Water Falls in Sri Lanka

Ravana Ella( Ravana Falls)

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

Peradeniya Botanical Garden

Situated in the Hill capital Kandy. This visit to this garden will provide spectacles at extraordinary beauty and absorbing interest for any nature lover and casual visitor. 68 miles off-Colombo, 4 miles off Kandy this garden dates from 14th century reign of king Vikrama Bahu III. Peradeniya is well know for it's large variety of plants ornaments, useful machine and other creepers that produce the special spices at Sri Lanka. The great lawns highlight huge tropical trees and variety at bamboo can be found in one place.The best know attraction of the garden is the orchid House, which houses more than 300 varieties of exquisite orchids. A spice garden gives you a first hand introduction to the trees and plants used for the traditional Ayurvedic medicine. Mahaweli river, Sri Lanka's longest river surrounding this garden gives an added beauty to this garden. It wont be wrong to say that this garden is one of it's best kind in the world and the best in Asia.

Maduru Oya National Park

The Maduru Oya National Park is located in the Dry Zone and is 300 k.m. away from Colombo and 58,849 hectares in extent. A wide variety of wildlife including some endemic birds species and reptiles are found here. Maduru Oya is rich in ancient ruins found in different places and its southern parts provide veddhas, indigenous people their living environment. Endemic purple monkey is among the important animal species that can be seen in addition to Sambhur, a member of the cat family etc. There is some endemic avifauna also found within this Park.

Horton Plains National Park

The Horton Plains National Park is the only National Park situated in the Hill Country and falls within the Nuwara Eliya district and is 200 km. away from Colombo. Panoramic scenic beauty of the Hill Country could be witnessed within the Park. The famous `Worlds End' is a major attraction within the Park. Endemic slender loris and endemic purple monkey are among the important animal species that could be seen in addition to sambhur, a member of the cat family etc. There is some endemic avifauna also found within this Park.

Wild Parks

Wild parks in Sri lanka

Sri Lanka has a rich and exotic variety of wildlife and a long tradition of conservation rooted in its 2,230 year old Buddhist civilization. The following are the most important sanctuaries in terms of attractions, accessibility and availability of facilities.

Animal Sanctuaries

The animals to be seen in Sri Lanka's national parks include elephant, leopard, sloth bear, sambhur, deer and monkeys, wild buffalo, wild boar (pig), porcupine, ant-eater, civet cat, jackal, mongoose, loris (unique to sri Lanka) several varieties of lizards, squirrels, reptiles and amphibians. Each park however has its own specialties.

Hikkaduwa

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.

Hakgala Botanical Garden

Where plants and trees from around the world seen at homeHakgala Botanical Gardens, just 10km away from Nuwara Eliya City. Hakgala is one of the places one visits as an essential part of a pleasant journey in the famous hill resort of Nuwara Eliya. The site is legendary. It was once the pleasure garden of Ravana of the Ramayana epic and according to many, it was one of the places where the beautiful Sitha was hidden by the demon king. The present botanic gardens were founded in 1860 by the eminent British botanist Dr. G.H.K. Thwaites who was superintendent of the more famous gardens at Peradeniya, near Kandy.
t was the site initially for experiments with cinchona whose bark yielded quinine, esteemed as a tonic and febrifuge. Quinine at that time was widely used as a specific for malaria. This was perhaps the reason for the popularity of and tonic in these parts - quinine being the principle ingredient of tonic water.The cool, equable climate of the hakgala area, whose mean temperature is around 60 degrees Fahrenheit, encouraged the introduction of suitable temperate zone plants, both ornamental and useful. These included conifers and cedars from Australia, Bermuda and Japan, and cypresses from the Himalayas, china and as far a field as Persia, Mexico and California. New Caledonia gave Hakgala a special variety of pines and there are specimens of this genus from the canary Island as well.An English oak, introduced around 1890, commemorates the "hearts of oak" of Britain's vaunted sea power, and there is a good-looking specimen of the camphor tree, whose habitat is usually in regions above 12,000m.If you have left your heart in an English garden, you will surely find it again in Hakgala's Rose garden. where the sights and scents of these glorious blooms can be experienced in their infinite variety. From there it is a quiet stroll from the sublime to the exotic sophistication of the orchid House. A special attraction here is the verity of montane orchids, many of them endemic to Sri Lanka.It would be in the worst possible taste to describe the Fernery as a collection of "vascular cryptograms" But that is how the dictionary describes the plant whose delicate fronds conjure up visions of misty grottoes, lichen-covered stones and meandering streams. The Fernery at Hakgala is a shady harbour of many quiet walks, in the shad of the Hakgala Rock, shaped like the jawbone of an elephant, from which the place gets its name. Sri Lanka's ferns are well represented here, as are those of Australia and New Zealand.Hakgala is a temperate hill-country garden where also the languid low-country lotus and water lily floats in their serene loveliness. Pinks and blues emerging from a flat- floating background of lush leaves, recall the calm of yellow-robed monks, white-clad, devotees and flickering oil lamps.In time, the highlands bracing breezes dispel the languor of lotus land and even cause a shiver as a temperature lowers. The Hakgala Botanical Gardens is one of the lovely contrasts of Sri Lanka, a home to plants and trees from around the world, making them seem to be part of the scenic beauty.How to get to Hakgala: The nearest railway station is at Nanu Oya, from where there are buses or taxis on the Nuwara Eliya to Badulla road to Hakgala.

Water Falls in Sri Lanka

Water falls

The mountains of Sri Lanka abound with waterfalls of exquisite beauty. Numbering more than hundred and many of them are virtually unknown, hidden away in forest or approached by steps and remote tea plantation tracks. In fact for its size Sri Lanka has recorded water falls than another country.Sri Lankas numerous revers, fed by two half yearly monsoons, with topography of high and steeply scarped peneplains, and rever beds of hard erosion-resistant metamorphic rock, all provide ideal ingredient for the formation of waterfalls.

Diyaluma Falls( skein of water)

Diyaluma ,on the Poonagala Oya rever off the Koslanda- Wellawaya road is another spectacular sight spilling over a straight rock wall. 559 ft in height. Diyaluma is often rated as Sri Lankas highest water falls, upstaging Bambarakanda.It is 13 km from Wellawaya town and 6 km from Koslanda in the Hills and seen like a soft veil, is seen from the Balangoda Wellawaya highway too.Legend says that Gods, seeing the heart break of a prince whose runaway romance ended in the death of his sweetheart whom he had tried haul over the Diyaluma precipice, created this beautiful cascade to weep forever in the wilderness.

Devon falls

Visitors to the Tea country get the opportunity of viewing it. 280 ft in height and viewing place for this lovely falls is from the 20th milepost on the Talawakelle Nawalapitiya road.

Bopath Ella (Bo-leaf fall)

Makes a leap of 100 ft on the Kurd gang, a tributary of the Kale ganga.a water fall not known for its height but for the sheer beauty of formation. The name Bo path Ella derives from its perfectly heart shaped head, much like the leaf of the sacred bo tree. It is one of the favorites picnic spot of Sri Lankans due to its proximity to the city of Colombo. just 15 km from Colombo-Ratnapura road, once reached the Higashena junction, and then branches off to the Agalawatta road and from there its only a few minutes

Climate and Seasons in Sri Lanka

Climate and Seasons in Sri Lanka

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

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

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

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

Rainy Seasons

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

Yala (Ruhuna) National Park

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

Wilpattu National Park

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

Sinharaja virgin forest

Sinharaja (vergin rain forest of Sri Lanka)

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

Flora of Sinharaja

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

Fauna of Sinharaja

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

Sri Lanka Birds

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

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

The Story of Ceylon Tea

THE STORY OF CEYLON TEA

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

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

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

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

Tea pickers gathering leaves into their baskets

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

Ceylon Tea's Lion Logo

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

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

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

Wildlife Conservation in Sri Lanka

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

"...... ordering by beat of drum that no animals should be killed within a radius of seven gau from the city (Anuradhapura) the King gave security to animals. He gave security also to the fish in the twelve great tanks and bestowing on Kambodin-gold and cloth and whatever other kind of wealth they wished, he commanded them not to catch birds and so gave security to birds." Royal decree of King Kirthi Nissanka Malla of Polonnaruwa (2nd Century AD) Stone inscription at Ruwanveli Dagaba, Anuradhapura.

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

Galle and the South Coast

Galle and the South Coast

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Cultural Triangle

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Waterfalls of Sri Lanka

Worlds end of Sri Lanka

Worlds End means the place which has highest gap in Sri Lanka. This place is situated at the border of Nuwaraeliya, Badulla and Rathnapura districts and also Hoten palains which is highest plain in Sri Lanka. There has two worlds ends one of the small worlds end and other one is big worlds end. The big worlds end is higher than other gaps. You can Travel to this place via Nuwaraeliya, Pattipola, Ambewela road or via Boralanda, Ohiya road.

There is 25 km to this place from Alawathugoda village. There are a lot of beautiful places and a lot of beautiful sceneries we can see in down side of Words End at clear time. In the morning time the down side is very clear and we can see long distance and beautiful sceneries. After few hours the fully down side attack with mist. What a wonderful thing is happen now. If you see this place I trust you mutter above words. There after this place become the real Worlds End because there is nothing to see down side. You may think there is nothing world along here.

To travel to worlds end is very easy. First you want to come Horton plains via vehicle or by foot. If you get reside near Alawathugoda, Ohiya, Pattipola or near place you can travel by foot. From Horton plains you should go on foot to Worlds End. This way is 5km. When you come the way of Worlds End you met two ways. One of way go to Bakers falls and Plain way is go to worlds end.

When you come to Worlds End road first you meet little worlds end. Little worlds end is same to the main worlds end. But this gap is not higher than main one.

This is our advice. When you visit this place don't dirt this. You must protect this place for our future generation. Lot of deer die by eating polythene. This polythene is brought by you. Don't bring it next time. If you will visit Sri Lanka don't miss this place because this place is very nice.

Dunhinda Waterfalls of Sri Lanka

Dunhinda waterfall is big waterfall of Sri Lanka and which is at Soranathota place of Badulla Sri Lanka. Dunhinda waterfall is made by jump water with high gap of Badulu river. This water ways started with Uma Oya, Hal Oya and various water ways. Dunhinda is at Badulla - Mahiyangana road and there are about 10km from Badulla town. Dunhinda waterfalls at about 1km from main road. This path is to be walk. First you can see little Dunhinda waterfalls which is at downside of main waterfall.

Dunhinda waterfall is one of beautiful waterfall of Sri Lanka. Downside of Dunhinda there are three main water Walleyes call Randenigala, Rantambe and Randenigala. Uma oya direct to Rantambe and other two Walleyes from Mahaweli river from Kandy. Uma Oya starts at worldsend and it travels Ambewela, Nuwaraeliya, Uva Paranagama, Welimada, Attampitiya, haliela, Badulla and end with Mahaweli river.

In several years ago Badulla town is a valley. In those time there was no Dunhinda waterfalls in this place. The very big vine is blocked the way of Badulu river and there for Badulla city become big Valley. The man called Ranhawadi Dhuraya tried to remove this vine. How ever whiting several months he could cut the big vine and he was died in slept. After all the water stoked in Badulla town was flow down in this place and build a nice waterfall called Dunhinda. Bathing in Dunhinda waterfall is very danger because downside of the fall is very deep and it contains stones. Dunhinda is very famous waterfall in world after showing the drama of "Dunhinda Addara".

Diyaluma Waterfalls of Sri Lanka

Diyaluma Waterfall is Sri Lankan No 1: most beautiful waterfall and which is situated at Koslanda. Koslanda is situated between Beragala and Wellawaya. Beragala is junction of Badulla Colombo main road. Another way to Diyaluma waterfall via Poonagala from Bandarawela. Poonagala place is very famous to tea estates and Tamil people. Diyaluma waterfall is Third highest waterfall in Sri Lanka. It is high about 171m. Visit Diyaluma is very easy because Diyaluma waterfall is at main road. Most tourists are like very much to visit this waterfall.
Diyaluma is said Sri Lankan no 1 and most beautiful waterfall because its various qualities. This waterfall is very high and high capacity of water come from the top. Then water hits the rock millions of times and water way breaks many times. Mix with wind the waterfall like angel.
Diyaluma waterfall is no1. There fore you should visit Diyaluma waterfall just now. Visit Diyaluma in next new year season.
Fox hill super cross motor race holds in new year season at Diyathalawa military academy motor cross way. Little distance to Diyathalawa and Haputale to Diyaluma waterfall.
When you see the nature Keep this sentence in mind.TAKE NOTHING BUT PHOTOS LEAVE NOTHING BUT YOUR FOOTPRINT