Colorful Video about the scenic beauty of Sri Lanka.
Sunday, July 15, 2012
Water World - Kelaniya, Public Aquarium in Sri Lanka!
Welcome to Water World Kelaniya, the only public aquarium in Sri Lanka! Located on a scenic 5 acre property on the banks of the Kelani River, Water World is an aquatic wonderland which is home to a diverse collection of over 500 varieties of fish and invertebrates. Our unparalleled range of aquatic life includes fresh water, marine and brackish water fauna and flora, from eco systems around the globe. At Water World, you will witness rare and fascinating species such as Arapaima (The largest fresh water fish in the world), Lung fish (A fish that has real “lungs” like that of a human), Electric eel (The world's most dangerous electricity generating fish) and Fresh water sting rays from the Amazon River.
Water World is truly unique as it is the only local facility that offers the thrilling experience of observing majestic sharks and graceful eagle rays in action.
Water World comprises impressive attractions such as over 150 display tanks and ponds with a total water capacity of over one million litres, a walk path built to look like a cave spanning of over 800 feet, a Shark Dome with 110,000 litres of sea water, and over 10,000 living aquatic organisms.
Other attractions of Water World include, live diving shows with the sharks (Only when suitable diving conditions exist) riding boats at boat yard, hand feeding of fish and getting a hands on experience of marine creatures at the “ Touch Pool”.
Given our belief in the importance of the corporate social responsibility, Water World offers free entrance to all differently abled visitors.
A visit to Water World is likely to prove much more than the perfect, fun-filled family outing. It is guaranteed to be both a memorable educational experience and as well as an enthralling encounter with the wonders of the aquatic world.
Bird Park
Welcome to the first Bird Park in Sri Lanka, home to a breathtakingly splendid collection of feathered friends from regions around the world such as the Amazon rain forest in South America, Tropical Asia, Australia and Africa.
Our colourful range of birds on public display includes the largest species collection of exotic parrots in the country. Visit us to interact with some of the most intelligent, precocious, rare and magnificently multi-hued members of the parrot family. The Bird Park is also the only public facility in Sri Lanka where you can experience the magic of the rainforest “Lories”.
Our collection of birds are housed in spacious enclosures designed with the objective of recreating an environment that closely resembles the natural habitat, thus, the Bird Park is the one facility in Sri Lanka where you will enjoy the unforgettable experience of observing the splendor of the winged marvels of nature in their true element and full glory.
Source - Click here
Water World is truly unique as it is the only local facility that offers the thrilling experience of observing majestic sharks and graceful eagle rays in action.
Water World comprises impressive attractions such as over 150 display tanks and ponds with a total water capacity of over one million litres, a walk path built to look like a cave spanning of over 800 feet, a Shark Dome with 110,000 litres of sea water, and over 10,000 living aquatic organisms.
Other attractions of Water World include, live diving shows with the sharks (Only when suitable diving conditions exist) riding boats at boat yard, hand feeding of fish and getting a hands on experience of marine creatures at the “ Touch Pool”.
Given our belief in the importance of the corporate social responsibility, Water World offers free entrance to all differently abled visitors.
A visit to Water World is likely to prove much more than the perfect, fun-filled family outing. It is guaranteed to be both a memorable educational experience and as well as an enthralling encounter with the wonders of the aquatic world.
Entry Fees
| Water World tickets for locals Adults - Rs. 150.00 Children - Rs. 80.00 | Bird Park tickets for locals Adults - Rs. 150.00 Children - Rs. 70.00 |
| * Special - Combined offers (for locals) Both Water world and Bird Park Adults - Rs. 220.00 Children - Rs. 120.00 | *Special school and pre-school packages |
| Water World Tickets For Foreigners Adults - Rs. 400.00 Children - Rs. 200.00 | Bird Park Tickets For Foreigners Adults - Rs. 150.00 Children - Rs. 70.00 |
Opening Hours
| Open hours Water World: 9.30 am to 5.30 pm Bird Park: 9.30 am to 5.00 pm | Last admission Water World at 5.00 pm Bird Park at 4.30 pm |
| Open on all days including all poya days, public, bank and mercantile holidays | |
Bird Park
Welcome to the first Bird Park in Sri Lanka, home to a breathtakingly splendid collection of feathered friends from regions around the world such as the Amazon rain forest in South America, Tropical Asia, Australia and Africa.
Our colourful range of birds on public display includes the largest species collection of exotic parrots in the country. Visit us to interact with some of the most intelligent, precocious, rare and magnificently multi-hued members of the parrot family. The Bird Park is also the only public facility in Sri Lanka where you can experience the magic of the rainforest “Lories”.
Our collection of birds are housed in spacious enclosures designed with the objective of recreating an environment that closely resembles the natural habitat, thus, the Bird Park is the one facility in Sri Lanka where you will enjoy the unforgettable experience of observing the splendor of the winged marvels of nature in their true element and full glory.
Source - Click here
Friday, July 13, 2012
Diyawanna Oya walking track & Street Paintings
The Diyawanna Oya walking track, an area for jogging and exercising was declared officially opened for the use of the public by Chamal Rajapaksa, Speaker of the Parliament.
The programme was initiated under the Colombo City Development project with the support of the Ministry of Defence and Urban Development Authority.
The large parking lot adjacent to Diyawnna Oya made it easy to access this beautiful, free spectacle. Along the length of the promenade, people were spoilt for choice when it came time for a breather, with ample number of benches facing the rippling stream. And yet, some preferred to lie in the cool grass or laze on the large stone stairwell that led down to the water's edge.
As dusk fell canoes took to the water to merge with the sunset silhouettes. The constant breeze kept those sail boats speckling the river conjuring images of a Venetian postcard and everywhere I looked was a blend of the elements graced with a vibe of placidity... a truly amazing symphony of the environment.
In poetic praises, also referred to as sandesa kavi of the 15th Century AD, relayed stories that commended booming agriculture, towns and their economies, especially of those thriving in and around the Diyawanna Oya, of the Kotte Kingdom. The poets were usually monks from the Kingdom's many temples and their kavi or poetic messages were sent to the kings via birds. It is said that the Kotte Kingdom, among many other reasons, was praised as such as it was blessed with the protection and viable advantages of the Oya. Even today, that much is true.
One could call this the green zone, it was lush with greenery for one thing, and it was amidst a bustling town. People needed this, it was a quintessential setting, and folks came here for refreshment, to simplify the challenges of the mundane. The nurturing combination of the water, the walkway, the trees, the grass and the pedestrian crossing takes you from busy to benevolent.
Recent developments have made the area around this part of the Oya what it is now with the river's perimeter cleared of brush and widened for quite a breathtaking view of the water. The space, symbolically welcomes the discerning.
You could say that life is good for the city-dwellers as they can actually have a balance of both worlds. Just as one would head-off to the nearest ocean getaway at Galle Face Green, Diyawanna Oya could be the destination for a stroll by the riverside or even a river-boat ride. The Oya was fast gaining popularity no doubt.
Kotte, although the capital city of Sri Lanka, was lesser known for its ‘fun' aspect than that of its commercial counterpart, Colombo. However, for a city seriously bound to its official surroundings, such as the Parliament building amongst others, this new laidback space around Diyawanna Oya is what turns the tables.
It was easy to forget the extremely busy main road that ran right beside the streamlined rampart or school or even the office hours that hung on the brink of a fast-ending weekend.
Source - Click here
The programme was initiated under the Colombo City Development project with the support of the Ministry of Defence and Urban Development Authority.
The large parking lot adjacent to Diyawnna Oya made it easy to access this beautiful, free spectacle. Along the length of the promenade, people were spoilt for choice when it came time for a breather, with ample number of benches facing the rippling stream. And yet, some preferred to lie in the cool grass or laze on the large stone stairwell that led down to the water's edge.
As dusk fell canoes took to the water to merge with the sunset silhouettes. The constant breeze kept those sail boats speckling the river conjuring images of a Venetian postcard and everywhere I looked was a blend of the elements graced with a vibe of placidity... a truly amazing symphony of the environment.
In poetic praises, also referred to as sandesa kavi of the 15th Century AD, relayed stories that commended booming agriculture, towns and their economies, especially of those thriving in and around the Diyawanna Oya, of the Kotte Kingdom. The poets were usually monks from the Kingdom's many temples and their kavi or poetic messages were sent to the kings via birds. It is said that the Kotte Kingdom, among many other reasons, was praised as such as it was blessed with the protection and viable advantages of the Oya. Even today, that much is true.
One could call this the green zone, it was lush with greenery for one thing, and it was amidst a bustling town. People needed this, it was a quintessential setting, and folks came here for refreshment, to simplify the challenges of the mundane. The nurturing combination of the water, the walkway, the trees, the grass and the pedestrian crossing takes you from busy to benevolent.
Recent developments have made the area around this part of the Oya what it is now with the river's perimeter cleared of brush and widened for quite a breathtaking view of the water. The space, symbolically welcomes the discerning.
You could say that life is good for the city-dwellers as they can actually have a balance of both worlds. Just as one would head-off to the nearest ocean getaway at Galle Face Green, Diyawanna Oya could be the destination for a stroll by the riverside or even a river-boat ride. The Oya was fast gaining popularity no doubt.
Kotte, although the capital city of Sri Lanka, was lesser known for its ‘fun' aspect than that of its commercial counterpart, Colombo. However, for a city seriously bound to its official surroundings, such as the Parliament building amongst others, this new laidback space around Diyawanna Oya is what turns the tables.
It was easy to forget the extremely busy main road that ran right beside the streamlined rampart or school or even the office hours that hung on the brink of a fast-ending weekend.
Source - Click here
Wednesday, July 11, 2012
Ambewela - The Little New Zealand
Ambewela is a small town, or a hill station, located in the Nuwara Eliya District of Sri Lanka. The area is also sometimes called "Little New Zealand". The town is situated approximately 17 km (11 mi) south-east of the district capital Nuwara Eliya. Ambewela is also a service center to the New Galway tea planting district.
Ambewela situated en route to the Horton Plains National Park and is famous scenic landscapes, Rhododendron arboreum flowers, and the World's End, which is a 1,219 m (3,999 ft) deep cliff. Similar to Horton Plains and Ohiya, this site is also one of the Important Bird Areas of Sri Lanka, making the area a popular location for birdwatching as well.
In 2003, the area was studied by collaborative effort between the Ceylon Electricity Board and NREL. The study revealed that the wind resource at the site is favourable only during the Southwest Monsoon, which is only a small period per year, and that the Northeast Monsoons does not reach the area due to its extreme altitude.
Transportation of equipments such as wind turbines, is also a very significant challenge due to the extreme logistical conditions to access the site. The study revealed that transportating turbines larger than 600KW to the site would be a near-impossible task. The study also revealed that ignoring this issue and constructing wind farms with turbines smaller than 600KW would be extremely uneconomical to the developer.
Climate and vegetation
Due to the high altitude of 6,064 ft (1,848 m) the mean annual temperature in the area is below 17.5 °C (63.5 °F), while frost is common during Winter. Ambewela is also popular for of being the highest (in altitude) and widest grassland in Sri Lanka. Mammals such as the Sambar Deer, Leopard, Elephant dominate the majority of the forest cover around the area.Ambewela situated en route to the Horton Plains National Park and is famous scenic landscapes, Rhododendron arboreum flowers, and the World's End, which is a 1,219 m (3,999 ft) deep cliff. Similar to Horton Plains and Ohiya, this site is also one of the Important Bird Areas of Sri Lanka, making the area a popular location for birdwatching as well.
Importance and economic activities
The climatic and economical conditions in Ambewela make it an ideal location for dairy farming, hence the country's only milk powder factory is situated in this area. The two animal husbandries, Ambewela Farm and New Zealand Farm, have Ayrshire cattle and Friesian cows respectively.Potential for wind energy developments
The geographic location and altitude of Ambewela expose the site to strong Southwest Monsoons, with winds occasionally reaching over 12 m/s (39 ft/s), making the area a favourable location for wind farms and other wind energy developments. As the site is only used for livestock development and similar activities, the site is also an economical zone for erecting turbines, since cattle usually are not affected by wind turbines. These factors have attracted many local and international developers.In 2003, the area was studied by collaborative effort between the Ceylon Electricity Board and NREL. The study revealed that the wind resource at the site is favourable only during the Southwest Monsoon, which is only a small period per year, and that the Northeast Monsoons does not reach the area due to its extreme altitude.
Transportation of equipments such as wind turbines, is also a very significant challenge due to the extreme logistical conditions to access the site. The study revealed that transportating turbines larger than 600KW to the site would be a near-impossible task. The study also revealed that ignoring this issue and constructing wind farms with turbines smaller than 600KW would be extremely uneconomical to the developer.
Access Methods
- Colombo -> (170Km) Nuwaraeliya -> (18Km) Ambewela
- Railway Station Available
- Main Road
Newly builds Wind Mills
Boats
Source - Click here
Sunday, July 8, 2012
HIKKA FEST 2012
 A fun-filled fiesta for adults, kids, and grandparents. The world famous southern coastal town of Hikkaduwa, is all agog with preparations, to hold Hikkaduwa Beach Festival (better known as the Hikka fest). The sun-kissed beaches of Hikkaduwa will vibrate to the pulsating rhythms of DJs, dancers, and musicians from July 27th to 29th. The event will cater to both local and foreign visitors as well as to persons of all age groups – a family outing – a break from the monotony. There will be something for everyone from sand-castle building, movie night to a jazz festival. Day 1 – Friday 27 July, 2012 06.00 p.m. – Cocktails for Invitees 08.00 p.m. – Street parade and opening ceremony 09.30 p.m. – Traditional Mask Fashion Show 10.00 p.m. – Traditional Drums show – “ Nadro” 11.00 p.m. – Bathiya & Santhush 11.45 p.m. – Entertain by DJ Dilruk, DJ Miran, International DJ, DJ Missy Flame (Female) 05.00 a.m. – Wind down Day 2 – Saturday 28 July, 2012 11.00 a.m. – Beach Volleyball 02.00 p.m. – Beach Football 04.00 p.m. – Beach Rugby 06.00 p.m. – Sri Lankan Devil Dance Show 07.30 p.m. – Restaurant Promotion 09.00 p.m. – Gini Sisila 09.30 p.m. – Laser Light Show and Drums 10.00 p.m. – Iraj & Surani 11.00 p.m. – Entertain by DJ Shiyam, International DJ, DJ Missy Flame (Female), DJ Kaz, DJ Dex-T 11.00 p.m. – DJ with Dancing Show Day 3 – Sunday 29 July, 2012 11.00 a.m. – Jazz and Rage   Previous Parties     Source - Click here |
Wednesday, July 4, 2012
Sri Gauthama Sambuddha Raja Maligawa - Polgahawela
පසුගිය 02 දා ජනපති අතින් විවෘත කෙරැණ පොල්ගහවෙල මහමෙවුනා භාවනා අසපුවේ ගොඩනංවන ලද සිරි ගෙෘතම සම්බුද්ධ රාජ මාලිගාව ඉතාම අලංකාර ස්ථානයකි' ශ්රාවක ජනයා විසින් පිදූ අසදෘශ විහාර මණ්දිරයක් ලෙස නම් කර තිබෙන එස බුද්න් දවස විහාර ගෙයක අසිරිය වර්ථමානයට කැදවන්නකි'
The inaugural ceremony of the Sri Gauthama Sambuddha Raja Maligawa will be held under President Mahinda Rajapaksa’s patronage in Polgahawela, Waduwawa Mahamewna Monastery 2nd July 2012.
The Sri Gauthama Sambuddha Raja Maligawa was constructed to mark the 2600th Sambuddhathwa Jayanthi, Ven Siyambalangamuwe Mahinda Thera said.
The Sri Gauthama Sambuddha Raja Maligawa was constructed with donations from devotees, the thera said. He said devotees can worship at this sacred Sambuddha Raja Maligawa from July 3.
Monday, July 2, 2012
Small Sripada (Little Adam's Peak) - Ella
The mountain range in the Badulla, Ella area which is considered for Small Sripada (Little Adam's Peak) has become an attraction to local and foreign tourist. A large number of people visit the area to admire its scenic beauty. Small Sripada is located about 2 km from the Ella town. From this location Kataragama and the Hambantota beach which are hundreds of kilometers away can also be seen. The Namunukula, Poonagala and Narangala mountain ranges also located on near this place. The mount extent about 10 acres some of the Small Sripada is full of biodiversity.
The view from Little Adam's peak. Ella Rock and the Ella Gap can be seen.
Scenic Ella Gap
Ella Rock from Little Adams Peak
Ella - Wellawaya road from Little Adams Peak
overlooking Ella gap and mountain ranges from Ella rock
The view from Little Adam's peak. Ella Rock and the Ella Gap can be seen.
