Wild Life In Sri Lanka

WASGAMUWA NATIONAL PARK

 located in the districts of Matale and Polonnaruwa and bordered by the 'Mahaweli' and 'Amban' rivers, stretches an impressive 36,948 hectares. It was declared a National park in 1984, making it the only one in the Central Province.  Home to a huge variety of flora and fauna (23 species of mammal - including elephants and bears, 143 birds, 8 amphibians, 17 fresh water fishes, 17 reptiles, 50 butterflies and 150 plants), this park is truly a paradise for the nature lover.  With < many small scale ancient tanks and several other ruins and ancient religious sites the park also has significant historical importance.  For keen hikers, it is also home to the 'Sudu Kanda' mountain range (about 470m above sea level).

History and the Description of the Wasgamuwa National Park: 

Long before wildlife conservation became fashionable, Sri Lanka already had areas of jungle marked out for conservation. One such case is that of the Wasgomuwa National Park , a portion of which was declared a Strict Nature Reserve as early as 1938. Life here, of course, is abundant, a testimonial to the success of Sri Lanka 's early conservation efforts. Fifty or so species of butterflies (nine of which are endemic) sprinkle the park with a splash of welcome color just when you think your eyes are dying of dullness from the browns and grays of all those large mammals, which drink from every stream and river the veritable White Mountain feeds. If you try looking into these rivers and streams, you might catch a glimpse of the Stone Sucker or Combtail, two of the 17 species of fish swimming in them.

Watch out for Water Monitors and crocodiles while looking for fish though, and try not to run afoul of these not-too-friendly reptiles. While some would say that all reptiles are hideous, the more adorable ones include the endangered skink and the Dangaradanda as well as the Red Lipped Lizard and - with a name implying that normal people actually notice the ears of lizards - the Earless Lizard. No discussion of a national park in Sri Lanka is complete without the naming of a few birds, as we have noted in our section on Minneriya-Giritale National Park . So here are a few more cool names for you to memorize. It is intriguing how people name birds, and we're quite sure that's part of the fun.

In Wasgomuwa National Park - where the Lesser Adjutant does not refer to a disgraced general - there are about 143 species of birds. Examples (besides the Lesser Adjutant) include the Red-faced Malkoha and Yellow Fronted Barbet; the Sri Lanka Jungle Fowl; and Sri Lanka Spur Fowl, sometimes misheard as "super-fowl". There is also the Sri Lanka Frogmouth, which appears to have no beak. Speaking of which, this might be a convenient place to draw your attention to the Slender Wood Frog, an endangered amphibian and the most noteworthy among the eight species found here.

THE KNUCKLES RANGE (DUMBARA HILLS)

Dumbara Hills

The Knuckles Mountain Range covers parts of Kandy and Matale districts and is separated from the Central Hills by the Mahaveli Valley to the South and East and the Matale Valley to the West. Its name derived from its shape of a clenched fist, which forms a scenic wonderland. What makes the Knuckles Forest/Mountain Range unique is the geographical character of its location. Perpendicular to the mountain range that runs from Laggala to Urugala runs three distinct but lesser ranges while there are other minor ranges running parallel to it. There are a total of 34 clearly identified such ranges with in the 62 square miles that makes up 3000-6500feet in height.

Heritage

Knuckles Mountain Range is important due to the historical value it carries and therefore it can be categorized as one of the valuable heritages in Sri Lanka. The story of Knuckles (Dumbara Hill) goes back into prehistoric periods. It is said that in ancient times it was referred to as ‘Giri Divaina’ and as ‘Malaya Rata’ and there is archaeological evidence that speaks of ancient Yaksha settlement in the area. People believe that the name ‘Lanka’ is derived which much folklore has gathered over the centuries. The Knuckles Mountain Range is an invariable referent in any salutary appreciation of the last kingdom of the Sinhala Kanda Udarata.

The importance of the Knuckles Mountain Range is obtained from several factors. It has a parasitical quality to it because of the mountain peaks, the crystal clear and perennial waterways, cloud forests and exquisite fauna and flora. Pregnant with history running into several millennia and a veritable treasure house of cultural heritage, the Knuckles Mountain Range can be considered a as a mirror to the past.

Climate

A remarkable feature of this area is that most of the climatic conditions of Sri Lanka can be found with in the extent of a mountain range. All these hanging climatic conditions  can be experienced within half and hour walk through this valley. The location of the hills, the particular effect of the monsoons and the wind factor generate a certain climatic diversity to the area. In fact in these hills one can find characteristics of all the key ecological zones found in the country.

Average annual rainfall lies between 3000-5000ml, and temperature of the region ranges between 5.5 degrees and 35 degrees Celsius. It is through a gap in the mountain that the winds of Southwest Monsoon enter to the Dry Zone. The average wind speed has been measured to be approximately 7.2km/hour and humidity in the range lies between 57%-90%.

Water Resources

Since the main risen in opposition to both the  Southwest and Northwest Monsoons, the area enjoys bountiful rainfalls. For this and other reasons, the Knuckles Mountain Range is counted among the richer of the upper watersheds in the country. In fact from these hills flow the richer of the tributaries to the Mahaweli River.

There are three main rivers called the Hulu Ganga, the Heen Ganga and the Kalu Ganga, which begin from Knuckles Mountain Range. And there are a number of breathtaking waterfalls and small rivers, which can be found in this area. Even to day as was in the ancient days water from Knuckles Mountain Range feeds the ancient irrigation works such as Parakrama Samudraya

Budhist Temples around Polonnaruwa

Polonnaruwa
   
   
Polonnaruwa, Sri Lanka's splendid medieval capital was established as the first city of the land in the 11th Century, A.D. It replaced Anuradhapura, plundered made desolate, and laid hopelessly bare to the invading armies from South India. Three Kings dominate the annals of the city and the period.

The city reached a dazzling but pitifully brief zenith in the 12th century and though ravaged by invasion in the centuries following, much evidence remains of the old grandeur and glory.

The ruins of the ancient city stand on the east shore of a large artificial lake, the Topa Wewa Lake, or Parakrama Samudra (the Sea of Parakrama), created by King Parakramabahu I (1153-86), whose reign was Polonnaruwa's golden age. Within a rectangle of city walls stand palace buildings and clusters of dozens of dagobas, temples and various other religious buildings.

A scattering of other historic buildings can be found to the north of the main complex, outside the city walls and close to the main road to Habarana and Dambulla.

To see many of the relics excavated from the site such as the stone lion which once guarded the palace of King Nissanka Malla, or the fine Hindu bronzes unearthed from the ruins of the Siva Devale Temple - you may have to visit the National Museum in Colombo, where they are kept. However, with the opening of the new Polonnaruwa Visitor Information Centre and its museum in 1998/9 some of the key exhibits were scheduled to return to the place where they were discovered.

Vatadage in Polonnaruwa

Vatadage, circular relic house possesses an elegance and beauty that is rare even in ancient Sri Lanka. In line with the outer circle of stone pillars is a tastefully ornamented screen wall patterned with four petalled flowers.

The flights of access stairs at the cardinal points are beautifully carved. At the head of each flight is a Buddha statue in stone. Vatadage is lavished with moonstones, guard stones.

Nissanka Lata Mandapaya

Nissankalata Mandapaya, built by King Nissankamalla, is an innovative work of art depicting the splendor of classical architecture The pavilion was believed for chanting Buddha’s teaching and the inscription at the pavilion reveals that the king used listen to the chanting of pirith, the Buddhist blessings.

Nissankalata Mandapayapavilion surrounded by Buddhist railings, houses a bubble shaped small dagaba, without its upper part, carved out of stone in the center. It is possible, the stone carved stupa used to hold the relic casket during pirit chanting.
 
Satmahal Prasada

Satmahal Prasada or seven storeyed edifice is constructed in a stepped pyramidal form that contains seven square stories. According to the archeologists, the layout of the edifice resembles Vat Kukut at Lamphun, Thailand built in the eight century.


The identity and the purpose of Satmahal Prasada haven’t yet been proven. According the historical chronicles of Sri Lanka, King Parakranbahu the Great had built a stupa in the area and some scholars have assumed the building was in fact a stupa. A similar building discovered in Anuradhapura is known by the name of Nakha Vehera.

   
Parakrama Samudraya in Polonnaruwa 

Parakrama Samudra (Sinhala: Sea of Parakrama) built by King Parakramabahu the great, largest ancient man-made rainwater reservoir in Sri Lanka dominates the western flank of the Polonnaruwa district. The great reservoir spreading an area of 2500 hectars and having a capacity of 134 million cubic meters is the lifeline to the agricultural district of Polonnaruwa and surroundings. The city of Polonnaruwa, 122 hectars in extent, spreading out to a distance of 5km from north to south and 3km from east to west, is also the beneficiary of cooling breezes of Parakrama Samudra.

Close by Parakrama Samudra are the ruins of the Kings (King Nissanka Malla) Council Chamber on whose pillars are inscribed the status and titles of various officials of the kingdom.

Statue of King Parakramabahu in Polonnaruwa

On the Southern side of the Parakrama Samudra and South of picturesque lakeside Rest house is another well known Polonnaruwa monument: a striking rock craved statue of a man of noble disposition holding a stack of manuscripts written on ola.

The statue has generated speculations and arguments concerning the identification. The archeologists haven't arrived at a concrete conclusion.The sculpture that rises to a height of 3.5m is believed to be that of King Parakramabahu the great.It could also very well be a representation of the sage Pulasti, after whom the city was named Pulastinagara. Pulastinagara (Sinhala: City of Pulasti) is the pali version of the Sinhala name Polonnaruwa.
  
Palace of King Parakramabahu in Polonnaruwa

Enclosed by ramparts four leagues long and seven leagues wide the Royal Citadel has many interesting monuments. Palace of King Parakramabahu must have been an imposing edifice once, richly decorated and seven storeys high: the remaining walls of the palace are of extra-ordinary thickness and the drainage system is intriguing. A little further on is the handsome royal bath, the Kumara Pokuna. Across the way is the beautiful Royal Audience Hall - embellished with lion portals, graceful pillars and a moonstone. (a delicately carved stepping stone).

The structural techniques of this period were the same as those of the Anuradhapura period, but there was a greater use of lime mortar, which enabled the building of brick structures of dimensions never before attempted.

Potgul Vehera

At the southern end of the city,i.e. 100m south of the statue of King Parakramabahu, outside the Royal Garden of Nandana Uyana is the Potgul Vehera, or the Library Monastery’.
A central square terrace houses the principal monument, a circular shrine or library where the sacred books were deposited. It is surrounded four small dagobas.

The superior acoustics of Potgul Vehera leads to the conculsion the library had doubled up as an auditorium on occasions to read the books, read the tenets of Buddhism and chant the blessings called "Pirith"

The buildings called Potgul Vihara or library utilized for the same purposes as the shrine at Polonnaruwa, can be seen in some of the Buddhist monuments too.
   
Siva Devale in Polonnaruwa

Siva Devale 1
A Hindu Temple of chaste and restrained line dedicated to God Siva of 12th century vintage.

Siva Devale 2
Past the north gate of the citadel is the 11th century Hindu temple built entirely of stone. Within in the sanctum is a stone carved lingam or phallus a symbol of Hindu god Diva. In front of the temple is Nandi bull, God Siva’s vehicle.


Thuparama in Polonnaruwa

Thuparama, a brick-built gedige (Sinhala: vaulted shrine) is in a fine state of preservation. Thuparma, the oldest image house at Polonnaruwa goes back the reign of King Vijayabahu the first (1055-1110 A.D.).

A brick base about one meter high with three projections once carried an image of Buddha, which is now simple a pile of bricks. The stone images in the Thuparama date back to Anuradhapura period.

Vatadage in Polonnaruwa

Vatadage, circular relic house possesses an elegance and beauty that is rare even in ancient Sri Lanka. In line with the outer circle of stone pillars is a tastefully ornamented screen wall patterned with four petalled flowers.

The flights of access stairs at the cardinal points are beautifully carved. At the head of each flight is a Buddha statue in stone. Vatadage is lavished with moonstones, guard stones.

Nissanka Lata Mandapaya in Polonnaruwa

Nissankalata Mandapaya, built by King Nissankamalla, is an innovative work of art depicting the splendor of classical architecture The pavilion was believed for chanting Buddha’s teaching and the inscription at the pavilion reveals that the king used listen to the chanting of pirith, the Buddhist blessings.

Nissankalata Mandapayapavilion surrounded by Buddhist railings, houses a bubble shaped small dagaba, without its upper part, carved out of stone in the center. It is possible, the stone carved stupa used to hold the relic casket during pirit chanting.

The Satmahal Prasada in Polonnaruwa

Satmahal Prasada or seven storeyed edifice is constructed in a stepped pyramidal form that contains seven square stories. According to the archeologists, the layout of the edifice resembles Vat Kukut at Lamphun, Thailand built in the eight century.


The identity and the purpose of Satmahal Prasada haven’t yet been proven. According the historical chronicles of Sri Lanka, King Parakranbahu the Great had built a stupa in the area and some scholars have assumed the building was in fact a stupa. A similar building discovered in Anuradhapura is known by the name of Nakha Vehera.

Hatadage and Atadage

Hatadage and Atadage are Sacred Tooth relic temples in Polonnaruwa built by king Wijayabahu and king Nissankamalla. The 11th century Atadage and 12th century Hetadage both housed the Sacred Tooth Relic of Buddha. Both are handsome structures embellished with fine carvings.

Having liberated Sri Lanka from the Dravidian invaders, King Vijayabahu setup his capital at Polonnaruwa and built Atadage so that the sacred tooth relic of Buddha and Bowl relic could be deposited. The ground floor was the image house.


Atadage, an enlarged version of Hatadag, was built by King Nissankamalla to house the Sacred Tooth Relic and Bowl Relic. The impressive building with the ground floor serving as an image house is accessed by a masterfully carved doorway. Inscriptions by King Nissankamalla inscribed on the walls are now discolored.

Gal Potha (Stone Book)

Gal Pota is a massive 26 ft slab of stone lies by the side of the Hetadage in which King Nissankamalla had his own deeds recorded in stone.

The inscriptions also contain particulars of King Nissankamalla’s genealogy and his wars with Dravidian invaders from South India. The inscription itself says that the slab of stone was brought to the location from Mihintale.

The inscription has been of great assistance to the scholars since it also reveals evolution of the Sinhala script.On the side of Gal Pota are two stone carved Elephants sprinkling water on goddess Lakshmi, the Hindu Goddess of Prosperity.

Pabulu Vehera

Pabalu Vehera is believed to be built in late Anuradhapura period and enlarged during the Polonnaruwa period. The stupa is surrounded by four image houses located in the cardinal points. The limestone statues of Buddha are sculpted in different postures. In the image house on the south is a Samadhi Buddha statue, a fine work of art.

In front of Pabalu Vehera to the north is the main street of the ancient city of Polonnaruwa. Now reduced to a mere footpath with encroaching weeds and bushes, it is a fine walk to enjoy the landscape populated with birdlife

Rankot Vehera

Rankot Vehera built by King Nissankamalla, is the largest dagoba in Polonnaruwa. Rankot Vehera had followed the traditions of early stupas built in Anuradhapura. The enormous dagoba that measures 550 ft. in girth belongs to Alahana Parivena monastery complex.

Around the enormous dagoba are image houses and flower alters set in the wide sand terrace surrounding the stupa. At the four central points are Vahalkadasa or front entrances enclosures built of brick, with four flights of steps providing admission to devotees.

The inscription on the stone-seat in front of the dagoba says that King Nissankamalla used to supervise the construction of Rankot Vehera. Another inscription on the platform to the south narrates that King Nissankamalla used to worship the dagoba from the pavilion.

Lankatileke

At the heart of the Alahana Pirivan is the remains at the towering Lankatilaka shrine, one of the most splendid of Buddhist shrines in Asia in the 12th century, is an enormous brick structure, include 55ft. high walls, elaborate carving and a colossal image of Buddha. Lankatilaka shrine Image House is a fine example of vaulted shrines called gedige. The colossal Buddha statue today sans the head, when intact would have measured 41ft in height. The exterior of the walls are decorated with stucco figures and architectural models. On the right balustrade is carved an exquisite figure of great beauty, in high relief that of Nagini, female counterpart of Nagaraja. Though Naga images are common in the guardstones at cultural monuments in Sri Lanka, Lankatilaka shrine is the only example where such images are found in balustrades.

Kiri Vehera
Kiri Vehera is just ahead of Lankatileka. The milk-white shrine was named Kiri Vehera (Sinhala: Milk clolored stupa) for its exterior of gleaming white, built by Queen Subhadra, a consort of King Parakranmbahu. Noted for its perfect proportions, Kiri Vehera is the best preserved of Sri Lanka’s dagobas. A three-chambered relic bloc that was found while excavating a large mound to east of Kiri Vehera, reveals the structure and composition of relic chambers during Polonnaruwa period. In addition to that, the excavations have unearthed many mounds which were originally minor stupas containing the corporeal remains of the royal family and the prelates of the monastery.
On the lower terrace to the west of Kiri Vehera are ruins of a chapter-house or a assembly hall for the Buddhist monks.
Gal Vihare in Polonnaruwa

Gal Vihara Rock Temple, unparallel among such ancient monastic edifices, takes the form of a group of colossal Buddha statues carved out of a granite boulder. Most prominent is the standing image, 7m (23ft) tall.

Next to it is an enormous 14m (46ft) reclining Buddha. The head rest on the right palm, while the left hand is stretched along the left side of the body. The dent on the pillow caused by the weight of the head and the slightly drawn in left leg add life to the superb rock carved work of poise and balance.

Next to the reclining Buddha statues is standing figure of Buddha. Accordingly to archeologist Dr. Senerath Paranavitana, the pose and the facial expression of Buddha shows his supreme compassion towards the suffering.

The seated Buddha statue on the southern end with a backrest decorated in an arch is carved in front elevation of a seat. The Buddha statue within the excavated chambers is the center of attraction of a set up with attendant deities painted on the walls. However, today only the traces of the paintings are visible.

Lotus Bath or Nelum Pokuna

500m north of Demala Maha Saya is the Nelum Pokuna (Sinhala: lotus pond), built by King Parakramabahu the great in a design of stylized 8 petaled lotus flowers. The Lotus pond is believed to had been used for ritual bath for the pilgrims visiting Tivanka-patanaghara image house.

Tivanka Image House

Tivanka image house, located 400m north of Lotus Pond, is so named following the thrice bend yet towering Buddha Statue therein. The head and neck of the Buddha statue have now come off. Tivanka means three bends in Sinhalese. Buddha statue is bent at three places: at the knees, at the waist and at the shoulders. The inner walls as well as the outer walls of the image house are exquisitely decorated.

The paintings on the outer walls are purely decorative with figures of lions, gansas and dwarfs. The murals on the inner walls are masterpieces. Yet those 12th century frescoes depicting scenes from tales of previous lives of Buddha have now faded. According to the scholars these paintings depict a blend of popular and classical styles.

Surfing in Sri Lanka

Arugam Bay
   
   
Arugam Bay surf beach is located 314 km from Colombo, 2 ½ km south of the small town of Pottuvil in the Ampara district of Dry Zone South-east coast of Sri Lanka.

Reaching Arugam Bay

Arugam Bay can be reached from Colombo via Moneragala in 7 hour drive along the A4 main road.

Arugam Bay Beach Sri Lanka

Arugam Bay Beach, a wide sweeping sandy beach in front of the village of Arugam Bay is an attraction for swimming all year-round.

Arugam Bay's first international surfing competition was held by ISA (International Surfing Association) in the summer of 2004 despite the shocking destruction of the Tsunami On December 26, 2004, ISA returned again in 2005 to give the battered local economy of Arugam Bay a boost. The long, consistent right hand point break at the southern end of the Arugam Bay beach makes it the finest surf spot in Sri Lanka.

Arugam Bay Beach with its coral reef being home to an abundance of tropical fish affords delightful snorkeling opportunities.

Arugam Bay Surroundings

The beach isn’t the only attraction at Arugam Bay. The countryside of the village of Arugam Bay brings about loveliest sceneries that span over mangrove, jungle, lagoon, river, rice fields and dunes. Over and above such a landscape is a pair of National Wildlife parks that are home to mammals including Elephants and rich in birdlife. Moreover, the historical and archeological site of Buddhist temple called Magul Maha Vihara reveals the history of the site with its stone inscriptions.

Arugam Bay Surfing season

The surfing season in Arugam Bay starts in April and ends in October. During the season the wind is predominantly offshore.
Average water temperature: 28 degrees
Average air temperature: 32 degrees
Surf spots at Arugam Bay
Arugam Point, a long right hand break close to Arugam Bay, which has (on a good day) 2m waves and a 400m ride. Thirty minutes north of Arugam Bay by three wheeler taxi, Potuvil Point, bit smaller than Arugam Point, breaks off a long sandy beach.

South of Arugam Bay is another surfing point. Thirty minutes by three wheeler taxi and twenty minutes walk, Crocodile Rock, whenever there’s a sufficient swell, a fine spot for beginners and intermediate surfers.

Pottuvil Lagoon in Sri Lanka

Two kilometers inland from Arugam Bay is scenic Pottuvil Lagoon. Pottuvil Lagoon tour with a local fisherman is another joy at Arugam Bay: paddling out into the lagoon and through the scenic mangrove swamps vibrant with bird life, monitor lizards, crocodiles and elephants.

Off-shore Dolphin viewing at Arugam Bay Beach

The season for off-shore Dolphin viewing at Arugam Bay Beach is the period of May to September that falls within the high season of Arugam Bay: April to October. Two hour boat trip into sea affords the view of Dolphins.

Panama

12km south of Arugam Bay is Panama, the last inhabited village that precedes the Yala East National Park. Panama that stays somewhat inland yet intersects with lagoons is rich in bird life. The wide beach that seams endless, the lagoon of Panama, the area surrounding it, sand dunes and rock boulders, all combine to make an enchanting landscape. While water buffaloes are seen wallowing in water bodies, an odd elephant too could be seen in savannah-like grassland.

The pair of two huge rocky outcrops named Crocodile Rock and Elephant Rock at Panama, true to their names, are of resemblance to these creatures. Crocodile Rock, in addition to being a surfing spot, is also a favorite location of the wildlife lovers. So is the elephant rock; while the eagles sweep overhead, the elephants roam freely.

Okanda

20km south of Panama is the village of Okanda that has a popular surfing spot. The village is home to a famous shrine located at the point god Skanda is believed to have landed on the island. The shrine is the starting point of overland pilgrimage, the long walk to Kataragama for 15-day festival in July at Kataragama, the domain of god Skanda. Okanda is also the entrance point of the Yala East National park of which the mangroves and Kumana reservoir resulted in a high population of aquatic birds.

Visit Yala East National Park

Although Yala East National Park is the twin of Yala West (Yala Ruhuna National Park), access from one to other is hindered by the River Kumbukkan Oya that flows separating these twin sanctuaries. Similar to popular Yala West in terrain, Yala East too is home to leopards and other mammals. The sanctuary supports a sizable elephant population, though herds are smaller than Yala West.

Kumana Bird Sanctuary

Kumana Bird Sanctuary, fed by a channel from the River Kumbukkan Oya is the focal point of Yala East National park. About 20 km into the park is Kumana reservoir of which mangroves host a wide array of aquatic birds where many nest in May and June. Among the birds most seen are painted storks, herons, egrets, Indian darters and little cormorants. Black-necked stork, one of rarest birds of Sri Lanka could also been seen at the park.

Kudumbigala

A few kilometers inland from Okanda lies the Kudumbigala forest hermitage. Hundreds of caves there had given shelter to the Buddhist monks as far back as the first century BC.

Lahugala National Park

About 15km inland from Arugam Bay, the main road passes through the scenic Lahugla National Park. Extensive Lahugala reservoir being the center piece, Lahugala Park draws a population of about 150 elephants during July and August, when the surrounding water bodies dry up. In the lush vegetation and the grass which grows in abundance, the herds of elephants find their feed. The reservoir also brings about the spectacle of aquatic birds enjoying the company of elephants.

Magul Maha Vihara, Lahugla (Yala East)

Just east of Lahugala lies a cluster of ruins of the ancient Buddhist temple called Magul Maha Vihara built by King Dhatusena (515-526 AD). With the ruins of dagoba, vatadage, image house and well-persevered doormats called moonstones the location within the jungle has become all the more evocative.

  
Surf forecast

Surfing isn't like other sports. Especially in Sri Lanka an ever increasing number of surfers are searching for a finite resource and getting educated is the best way to score more sessions in better waves with less crowds.
How far you want to go is up to you. It makes sense for every surfer to know at the very least how waves are created, weather forecasts and other tools available to spot the good days from the bad.
For more information about our Sri Lanka Surf Tours, surfing in Sri Lanka and/or the Surf Conditions in Sri Lanka just contact us…

The best surf points in Sri Lanka are located on the South and East Coast with Hikkaduwa and Arugam Bay being the busiest, but there are many “secret spots” like Unawatuna, Talpe, Ahangama, Weligama, Mirissa, Dikwella or off the coast of Tissamaharama and Yala where you still can find uncrowded surf.

source; http://www.lanka.com/sri-lanka/arugam-bay-sri-lanka-952.html

Ritigala

Ritigala Mountain   

   
Ritigala is located 188 km north-east of Colombo, at Ganewalpola, near Kekirawa/Maradankadawala of north-central plains of Sri Lanka.

Reaching Ritigala Sri Lanka

Ritigala can be reached from the turn-off from Habarana- Anuradhapura Road at a distance of 12km from Habarana. Another 5 km along a graveled yet motorable road leads to the foot of the mountain.

Ritigala Mountain at a height of 766 m above the sea-level is the highest mountain in the north-central dry plains of Sri Lanka. The mountain mass about three miles long and about two miles wide at its widest point is covered with dense jungle inhabited by wild Elephants, leopards and bears. It is the watershed of the Malwatu Oya which feeds the Nachaduwa tank and Kalueba Ela which feeds Huruluwewa. The Ritigala Mountain has been declared a Strict Natural Reserve in order to maintain its pristine environment. Ritigala mountain’s cloud cover and mist that cloth it most of the year round has resulted in a flora much more commonly found at the central hills of wet zone than those in the dry plains: the upper part of the mountain is well known for its flora, some of which are rare; it has also a range of wild orchids.

History of the Ritigala Mountain Sri Lanka

Ritigala is home to 70 rock caves that were believed to had been inhabited since the first century BC. Mahavamsa, the great historical chronicle of Sri Lanka narrates that Ritigala was known by the name of "arittha-pabbata" during the reign of Pandukabhaya (377-307 BC), the third king of Sri Lanka. Since then Ritigala had been, at intervals, a sanctuary for the kings at war against the Dravidian invaders to the island till the 7th century: King Dutugemunu (161-137 BC) and King Jetthatissa in the seventh century.

From the early days of Buddhism, monks had been living in natural caves or rock shelters. Rock inscriptions discovered at Ritigala indicate that gradually, the sanctuary became a monastic retreat for hermit (Pamsukulika) monks. An inscription found at the site records that the Ritigala monastery was founded by King Lanji Tissa (119 - 109 BC) who also dedicated a reservoir to the monastery The monastery complex built with the tradition of Padhanaghara Parivena was endowed by King Sena the first (846-866 AD) for the benefit of Pansukulika monks who practiced extreme austerity. By the 10th-12th century AD however Ritigala seems to have been abandoned by the hermit monks, taken over by the jungle and forgotten by the populace.

It is the ruins of this monastery that King Sena I (846-866 AD) built for the Pansakulika monks that the modern pilgrims see today. The Archaeological Department has sensitively restored many of the ruins.

Rediscovery of Ritigala Sri Lanka

At the end of the tenth century, Ritigala came under the barrage of south Indian invasions. By the 10th-12th century AD Ritigala seems to had been abandoned by the hermit monks and soon it retreated into the jungles and rediscovered in the late 19th century by James Mantell, a government surveyor. A couple of decades later, the first archeological commissioner in Ceylon H.C. P. Bell visited Ritigala and published a report on his archeological investigations.

Ruins of Buddhist Monastery

Entering the site of ruins of the monastery, the visitors come to a huge man-made reservoir with a circumference of 1,200 feet constructed by means of a bund across a valley down which two streams flow from the mountain. The inside is lined with stones meant to protect it and also to serve as steps for bathers. The top of the bund is also paved with large stones. The path to the ruins runs along the southern bank of the reservoir, crosses a bridge, passes a circus and then leads to the first buildings.

A short climb off the foot of the mountain takes the visitors to the ruins at Ritigala that are scattered over an area of about 120 acres. Turning right the visitors come a large rectangular building with a sunken and paved courtyard in its center with pillars around it: the refectory with grindstones and a stone trough. Just near the refectory is a large area enclosed by a wall which like most of the structures at Ritigala is made of huge finely cut and dressed slabs of stone. Within this area are two pairs of double platforms with stones fitted together hard and fast.

On the northern end of the enclosure wall is a path that leads down to a ravine then to a river where there is a stone bridge and a bathing enclosure. Returning to near the north-west corner of the enclosed area, the visitor finds a path leading westward through very thick forest. This paved path runs for about 1000 feet and has several flights of stairs interspersed by two roundabouts. The first of these roundabouts, roughly halfway along the path, is the largest, while the second smaller one is towards the end of the path. A little before the first roundabout a path leads off to the left to an impressive stone bridge, several double platforms and caves.

The double platforms are made out of huge slabs of beautifully cut stone and always occur in pairs, joined by a bridge. They are usually built on natural rock foundations and are always aligned in the same direction. Near the platforms are found urinal stones some of which are elaborate carved. In fact, the urinal stone is the only feature in Pansakulika monasteries with any decorations on them at all.

Architecture of the monastery

Ritigala monastery where Pansakulikas monks dwelled has no stupas, no image houses or temples. The long meditational pathway which branches out to the buildings while climbing up the mountain brings about tranquility in the jungle setting. The architecture herein is in line with all other forest monasteries of Pansakulikas: certain mysterious features unique in Sri Lankan monastic architecture; long paved paths often with roundabouts in them; large stone-lined and stepped reservoirs; and unique double platforms.


Source; http://www.lanka.com/sri-lanka/ritigala-mountain-sri-lanka-939.html

Ceylon Gems

Ratnapura  
   
Ratnapura meaning City Gems in Sinhalese, the main source of precious and semiprecious stones (including rubies, sapphires, and cat’s-eyes) mined in the valleys by River Kalu Ganga that flows through the district, is located 103 m from Colombo in the Sabaragamuwa district of wet Zone of Sri Lanka.

Reaching Ratnapura

Ratnapura can be reached by A4 Highway which connects capital Colombo to Kalmunai in the Eastern Province. The A8 Highway connects the town with Panadura in the western coast of Sri Lanka.

Ratnapura’s Climate, terrain and vegetation

The high rainfall (4,000 to 5,000 mm annually) at Ratnapura district in a valley (21m above sea-level) by the River Kalu Ganga Ratnapura has resulted in rich vegetation, an environment of greenery interspersed with streams and waterfalls. Ratnapura affords grand views of the surrounding countryside, in particular the famous and revered mountain, Adam’s Peak (Sri Pada). The most visited waterfalls at Ratnapura are Bopath Ella Falls at the village of Kuruvita and Katugas Ella Falls at the village of Mahawelawatta and Kirindi Ella Falls.

Ratnapurais one of the most beautifully situated towns in Ceylon, except for its climate, which is aptly compared to a Turkish bath. Still it is this hot moist temperature which makes all leaf and blossom more luxuriant in Ratnapura than anywhere else.

Gem Mining at Ratnapura

Mining of gems in Sri Lanka, also known by the name of Ratna Deepa (Sinhala: The Island of Gems) in the ancient times, is woven in to the history of Sri Lanka, goes back at least to 2000 years. The Mahavansa, the ancient chronicle of Sri Lanka too mentioned about gems and jewelry on several occasions. A sizeable community at Ratnapura is engaged in the Gem Trade. Mechanized gem mining being banned in Sri Lanka, unearthing gemstones at Ratnapura is an unsophisticated and small-scale affair done in traditional methods.

Besides the villages surrounding Ratnapura and Pelmadulla towns, other areas that had become famous for their gem mines include the villages surrounding the towns of Kuruvita, Opanayake, Rakwana, Kahawatte and Eheliyagoda, all in Ratnapura district. One of the villages in Pelmadulla where gem mining is highly concentrated is of Ganegama.

Ratnapura district has produced an incredible variety of gemstones, many of them outstanding in comparison with stones from other regions. Sapphire occurs in all hues of blue, as well as yellow, violet, green, pink, and the remarkable pinkish-orange “padparadsha.” Other gemstones include topaz in bright yellow with a reddish tinge; brownish yellow to cinnamon-colored grossular; orange-yellow spessartine; blood-red pyrope; red to brownish red almandine; the world’s finest zircon in a broad spectrum including brown, yellow, orange, green, and colorless (known locally as ‘Matara diamond’—a misnomer); green, yellow, and brown tourmaline; yellow, green, and brown chrysoberyl; yellow chrysoberyl cat’s-eye; the unique white translucent variety of microcline with a blue sheen known as moonstone; and great quantities of spinel in brown, green, blue, purple, violet, yellow, pink, and red. Unusual and rare stones from the same area include sillimanite, andalusite, scapolite, enstatite, kornerupine and diopside.

Ratnapura is the source of some of the priceless gemstones in the world: Blue Giant of Orient (466 cts), Logan Blue Sapphire (42 3cts), Blue Belle of Asia (400 cts), Rossar Reeves Star Ruby (138.7 cts), Star of Lanka (393 cts) and the Ray of Treasure (105 cts Cat’s Eye). The Star of Lanka and Ray of Treasure are the proud possessions of the National Gem & Jewellery Authority of Sri Lanka.

Trading precious gems in the street.

Saviya Mawata at the heart of the town of Ratnapura, 150 m east of the clock tower is the location the local traders haggle over uncut precious and semi precious gems. The street is lined with the shops of small dealrs. Located at the clock tower and main street are traditional jewelry shops.

Ratnapura Agriculture

Ratnapura is a village set in agriculture. Many delicious fruits like mango and papaya and vegetables are grown as market products. The town's agricultural industry is also well developed: large plantations of tea and rubber surround the town.

Ratnapura’s tourism industry

Ratnapura being a nature attraction that serves trekking opportunities caters to a well-established tourism industry. Ratnapura is a convenient transit base to explore the popular attractions of Sinharaja rain forest, Uda Walawe National Park, Kitulgala, and Sri Pada.

Ratnapura National Museum

Ratnapura National Museum is set up at the renovated building called “Ehelepola Walauva” once belonged to a minister Ehelepola of the last king of Sri Lanka. The beautiful building on Ratnapura - Colombo road was opened for the public as a museum in 1988. Among the exhibits are prehistoric archaeological inventions, geological, anthropological, zoological artifacts and models related to the Sabaragamuva Province. Portrayal of the folk life of the region including various forms of dress, ornamentation, weaponry, musical instruments is an important aspect of the museum.

The weaponry on display: Sinhala swords of late medieval era including a rare sword said to have belonged to Ehelepola; a fine collection of old guns including a Vicker machine gun used during the first world war.

The cookery of the region: tripod pan with three moulds for preparing those delectable cakes known as kiri roti made of rice flour, grated coconut and coconut milk and often consumed with treacle.
Traditional Kandyan jewelry: necklaces, bangles, anklets and earings.

Ratnapura Gemological Museum

The gemological Museum at Ratnapura houses an array of fabulous samples of precious and semi-precious gems: rubies; sapphires; amethyst. Among the other exhibits are the images, artefacts and tools that elaborate the history and the processes of the industry. The museum features a souvenir shop and a restaurant.

Ratnapura Maha Saman Devale

Maha Saman Devale is a shrine dedicated to God Saman-the tutelary deity of Adam's Peak constructed on the site of the Portuguese church and fort after the area was recaptured by the Kandyan kingdom from the Portuguese.

"The Maha Saman Devale, Ratnapura is very impressive—the grandest in size and setting of all the devales I have seen. Approached up long stone steps flanked by dug out boats on either side (ready for the annual goods) one senses at once that one is entering a place of myths and legends and offine style and historic Importance. Here a king at war must have been a king indeed and the palatial walauwas in the province seem a right and proper architectural support to the central place Of worship of its people. The devale compound is bound by a low, tiled and windowed, wall within which its space is ordered and emphasized by pavilion roofs, culminating in a three tiered tower at one point, with two other deeply eaved shrine roofs for balance on the vast flat quadrangle. The impression is of triangular weight airborne on carved pillars on a flat sandy expanse, glimpsed through ever changing frames as one walks through the cloisters."—Barbara Sansoni


Source; http://www.lanka.com/sri-lanka/ratnapura-938.html

Nuwara Eliya

Nuwara Eliya is located 150 km away from Colombo in the Central Highlands of Sri Lanka.

Reaching Nuwara Eliya

Nuwara Eliya can be reached from Colombo via Kandy, the gateway to Central Highlands of Sri Lanka. Colombo-Kandy-Nuwara Eliya is the most scenic highland motor road of Sri Lanka. Though the city of Nuwara Eliya has no Railway station, the highland railway line of dramatic scenery that winds past the city of Nanu Oya makes the journey by train possible. The journey to Nuwara Eliya from Kandy by train as well as by car is equally spectacular.The alternative route to Nuwara Eliya from Colombo is via Hatton located in the southern area of the Central Highlands.

The Climate, terrain and vegetation of Nuwara Eliya

Nuwara Eliya at an elevation of 1890 meters above the sea level, the highest city in Sri Lanka lies beneath the tallest peak of the island, Pidurutalagala or Mount Pedro (2555 meters).

Spring in Nuwara Eliya

The salubrious climate has made Nuwara Eliya into a sanatorium that attracts Sri Lankan tourists as well as the foreign tourists to the seasonal event during February to April. Golf tournaments, horse racing, motor cross, clay pigeon shooting and carnival features high in the festivities. The downside of the season is the accommodation rates that shoot up above all. With thousands of local tourists flocking to Nuwara Eliya filling up hotels and guest houses that provide budget accommodation in the season, narrowing the accommodation options, foreign tourists would find it necessary to have the hotel bookings well in advance.

The establishment of the city of Nuwara Eliya.

Though Nuwara Eliya had been inhabited during the early period of the kingdom of Kandy, the existence of the spectacular “Eliya” (Sinhala: opening or clearing) valley set amidst the wooded green mountains wasn’t known to the Colonial British until the accidental discovery by the colonial civil servant John Davy in the year 1819. However it took another decade for the British to realize the potential. Governor Edward Barnes converted Nuwara Eliya into a commercial and a coffee –planting center during the 1830s. In the year 1847 the great colonial explorer Samuel Baker introduced the gardening of English vegetable at Nuwara-Eliya. To date Nuwara Eliya, the leading producer of European vegetables in Sri Lanka, distribute its all vegetable products to the rest of the island. 

Following the Coffee Blight in Sri Lanka during the 1870s, the plantation of tea was introduced by Sir James Taylor resulting in development of Nuwara Eliya district into the heart of the tea growing central highlands of Sri Lanka, then called Ceylon. The first plantation on experimental stages was established in 1867 at the Loolakandara Estate situated between Kandy and Nuwara Eliya. In the year 1885 the highland railway track was extended to Nanu Oya, a town 5km south of Nuwara Eliya.

Nuwara Eliya is very famous for fresh flowers. Here you can find some beautiful pictures of tropical Roses we captured in Nuwara Eliya

Victoria Park at Nuwara Eliya

In the center of the town is local Central Market. South of the market is Victoria Park spreading to an expanse of 27 acres with well maintained shrubs and trees. The cluster of exceedingly tall eucalyptuses is a main feature therein. Victoria Park, though in close proximity to the city center, is an ornithological hot spot where the birders would spend long hours. River Nanu Oya that runs through the Victoria park and a number of lakes within it supports the endemic birds of Sri Lanka as well as migrant birds from Himalayan are seen at the park. Among the birds are Kashmir flycatcher, Indian blue robin, pied thrush, dull-blue flycatcher, yellow-eared bulbul and dull-blue flycatcher.

Race Course and Golf Course at Nuwara Eliya

To the south of the park is racecourse. Behind the race course is Lake Gregory. Nuwara Eliya’s all green sylvan golf course is located just opposite the Victoria Park. Built in 1891 by the British colonialists in Sri Lanka, then called Ceylon, 18-hole golf course is well maintained by Nuwara Eliya golf club. The club rents golf equipment and charges a fee for playing at its golf course.

Single Tree Mountain

A path from the race course leads to Single Tree Mountain that affords a bird eye-view of the surrounding hills. Single Tree Mountain unravels the spectacular sceneries of the entire town of Nuwara Eliya including Pidurutalagala Mountain, Haggala Mountain, Lake Gregory as well as Northern section of Horton Plains.

Pedro and Labookelle tea estates at Nuwara Eliya

Pedro and Labookelle tea estates afford the opportunities to get on-site knowledge on tea industry of Sri Lanka.

Located 3 km east of Nuwara Eliya, beneath a flank of Mount Pedro is the Pedro Tea estate. The resident guide at the estate explains and elaborates on the process of growing and manufacturing Ceylon Tea. Labookelle Tea Estate located 20 km north of Nuwara Eliya, is set at an elevation of 2000 meters. The expansive estate is fully geared to host the visitors with a tour around property. The café is a fine place to enjoy a cup of Ceylon tea while having a slice of cake.

Soft adventure at Nuwara Eliya

Nuwara Eliya’s scenic mountainous terrain affords hiking possibilities. Mount Pedro or Pidurutalgala rising to a height of 2555meters above the sea level, though the summit isn’t open to the public, offers hiking opportunities. Waterfalls around Nuwara Eliya make the hiking and trekking all the more pleasant: Ramboda fall; Devon Falls; Lakshapna Falls. Turf club also located within the city affords all horse riding and pony riding. Boating opportunities are made possible by the boat house at Lake Gregory.

Horton Plains

Horton Plains National Park, A UNESCO World Heritage perched on the edge of the Central Highlands midway between Nuwara Eliya and Haputale, another hill country retreat, the highest plateau of Sri Lanka at 2000 feet, is a paradise of birders, nature lovers and hikers. The escarpment that falls sheer for over 1050 meters in the park at the southern edge of the highlands to the lowlands below, called World’s End, is an excursion that wouldn’t be missed at all by the holiday makers at Nuwara Eliya.

Since the grand view from the World’s End is clouded with mist 10 am onwards, particularly during April to September, timing on arrival at the escarpment needs to be planned. Horton Plains can be reached from Haputale too.