Information about Sri Lanka
Bopath Ella is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Sri Lanka. The high rate of this waterfall is 30 meters. It is situated in the Rathnapura district of Sri Lanka. It is formed from the Kuru Ganga, which is a tributary of the Kalu Ganga. Bopath Ella has a shape very similar to the leaf of the sacred fig or “Bo tree”, which has earned it this name. The local and foreign people come to this place to watch them and the waterfall is a major tourist attraction in the country.
Diyaluma falls is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Sri Lanka and this is 220 meters high and the second highest waterfall in Sri Lanka. It is situated in Badulla district. The falls are formed by Punagala oya, a tributary of Kuda oya which in turn, is a tributary of Kirindi oya. The local and foreign people come to this place to watch them. In Sinhalese, Diyaluma or Diya haluma means of “Rapid flow of water” or may be translated as “liquid light”.
Dunhinda falls is one of the most beautiful water falls in Sri Lanka and the high rate of this waterfall is 64 meters. Dunhinda waterfall is located in Uva province, Sri Lanka and it is about five kilo meters away from Badulla town. The waterfall is created by the river called Badulu oya, which goes through the Badulla town. Meaning of “Dun” in Sinhala is smoke and the mist created by this falls is like a smoke. It’s also known as bridal fall as the shape of the waterfall reflect a bridal veil. The local and foreign people come to this place to watch them.
The Horton Plain is also in Nuwara Eliya, which is the largest and highest plain in Sri Lanka, and situated 7200 feet above the sea level. This is a tropical rain forest, and also a sanctuary. In this place has a very rich biodiversity. The endemic birds and animals live in this habitat. The stag is found everywhere. The Leopard, Wild boar and many other animals with Magpie, Jungle fowl and many more birds can be seen. There is a marvelous natural creation is cold the world’s end, that means the slope is very deep and always covered with mist. This grassy land was found by the Sir Robert Horton, when this place was governed the British.
Sigiriya is one of the world heritage sites in Sri Lanka. It is in the village of Sigiriya near Dambulla in the District of Matale. This is a fortress built on a rock, by king Kassayapa.
Kashyapa now placed himself on the throne and ruled at Anuradhapura. His subjects however were displeased with him over the foul murder of his father, and he lived in constant fear of rebellion. He also feared tht his brother, with an army from india, would invade Ceylon at any moment. So he moved his capital to sigiriya where, on the top of the Rock, rebuilt himself a large and beautiful palace. He built a wonderful staircase leading to it through the mouth of huge lion carved out of stone. He named the Rock “Sinha-giri” or “Sigiri”, which means “Lion Rock”. Round this built a moat to protect himself against enemies. On a side of the royal places he had a large pond made several watch-towers, built on summit of the Rock, overlooked the surrounding country
It attracts visitors from all over the world. It has got the name “Sigiriya” due to its entrance being built like the throat of a lion. In Sinhala giriya means the throat and singha means lion. Hence, he name Sigiriya came to exist.
This great piece of art stands proud depicting our past glory which had shone through prosperity and unity.
Even the modern archaeologists wonder at the technical know-how ancestors had in building this fortress. Half way up the rock you can see the world famous frescoes (murals) in a row of caves. The paints and the mixture used on the walls to make murals had been prepared according to a secret formula of our ancestors.
Then there is the mirror-wall “Katapath Paura” by the side of a passage. On this, you can see more than 700 Sinhala verses, grafitis written during the period from the 5th century to the 13th century by popular visitors admiring the beauty of those women. Then there are pleasure gardens, state-halls, ponds, a network of advanced toilets and many such things to be admired by a visitor.
It is wonderful to see on rainy days the net-work of pipe lines laid hidden work automatically shooting water as in a display. From faraway you can see this fortress has been built balancing on one axis. The moat built round the rock to defend it from enemy attacks is another important feature of it.
Sigiriya gives birth to a new picture about Sri Lanka. It speaks volumes about the wonders of our ancestors. So protect Sigiriya and then you will be protecting your island nation as well.
Sripada is a religious place for the Buddhist, the Tamil and Christians believe this place belong to them also. The Sripada is on the summit of Samanala Mountain. This situated in Sabaragamuwa district.The height of this mountain is 2243 meters and is 7360 feet above sea level. There are four major rivers Mahaweli, Kelani, Kalu and Walawe begin from the top of this mountain. This is also known as Adam’s Peak, Sivanadi, Padam, Samanala Kanda and Sri Pada.
We (Buddhists) believe this is of the Load Buddha. There is a foot print carved out of the rock. As well as Christians are believed this is of the Adam’s foot print and Hindus believe God Shiva’s foot print. This most sacred place is worshiped and honored by the many thousands of pilgrimas.
There are two main routes to reach Sri Pada. One is the rail road or high road to go to Hatton and then proceed. The next is the Ratnapura- Kuruvita road. The pilgrims can go up to Nallathanni where the Makara Torana is built; from then onwards it is a four mile walk through tea estates and rugged mountainous areas. Mostly people climb the rock at night.
The devotees visit this place from December (full moon poya day) to May (vesak full moon poya day). There are few specific places such as, Seetha Gangula, Indi katupaana, Geththam paana, Heramiti paana and and the most difficult climb is Mahagiridabha find when the pilgrims climb Sripada. And also the pilgrims never forget to watch the sun rise or “Hiru Sevaya”, which is wonderful seen from the east.
After paying homage to the foot print, the belfry is sounded by pilgrims who reach the top. This is done according to the number of times visited. This is one of the 16(sixteen) sacred place of Sri Lanka.
Piduruthalagala is the highest mountain in Sri Lanka. The highest of this mountain is 2524 meters. This mountain is situated in central hills that are in central province. The television transmission towers are in the top of the Piduruthalagala, and nominated as the overprotected area. Therefore no one is prohibited to climb the top of the mountain.
This river begins from mountain of Uva district and collects into the sea near the Yala national park. And Menik River flows down near the Katharagama Devalaya. Therefore it has become a sacred place. It long of 114 km.
Kelani River begins from the top of the Samanala Mountain (Sripada). This river is 145 km long and it is collected into the sea near Modara in Colombo. This water is supplied to Colombo areas, and also Lakshapana, Wimala surendra and Kasal re procure stations generate electricity from this river.
Mahaweli is the longest river in Sri Lanka. It is begin from the Sripada Mountain. The long rate of this river is 340 kilo meters. The Mahaweli River collects in to the sea near the Koddiyar bay in Trincomalee. The Mahaweli River provides enough water for the cultivations. The water is allocated through the irrigation system to the paddy field. At the same time the electricity is generated by the many projects. The kandy procession is concluded by water cutting ceremony which is performed in the Mahaweli River.