterfalls of the planet in height she rivals many of them when it comes to the natural beauty that it bestows on the environment . Situated about 2 km distance from the main road which runs to Taldena from the remote city Badulla in the Uva Province this is easily accesible and frequently visited by local and foreign visitors. On the way can be seen the "Kuda Dunhinda" ( "Kuda" means small in Sinhala ) which is the prologue to its mighty brother . In native tongue "Dun" means mist or vapour which is the ideal explanation for a waterfall creating wreathes of mist on its way down.

Kirindi Oya Waterfall

The Kirindi Oya Falls is the third largest waterfall. It cascades down 200 metres. It can be seen when you go from Ratnapura to Pelmadulla and get on to the Katupitiya road which goes by a tea factory. You have to go along a foot path just beyond the tea factory and if you do not mind the wild grass and reeds, you could go quite close to the waterfall.

Friday, November 22, 2013