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Pigeon Island in Sri Lanka

Pigeon Island National Park is one of the two Marine National Parks of Sri Lanka. The national park is situated 1 km off the coast of Nilaveli, a coastal town in Eastern Province, encompassing a total area of 471.429 hectares. Pigeon Island, a kilometre’s boat ride away from Nilaveli Beach, Trincomalee, is made up of two charming islands, one small and the other slightly larger. It is believed to have got its name from the endemic blue rock pigeons that inhabit the island. The island’s name derives from the Rock pigeon which has colonized it. The national park contains some of the best remaining Coral reefs of Sri Lanka.

It was designated as a sanctuary in 1963. In 2003 it was redesigned as National Park. This national park is the 17th in Sri Lanka. The island was used as a Shooting range during the Colonial area Pigeon Island is one of the several protected areas affected by the Indian Ocean Tsunami in 2004.

It is consists of two islands; large pigeon island and small pigeon island. The large pigeon island is fringed by a Coral reef and is about 200 m long and 100 m wide. Its highest point is 44.8 m above mean sea level. The small pigeon island is surrounded by rocky islets. The national park is situated within the Dry zone of Sri Lanka. The mean annual temperature is around 27.0 °C (80.6 °F). The annual rainfall ranges between 1,000–1,700 millimeters (39–67 in) while most of the rain is received during the North-Eastern monsoon season from October to March.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Minneriya National Park

Minneriya National Park is situated in North Central Province   of Sri Lanka. The area was designated as a national park on 12 August 1997, having been originally declared as a Wildlife sanctuary in 1938. The park is a dry season feeding ground for the Elephant population dwelling in forests of Matale, Polonnaruwa and Trincomalee districts.

Large numbers of Sri Lankan Elephants are attracted to grass fields on the edges of the reservoir during the dry season. The Minneriya tank contributes to sustain a large herd. Elephants gathered here is numbering around 150-200. Some reports account number of elephants to as high as 700. They migrate here from Wasgamuwa National Park and benefit from food and shelter of the park’s forest. Tourists visit Minneriya largely because of elephants, especially in dry season.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Yapahuwa in Sri Lanka

Yapahuwa which is 767 feet, above sea level is situated in the North Western Province in the district of Kurunegala. It is the second ancient rock fortress, the first being Sigiriya. It is situated 3 miles east of Maho railway station on the northern line. Defensive measures have been taken to protect this capital. The fortress on the Yapahuwa rock was built by a minister named Subha. Before Yapahuwa became a fortress and a capital there is evidence that the Bhikkhus resided in some of the caves.

As this was the home of the Minister Subha, this was named as “Subha” mountain and was also called”Sundara Giriya”, “Ayo Pabbata” and “Yapahuwa”.

The frequent changes of capital during this period were intimately connected with the political history of the island. A general sense of insecurity appears to have pervaded the political atmosphere of the Polonnaruwa Kingdom. It was King Vijayabahu III who first made Dambadeniya his capital. His son Parakramabahu II also ruled from Dambadeniya.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Nine Arch Bridge in Sri Lanka

The Nine Arches Bridge called the Bridge in the Sky; it is located in Demodara, between Ella and Demodara Railway stations in Sri Lanka. And it’s Located almost 3100 feet above the sea level, this 99.6ft high bridge is called “Ahas namaye palama” (Nine skies bridge) in Sinhala. When one stands underneath it and looks up there is a beautiful sight of ‘nine skies’ through the nine arches, hence the Sinhala name. This bridge is also called ‘The Bridge in the sky’ due to the sheer height.

This bridge, which is almost 100 years old, has been built with blocks of stone and cement without any strengthening iron or concrete. The giant arches take the bridge on a curved path to link to mountains. The Bridge was commissioned in 1921 under the British Government.

The construction of the bridge is generally attributed to a local Ceylonese builder, P. K. Appuhami, in consultation with British engineers. The chief designer and project manager of the ‘upcountry railway line of Ceylon’ project was Mr. D.J. Wimalasurendra, a distinguished Ceylonese engineer and inventor. The designer of the viaduct was Harold Cuthbert Mar wood of Railway Construction Department of Ceylon Government Railway. The 1923 report titled “Construction of a Concrete Railway Viaduct in Ceylon” published by the Engineering Association of Ceylon has details of all the records including the plans and drawings.

The surrounding area has seen a steady increase of tourism due to the bridge’s architectural ingenuity and the profuse greenery in the nearby hillsides. It is one of the best examples of colonial-era railway construction in the country.

 

  • P. K. Appuhami

 

 

  • Old nine arch bridge

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Ramboda water falls

Ramboda Falls is 109 m (358 ft.) highest and 11th highest waterfall in Sri Lanka and 729th highest waterfall in the world. It is situated in Pussellawa area, on the A5 highway at Ramboda Pass. It formed by Panna Oya which is a tributary of Kothmale oya. Altitude of the falls is 945 m (3,100 ft.) above sea level.

This waterfall is known by many names; Puna Ella (Puna Falls) and Poonawa Ella (Poonawa Falls) are the most popular. Since the two falls are originated out of Puna Oya and Pundalu Oya, The two are separately called Pundalu Oya Ella and Puna Ella. But in general the waterfall referred to as Pundalu Oya Falls is the Dunsinane fall in Nuwara Eliya District. This waterfall is also seems to be called Ramboda Ella Falls by same.

 

 

 

 

 

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Rawana Water falls

Ravana Falls is another must visit in Ella. Hill country of Sri Lanka is quite popular for beautiful waterfalls and Ravana Falls is right at the top. This waterfall measures approximately 25 m (82 ft.) in high and cascade from an oval-shaped concave rock outcrop. The falls are quite impressive, and you can climb over some of the rocks to get a closer look and also the falls form part of the Ravana Wildlife Sanctuary and are located 6 km (3.7 mi) away from the local railway station at Ella.

The famous Ravana Ella Cave lies 1,370 m (4,490 ft.) above sea level on the foundation of a cliff. The cave is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Sri Lanka, located 11 km (7 mi) away from Bandarawela Excavations undertaken in the cave uncovered evidence of human habitation dating back to 25,000 years.

The falls have been named after the legendary king Ravana, which is connected to the famous Indian epic, the Ramayanaya.  According to legend, it is said that Ravana (who was the king of Sri Lanka at the time) had kidnapped princess Sitha and had hidden her in the caves behind this waterfall, now simply known as the Ravana Ella Cave. The reason for the kidnapping is said to be a revenge for slicing off the nose of his sister by Rama (husband of Sitha) and his brother Laxman. At the time, the cave was surrounded with thick forests in the midst of wilderness. It is also believed that Rama’s queen bathed in a pool that accumulated the water falling from this waterfall. They believed that Ravana has played the Rawanahatha over here.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Little Adam’s peak – Punchi Siri Pada in Sri Lanka

Little Adams Peak whether considering the word ‘Little’,it is named after the sacred Adams Peak (Sri pada–where the foot print of Lord Buddha is preserved) regarding the similarity between the two mountains. Therefore the mountain was called as Little Adams Peak. “Punchi Siri Pada”, “Small Adams Peak and “Little Adams Peak” are another name for this peak. And Little Adams peak is the closest and easily hike in Ella.

It is 1141 m in height. Little Adam’s Peak attracts many travelers who come to Sri Lanka. Gradually with an easy hike up to the mountain of Little Adams Peak you can consummation a worth panoramic view. You have to walk through lush green tea plantations, waterfalls and paddy fields while enjoying the sceneries. It will be priceless if you could visit the place in the morning when the clouds roll in.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Gregory Lake in Nuwara Eliya

Lake Gregory sometimes also called Gregory Lake or Gregory Reservoir is a Reservoir in heart of the tea country hill city, Nuwara Eliya, Sri Lanka. Lake Gregory was constructed during the period of British Governor Sir William Gregory in 1873, supposedly for the purpose of providing electricity. However the lake was mainly used for leisure and recreation after it was built. At its peak of fame, Gregory Lake was the most prominent attraction in the area and was used a place to relax by many visitors.

Now visitors can follow the ancient British era tradition of relaxing picnics on the shore of the lake, or more modern leisure activities such as rides in swan shaped paddle boats, normal boat rides, pony rides along the shore, water walking balls, water sports such as jet skis, windsurfing and etc. As such with these many attractions Gregory Lake is a family friendly historic location of Sri Lanka, attracting many holiday makers who visit the country.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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National Zoological Garden in Sri Lanka

National Zoological Gardens of Sri Lanka (also called Colombo Zoo or Dehiwala Zoo) is a Zoological garden in Dehiwala, Sri Lanka founded in 1936. And the Colombo zoo is one of the oldest zoological gardens in Asia.

The zoo has 3000 animals and 350 species as of 2005 and also the zoo is very popular amongst tourists and this is proven in the income of LKR 40 million.

Dehiwala Zoological Garden is one of the oldest zoological gardens in Asia and one of the most abusive. It has a substantial collection of worldwide animals. It is open all year long and can be reached by public transportation. Diversity of the zoo is indicated by the presence of an aquarium, walk through aviary, reptile house, butterfly garden and many small, dilapidated cages and enclosures, housing starving, bored animals, living in prison-like conditions.

The butterfly garden is small but beautiful. It is decorated with small shrubs, trees, creepers and small streams. The temperature and humidity is controlled by artificially created mist. The butterfly garden has 30 species of butterflies. All stages of their life are measured for educational purposes.

The zoo puts on a number of performances including the elephant show. It is held at the elephant arena at certain times of the day. Visitors can refer to the timetable for actual times. Tricks include wiggling their backs to music, hopping on one foot and standing up on their hind legs, fully enjoyed by both adults and children.

Watching the sea lions perform is another memorable experience. They perform at the sea lions pool, again according to the time table which can be viewed upon visiting. It is lovely to see them being fed by their keepers.

As well as visiting the animals and birds, visitors have access to a souvenir shop so they can buy an item to help them remember their experience at the zoo. Elephant rides and pony rides are available also and very popular by tourists.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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The Kelaniya Raja Maha Vihara in Sri Lanka

The Kelaniya Raja Maha Vihara or Kelaniya Temple is a Buddhist temple in Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, seven miles from Colombo. The Chief Incumbent (Chief Priest) is Venerable Professor Kollupitiye Mahinda Sangharakkhitha Thera. Buddhists believe the temple to have been hallowed during the third and final visit of the Lord Buddha to Sri Lanka, Accoding to the chronicles, Lord Buddha on the 8th year after enlightenment on full moonday of Vesak, visited Kelaniya on the invitation of Maniakkhika the Naaga King of Kelaniya, seated on the gem throne the Blessed one preached the doctrine.

The gem studded throne is enshrined in the dagaba. This Vihara was built by King Yataalatissa. The height of stupa is 80 feet, circumference is 180 feet. The dagaba is in shape of a heap of paddy. In the temple premises are devales dedicated to Gods Kataragama, Vishnu, Naatha and Vibhishana.The original Temple and the Stupa or the Dageba was built in 5th Century BC, but none of the earlier structure survives today.

Mentioned in the Sri Lankan chronicle”Chulavansa” is that, the Kelaniya Temple was five stories high with traditional styling and roofing. It also states that the temple was rebuilt by King Vijayabahu III, (1232-1236) and King Parakrama Bahu II (1236-1270).

The temple flourished during the Kotte era but much of its land was confiscated during the Portuguese empire. Under the Dutch empire, however, there were new gifts of land and under the patronage of King Kirthi Sri Rajasingha the temple was rebuilt. It was refurbished in the first half of the 20th century with the help of Helena Wijewardhana.

The temple is also famous for its image of the reclining Gautama Buddha and paintings by the native artist Solias Mendis which depict important events in the life of the Buddha, in the history of Buddhism in Sri Lanka, also incidents from the Jataka tales.

According to the Galpotta records King Nissanka Malla visited Kelaniya to pay homage. It is recorded that Kalinga Maagha raided the temple and plundered all the wealth. The Portuguese set fire to the temple and destroyed it. Kelani Vihara is one of the 16 sacred shrines in the island. Duruthu Perahera is conducted in the month of January with pomp and glory.

 

 

 

  • Painting of kelani raja maha viharaya