Kandy Esala Perahera 2012

Kandy Perahera

Location: Kandy, Sri Lanka
Period: July/August of each year; Year 2012: 19th July 2012 to 2nd August 2012 [Commences on Esala Full Moon Poya Day on the month of July and Concludes on Nikini Full Moon Poya Day on the month of August.]

Dates of the Kandy Esala Perahera 2012: From 19th July 2012 to 02nd August 2012

Date Event 2012-07-19 Kapsituvima (Planting of the 'Kapa') 2012-07-19 to 2012-07-22 Internal Perahera of Four Devales 2012-07-23 1st Kumbal Perahera 2012-07-24 2nd Kumbal Perahera 2012-07-25 3rd Kumbal Perahera 2012-07-26 4th Kumbal Perahera 2012-07-27 5th Kumbal Perahera 2012-07-28 1st Randoli Perahera 2012-07-29 2nd Randoli Perahera 2012-07-30 3rd Randoli Perahera 2012-07-31 4th Randoli Perahera 2012-08-01 5th Randoli Perahera 2012-08-02 Day Perahera (Water Cutting Ceremony "Diya Kepeema")

Kandy Perahera Tickets :

For advance purchase, transportation to Kandy and tours in Sri Lanka contact Lakpura Travels (Pvt.) Ltd., Moratuwa, Sri Lanka

The best time to see Kandy Esala Perahera: the last two nights
Festival: the grandest Buddhist procession of Sri Lanka
Significance: display of Sacred tooth Relic of Buddha

The timings of the Kandy Perahera are notified by no less than booming cannon fire, which is heard all over the city of Kandy.
1. The commencement of the festival
2. The placing of the golden casket upon the back of the tusker.
3. The commencement of the procession of Kandy Perahera
4. The completion of the Kandy Perahera

The order of the procession of Kandy Perahera

Kandy Perahera procession features five processions organized by the Maligawa Perahera or Perahera of the Sacred Temple of the Tooth Relic, the most venerated Buddhist temple of Sri Lanka and four shrines dedicated to Hindu Gods and a Goddess, i.e. the Shrine of God Natha, the Shrine of God Maha Vishnu, the Shrine of God Katharagama and the Shrine of Goddess Pattini. By 8pm, the Maligawa Perahera or the procession of Sacred Temple of the Tooth of the Buddhists takes the lead and joined by the processions of four Hindu shrines.

The second procession is from the shrine dedicated to God Natha. The 14th Century shrine that faces the Sri Dalada Maligawa or Temple of the Tooth is said to be the oldest building in Kandy.

The third is from the shrine dedicated to God Vishnu. Vishnu Devale also known as the Maha Devale is located close to the Natha Devale.

The fourth procession is from the Kataragama Devale dedicated to the God of Skanda, the deity of Kataragama. Kataragama shrine is located on Kottugodalle Street of Kandy. This procession includes Kavadi, the peacock dance, in which the pilgrim dancers carry semicircular wooden contraptions studded with peacock feathers on their shoulders.

The fifth and final procession is from the shine dedicated to goddess Pattini. Pattini shrine is located to the west of the Natha Devale.

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Hambantota Botanical Garden

Sri Lanka's first-ever botanical gardens in the dry zone, soon to be the largest in the island, is now being developed at a 300-acre site at Mirijjawila, Hambantota. On the Suriyawewa-Hambantota Road, the Gardens is aimed at conserving the massive green patch and bio diversity in the area, according to National Botanical Gardens Department Director General Dr. Cyril Wijesundara.
He told the Business Times that this space will be like Central Park in New York, on completion, and pave the way to attract both domestic and foreign tourists to this southern town, fast turning out to be a hub of the south with the development of air and seaports and other facilities. This is the country's first new botanical gardens built in Sri Lanka in 130 years after the Senarathgoda Garden in Gampaha in 1876, and the Peradeniya Gardens long before that.
The first phase of the Hambantota project will be completed in November this year at a cost of Rs.500 million. Construction work of the internal roads underground pipe lines, irrigation canals and plant nurseries has been completed and the planting of trees like burutha (Burma teak), domba, ehela, gammalu, hal milla, helamba ingini, kaluwara, khomba, kon, kottamba, etc is now underway.The park will be opened to the general public next year. The main purpose of the new gardens is to showcase dry and arid zone plants (ex-situ conservation). The garden will also provide opportunities for ecotourism and economic development in the area and model dry zone landscape improvement.
Dr. Wijesundara noted that the new botanical gardens will provide for the conservation of dry and arid zone flora. Additionally, researchers and interested parties would be able to study less known and under-utilized plants in the dry zone. "When it comes to a tourist attraction, foreign tourists especially are keen on learning about the dry zone landscape improvement, herbal industry promotion etc.
Moreover the botanical gardens will be an educational and training centre of Botany and flora," he said. Experience of running the national botanic gardens of Peradeniya and Hakgala has demonstrated the business case for tourism, with both gardens being profitable. The new Dry Zone Garden will follow this established, and tried and tested pattern, he said.
Dr. Wijesundara said that the new gardens will be an educational resource for educational institutions of all levels, from junior school through to higher education. The gardens will also be a source of expertise, particularly in the long term where diploma courses and other formal educational provision in Floriculture and Herbal industries will become more important - and popular - within the educational curriculum.
Future courses in biodiversity and conservation will also benefit from having a national resource to draw upon, a location for student volunteers (national and international programme potential) and a place where research projects can be carried out too, he said.
The herbal industry will be supported as the gardens will hold a specialized herb collection. The dry zone has a large number of medicinal plants that are used in Sri Lanka presently. Dr. Wijesundara said that these are valuable plants which can be used in the development of the herbal industry, one of the fastest growing industries in other countries in this region.
The gardens will become a centre for the promotion of the herbal industry; one which can be sustainable in the future is managed well today. Another area of plant based industries is production of bio-fuel.

   

A group of school children walk through the unfinished Botanical Gardens when they attended a recent workshop on biodiversity for AL students in the area. Resource persons at the workshop were Samantha Gunasekara (Customs Dept.), Jagath Gunawardena (Environmentalist), Anslem de Silva (Reptile expert) and Upali Ekanayake (Bird expert). Pic courtesy Dept. of National Botanical Gardens.

Source - Sunday Times 

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Rock Climbing in Sri Lanka

Rock climbing is both a mentally and physically challenging sport, which tests the climber’s balance, strength and endurance. Known to be challenging yet dangerous, rock climbing requires knowledge of correct climbing techniques and use of climbing equipment; features that are vital for safely reaching the summit of a formation or the end of a pre-defined route. Mountaineering which works hand in hand with this adventure sport is also about skill and levels of fitness.

Certain mountain ranges in Sri Lanka offer the daring types with some exhilarating climbing routes. Climbing expeditions in the country is a perfect way to discover nature and at times is offered to sport enthusiasts with rafting and sailing expeditions.

A majority of mountaineering expeditions are executed in places such as the Knuckles Mountain Range. Well known for its eco tourism and breathtaking natural ambience, Belihul-Oya is a hamlet, positioned in the Sabaragamuwa province. It is about 160 kilometres from the business capital Colombo and includes hotels and tour operators that offer have planned out tours for those who are keen on rock climbing.

Other places that provide rock climbers a unique sense of excitement are The Ella Adventure Park, Habarana, Sigiriya, Polonnaruwa, Horton Plains and Buttala.

Rock climbing is a comparatively new activity in Sri Lanka. This reason alone makes it an interesting place for climbing with new routes. Rock climbing in the country is not limited for the ardent climbers alone. Amateur climbers have great opportunities here as well. With the likes of Excel World, which offers indoor rock climbing practice, amateurs have the ability to practice on the rock climbing abilities.

Apart from practice climbing, the country offers some interesting routes that have been developed especially for amateur climbers. For instance, the rock face of Babarkanda, which is Sri Lanka’s tallest waterfall, is an exciting place for rock climbing. At the Babarkanda waterfall, there are two climbing paths. One path is made for the professional climber while the other is made for beginners.

Professional rock climbers will have the opportunity to become a part of the discovery missions by working as a team and discovering the magnificence of nature together. Indulge in this adventure sport and take part in the discovery of Sri Lanka’s beautiful terrain.

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FACETS Sri Lanka 2012 - 22nd International Gem & Jewellery Show

FACETS Sri Lanka 2012, the 22nd International Gem & Jewellery Show will be held from 5th-8th September at the he BMICH Exhibition and Convention Centre in Colombo.
FACETS Sri Lanka, held since 1991, will showcase a wide variety of sapphires and gemstones from producers and wholesalers from all the main producing areas of Sri Lanka.
Organizers say this year exhibitors increased by more than 50 percent and the show will have smart new booths displaying a greater variety of fine gemstones and exquisite Jewellery.
A series of stunning Jewellery fashion shows, pairing fashion with fine Jewellery, will be held daily during the entire duration of the Fair, the organizers announced.
The exhibition will have 154 booths and profile for exhibit includes precious & semiprecious gems, jewellery, lapidary & machinery items, fashion accessories and lifestyle products, gold and silver-plated base metal jewellery, crystal, cubic zirconia, rhinestone jewellery, fashion watches, belts and buckles.
A large number of influential trade visitors from around the world, especially from Russia and China are expected to visit the exhibition.

FACETS 2012 promises better overseas participation and wider cosmopolitan exposure, to both product and company. Steady consistent growth and gradually diversify from the inception, has been the impetus to both seasoned trader and novice to put forth quality, from the Pearl of the Indian Ocean. 

 

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Kumana National Park & Birds Sanctuary

Kumana National Park covers an area of about 18, 149 hectare of land. It is located in the south-east part of Sri Lanka. This bird sanctuary is an attraction for bird watchers.  Kumana is contiguous with Yala National Park. Kumana was formerly known as Yala East National Park, but changed to its present name in 5 September 2006.  The park was reopened in March 2003 after it was closed since 1985 due to Civil War in Sri Lanka.
There is a swamp lake of about 200 hectare known as Kumana Villu in Kumana National Park. During the months of May and June numerous species of water birds nest around the swampy area.
At Kumana National Park, birds like herons, egrets, white ibis, spoonbills, painted storks and pelicans can be easily spotted in Kumana National Park. Very rare species of black necked storks, great thick knee, Eurasian spoonbill etc are also found in this national park of Sri Lanka. The fauna of Kumana National Park is mainly of mangrove variety. Kumbuk trees and karan fern trees also grow in this region.
In Kumana National Park different varieties of animals like wild boar, elephant, European otter, golden jackal and fishing cat are found. Indian black turtle, flap shelled turtle, mugger crocodile can be also seen here.

Physical features

Kumbukkan Oya forms the southern boundary of the national park. Some 20 lagoons and tanks support the extensive birdlife of the national park. The lagoons are shallow with depths less than 2 metres (6.6 ft). Kumana villu is subject to occasional inundation with seawater. The elevation of the area ranges from sea level to 90 metres (300 ft). The mean annual temperature is 27.30 °C (81.14 °F) and the area receives 1,300 millimetres (51.18 in) of annual rainfall.

Flora

The park's wetland areas are surrounded by dry zone tropical thorn forest. The inland forest's flora is dominated by Manilkara hexandra (Sinhalese "Palu"), Hemicyclea sepieria, Bauhinia racemosa, Cassia fistula ("Ehela"), Chloroxylon swietenia ("Burutha"), and Salvadora persica species. The dominant tree of the Kumana villu is Sonneratia caseolaris, while Typha angustifolia is the dominant reed. Terminalia arjuna trees dominate the riverine forests along the Kumbukkan Oya. The common aquatic plants of the swamp are colourful Ludwigia spp., Nelumbo nucifera, Nymphaea pubescens, Aponogeton spp. and Neptunia oleracea.

Location 



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Bundala National Park & Bird Sanctuary

Located about fifteen kilometers east of Hambantota Bundala National Park is one of Sri Lanka's foremost destinations for birdwatchers, protecting an important area of coastal wetland famous for its abundant aquatic (and other) birdlife. Bundala was designated a wildlife sanctuary in 1969 and redesignated to a national park on 4 January 1993. In 1991 Bundala became the first wetland to be declared as a Ramsar site in Sri Lanka. In 2005 the national park was designated as a biosphere reserve by UNESCO, the fourth biosphere reserve in Sri Lanka. The national park is situated 245 kilometres (152 mi) southeast of Colombo. The park is also home to significant populations of elephants, Marsh & estuarine crocodiles, turtles & other fauna, including the leopard. Stretching along the coast east of Hambantota, Bundala National Park is ideal for instant gratification: in a four hour jeep ride, we can see elephants, 8ft crocs, giant squirrels & flamingoes. Afternoon safaris in the dry season (December - May) provide visitors with the best chance of seeing the wildlife.

History

The area was declared a wildlife sanctuary on 5 December 1969,and was upgraded to a national park on 4 January 1993 with land area of 6,216 hectares (24.00 sq mi). However the park was regazetted in 2004 and the original park was reduced to 3,698 hectares (14.28 sq mi). In 1991, Bundala became the first site in Sri Lanka to be designated a Ramsar wetland. In 2005, Bundala was declared a Man and Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO. In January 2006, an area adjacent to Bundala covering an area of 3,339.38 hectares (12.8934 sq mi) was declared as the Wilmanna Sanctuary.

Physical features

The area mainly underlain with hornblende-biotite gneiss of the eastern Vijayan series.The low country dry zone climate prevails in the area. The area have an average relative humidity of 80%. The national park contains five shallow, brackish lagoons with salt pans in three. They are Bundala lagoon of 520 hectares (2.0 sq mi), Embilikala lagoon of 430 hectares (1.7 sq mi), Malala lagoon of 650 hectares (2.5 sq mi), Koholankala lagoon of 390 hectares (1.5 sq mi), and Mahalewaya of 260 hectares (1.0 sq mi). The Koholankala and Mahalewaya are almost totally developed for salt production. The climatic conditions are tropical monsoonal, with a mean annual temperature of 27 °C (81 °F). Annual rainfall ranges from 900–1,300 millimetres (35–51 in), with dry period persists from May to September.The elevation of the park ranges from sea level to 10 metres (33 ft).The park was affected by 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami. Due to protection from sand dunes the park received very little damage.


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Hot Air Balloon rides in Sri Lanka

Taking a balloon flight over the countryside will leave you in awe. Sunrise and sunset balloon flights are the most breathtaking of all, where you will see the light change and the whole landscape take on a completely different aura.

Share this experience with a loved one for a truly romantic time, celebrating an anniversary or birthday with champagne and make it an experience you will never forget. Treat family or friends or treat yourself to an indulgent balloon flight over your local countryside spotting sights of nature that are normally hidden from view.

Hot air ballooning in Sri Lanka has enjoyed increasing popularity over recent years, but techniques have changed slightly since the first adventurers braved the elements and scaled the heights.

With today's busy lifestyle, hot air ballooning is a past time that can truly take you away from it all. There are many enthusiasts the world over that partake in hot air ballooning events and to watch one of these events, with their many colourful balloons, is truly a magnificent sight, like no other.

Imagine floating in air, feeling completely weightless and gliding through the atmosphere putting all your cares into perspective. With barely a wisp of a breeze to touch your skin, balloon rides are one way of finding yourself at one with nature and seeing the world from a bird's eye view.

Balloon rides in Sri Lanka are becoming more popular and with our private launch sites within the Cultural Triangle of Sri Lanka - Kandalama, Sigiriya, Dambulla; The FORT - Galle; Sinhalese Kingdom of Ruhuna –Tissamaharama; Buttala/Yala: The Sugar and Safari Village as the Sri Lankan country side is often referred to, we offer the most sensational flyover experience.

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Worlds End Lodge - Lower Ohiya

worlds end lodge Is a tranquil oasis virtually on the roof of Sri Lanka, totally isolated from the everyday world !  A four hour drive from Colombo, you arrive at your destination !

A place to rest and be refreshed.  The swimming pool set against  an incredible landscape with mountain fresh spring water.  For the energetic a trek along spectacular scenery through jungle paths,  Tea Estates, and a gap called "Devil's Staircase" will get you to Horton Plains, Sri Lanka's highest plateau, home to a variety of rare Fauna and Flora.  A short trek or drive will get you to Babarakanda falls, Sri Lanka's highest water fall at 790 ft.  This breath-taking cascade is a sight to behold.  Diyaluma, Dunhinda, Ravana Falls, and the hill country resort towns of Nuwara-Eliya, Bandarawela and Hakgala Gardens,  are a few hours drive.  Kataragama, Yala and Uda-Walawe National Parks are only a day trip.

Comfortable and spacious bedrooms located to give a bird's eye view of Southern Sri Lanka. On a clear day you can view the  Sinharaja forest in Deniyaya mountain range to the placid waters of Uda Walawe; From Dondra light house in Matara to Great and Little Basses, situated off the coast in Hambantota District.

The cry of the soaring mountain eagle; The kaleidoscopic view of the sprawling country side below;  rising mist covering the green rolling hills will be nostalgic memories you will love to cherish, long after your visit.

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Bomburu Ella Falls - Welimada

Bomburu Ella, also known as Perawella Falls, is a waterfall at Uva-Paranagama Divisional Secretariat of Sri Lanka. It is located near the border of Nuwara Eliya and Badulla districts, approximately 15 km from Welimada town. Bomburu Ella is the widest waterfall in Sri Lanka and consists of several small waterfalls grouped together. The source of the falls is a lake located in the central highlands of Sri Lanka.

You can visit Bomburu waterfall and visit potatoes lands and vegetable lands in Welimada. Bomburu Ella is not at closed to main road. It is situated at long distance from main road and you have to go on a foot to Bomburu waterfall. This waterfall is situated at between and border of Nuwaraeliya and Badulla districts. There is a valley at Nuwaraeliya district and water comes to falls.

View of the area

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Eco Village Holiday Resort - Kamburupitiya

The Eco Village Holiday Resort in Kamburupitiya is a one of best known Eco resort hotel in Kamburupitiya, Matara down south of Sri Lanka.

Surrounding the beautiful Lenabatuwa natural lake and Vilpita rain forest the Eco Village Resort is perfect place for anyone for looking for peace and tranquility combined with outstanding Sri Lankan hospitality.

Relaxation on your veranda watching the birds flying in to trees is definitely an unforgettable moment. You can taste Sri Lankan Indian Chinese and Western foods with our staff’s grate hospitality within the covered floating ferry. After having the boat ride and fish hunting you can feel comfortable sleep until hearing the bird’s sounds in morning time.

Location and Settings

Eco Village Resort kamburupitiya is locating 180 km away from the Bandaranaike International Airport takes you through the city centre of Colombo, passing with the sunny beach coastal way Mount Lavinia and the resort towns of Wadduwa, Hikkadduwa, Galle and Matara. In front of the ancient Matara Bodiya you can take Kamburupitiya road which on your left side. 19 km drive through the Kamburupitiya road with in 25 minutes you can reach to the Kamburupitiya small city with passing the Thihagoda junction. Center of the Kamburupitiya junction you can find Gathara road. After come 3 km via the Gathara road you can find the Eco village Resort.

How be at Eco Village.

Nearest train station: Matara, 19 km north.
Nearest bus station: Kamburupitiya Town 2.4 km.
Nearest motorway: Gathara Road adjacent to Hotel.
Nearest city centre: Matara, 19 km south.

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