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Sri Lankan Waterfalls

Dunhida Fall

The Dunhinda Falls is one of Sri Lanka’s most beautiful waterfalls located about 5 km off Badulla town. The waterfall, which is 210 feet (64 m) high gets its name from the smoky dew drops spray, (Dun in sinhala means mist or smoke) which surrounds the area at the foot of the waterfall. The water fall is created by the river called Badulu Oya which goes through the Badulla town.

To reach the water fall you have to walk more than 1 km distance along a foot path. Along this foot path you can see another small waterfall at a distance. However walking along this muddy foot path is really worth as the waterfall is so beautiful. Along this foot path there are many native venders selling herbal drinks to refresh and rest yourself. At the end of the path there is a secure stage constructed for viewers to see the waterfall. If you are brave enough you can reach the foot of the waterfall and cross the river and see the most beautiful view of the fall.

Hunas Fall

Hunas fall is located in Matale District, Elkaduwa Village. Apart from the main fall several water streams can be seen during rainy seasons. Many tourists visit this fall due to its proximity to both, Hunas Fall & Hunas Hotel. There are two routes to the Hunas Fall. One is coming from Matale to Elkaduwa. Other one is Watthegama to Elkaduwa.

Ravana Fall

Situated in the Ella -Wellawaya road, this beautiful water fall lies visible from the main road itself. The water rushing down over several steps adds more hues to it s sublime beauty. The main drop, however, is 30 ft. In height. It derives its name from the mythical king Ravana of the great Indian epic The Ramanya.

Bopath Fall

Just 15 kms from the Colombo- Ratnapura road, it falls from a height of 100ft into the Kurd gang river. The formation itself is a rare beauty with a perfectly heart shaped head, resembling the leaf of the sacred Bo tree, hence the name Bopath. Also a popular picnic spot, it is bound to take your breath away.

Devon Fall

This 280 ft high eye catcher is best sighted from the 20th milepost on the Talawakelle -Nawalapitiya road.

St. Clair’s Fall

St. Clair’s Fall is 80m in height and at 50m wide, and consists of two segments, known as ‘Big St. Clair’ and ‘Small St. Clair’. Created by the Kotmale River, a tributary of the Mahaweli River, it flows down a slope through an abandoned tea estate. In the Nuwara Eliya District, the fall is located 1.5km from Talawakele.

Ramboda Fall

Take the Nuwara Eliya to Pusselawa road for 12km. The fall is located 1.6km from the highway at this point. It is near Pusselawa Resthouse.

Diyaluma Fall

This is the third highest (171 M) water fall in Sri Lanka. The fall is located along the Koslande – Welawaya road in the Badulla District. Koslanda is the nearest town to the diyaluma fall.

Gerandi Fall

Between Pusselawa and Ramboda there are several waterfalls can be seen. Gerandi Fall situated in Nuwara Eliya district and visible from Gampola to Nuwara Eliya road.

Helboda Fall

Between Pusselawa and Ramboda there are several waterfalls, all of which are less than 30m in height. It is located near the 28th mileposts at the Pusselawa.

Bakers Fall

Situated on the Horton Plains (Nuwara Eliya District), Baker’s Fall is accessible from Pattipola or Ohiya town. From Pattipola take the well-signed footpath and either follow it to World’s End and loop back to Baker’s Fall or take the right fork at the beginning of the path straight there.

Bambarakanda Fall

This is the highest (241 M) water fall in Sri Lanka. The fall is situated in the Badulla District, Belihul Oya area.  From the Rathnapura – Balangoda road, turn left for Weerakoon village and continue for 5km to the fall.

Hummanaya Blow Hole

Hummanaya is a blow hole located on the southern Sri Lankan coast. The ocean water flows underneath the shore, and then comes out of this hole due to pressure.

August 23, 2011 at 11:55 am

About Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka Map

Location :Southern India, an Island in the Indian Ocean

National Flag

The National Flag of Sri Lanka has been designed with great care and purpose. It not only represents the country and her heritage, but is a rallying device that integrates the minority races with the majority race.

The present day National Flag is an improvisation of the civil standard of the last king of Sri Lanka, Sri Wickrama Rajasingha. The civil standard had a passant royal lion with a sword in it’s right fore paw at the center, and a bo-leaf on each of the four corners on a plain border.

The lion flag lost it’s significance after the British conquered Sri Lanka in 1815. It was the Union Jack which was hoisted in its place.

When Sri Lanka gained her independence from Great Britain on February 04, 1948, it was the lion flag (the same as the standard of the last king of Sri Lanka) which was hoisted once again.

The first Prime Minister of independent Sri Lanka, D.S.Senanayake, appointed a committee to advice the government on the design of a new national flag. The design approved by the committee in February 1950 retained the symbol of the lion with the sword and the bo-leaves from the civil standard of the last king of Sri Lanka, with the inclusion of two verticle stripes green and orange in color. the significance of each symbol of the national flag is as follows:

• The lion in the flag represents the Sinhala race.
• The sword of the lion represents the sovereignty of the country.
• The noble eight fold path of Buddhism is signified by the lion’s tail.
• Curly hair on the lion’s head indicates religious observance, wisdom and meditation.
• The beard denotes purity of words.
• The handle of the sword highlights the elements of water, fire, air and earth.
• The nose indicates intelligence.
• The two front paws purport to purity in handling wealth.
• The verticle stripe of orange represent the minority Tamil race and the green verticle stripe the minority Muslim race.
• The four virtues of kindness: KINDNESS, FRIENDLINESS, HAPPINESS, EQUANIMITY are also represented in the flag.
• The border round the flag, which is yellow in color, represents other minor races.
• The bo-leaves at the four corners of the flag represent Buddhism and it’s influence on the nation. They also stand for the four virtues – Kindness, Friendliness, Happiness and Equanimity.
• The maroon colored portion of the flag manifests the other minor religions.

Coat of Arms

National Anthem

SINHALESE LYRICS

Sri Lanka Matha, apa Sri Lanka,
Namo Namo Namo Namo Matha.
Sundara siri barini,
Surändi athi Sobamana Lanka
Dhanya dhanaya neka mal pala thuru piri, jaya bhoomiya ramya.
Apa hata säpa siri setha sadana, jee vanaye Matha!
Piliganu mana apa bhakti pooja,
Namo Namo Matha.
Apa Sri Lanka,
Namo Namo Namo Namo Matha,
apa Sri Lanka, Namo Namo Namo Namo Matha.

Obave apa vidya obamaya apa sathya obave apa shakti
apa hada thula bhakti oba apa aloke
apage anuprane oba apa jeevana ve
apa muktiya obave
Nava jeevana demine nithina apa
Pubudu karan matha
Gnana veerya vadavamina ragena yanu
mana jaya bhoomi kara
Eka mavekuge daru kala bavina
yamu yamu wee nopama
Prema vadamu sama bheda durara da Namo Namo Matha

Parliament of Sri Lanka

Administrative Information

Government :    Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka

Capital (Commercial) :     Colombo

Capital (Legistative) :     Sri Jayewardenepura Kotte

Administrative Divisions :     8 Provinces (Central, North Central, North East, North Western, Sabaragamuwa, Southern, Uva, Western)

Independence :      4th February 1948 (from United Kingdom)

President :      H.E. Mahinda Rajapaksa

Prime Minister :     HON. D.M. Jayarathne

Geographical Information

Geographic coordinates :       5° 55′N – 9° 55′ N and longitudes 79° 42′ and 81° 52′

Area :      65,610 Sqkm (25,332 Sq miles)

Maritime :       1340 k.m.

Highest Point :       Piduruthalagala (2524 m)

Land Use :       Arable land  – 13.86 %

Permanent crops – 15.7 %

Irrigated Land – 6510Sqkm

Climate :      Tropical monsoon , Northeast monsoon (December to March) , Southwest monsoon (June to October)

Population Information

Population(2005 Estimate) :       20,743,000

Population Growth Rate :     0.78%

Birth Rate :      15.51 Births / 1000 Population

Infant Mortality Rate :       13.97 deaths / 1000 Live births

Life expectancy at birth :      76.4 female, 71.7 male (2001 est)

Ethnic mix :       73.8 % Sinhalese ,  8.5 % Tamil , 7.2 % Moors , 10.5 % Other

Religions :     69.1 % Buddhist , 7.1 % Hindu , 6.2 % Christian , 7.6 % Muslim , 10 % Other

Literacy rate :      92.5%(2003 est)

Economic Information

Labor Force :       8.08 million

Unemployment Rate :      8.4 %

Electricity Production :     7.308 billion kWh

Electricity Consumption :     6.796 billion kWh

Transportation Information

Railways :      1449 km

Highways :      11650 km

Ports – Harbors :      Colombo, Galle, Jaffna, Trincomalee

International Airports :       1 – Bandaranayake International airport

Other Information

Time Zone :     GMT/UTC +5.5

Daylight Saving Start/End :      Not in use

Currency :       Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR)

Calling Code :       +94

Drives on the :       Left

Internet TLD :     .lk

Electricity :      230-240V, 50 cycles

August 16, 2011 at 11:32 am

Colombo City

Colombo is the commercial and business center of Sri Lanka located on west cost. The city blends together with old colonial type building, high-rise commercial buildings and hotels. It is filled with shopping malls, airline offices bazaars and interesting tourist attractions. Some of the finest structures built during the colonial times still preserved in one part of the City. Colombo is home to majority of Sri Lankan corporate and Government offices. Hotels of Colombo city is located centrally which will make the visitors more convenient. Visitors have the choice of number of star class hotels withspectacular scenic view of the ocean among them “Galle face Hotel” and “Taj Samudra” which opens up to gall face green and to the ocean.

Colombo city is full of popular tourist attractions such as National Museum,Galle Face Green, Beira Lake,Cargills & Millers building, Independence Square, Viharamahadevi Park, Colombo Fort, Pettah bazaar, Beach Waadiya, Churches, Mosques and Temples of Colombo City,Railway museum and Mount Lavinia beach

Climate

Only major change in the weather of Colombo is during the inter monsoon season which is from May to August and October to January. During this time heavy rain fall can be expected.

Transportation

City public transportation consists of mainly from buses and trains. But if you want to get around quickly try auto rickshaws (“three wheelers”) and private cabs.

The National Museum of Colombo

The National Museum of Colombo was established in 1877 by the British Governor Sir William Gregory which is the largest Museum in Sri Lanka. It has a good collection of historical work. This is an ideal place to understand the island’s richest past. The Museum is open from 09 am to 5.00 pm Monday to Friday.

Galle Face Green

South of Colombo along with the lined palm trees of Galle road is the Gall face Green. Along with the a greenish seafront you can enjoy the evening breeze and view the sun set. It’s a crowded place on Fridays and Saturday evenings. Adjacent to the Galle face green is the popular colonial styled Galle Face hotel. Cannons which were used during wartime is still lies along the cost line of the Galle Face Green.

Kelaniya Temple of Sri Lanka

Kelaniya is a famous Buddhist temple located about 8 km away from Colombo which is sited on the Kelani River. It is believe that the Buddha visited Kelaniya in order to quell a quarrel between two Nāga leaders.. The temple has become famous because of the beautiful paintings and sculpture.

Dehiwala Zoo

Dehiwala zoological garden is located in a beautiful landscape covering an area of 11 acres. This was first started by a German business family during the year of 1926. In the year of 1930 this was acquired by the Sri Lankan government and further improved.

Dehiwala Zoo is home for many different animals such as many mammal species, birds, reptiles and fish species. Many endangered species can be seen here as well. The most attractive event of this place is the evening elephant show, starting at about 5.15 pm.

Bere Lake

Bere Lake is located in the middle of Colombo. The island in the middle of the lake and the surrounding tree line make it a beautiful place. This lake was built by Portuguese and the lake was connected with many water was. Portuguese used theses water ways as their transportation needs.The water level of the lake is 1 meter high from the ocean. There are many wetland birds can be seen in this lake.

August 16, 2011 at 10:57 am

Polonnaruwa

The City of Polonnaruwa

Polonnaruwa is located 216 km from Colombo and it was the capital of Sri Lanka from 1017 A.D to 1235 A.D. After the decline of the Anuradhapura Kingdom, Polonnaruwa become the next capital of Sri Lanka. It was King Vijayabahu 1 who made Polonnaruwa as his capital once captured from Cholas. He ruled forty years but it was King Parakramabahu 1 who made Polonnaruwa what it is today.
The reign of King Parakramabahu-1 is considered as the “glories chapter” in the Sri Lankan history. Once the entire island was under one banner King Parakramabahu 1 devoted his time to restoration of irrigational work. He made a 2500 hectare tank called ‘Parakrama Samudra’ (‘Sea of Parakrama’) the city and the surrounding area were watered by the irrigational complex using the tank. The massive buildings, parks, shrines and sacred places made the city more beautiful palace. At the end of his reign in 1186 A.D the whole irrigation system of the dry zone was working to full capacity.

Parakrama Samudra

Parakarama Samudraya (Sea of Parakrama) was built by King Parakramabahu I. This is treated as one of the outstanding irrigational work in history of Sri Lanka. The reason why it is called as “Sea of Parakrama” as it covers an area of 5,940 acres It has 11 channels directing water and feeding a network of irrigation canals and smaller tanks.

Potgul Vehera

Potgul Vihara Monastery is believed to be built by King Parakramabahu. It is a unique monastery. There are a small dagabas surrounding a circular brick building

Lotus Pond

This elegant pond was built in 12th century. This was made like a eight petaled lotus with four tiers and it is believed to be pert of Jetavanaramaya monastery

Statue of King Parakramabahu I

North of Pothgul Vihara there is a 11.5 feet high granite statue. This is believed to be a rock sculpture of King Parakaramabahu -I but even still the stature is matter of debate whether it is Agastaya or King Parakramabahu I

August 12, 2011 at 2:50 pm

Anuradhapura

The Sacred City of Anuradhapura

Cultural Triangle

Sri Lanka’s richest archaeological heritage sites which remind the great civilization of 2500 year old are in the cultural triangle. It is situated in the center of the island covering the world heritage sacred cities such as Anuradhapura, ancient city of Plonnaruwa and Sigiriya. These sites are treated with high universal values which are visited by local travelers and tourists from all around the world.

Sri Maha Bodhia

Sri Maha Bodhia is the right branch of the secred Bodhi tree where Buddha attained enlightenment. This was brought to Sri Lanka by “Sangamitta Their” in 3rd century B.C. The Bodhi branch was received with respect by the King Devanampiyathissa and was planted in the terrace prepaired for it in Mahameuna garden Anuradhapura. This is treated as the oldest living tree in the world in documented history and it is a place respected by Buddhist’s from all around the world.

Ruwanweli Stupa the magnificent Stupa in Anuradhapura

Ruvanveli Dagoba was built by King Dutugemunu , who is treated as one of the most outstanding ancient Kings of Sri Lanka and this treated as one of the most greatest Stupas in the world.This magnificent huge Dagaba which is 103 meters in height and 287 meters in circumference was built in 2nd century B.C

Abhayagiri Stupa in Anauradhapura

It was King Valagamba (Vattagamani Abhaya) in 103 B.C. founded this large monastery Abhayagiriya and gave it to Mahathissa thera who had protected the king when in adversity. Abhayagiriya is treated as the second highest dagoba in Sri Lanka

The magnificent Twin Ponds of Anuradhapura

Kuttam Pokuna or Twin ponds are the most magnificent bathing ponds located at Anuradhapura. These breathtaking beautiful ponds tell everyone how artistic and the knowledge ancient Sri Lankan had in engineering

August 11, 2011 at 4:51 pm

Kandy

The City of Kandy

At an altitude of about 500 m above sea level lies Kandy which is one of the most beautiful cities in the world. It is about 115 km from Colombo.

The city was founded in 1592 by King Vimaladharmasuriya I.  It was the last capital of Sri Lanka until it was captured by British in 1815.

The valley of Kandy is surrounded by magnificent hills which made it as the last bastion of the Sinhalees Kings.Even though Kandy is a new city it was evident that the inhabitance was the more than 880 years. Today Kandy offers its visitors rich collection of art and craft
and historical buildings. It includes a collection of ancient temples buildings, handicrafts, souvenirs, rich cultural practices and rituals. Most of all the world popular Kandy pageant or “Kandy Asela Pererahara”. Boating on the lake visiting the royal Botanical Gardens are some of other attractions.

Kandy “Asela Perahera” is annually held in the months of July or August. The inner caskets used to cover the tooth relic of Buddha is taken in a grand procession through the streets of the city. It includes traditional Kandyan dancers, drummers, flag of the provinces of Kandyan kingdom and the elephants are grandly dressed with attire specially made for them. The, it attracts large crowds from all parts of the island.

The temple of Tooth Relic (Dalda Maligawa)

Temple of tooth relic houses the most sacred Buddhist relic, the Tooth of loard Buddha. Buddhists from all around the world venerate this place. During the ancient times the Tooth Relic is considered the symbol of Kingship and became the most sacred object.

The temple was built in 17th Century by King Wimaladharmasuriya and renovated by his son King Narendrasingha and Kirti Sri Rajasinghe. King Sri Wickramasinghe built the octagen known as the “Pattirippuwa”. The only remaining relic of Buddha is housed in this temple. There are seven golden caskets enclosed for the tooth relic. The relic casket is covered with bullet proof glass frame. Daily rituals are performed three times a day (at dawn, at noon and in the evening) by two chapters of Malwatte and Asgiriya vihara monks.

Kandy Perahera(Esala Perahera)

Kandy Perahera is the most colorful pageant in the world and it has become a unique symbol of Sri Lanka. Happening in July or August in Kandy. This Buddhist festival consisting over 100 colorfully dressed elephants, drummers, traditional Kandyan dancers, fire-dances, whip-dances and flag of the provinces of Kandyan kingdom.

Peradiniya Botanical Gardens

Peradiniya botanical garden is situated 1500 feet above from the sea level and covers an area of 150 arches. Mahaweli river flows from North and West of the gardens making a beautiful place. This garden was used by King “ Keerthi Sri Rajasinghe” in the year of 1747 – 1780.

Peradiniya botanical Garden is home for so many plant species which are local and foreign. At the entrance of the garden you can see the species Amherstia nobilis which as flowers blossom all the time. Along the river banks of Mahaweli river there are many plant species from many different countries such as Japan, China and Java. The most attractive place of all is the orchid house.

August 11, 2011 at 4:07 pm

Welcome to Nuwara Eliya

Nuwara Eliya is located at the heart of the hill country 6182 feet above from the sea level. The town is situated at 74 km away along Kandy-Nuwara Eliya road and this was rediscovered by British in 1827. It is still very much like an old English town with styled Bungalows and buildings. The cool calm climate, gorges rolling tea plantation which makes the best “Ceylon tea” and the breathtaking beautiful waterfalls makes Nuwara Eliya one of the most beautiful town in the world.

Horton plain

Horton plain is the only mountain National Park which has an area of 3,162 ha. The park is one hour away from Nuwara Eliya. Best months to visit are April and August.

Hakgalla Garden

Hakgalla Garden is located along Nuwara Eliya ~ Badulla road (along Kandy~Ramboda) This place is 5581 feet high from the sea level. It is said that the King “Rawana” used this place as a herbal garden.
This place was started as a Botanical garden by British botanist Dr. G.H.K. Thwaites who was the director of “Peradiniya Botanical Garden “ in the year of 1859. Initially they grew “ sinkona” which was used to produce “ quiveenen” for malaria. There are more than 60000 species of plants have planted here. During the summer season this one of the most scenic places of Nuwara Eliya

With the cool climate of Nuwra Eliya many differnt kinds of plants from differnt parts of the world can be seen. For example conifers and cedars from Australia, Bermuda cypresses from the Himalayas English oak are some of the highlights.

August 11, 2011 at 2:58 pm

Wildlife Parks of Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka is famous for its natural beauty and wildlife. The Magnitude of bio diversity found in Sri Lanka has led to rank Sri Lanka as the 10th highest in bio diversification present per square area. Many species are endemic. There are many beautiful National parks which are rich with flora and faun. Wildlife sanctuaries and national parks are located all around the country which are very popular among local and foreign travelers.

Yala National Park of Sri Lanka

Yala National Park is treated a one of the most premier tourist destination of Sri Lanka. Situated about 309 km from Colombo along the southeast cost. It covers an area of 129,700 hectares stretching Southern and Uva Provinces. The vegetation of the park is thorny scrub jungle which is interspersed by the secondary forest. Park is divided in to two parts Yala West and Yala East and it plays a major role conservation of flora and fauna of the county.

Yala west is treated as one of the best parks in the world to observe and photograph leopards. The best time to observer leopards at Yala is early morning and in the evening. Young male animals are no fear of the jeeps and often seen walking along the park. A Full day jeep safaris arranged by us with a reliable guide will definitely allow you to view and photograph this magnificent animals.

Among other animals park is also home to elephants, spotted deer, barking deer, sloth bear, Wild buffalo, wild boar. More than 120 species of birds are living in the park, among them Paradise Flycatchers, Crested Hawk Eagles, Lesser Flamingos, Black Bitterns, Jungle Fowl, Brown-capped Babbler.

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August 11, 2011 at 2:47 pm

Beach – Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka is blessed with over thousand kilometers of palm fringed Coastline. The long stretched deserted golden beaches of East, West and South are the most popular among visitors and the glistening clear waters will guarantees year around water sports, Swimming and Sunbathing.

When the northeast monsoon winds blow from November to March you can enjoy the sunny, calm beaches of West and southern coastline. During the southwest monsoon season from April to October you can visit the east cost.

The beautiful beaches of Sri Lanka with not be short of activities like warm sea baths to beautiful coral reefs and shipwrecks exploration, large lagoons and bays with fascinating habitat of marine life, bird life and range of water sports.

The costal resorts of Sri Lanka offers wide range of water sport activities like snorkeling, scuba diving operated by professionally qualified diving schools, wind surfing, fishing, canoeing and water skiing.

Not only the activities you can select range of accommodation options such as simple home stay, exclusive boutique hotels, range of Ayurveda spa facilities and ultra luxury 5* hotels as well.

Hikkaduwa

Hikkaduwa Beach100 km away from Colombo, Hikkaduwa is treated as one of the most popular beach in Sri Lanka with plenty of Hotels, restaurants and bars.You can spend time doing snorkeling ,surfing or relaxing in the beach.

August 11, 2011 at 2:33 pm

World Trade Center building (WTC)

August 11, 2011 at 12:09 pm

January 22, 2008 at 3:11 pm

July 7, 2007 at 11:58 am

Child in the woods – photo by Chaminda Senewiratne

June 22, 2007 at 10:56 am

Vesak lantern in Colombo

May 3, 2007 at 9:25 am

A lady prepares to fulfill a vow during the annual Hindu Chariot Festival (reader contribution)

April 1, 2007 at 2:11 pm

Fish unloaded at Beruwela fishing harbor (reader contribution)

March 30, 2007 at 10:43 am

“Still Standing” Photo captured at Udawalawe National Park.

March 8, 2007 at 12:34 am