Wild Life

Feel the wondering variety of wild life and bio diversity in this little island

Surfing

Arugam Bay in east cost of Sri lanka is the one of best places in earth for surfing.

White Water Rafting

The small town of Kitulgala in the hill country is the most famous whitewater rafting location in Sri Lanka.

Goldi Sand Beaches

Experience the Miracle Beaches

Cultural Events

Kendy Perahara

Monday, July 30, 2012

Duvili Ella waterfall - Kaltota, Balangoda.

Duwili Ella, which is a marvelous creation of nature, cascades from a height of about 63 feet. It is located about 4 k. m. from Balangoda at Thanjantenna a little to the inferior. This waterfall is also called the Walawe Ganga Fall (east) is located close to Kaltota near the Walawe Ganga. It has been described as one of the most unusual waterfalls in Sri Lanka. The fat, the short, the old, the sprightly and not so agile. Peple can reach to a place opposite the waterfall which fell from a broad rock 40 metres down in a haze of water. It was the most fantastic sight because unlike other waterfalls what you see is a misty cascade of droplets in a sheer veil of shimmering light. Duwili Elle breaks up into two and coming down forms a pool of water below, the depth or size of which none have found out 50 far. From there the Walawe River flows up to the kaltota dam. The dust like drops of water emanating from the spray is the origin of the name Duwili Elle. For, ‘duwili’ in the sinhala language is dust. This waterfall and its natural beauty is a paradise, which attracts tourists from all over the world.
Location -Close to Kaltota, Balangoda near the Walawe Ganga







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Friday, July 27, 2012

Unawatuna Beach - Unawatuna, Galle.


Unawatuna beach,  a crescent shaped shallow beach situated further south to the famous town of galle and its famous harbour and towering roomassala mountain. It is protected by a natural reef from the open sea and due to the semicircle shape of it forms a perfect natural swimming pool with aquamarine colour gentle waves crashing on the golden sandy beach.
With almost every kind and type of hotel, motel and guest houses to cater to the gourmet food a sea bather crave for, it is the perfect holiday spot for all your sea bathing and water based activities such as surfing in search of miriads of coral fish,angel fish & puffer fish diving for beautiful and out of this world coral reefs, scuba diving and underwater photography, sailing, yatching and the latest attraction of setting out in search of the blue whales which linger very close to the unawatuna beach a  few kilometers to south of this bay.
The uniqueness of this beautiful beach cove is that given any time of the day one can get in to the shallow waters without fear of opening out to the open sea and also the level of water which keeps a natural gradient forming a shallow and a deep end on this natural swimming pool. The coconut palms fringing the beach brings out the shade one require after a few hours under the bright and shinning sun which gives you the perfect sun tan that you craved for without burnning your skin. After a perfect bath the ayurveda masseeurs await your arrival for the perfect bliss and mind boggling spa treatments using local herbal oinments and medical creams. The mouth watering local curries done with creamy coconut milk and spices to arouse your pallete along with seafood such as crab, prawn, lobster, muscssells tuna and cuttlefish make one feel that this paradise beach was meant to be the kingdom of “tritan” the god of sea. The guest houses cater to every need a holiday maker want with friendly and smilling staff to please your requirements without being asked.


Fishing near Unawatuna Beach





Tuesday, July 24, 2012

Katharagama Esala Festival - 2012

At the Kataragama Shrine in the Deep South honours the God Katharagama worshipped by Budhists and Hindus with equal fervor and devotion. During the two-week festival, thousands of Hindu devotees bear chariots; pierce their flesh with hooks, s and commit acts of penitence mostly to hounor vows beseeching the benevolence of the God Skandha.

The devotional rituals conducted in a frenzied air of urgency reaches its end with h the “water-cutting” ceremony. A holy casket is dipped in the Manica Ganga the sacred river. Accompanying this ritual in the river are the thousands of pilgrims who submerge themselves – with their arms raised and crying “Haro Hara” in obeisance to the God of many names – God Skandha, Lord Murugan and God Katharagama.

At around 4 am after the river ablutions are concluded, the square in front of the main temple is cleared and carefully covered with burning Tamarind fire wood. Ccleansed pilgrims slowly make their way, barefoot, across the burning embers. The piety and devotion protects the soles of their feet. The souls relived.

2012 Esala Festival Dates 

Flag-hoisting 19 July 
Maha Perahera 1 August 
Water Cutting 2 August

Kataragama Dewalaya

Kataragama God


Kataragama Kiriwehera Dagoba


Sunday, July 22, 2012

Devinuwara Esala Festival - 2012

The Kap planting ceremony of the Sri Vishnu Maha Devalaya in Devinuwara, in connection with the Esala festival will be held on July 19.


The first Peli perahera will be held on July 26 and the other Peli peraheras will parade the streets from July 27. The Randoli Maha perahera, with elephants, up country and low country and Sabaragamuwa dancers will be held on August 1st.The festival will conclude with the Deva danaya on August 10. Deva Thovilaya will be on previous night 9 August.




Wednesday, July 18, 2012

Hathmale Ella - Deniyaya

Hathmale fall is located about 8km from the Deniyaya Town. Just as you pass the main city centre of Deniyaya, turn left on to the Deniyaya - Pallegama Road. Travel about 7 km down this road. These is no sign board to the falls so look for Hathmale Ella Road sign board in the right hand side which is just before the Pallegama Bridge. Travel about 1km on this road and it will abruptly end in somebodys garden. The road is badly maintained but it is motorable upto this point. This road actually continues through this garden but to proceed form here you will need a 4 wheel drive ( you will not acually use it) or a vehicle with high ground clearence. Walk or drive about 250m on this road and then you need to climb down a steep hill to view the falls.

The source of the fall is the Deniyaya Gongala mountain range and the stream flows on to the Ginganga River at Pallegama. Hathmale Falls (45m high and 10m wide) is the tallest fall in the Ginganga River and is split into seven segments ('hathmala'). It is popular with both local and foreign visitors though sadly its popularity has had a negative effect on the environment, with plastic and polythene litter being left at the site.





Source - Click here

Sunday, July 15, 2012

Colors of Sri Lanka

Colorful Video about the scenic beauty of Sri Lanka.




Water World - Kelaniya, Public Aquarium in Sri Lanka!

Welcome to Water World Kelaniya, the only public aquarium in Sri Lanka! Located on a scenic 5 acre property on the banks of the Kelani River, Water World is an aquatic wonderland which is home to a diverse collection of over 500 varieties of fish and invertebrates. Our unparalleled range of aquatic life includes fresh water, marine and brackish water fauna and flora, from eco systems around the globe. At Water World, you will witness rare and fascinating species such as Arapaima (The largest fresh water fish in the world), Lung fish (A fish that has real “lungs” like that of a human), Electric eel (The world's most dangerous electricity generating fish) and Fresh water sting rays from the Amazon River.

Water World is truly unique as it is the only local facility that offers the thrilling experience of observing majestic sharks and graceful eagle rays in action.

Water World comprises impressive attractions such as over 150 display tanks and ponds with a total water capacity of over one million litres, a walk path built to look like a cave spanning of over 800 feet, a Shark Dome with 110,000 litres of sea water, and over 10,000 living aquatic organisms.

Other attractions of Water World include, live diving shows with the sharks (Only when suitable diving conditions exist) riding boats at boat yard, hand feeding of fish and getting a hands on experience of marine creatures at the “ Touch Pool”.

Given our belief in the importance of the corporate social responsibility, Water World offers free entrance to all differently abled visitors.

A visit to Water World is likely to prove much more than the perfect, fun-filled family outing. It is guaranteed to be both a memorable educational experience and as well as an enthralling encounter with the wonders of the aquatic world.


Entry Fees
Water World tickets for locals

Adults - Rs. 150.00
Children - Rs. 80.00
Bird Park tickets for locals

Adults - Rs. 150.00
Children - Rs. 70.00
   
* Special - Combined offers (for locals)
Both Water world and Bird Park

Adults - Rs. 220.00
Children - Rs. 120.00
*Special school and pre-school packages
   
Water World Tickets For Foreigners

Adults - Rs. 400.00
Children - Rs. 200.00
Bird Park Tickets For Foreigners

Adults - Rs. 150.00
Children - Rs. 70.00
Opening Hours
Open hours

Water World: 9.30 am to 5.30 pm
Bird Park: 9.30 am to 5.00 pm
Last admission

Water World at 5.00 pm
Bird Park at 4.30 pm
   
Open on all days including all poya days, public, bank and mercantile holidays








Bird Park


Welcome to the first Bird Park in Sri Lanka, home to a breathtakingly splendid collection of feathered friends from regions around the world such as the Amazon rain forest in South America, Tropical Asia, Australia and Africa.

Our colourful range of birds on public display includes the largest species collection of exotic parrots in the country. Visit us to interact with some of the most intelligent, precocious, rare and magnificently multi-hued members of the parrot family. The Bird Park is also the only public facility in Sri Lanka where you can experience the magic of the rainforest “Lories”.

Our collection of birds are housed in spacious enclosures designed with the objective of recreating an environment that closely resembles the natural habitat, thus, the Bird Park is the one facility in Sri Lanka where you will enjoy the unforgettable experience of observing the splendor of the winged marvels of nature in their true element and full glory.






Source - Click here

Friday, July 13, 2012

Diyawanna Oya walking track & Street Paintings

The Diyawanna Oya walking track, an area for jogging and exercising was declared officially opened for the use of the public by Chamal Rajapaksa, Speaker of the Parliament.
The programme was initiated under the Colombo City Development project with the support of the Ministry of Defence and Urban Development Authority.

The large parking lot adjacent to Diyawnna Oya made it easy to access this beautiful, free spectacle. Along the length of the promenade, people were spoilt for choice when it came time for a breather, with ample number of benches facing the rippling stream. And yet, some preferred to lie in the cool grass or laze on the large stone stairwell that led down to the water's edge.
As dusk fell canoes took to the water to merge with the sunset silhouettes. The constant breeze kept those sail boats speckling the river conjuring images of a Venetian postcard and everywhere I looked was a blend of the elements graced with a vibe of placidity... a truly amazing symphony of the environment.
In poetic praises, also referred to as sandesa kavi of the 15th Century AD, relayed stories that commended booming agriculture, towns and their economies, especially of those thriving in and around the Diyawanna Oya, of the Kotte Kingdom. The poets were usually monks from the Kingdom's many temples and their kavi or poetic messages were sent to the kings via birds. It is said that the Kotte Kingdom, among many other reasons, was praised as such as it was blessed with the protection and viable advantages of the Oya. Even today, that much is true.
One could call this the green zone, it was lush with greenery for one thing, and it was amidst a bustling town. People needed this, it was a quintessential setting, and folks came here for refreshment, to simplify the challenges of the mundane. The nurturing combination of the water, the walkway, the trees, the grass and the pedestrian crossing takes you from busy to benevolent.

Recent developments have made the area around this part of the Oya what it is now with the river's perimeter cleared of brush and widened for quite a breathtaking view of the water. The space, symbolically welcomes the discerning.
You could say that life is good for the city-dwellers as they can actually have a balance of both worlds. Just as one would head-off to the nearest ocean getaway at Galle Face Green, Diyawanna Oya could be the destination for a stroll by the riverside or even a river-boat ride. The Oya was fast gaining popularity no doubt.
Kotte, although the capital city of Sri Lanka, was lesser known for its ‘fun' aspect than that of its commercial counterpart, Colombo. However, for a city seriously bound to its official surroundings, such as the Parliament building amongst others, this new laidback space around Diyawanna Oya is what turns the tables.
It was easy to forget the extremely busy main road that ran right beside the streamlined rampart or school or even the office hours that hung on the brink of a fast-ending weekend.






 


Source - Click here


Wednesday, July 11, 2012

Ambewela - The Little New Zealand

Ambewela is a small town, or a hill station, located in the Nuwara Eliya District of Sri Lanka. The area is also sometimes called "Little New Zealand". The town is situated approximately 17 km (11 mi) south-east of the district capital Nuwara Eliya. Ambewela is also a service center to the New Galway tea planting district.

Climate and vegetation

Due to the high altitude of 6,064 ft (1,848 m) the mean annual temperature in the area is below 17.5 °C (63.5 °F), while frost is common during Winter. Ambewela is also popular for of being the highest (in altitude) and widest grassland in Sri Lanka. Mammals such as the Sambar Deer, Leopard, Elephant dominate the majority of the forest cover around the area.
Ambewela situated en route to the Horton Plains National Park and is famous scenic landscapes, Rhododendron arboreum flowers, and the World's End, which is a 1,219 m (3,999 ft) deep cliff. Similar to Horton Plains and Ohiya, this site is also one of the Important Bird Areas of Sri Lanka, making the area a popular location for birdwatching as well.

Importance and economic activities

The climatic and economical conditions in Ambewela make it an ideal location for dairy farming, hence the country's only milk powder factory is situated in this area. The two animal husbandries, Ambewela Farm and New Zealand Farm, have Ayrshire cattle and Friesian cows respectively.


Potential for wind energy developments

The geographic location and altitude of Ambewela expose the site to strong Southwest Monsoons, with winds occasionally reaching over 12 m/s (39 ft/s), making the area a favourable location for wind farms and other wind energy developments. As the site is only used for livestock development and similar activities, the site is also an economical zone for erecting turbines, since cattle usually are not affected by wind turbines. These factors have attracted many local and international developers.
In 2003, the area was studied by collaborative effort between the Ceylon Electricity Board and NREL. The study revealed that the wind resource at the site is favourable only during the Southwest Monsoon, which is only a small period per year, and that the Northeast Monsoons does not reach the area due to its extreme altitude.
Transportation of equipments such as wind turbines, is also a very significant challenge due to the extreme logistical conditions to access the site. The study revealed that transportating turbines larger than 600KW to the site would be a near-impossible task. The study also revealed that ignoring this issue and constructing wind farms with turbines smaller than 600KW would be extremely uneconomical to the developer.

Access Methods

  • Colombo -> (170Km) Nuwaraeliya -> (18Km) Ambewela
  • Railway Station Available
  • Main Road
Newly builds Wind Mills 

Boats









Source - Click here


Sunday, July 8, 2012

HIKKA FEST 2012




A fun-filled fiesta for adults, kids, and grandparents. The world famous southern coastal town of Hikkaduwa, is all agog with preparations, to hold Hikkaduwa Beach Festival (better known as the Hikka fest). The sun-kissed beaches of Hikkaduwa will vibrate to the pulsating rhythms of DJs, dancers, and musicians from July 27th to 29th.
The event will cater to both local and foreign visitors as well as to persons of all age groups – a family outing – a break from the monotony. There will be something for everyone from sand-castle building, movie night to a jazz festival.

Day 1 – Friday 27 July, 2012

06.00 p.m. – Cocktails for Invitees
08.00 p.m. – Street parade and opening ceremony
09.30 p.m. – Traditional Mask Fashion Show
10.00 p.m. – Traditional Drums show – “ Nadro”
11.00 p.m. – Bathiya & Santhush
11.45 p.m. – Entertain by DJ Dilruk, DJ Miran, International DJ, DJ Missy Flame (Female)
05.00 a.m. – Wind down

Day 2 – Saturday 28 July, 2012

11.00 a.m. – Beach Volleyball
02.00 p.m. – Beach Football
04.00 p.m. – Beach Rugby
06.00 p.m. – Sri Lankan Devil Dance Show
07.30 p.m. – Restaurant Promotion
09.00 p.m. – Gini Sisila
09.30 p.m. – Laser Light Show and Drums
10.00 p.m. – Iraj & Surani
11.00 p.m. – Entertain by DJ Shiyam, International DJ, DJ Missy Flame (Female), DJ Kaz, DJ Dex-T
11.00 p.m. – DJ with Dancing Show
Day 3 – Sunday 29 July, 2012

11.00 a.m. – Jazz and Rage






Previous Parties




Source - Click here

 
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