Kataragama Temple

Kataragama is a pilgrimage town popular with Buddhist, Hindu, Muslim and indigenous Vedda communities of Sri Lanka and South India. The town has Ruhunu Maha Kataragama devalaya, a shrine dedicated to Skanda-Murukan also known as Kataragamadevio. Kataragama is situated in the Monaragala District of Uva province, Sri Lanka. It is surrounded by jungle in the South Eastern region of Sri Lanka. It also houses the ancient Kiri Vehera Buddhist stupa.
The town has a venerable history dating back to the last centuries of BCE. It also was the seat of government of many Sinhalese kings during the days of Rohana kingdom.
The general vicinity of Kataragama has yielded evidence of human habitation at least 125,000 years ago. It has also yielded evidence of Mesolithic and Neolithic habitations.
During the historic period, the general area was characterized by small reservoirs for water conservation and associated paddy cultivation. Kataragama village is first mentioned in the historical annals known as Mahavansha written down in the 5th century CE. It mentions a town named Kajjaragama from which important dignitaries came to receive the sacred Bo sapling sent from Asoka’s Mauryan Empire on 288 BCE. It was also functioned as the capital of number of kings of the Ruhuna kingdom. It provided refuge to many kings from the north when the north was invaded by South Indian kingdoms. It is believed that the area was abandoned around the 13th century.
Based on archeological evidence found, it is believed that the Kiri Vehera was either renovated to build during the first century BCE. There are number of others inscriptions and ruins. By the 16th century the Kataragama Devio shrine at Kataragama had become synonymous with Skanda Kumara who was a guardian deity of Sinhala Buddhism.

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Nallur Kandaswamy Temple

This is a one of the most significant Hindu Temple in the Jaffna peninsula & Northern Province. Nallur has an historical background further consider as a social, religious & cultural place in the province, this Holy temple dedicated for worshiping Load Muruga, which has establish in 948CE that was gifted by Chola Queen (Sambiyan Mahadevi) in 10^th century, later Puvenaya Vaku renovated this Temple in 13^th century ,Prince Sapumal(Sapumal Kumaraya – Jaffna prince behalf of Kotte Kingdom) had been built third Nallr Kovil  & further extended many renovation program as a ruler,

Kandaswami Kovil Holy Vel festival is one of glamorous festival in Peninsula, this event starting the flag hosting and end with Water cutting ceremony, Thousands of devotees participating from all over the country in between period. That annual festival has been celebrating in between July & August.     

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Pinnawela Elephant Orphanage

Pinnawela Elephant Orphanage is an orphanage and breeding ground for wild elephants which is situated in Sri Lanka. The orphanage was originally founded in order to afford care and protection to the many orphaned elephants found in the jungle. As of 2008, there were 84 elephants.
Pinnewela was first established by the Sri Lankan Department of Wildlife Conservation in 1975 on a 25-acre (10 ha) preserve for feeding and providing care and sanctuary to orphaned baby elephants that were found in the wild. In 1982 an elephant breeding program was launched.
The aim of the orphanage is to simulate the natural world.The elephants are taken to the river twice daily for a bath, and all the babies under three years of age are still bottle fed by the mahouts and volunteers. Each animal is also given around 76 kilograms (170 lb) of green manure a day and around 2kg (4.4 lb) from a food bag containing rice bran and maize. They get access to water twice a day, from the river.This elephant orphanage is also a breeding place for elephants. More than twenty-three elephants have been born since 1984, and the orphanage has the largest herd of captive elephants in the world. While most of the elephants are healthy, one is blind, and one, named Sama, has lost her front right leg to a land mine.

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Kolam Dance

Kolam is a rural dance drama had been fulfilling traditional entertainment media of Sri Lankan country life style which expertise located south part of the island. This are associated with characters and incident from their own life style. Most scripts frameworks are basically comedy type, every individual character has identical mask usually wearing with specific costumes.

Origin of Kolam has a wonderful story like European fairytales “once upon a time live Royal Couple namely “Mahasamatha” ,the story goes that when queen was pregnant, She felt strong desire to see mask dance then king send a message to invite to people to perform the dance but no one knows how to perform it but Queen badly suffered with her desire unfulfilled,to pt an end to this bad suffering God Sakra  (The God for gods) inform to God Vishwakarma (The celestial God for all arts) to create the Mask & stories for performing dance that following day morning Mask & Scripts had been found Royal Garden.King has orders to artist to followed them and perfume the nedfull.Queen has highly please and her pregnancy craving disappeared.

This characters and stories are specially drive their day today  incident from their own life style jasaya and  Lenchina, Adabera Kolama,Arachi Kolama, are some typically characters using describe country life style and simplicity that it has .some stories extracting from Buddhist Jathaka Stories (which describe the life of the Buddha in previous incarnations). They also derive inspiration from South Indian folk and grate Indian epic such as the “Ramayanaya” and the “Mahabaratha”.

The Kolam tradition in Sri Lanka and folk entertainment has all the promise of getting new strength today.with new invovation folk dramatists taking in to this, From of new entertainment with new stories come to the stage as well as new adoptions with old legends. 

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Galviharaya ( Rock Images)

The Gal Vihara, or rock temple  was originally named Uttararama (the northern monastery),in the ancient city of grate polonaruwa, This temple built in 1153-1186 by King Parakramabahu, that cave temple has many Buddha rock images which belong to Polonaruwa Kingdom, The area in front of the images, which now resembles a terrace, is believed to be the location of the assembly hall where this congregation was held, It had functioned as an educational establishment from its inception to its abandonment, being a centre of Buddhist education in the country,

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Embakka Dewalaya

This is an identical image of ancient art of the island which is Buddhist Temple that situated “Araththna” Nearby Kandy citadel. This Temple furnished by wooden columns richly carved with animals, dancers, and wrestlers and this belong to 14^th century,

This temple complex comprising eight building and six building are inner temple and balance two of outside the Temple, this complex richly organise with glorious caving,

 This Temple premises original belong to Queen Henakanda Bissobandara, Queen decided to build this temple as per order of the god who live in premises tree. Later  king Wickramabahu in Senkadagala ( Kandiyan) era, ordered to build a three story building there and  gave land, queens'  jewelry  and elephants as gifts. Since then the temple of Embekka is worshiped by people.  

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Kalani Wiharaya

Kalaniya is the place that happen the third visit of the Buddha to this country with companied by 500 Arahants,The fact that the Buddha visited the spot on a Vesak full moon Poya day on the invitation of King Maniakkhika is given in the historic epics of Sri Lanka.

Other hand historical evidence place of Ramayanaya that Ravana’s Brother Vibishana devoted Main & friest devalaya situated here but Present attractiveness is fascinating Painting collection of the veharage(temple)  The (Viharage) Image House is 150 feet long and 90 feet broad. It stands on a stone plinth 3 feet in height. Over the new shrine room is an octagonal roof thatched in the Kandyan style of roofing.The paintings belong to the Kandyan period.

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Nalanda Gedige

Nalanda Gedige is located in the Matale district of Sri Lanka. There is a Pagoda-like structure that is purely made by stone and it is a wonderful creation of ancient Sinhalese. The temple sits 27 metres below its present height as the UNESCO team that worked on restoring it for 6 years did this to prevent further soil erosion.
Long ago, this epitome was a type of a centre where our Sinhalese ancestors used it to acknowledge the time throughout the island. The survey department of Sri Lanka has proved that this location is exactly in the middle of our country.

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Kenniya Hot water wells

The seven springs situated along the Anuradhapura Trincomalee Road, The  large arch at the entrance welcome you  that you comes to the water engulfs Kenniya Hot water wells, Temperature of each well are varies and Sri Lankan believe water cure skin ailments and arthritis,

Kanniya wells history date back to the time on the Grate Ramayana. There are many believes about to creation of Hot water spring, The grate King Ravana stuck the huge rock with his Sword and then only water spring appeared, another tales again said Grate Ten Headed King Rawana could perform the last rites for his mother created this mystery of nature, But some devotees believe it is created by their mighty god Load Vishnu,

But this thermal springs can be seen along the costal line from Trincomalee to Hambantota where Sriyawewa,Maha Oya & Kenniya situated this coastal belt. This is unmistakable sojourn hotspot visiting Trincomalee

  

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Isurumuni Lovers (Isurumuni Pem-Yuwala)

 6th Century Gupta style carving. The woman, seated on the man's lap, lifts a warning finger, probably as a manifestation of her coyness; but the man carries on regardless. The figures may represent Dutugemunu's son Saliya and the law caste (Sadol Kula) maiden Asokamala whom he loved. It's known that he gave up the throne for her. The Lovers in the sculptured plaque are King Kuvera Vaisrawana (Elder brother of Rawana) and his Queen Kuni. Ramayana states that Vaisrawana who lived in Vessagiriya ruled Sri Lanka from Lankapura before Rawana,

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Dambulla

The city of Dambulla is situated in the Matale District in the Central Province of Sri Lanka, situated 148 km north-east of Colombo and 72 km north of Kandy. Major attractions of the city include the largest and best preserved cave temple complex of Sri Lanka, and the Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium, famous for being built in just 167 days. The city also boasts to have the largest rose quartz mountain range in South Asia, and the Iron wood forest, or Namal Uyana.
Ibbankatuwa prehistoric burial site near Dhambulla cave temple complexes is the latest archaeological site of significant historical importance found in Dambulla, which is located within 3 kilometers of the cave temples providing evidence on presence of indigenous civilisations long before the arrival of Indian influence on the Island nation.

The area is thought to be inhabited from as early as the 7th to 3rd century BC. Statues and paintings in these caves date back to the 1st century BC. But the paintings and statues were repaired and repainted in 11th, 12th, and 18th century AD. The caves in the city provided refuge to King Valagamba (also called 'Vattagamini Abhaya') in his 14 year long exile from the Anuradapura kingdom. Buddhist monks meditating in the caves of Dambulla at that time provided the exiled king protection from his enemies. When King Valagamba returned to the throne at Anuradapura kingdom in the 1st century BC, he had a magnificent rock temple built at Dambulla as a gratitude to the monks in Dambulla.

Ibbankatuwa Prehistoric burial site near Dhambulla, where prehistoric (2700 years old) human skeletons were found according to scientific analysis gives evidence on civilisations in this area long before arrival of Buddhism in Sri Lanka. Evidence of ancient people living on agriculture have been detected in this area for over 2700 years according to archaeological findings. (750 BC)

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Kandy (Maha Nuwara)

Kandy is called Maha Nuvara, meaning "Great City" or "Capital", although this is most often shortened to Nuvara. Kingdom of Kandy (1469–1815)Historical records suggest that Kandy was first established by the King Wickramabahu (1357–1374 CE).

Kandy is very popular due to the annual pageant known as the Esala Perahera –in which one of the inner caskets used for covering the tooth relic of load Buddha is taken in a grand procession through the streets of the city. This casket is taken on a royal tusker.

The procession includes traditional dancers and drummers, flag bearers of the provinces of the old Kandyan kingdom, the Nilames (lay custodians of temples) wearing their traditional dresses, torch bearers and also the grandly attired elephant. This ceremony which is annually held in the months of July or August attracts large crowds from all parts of the country and also many foreign tourists.

And also Kandyans are very famoused for there tradition and friendly manner.There are sevaral hotels in this area tht you can stay and feel the breath the central capital of Sri Lanka

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Mihintale

This is the called Mihintale. This is the call that awakened Sri Lanka to lead the path of virtue 260 years BC. This is the call that sends millions of pilgrims from all over the island by bus and rail (anew railway station was built about a decade ago) to Mihintale Rock. During the reign of King Devanampiyatissa .wa — 250 BC, Emperor Ashoka of India sent a delegation of monks led by Maharahat Mahinda to expound the Dhamma to the people of Sri Lanka. Of course, Emperor Ashoka must have informed his friend King Devanampiyatissa of the visit. What King Devanamplyatissa did not expect was the manner in which the meeting took place, Ambatat Rock was a grove of Mango trees spreading over many hillocks and was the royal hunting ground, The King indulged in the sport, when a voice calling him 'Tissa' coming from above made him stop.
There silhou- etted against the clear morning sky on the top most boulder of the rock stood a group of yellow robed monks who introduced them selves to the King as the disciples of the "Dhamma Raja (Load Buddha)". The Dhamma which Maharahath Mahinda brought to Sri Lanka was complex and unique. 'Ignorance makes people crave for sensual pleasure.' These pleasures are impermanent and their impermanence brings sorrow. To release oneself from sorrow, one musC in his inner consciousness realize this truth. That will release him from craving and sorrow. To an agricultural community the idea of im permanence went down well. The wide-open spaces of fields and meadows and the leisure time between the cultivation seasons enabled him to meditate, Thus Buddhism became the religion of Sri Lanka.

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Yapahuwa

Most important local ruin of all is the splendid though Short-lived rock fortress of Yapahuwa which some consider excels Sigiriya. The surviving stone work certainly does florid but exquisite.
The climb to the top of the rock is easy and the view excellent.Yapahuwa was the seat of govt. in the 13th century. The rock here rises abruptly to a height of about 200 meters. On the south and east sides of the rock,Yapahuwa View the land has been build up into terraces and retained by walls, to gain to summit. Subha or Subhapabbota occupied the rock for purposes of military strategy. From here he was able to check Magha's (1215-1236A.D) forces from proceeding southwards. Magha of Kalinga led an invasion of the Island with nearly 24,000 solders. Later (1272-1284 A.D) King Bhuvanekabahu made Yapahuwa his capital and transferred the 'Sacred Tooth Relic of the Load Buddha' from Dambadeniya to Yapahuwa. Two sets of moat and rampart gird the rock. Between the outer and inner ramparts was the outer city.

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Sigiriya Rock Fortress

Sigiriya (Lion's rock) is an ancient rock fortress and palace ruin situated in the central Matale District of Sri Lanka, surrounded by the remains of an extensive network of gardens, reservoirs, and other structures.
A popular tourist destination, Sigiriya is also renowned for its ancient paintings (frescos), which are reminiscent of the Ajanta Caves of India. The Sigiriya was built during the reign of King Kassapa I (AD 477 – 495), and it is one of the Seven World Heritage Sites of Sri Lanka.
Sigiriya may have been inhabited through prehistoric times. It was used as a rock-shelter mountain monastery from about the 5th century BC, with caves prepared and donated by devotees to the Buddhist Sangha. According to the chronicles as Mahavamsa the entire complex was built by King Kashyapa, and after the king's death, it was used as a Buddhist monastery until 14th century.
And also it serrounded with a forest and there are many kind of animals and birds.

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Polonnaruwa

The second most ancient of Sri Lanka's kingdoms is first declared the capital city by King Vijayabahu I, who defeated the Chola invaders in 1070 CE to reunite the country once more under a local leader. Polonnaruwa, had trade and agriculture flourished under the patronage of the King Parakramabahu, who was adamant that "No drop of water falling from the heavens was to be wasted", and each be used toward the development of the land; hence, irrigation systems far superior to those of the Anuradhapura Age were constructed during his reign.

The greatest of these systems, of course is the Parakrama Samudraya or the Sea of Parakrama, a tank so vast that it is often mistaken for the ocean.
The ruin Kingdom Polnnaruwa still stands with its great history.There we can see King Parakramabahu's Palace and also his statue.Not only that Polonnaru Gal Viharaya contain with more amerzin statues of Load Buddha that are carved from gient stones.

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Anuradhapura

Anuradhapura is one of the ancient capitals of Sri Lanka, famous for its well-preserved ruins of ancient Sri Lankan civilization. The city, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, lies 205 km north of the current capital Colombo in Sri Lanka's North Central Province, on the banks of the historic Malvathu Oya.
From the 4th century BC, it was the capital of Sri Lanka until the beginning of the 11th century AD. During this period it remained one of the most stable and durable centers of political power and urban life in South Asia. The ancient city, considered sacred to the Buddhist world, is today surrounded by monasteries covering an area of over sixteen square miles (40 km).
Ruins of Anuradhapura Eight Great Places of Veneration in Anuradhapura - Atamasthana
and also tein pond,Moon Stone,Isurumuni Lovers and many of the historicle places there we can see.
Anuradapura has many of well known Hotels that can enjoy your jurny.

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Thalangama Tank - Bird Watching

Thalangama Tank situated between Kotte & Arukgoda area,this tank Establish during the era of king Parakramabahu VI (1551-1547 AD) uplift the pady cultivation this ancion city region,exactly 60 54’ 30 N and 790 55’ 0 E to 60 53’ 0 N and 790 58’ 0 E; 762830 N and 380312 E to 760975 N and 385833 E; in the Colombo District, of the Western Province,this complex is an important habit for wetland birds,Complex  is situated in the low country wet zone, annual rainfall between 2,000 – 2,500 mm, accomerdating mainly from the Southwest monsoon,avarage annual temperature of 28 C & relative humidity of 82%.
This water tand surounderd by the pady cultivated lands & grass lands, scrublands dominated by species such as Lantana,Macaranga peltata and Syzygium caryophyllatum ect,exotic folowers & fish commen seen here dut to human settlement surounderd,
Noteworthy reptiles include Lissemys punctata, and Xenochrophis piscator, while remnant populations of the endemic primate Trachypithecus vetulus, and other rare mammals such as Prionailurus viverrinus and Lutra lutra have been recorded around the tank.

Easy access to wetland - Come to Battaramulla in the suburbs of Colombo and get to Wewa para (Lake Road) via Akuregoda road or Sri Wickramasinghapura road, both are off the Battamualla

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Udawalawa National Park - Bird Watching

This park most popular destination elephant safari, it recently establish national park declared with the intention of conservations   the catchments area of the reservoir & providing a refuge for wildlife displaced by the opening up of land for agriculture & other purposes in the lower reaches of the kalawa river

Park covers 30,821 hectares it was declared as a national park 1972 under Fauna & flora protection ordinance. before the declare as a forest this land completely taken over by Chena cultivation, after delareing,it’s gradually covered by vegetation & considering habitant for giant elephant.
Park boundaries lies in the Rathnapura District in Sabaragamuwa province & monaragala District In Uva Provinces, the area to the west bank of Walawe river is within Rathnapura District  & on the east bank is in the Monaragala District.This is mager conservation park situated that area. Highest point of the park Ulgala it’s 3,405 M.
Two small villages situated park namely Sinuggala & Nebeds Kalthote escarpment & enchanting Diyawinna Fall adding prominent appearance this land.

This peaceful park is belong to dry zone because of that it face short dry period February to march each year but sometime this period prolong to September,Annual rain fall 1530mm approximately expecting from inter –monsoon & North monsoon  seasons, temperature recording 32c through out the year,

Mammals
Samba,Spotted deer,Barking Deer,Wild boad,Water buffalo,Toque-Macaque,Common Langur,Asian Eliphant,Jakal,Bear,Toddy Cat,Leopard,Black-Naped Hare,Small Indial Civet
Golden Palm Civet,Mongoose,Shrew Rat,Soff-furred field Rat,Indian Bush Rat,Mouse

Flora
Satin (Chloroxylon swietenia),Halmilla (Berrya cordifolia),Ebony(Diospyros ebenum),Ehala (Cassia fiatula),Kolon (Adina cordifolia),Milla (Vitex pinnata),Kon (Schleichera oleosa)
Kunumella (Diospyros ovalifolia),Kumbuk (Terminalia arjuna),Mondorang (Hopea Cardifolia)


Dragonflies
Variable Flutterer,Dancing Dropwing,Wandering Glider,Foggy-winged Twister,Scarlet Basker,
Blue Percher,Blue Pursuer,Oriental Scarlet.

Butterflies
Plain Tiger,Glassy Tiger,Pioneer,Crimson Rose,Common Rose,Lime Butterfly,Common Gull,
Common Jezebel, Tawny Coster, Common Cerulean, Grey Pansy,Lemon Pansy,Peacock Pansy,Lemon Emigrant,Psyche.

Scrub covering Damaniya(Grewia tiliarfolia),Mana(Cymbopogon confertiflorus),Illuk (Imperata cylindrical),pohon(pennisstum olystachyon),Gadapana(Lantana camara),Kuratiya(Phylanthus polyphyllus)

Access
Via Colombo-Rathnapura-Palmadulla-Embilipitiya Road ,At Thimbolketiya turn left at Udawalawa Junction  to take Thanamalwila,Main gate open to the park at Udawalawe,Thanamalwila road 12 km from udawalawa Junction.

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Singheraja Forest Reservation

The Sinharaja National Heritage Area can be described either as a Tropical Lowland Rain Forest or Tropical Wet Evergreen Forest. But as per the most recent classification by UNESCO it as a Tropical Humid Ceylon Rain Forest of Indo-Malayan realm.
This forest covers approximately an area of 11,100 hectares of natural forests. It measures 21km in length and is 7km in width at its widest point and 3km at its narrowest.
The boundaries of the forest  consist of several rivers and streams- Napola Dola   and Koskulana Ganga in the North; Kalukandawa Ela and Pitakele Ganga in the West and Maha Dola and Gin Ganga on the South. The eastern boundary now encompasses the area of Morningside.
Sinharaja belongs to the middle elevation range or the uplands.which has a height range of 270 to 1,060m. & a slope range of 100 to 350. It annual rain fall within range of 3,000 to 6,000mm per annum but  recording small seasonal variation since it’s negligible.
This verging forest has been facing numerous threats through last 2 decade due to various reason s since increasing population is causing drastically this forest too but early 1988-89 vise Steps were taken to declaring it a National Heritage Area. This was then followed by its inclusion in UNESCO’s list of World Heritage Sites.
The vegetation within the reserve can be broadly categorized as follows convenience for study,
•   Lower slopes & valleys 150m-600m
•   Middle slopes – 600m -1000 m
•   Upper slopes and ridges-above 1,000 m

 A staggering 64% of the tree species are endemic to Sri Lanka. The lower
slopes and valleys have remnant Dipterocarpus forest with the middle and higher slopes
characterized by trees of the genus Mesua. Orchids & pitcher.
Half of Sri Lanka's endemic mammals and butterflies are found here. Visitors are more likely to see Purple-faced Leaf Monkey and Grizzled Indian Squirrel.
Endemic lizards include the endangered Whistling Lizard and Rough-nosed Horned  in this forest.

This world heritage Access is possible from Pitadeniya, but not practical for most visitors. Motorable access is to Kudawa via Ratnapura or via Buluthota Pass from Yala or via Katukurunda Junction, Agalawatta,& Kalawana from the coast.Wildlife highlights

Mammals
Grey S lender,Loris,Giant Squirrel,Layard’s Squirrel,Dusky-striped Squirrel,Rat (Srilankamys ohiensis)
Spiny Mouse (Mus mayori),Long-tailed Shrew (Crocidura miya),Horsefield’s Shrew (Crocidura horsefieldi),Purple-faced Leaf Monkey (Trachypithecus vetulus),Toque Monkey (Macaca sinica)
Wild Pig (Sus scrofa),The Sambur (Cervus unicolour),Mouse Deer (Moschiola meminna),Barking Deer (Muntiacus munjak),Leopard (Panthera pardus),Rusty-spotted Cat (Prionailurus rubiginosa),Fishing Cat (Prionailurus viverrina),Jackals (Canis aureus)


Butterflies
Giant King Crow,Tawny Rajah,Red-spot Duke,Five-bar Swordtail,Great Eggfly,Rustic,
Three-spot Grass Yellow,Tailed Jay,Blue Glassy Tiger,Sri Lanka Tree Nymph.

Dragonflies
Asian Skimmer,Marsh Skimmer,Sapphire Flutterer,Wall’s Grappletail,Dark-glittering Threadtail
Jungle Threadtail

Reptiles & Snakes
Deraniyagala’s Earth Snake (Rhinophis tricolorata),Black-spined Snake (Haploceros ceylonensis),Green-pit Viper (Trimerasurus trigonocephalus),Hump-nosed Viper (Hypnale hypnale)
Sri Lanka Krait (Bungarus ceylonicus),Rough-horned Lizard (Ceratophora aspera),Hump-nosed Lizard (Lyriocephalus scutatus),Water Frog (Lankanectes corrugatus),Golden Frog (Rana aurantiaca)

Fresh water Fish highlight
Comb-tail (Belontia singnata), Stone-sucker (Garra ceylonensis),Banded Loach (Schistura notostigma)
Bird distribution
This forest rich in bird life with an impressive 147 species recorded. It is also the only locality where 21 out of 25 bird species endemic to Sri Lanka may be viewed here.

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Annawilundwa Wetland - Bird Waching

Annaiwilundawa ia a freshwater complex it’s was declared a sanctuary in 1997 as second Ramsar site in Sri Lanka, situated in the Puttalam District 15km north of chilaw(70 45' 0 N and 790 47' 0 E to 70 42' 0 N and 790 59' 0 E) northwestern province , is the second largest wetland cluster in this island, Annaiwilundawa is ‘seven  tanks’ in Tamil language , This is a very important wetland for many resident and migratory birds. it’s covered 40 hectare, rain fall 1000mm per annum & area temperature 28c approximately, it’s covered around 1390 hectare, represent Dry Zone forest type annual rain fall 1000mm to 1500mm,annual temperature 26 c,

A total of 290 plant species which represent 24 aquatic plants, 120 woody plants, 61 shrub, 49 herbaceous, 34 climbers and 281 vertebrate species ,47 fish, 11 amphibians, 34 reptiles, 168 birds, 21 mammals,

11 amphibians include 1 endemic species & 1 national theater specie,168 birds species include 2 endemic species & 8 national threaded species, fish include 3 endemic & 2 national threaded, mammals include 1 endemic & reptiles include 6 national threaded species,

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Kithulgala- (Kalani Valley Forest Reservation) - Bird Waching

This was the setting for the  Academy Award-winning "The Bridge on the River Kwai" was filmed, in the 50’s about which Kithulgala is famous for, Purpose of establishing this forest was protecting watershed of Kalani river, this green shade main entrance situated Colombo Hatton main road near the Famous “Kithulgala Rest House”exactly just after 37 km post on A7 ,Oruwa (boat) available to cross the river  & through the village facilitate enter this wildness.
Behavior is gold when you through the village, The Kelani river is wide at Kitulgala, but it is shallow apart from a deep channel near the opposite bank, so in the drier months it seems like safe but not recommend place to swim and play.

The agriculture around Kitulgala is typical of the hilly wet zone. The Sago Palm, Caryota urens, which is called Kitul in Singhela, gives rise to the town's name. Its sap is concentrated into delicious syrup, not dissimilar to maple syrup, and crystallised as jaggery. It is also fermented to make toddy. The pith is used to make sago, and the fibres to make rope.
As per record Sri Lanka most wanted Serandib Scops-Owl (Otus thilohoffmanni) first Tape-record captured as unknown Bird in this area.it’s Wet Zone Rain forest as same as Singharaja witch  including many rich streams inside forest, some highlight about  Biodiversity of this are as follows,


Birding Highlights

Birding: Black-capped Bulbul, Yellow-fronted Barbet, Sri Lanka Hanging Parrot, Layard’s Parakeet, Sri Lanka Grey Hornbill, Sri Lanka Green Pigeon, Green-billed Coucal, Chestnut-backed Owlet,Crimson-backed Flameback, Sri Lanka Crested Drongo, Brown-capped Babbler, Sri Lanka Scimitar Babbler, Orange-billed Babbler, Serendib Scops Owl, Sri Lanka Frogmouth, Malabar Trogon,Brown-headed Barbet, Brown Hawk Owl, Southern Coucal, Black-backed Dwarf Kingfisher, Crested Serpent Eagle, Jerdon’s & Gold-fronted Leafbird, Dark-fronted Babbler, Orange Minivet, Square-tailed Black Bulbul, Lesser Hill Myna, Yellow-browed Bulbul, Indian Pitta, Forest Wagtail, Purple-rumped & Long-billed Sunbirds, Pale-billed Flowerpecker, Brown-breasted Flycatcher, Oriental White-eye, Lesser Yellownape, Rufous Woodpecker, Black-rumped Flameback, Asian Palm & House Swifts, Indian Swiftlet, Crested Treeswift, Asian Paradise Flycatcher, Tickell’s Blue Flycacther, Green Imperial Pigeon, Black Eagle & Rufous-bellied Hawk Eagle.

Dragonflies and Damselflies: Spine-tufted Skimmer, Pied Parasol, Black-tipped Flashwing, Asian Pintail, Yerbury’s Elf, & Shining Gossamerwing.

Butterflies: Sri Lanka Birdwing, Clipper, Cruiser, Glad-eye Bushbrown, Plum Judy, Blue Bottle, Red Helan & Blue Mormon.Blue,Commander,if you lucky ORK Lieaf

Mammals: Grizzly Giant Squirrel, Palm Squirrel, Layard’s Squirrel and Toque Macaque.

Snakes -Green wine snake,Dumburu Dath katiya,Geeen pit viper,

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Bundala National Park - Bird Waching

It is Wetland complex including 5 lagoons with surface fully mudflat & salterns,this National park declare as a sanctuary for bird in 1992 under flora & fauna protection ordinance, this is the final destination for south ward migrating wetland birds, Wetland associate with salt water due to sea water come through deep cutting opening which resulting age Old practice of salt manufacturing process,this is the first RAMSAR wetland In Sri Lanka,

This area covering 24,800 Hectare among the five lagoons in addition to that 10,000 hectare buffer zone declare to protecting biodiversity, this park belong to lower land dry scrub forest segment few dry zone canopy still visible here. Scrub covering comprising
Andara, Kukurumana, Eraminiya and Karamba. The scrub forest trees include Maila, Mustard Tree, Weera, Palu and Neem.

Over 190 bird species recorded here including over 55 migrant birds further over 30 mammals,50 species of reptiles & 32 species of fish & Sea Turtles nesting this park mix with other species,

This is popular destination as other park but this area dominated by migrant birds but Malala sandbar is only open for public as Yala block one,Karagan Lewaya is a most wanted area of  this park it has been recognizes as a Impotent Bird area by the Birdlife international in 2004-2005.

Mammals likely to be seen include Elephant, Spotted Deer, Hanuman Langur, Jackal, Black-naped Hare and Wild Pig. Olive Ridley and Leatherback Turtles and more rarely, Hawksbill and Green Turtles visit the beaches to lay eggs.
Endemic birds include the Brown-capped Babbler, Ceylon Woodshrike and Ceylon junglefowl. During the northern winter large numbers of migrants arrive such as Golden and Kentish Plover, Large and Lesser Sandplovers, Marsh and Curlew Sandpiper, Curlew and Greenshank. Rarities include the Broad-billed Sandpiper and Red-necked Phalarope recorded area

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Thovil and sanni

Thovil and Sanni (disease) are demons dance ceremonies performing to exorcise disease causing demons,Through Buddhism is the last religion to endorse superstition, the country however has its fair share of beliefs in the demons and devils who can harm human beings, Thovil which is essentially a demonic ritual aims to exorcise and drive away demons from ailing individuals, The Kattandiyas (The special doctor)impersonate these demons, wearing mask and costumes specialize each demon.some of costumes & mask using in these rituals,each demons has their own distinct features, symbolizing a particular Sanni ( disease) , it is a healing ceremony encompassing music, dance, poetry, painting and sculpture presented through dramatic arts where comedy plays an important cathartic role,

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Yala National Park –(Ruhunu National Park)

Yala is well known & most visited sanctuary situated south-east area in Sri Lanka,East of Tissamaharama in the Hambanthota District,it most popular as Ruhunu National Park. actually 300km away from Colombo,it’s only premium national park conclude five blocks, only one block(block no1-Yala west)currently fit to game view,

Yala is a historical heritage in the south-East as per mahawansaya. it historical  records started  in 500 BC about Indian price namely Rohana establish City call Rohana,Aganin 307 Bc Prince Mahanaga build city call Magama near Kirindi Oya,until 1900 this area nominated  as a free hunting zone, Yala was proclaimed forestry land on March 23, 1900. A British prisoner of war by the name of Aengal Brake was brought to Ceylon in 1907. Subsequently he was appointed the first keeper of the Yala Park.Later the first zone (Block I) of the Yala National Park established in 1938 and was 14,101 hectares in area.
On February 25, 1938 the colonials announced Yala Park as the Yala National Park. The Department of Sanctuaries was established in 1938 and A.D. Wijewardane was appointed its caretaker.
The Block II was opened in 1964 which included 9.31 hectares land area. The third zone (Block III) was established on April 28, 1967 was 40.775 hectares. The Block IV was opened on October 9, 1969 was 26,418 hectares the Block V was opened in 1969 was 6.656 hectares and further 28,905 hectares were constituted as protected area to the Yala National Park.

Park situated Arid Zone, it’s annual rain fall lese than 1000mm which accommodate North east Monsoon from November to January & short spell inter monsoon again march to April expecting, rest of the period dry but it’s has 25 rich water holes to stores annual water requirement-some namely Buttuwa Wewa, Mahaseelawa Wewa,Palatupana Wewa, Wilapala Wewa, Koma Wewa and Gonagala Wewa also mud flat lagoons discharge the responsibility equally .annual temperature between 27c to 37c.

This park recording 32 species mammals including over 500 Asian elephant, 40 individual Leopards identified by their unique facial spot patterns and other characteristics, which makes this area, a premier Leopard hotspot with probably the highest density of Leopards anywhere in the world. Banking crocodiles common view in this park,

Nearly 230 species of bird recording this area,which including migrant endemic & resident species. All five species of sea turtles love to Nesting Park,all five species of  venomous  snake & non venomous easily find including endemic fresh water fish adding fascinating color in water whole ,40 species of butterfly & the dragonflies painting Ruhunu national park atmosphere softly,

Thick canopy give shade together Milla,Kon,Satin,veera,Palu,Kubuk,mee scrub forest dominated by Kukurumana,Kukulakatu,Ranaweera,280 species of trees distribute among this wilderness ,

Most of visitors no longer just seeing for elephants as it is now known or it’s relatively higher density of leopards as per above disscuss, many of national park in Sri Lanka have substantial wild elephant population but yala is well known destination to see leopard,you can see leopard may cross the road or top of Mara or  Palu tree branch usually,Leopard Safari is difference from being on  Elephant watching is Visitors may stay at distance & gain the trust of the animal

It may move out of sight if you make any noise & some people are unaware of this, Elephant may come charging towards you but not the Leopard.if you get close through it may spoil the experience for everyone else. Advise to visitors must remain in the your Vehicle because human movement spoil animal & your self discipline & commitment really need to watch them.

This park main entrance situated 40 km beyond the Hambanyhota  on A2 ,further four wheel drive more suitable for journey, 

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Kandy Royal Botanical Garden at Peradeniya

Royal Botanical Garden, Peradeniya is located in close proximity to the city of Kandy in the Central Province of Sri Lanka. It is renowned for the collection the variety of Orchids,and has more than 300 varieties of Orchids(sri Lanka Only Orchids Collection), spices, medicinal plants and palms trees attach it is the National Herbarium.

Total land mass of the botanical garden is 147 acres (0.59 km2), 460 Meters above sea level with a 200 day annual rain fall.

The origins of the Botanic Gardens dates as far back as 1371 when King Wickramabahu III ascended the throne and kept court at Peradeniya near Mahaweli river this was followed by King Kirti Sri and King Rajadhi Rajasinghe. A temple was built on this location by King Wimala Dharma but it was destroyed by the British when they were given control over the Kandyan Kingdom.

The Classical Avenue of Palms is located in this Garden. One tree with a significant history is the Cannon ball Tree planted by King George V of the United Kingdom and Queen Mary in 1901. The tree is bent with its fruits which look like Cannon Ball, which is how it came to be named.
If you are visiting Kany it's very easy to get in peradeniya because its just 7Km away from kandy.

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Koth Duwa Raja Maha Viharaya

The Koth Duwa Raja Maha Viharaya, is a ancient Buddhist Temple located on ,Koth Duwa island  on the Maduganga River at Balapitiya, The island is located in South Coast of the Island , The temple is believed to have once sheltered to  the sacred relic of the tooth of the Buddha,

Princess Hemamala & her husband Prince Dantha secretly sail to Sri Lanka with the sacred tooth relic, Disguised as Brahmins and hiding the tooth in Princess Hemamali's hair, Accounts of where they landed in Sri Lanka vary, with some recording their port as Trincomalee and others as Welitota, or present-day Balapitiya. Legend that they landed in Balapitiya, at the mouth of the Maduganga estuary

Many centuries later, after Kothduwa had become separated from the mainland and overgrown with vegetation, it was re-discovered by Deva Pathiraja, a minister to King Parâkkamabâhu IV, During the tumultuous 16th century, when the Sitawaka and Kotte kingdoms vied for power and the Portuguese threatened the shores of Sri Lanka, it is said that the hot-headed prince Veediya Bandara was keeper of the tooth relic, and that he returned it for safekeeping to Kothduwa, where it remained for a short period of time.

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Kandy Esala Perahara (Dalada Maligawa Perahare)

Dalada perahera, The event celebrated annually to allow general  public to pay their homage & worship to the sacred Tooth Relic of Buddha that Hindu Temples joining event Natha Temple, Pathini Temple, Vishn Temple, Katharagama Temple procession respectively .Hindu culture ,costumes, Costumes & Kawadi music bringing uniqueness.

 The is one of most glamorous & colorful world famous cultural event processions in island. Climax of this spectacular pageant is the much more glamorous Randoli (Golden Carriage) Perahera where the temple’s magnificent tusker (Raja) elephant adorned with elegant costumes carrying on its back an illuminated howdah with the golden casket in which the sacred Tooth is enshrined.

The event is made colorful and vivid with many cultural Kandyan dancers, drumming & dancing ,conch & flute playing,instrument players and nicely decorated elephant,  Diyawadana Nilame (the lay custodian of the Dalada Maligawa) himself takes his position in front of the golden casket bringing tusker & others,parading under the light of copra (Dry coconut) lamps.for first five days (Kumbal Perahara) is shorter &  procession within Temple premises but Randoli Perahara (sixth and last day) many graded clothes tuskers and more dancing groups join with proud,

    

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Haggala Botanical Garden

Hakgala Botanical Garden is one of the three botanical gardens in Sri Lanka.Hakgala Botanical Garden is situated on the Nuwara Eliya-Badulla main road, 16 km from Nuwara Eliya.
The garden has a cool temperate climate because of altitude is 5,400 feet above the sea level. The mean annual temperature ranges between 16°C to 30°C during course of a year.
From December to February it has a cold climate, while the warm climate persists from April to August.
Garden established in 1861 as an experimental cultivation of Cinchona, a commercial crop thriving at the time. Once after the Tea replace the Cinchona, it was turned into an experimental Tea cultivation. In 1884 it transformed to a garden since then many sub tropical and some temperate plants were planted in the gardens. There are over 10,000 species of flora planted here and during the Spring season in Nuwara Eliya thousands of visitors come to see the blooms here. The garden is famous for number of species of Orchids and Roses are planted there.

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Ceylon Tea

The first tea was discover & tasted in china more than five thousand years ago.it would have been a simple concoction of the leaf of the tea bush steeped in boiling water.The original Chinese flavor is GREEN TEA. The process of reading the leaf of the tea bush for the pot & deliver for drink but introducing to Sri Lanka & Asian countries it’s become more complicated which happen during the colonial era,

 Ceylon Black tea popular around the world usually mixed with milk & sugar but in Sri Lankans merely not insulting mixing milk & sugar, They use to drink Strong Tea (Black tea without Sugar & Milk) or Ginger Tea  (Tea Boiled with chopped ginger & add some sugar or with kitul jaggery ) for refreshing the mind at the end of the hard day at work or rejuvenating the body zapping it awake from a good sleep. Drinking Black tea is part of the daily routines of Sri Lankan life. Tea boutique is a common sub community in the island. Have a cup of tea with leisurely reading news papers is a common sight in all part of Sri Lanka; Singhalese says “have a chat with hot tea cup” depicts Tea culture established since colonial era.

Popular Ceylon Tea Flavor 

·         Black Tea (Black tea without Sugar & Milk)

·         Ginger Tea  (Tea Boiled with chopped ginger & add some sugar or with kitul jaggery )

·          Tea with spicy cinnamon (Tea Boiled with Cinnamon & add some sugar or with kitul jaggery)

·         Tea with lemon or mint

·         Tea with strawberry or Peach; Common Choice offer hot but ice tea also preferable.

How to make a quality cup of Ceylon Tea

·         Use one tea spoon of Tea per 2 cups

·          Pour fresh boiling water in to tea pot

·         Brew for 2 to 3 mts only

·         Stain the pot strain and remove infused  leaf

·         Add only sugar & serve hot or chilled  

The Ceylon tea is considering the best in world .it available every Tea boutique in Sri Lanka, the more glamorous aspect of tea is the gifting arena. Which offer several tea trading company with creative stylish package from the  modern packaging technology like wood, reed, cane, Leather pack; available for competitive prices.

  

       

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Sri Lankan Mask

Sri Lanka has no found metal mask but wooden mask are common in the island. That using light weight wood  but some mask so larger & heavy that using person with strong enough.This gigantic mask is carved of a Kaduru Wood (nux vomica). Traditional mask making is best known in South Coast “Ambalangoda” but there are skilled traditional craftsmen in other area too. Colors & Dyes generated from natural sources earlier but now commonly using artificial paint .After carved mask use to keep in cool place (prefer @ kitchen)  for off the wet  before coloring ; which enhancing economical life time& good color effects to the article.

There are many categories of Sri Lankan Mask which depending on the purpose or Purposes that are using for.Sri Lankan Mask Could be divided in to two main categories,

· Kolam Mask

· Thovil (Sanni)Mask

Kolam is rural dance drama , That mask aid in the clever caricature of characters and incident from their own life style. 

·Nonchi Akka (Drunk woman)

·Adabera Lokama

·Lenchina

·Jassaya (Lenchina’s husband)

·Police Kolama

·Chettiar

The actors use to share the dialogue with audience during the performing on the stage ; most scripts framework are basically comedy type,

Thovil Mask  are using for Demon dance ceremony  perform to exorcise disease causing.Katadiya(The Doctor) only wearing mask & related costumes peculiar to each ceremony that masks symbolize Yakka (Demon).The 18 sanni demons ceremony is most popular exorcise ceremony in the island,

·Kalu Yaka

·Mahasona

·Garayaka

·Naga Raksha

Colombo Museum & Ambalangoda Mask Museums are dedicating to exhibition of Sri Lankan traditional Mask

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