harshana piyasinghe, Author at Mahaweli Tours & Holidays

Peradeniya Botanical Garden

Peradeniya Botanical Garden is one of the most popular attractions in Sri Lanka. Located on the outskirts of the city of Kandy, this beautiful garden is known for its diverse collection of plants and its serene ambiance. Spread across an area of 147 acres, the garden is a paradise for nature lovers, horticulturists, and anyone who wants to spend some time amidst nature’s bounty.

History of Peradeniya Botanical Garden

Peradeniya Botanical Garden was established in 1821 by the British colonial rulers who wanted to experiment with exotic plants such as rubber, coffee, and tea, that could be grown in Sri Lanka. The garden was initially used as a research center for these plants, and it gradually expanded to become a public garden. Today, the garden is managed by the Department of National Botanic Gardens of Sri Lanka and attracts over 2 million visitors annually.

Flora and Fauna

Peradeniya Botanical Garden is home to over 4000 species of plants, including orchids, palms, ferns, and medicinal plants. The garden is divided into different sections, each showcasing different types of flora. The most popular sections include the Palm Avenue, the Giant Bamboo Grove, the Spice Garden, the Orchid House, and the Royal Botanical Collection. Visitors can spend hours exploring the garden and admiring the beautiful flowers and plants.

Apart from plants, the garden is also home to a variety of fauna. Visitors can spot various species of birds, butterflies, and monkeys, which add to the garden’s natural beauty.

Attractions

Peradeniya Botanical Garden has several attractions that visitors should not miss. One of the most popular attractions is the Orchid House, which houses over 300 varieties of orchids. The orchids are displayed in a range of colors, shapes, and sizes, making it a feast for the eyes.

Another must-visit attraction is the Giant Javan Fig Tree, which is over 130 years old and spreads over an area of 1600 square meters. The tree is a natural wonder and a favorite spot for visitors to take pictures.

The garden also has a beautiful suspension bridge, known as the “Sita Ella Bridge,” which offers breathtaking views of the Mahaweli River that flows through the garden.

Visitors can also take a boat ride on the garden’s lake or enjoy a picnic in the open grassy areas.

Conclusion

Peradeniya Botanical Garden is a natural gem in Sri Lanka and should be on every traveler’s itinerary. The garden’s diverse collection of plants, beautiful flora and fauna, and peaceful ambiance make it an ideal place to spend a day. The garden is also a perfect spot for photography enthusiasts and nature lovers. So, if you’re planning a trip to Sri Lanka, don’t miss out on this beautiful garden.

(Featured Image Credit: @meganhankin from Instagram)

Ambuluwawa Tower in Sri Lanka

Ambuluwawa Tower is a popular tourist destination that offers a breathtaking view of the surrounding landscapes. This tower is located near the town of Gampola, in the central province of Sri Lanka. The tower is built on top of the Ambuluwawa mountain, which is part of the Ambuluwawa forest reserve. The distance to the place from Kandy is 24 km, from Gampola it is 9 km, and from Colombo it is 120km.

The Ambuluwawa forest reserve is spread across an area of about 327 acres and is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna. The forest reserve is located at an altitude of about 3567 feet above sea level, and it is one of the few remaining natural forests in the central province of Sri Lanka. The forest reserve is also home to several ancient temples, which are believed to date back to the Kandyan period.

The Ambuluwawa Tower is a unique structure that was designed to resemble a stupa, a traditional Buddhist structure. The tower is 48 meters high, and it has nine levels, each of which represents a stage in the Buddhist path to enlightenment. The tower is made of steel and concrete, and it is surrounded by a winding staircase that leads to the top of the tower. The staircase has a total of 760 steps, and it can be quite challenging to climb for those who are not used to such adventurous activities.

To get to Ambuluwawa Tower, you can take a train or a bus to Gampola, which is about 17 kilometers away from Kandy, the capital of the central province of Sri Lanka. From Gampola, you can take a tuk-tuk or a taxi to the foot of the Ambuluwawa mountain. From there, you can start your ascent to the tower. The climb can take anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour, depending on your fitness level.

As you climb up the tower, you will be treated to breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. The tower offers a panoramic view of the central province of Sri Lanka, including the Knuckles mountain range, the Mahaweli river, and several other towns and villages in the area. The view from the top of the tower is particularly stunning during sunrise or sunset, when the sky is painted in shades of orange and pink.

In addition to the tower, the Ambuluwawa forest reserve also has several other attractions that are worth exploring. There is a small park at the foot of the mountain, that has a playground for children and several picnic areas where you can relax and enjoy the scenery. There is also a small temple at the foot of the mountain that is dedicated to the Hindu goddess Kali.

In conclusion, Ambuluwawa Tower in Sri Lanka is a must-visit destination for those who love adventure, nature, history, and culture. The tower is a unique structure that offers a panoramic view of the central province of Sri Lanka, and the surrounding Ambuluwawa forest reserve is home to several other attractions that are worth exploring. So, if you are planning a trip to Sri Lanka, make sure to include Ambuluwawa Tower in your itinerary, and prepare yourself for a truly unforgettable experience.

Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage

The Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage is a unique and popular attraction in Sri Lanka. Located in the village of Pinnawala in Sabaragamauwa Province, about 90 kilometers northeast of Colombo, the orphanage is home to a large number of rescued elephants (around 80) that have been given a second chance at life. The elephants are taken care of by a team of dedicated caretakers and are a major tourist attraction in Sri Lanka.

The distance from Bandaranaike International Airport (also known as Katunayaka Airport) to Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage is approximately 95 kilometers (59 miles), and it takes about 2.5–3 hours to travel by road, depending on traffic conditions. The distance from Kandy to the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage is approximately 36 kilometers (22 miles), and it takes about 1–1.5 hours to travel.

History and Background

The Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage was established in 1975 by the Sri Lankan Department of Wildlife Conservation. The main objective of the orphanage was to care for orphaned and injured elephants that were found in the wild. Over the years, the orphanage has become a sanctuary for elephants that have been abandoned, injured, or are too old to be released back into the wild.

The orphanage is home to over 80 elephants, making it the largest captive herd of elephants in the world. The herd includes both young and old elephants, and visitors can witness the daily routines of these magnificent creatures.

A unique experience

Visiting the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage is a unique and unforgettable experience. Visitors can participate in the daily feeding, bathing, and playing routines of the elephants. The elephants are fed milk and fruit three times a day, and visitors can watch as the baby elephants guzzle down their bottles of milk. The morning feeding time is 8.30 am to 10am.

The highlight of the visit is the daily elephant bath, where the elephants are taken down to the nearby river called ‘Ma Oya’ for a refreshing dip. Visitors can watch as the elephants splash around in the water, playfully squirting water at each other. There are two bathing times: the morning and the evening. The morning bathing time starts around 10 a.m., and the evening bathing time starts around 2 p.m. The orphanage closes around 6 p.m., and visitors will not be allowed to enter after 5 p.m.

Conservation Efforts

The Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage plays a crucial role in elephant conservation in Sri Lanka. The orphanage provides a safe haven for elephants that have been abandoned or injured in the wild, and cannot be released back into the wild. The orphanage also engages in breeding programs, with the aim of increasing the elephant population in Sri Lanka.

In addition, the orphanage conducts research on elephant behavior and biology, with the aim of improving the welfare of elephants in captivity. The orphanage also works closely with local communities, educating them on the importance of elephant conservation and promoting responsible tourism.

Ticket Prices (in 2021)

For Foreign Visitors:

Adults: LKR 3,500
Children (3-12 years): LKR 1,750

For SAARC Visitors:

Adults: LKR 2,000
Children (3-12 years): LKR 1,000

For Local Visitors:

Adults: LKR 500
Children (3-12 years): LKR 250

Conclusion

The Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage is a must-visit attraction in Sri Lanka. It offers a unique and memorable experience, allowing visitors to witness the daily routines of rescued elephants. While the orphanage plays a crucial role in elephant conservation, it is important to ensure that the welfare of the elephants is not compromised. Visiting the orphanage can be a responsible and ethical way to support elephant conservation efforts in Sri Lanka.

Stilt Fishing in Sri Lanka

Stilt fishing is a traditional method of fishing that is unique to Sri Lanka. This method involves fishermen perching on a tall, narrow pole known as a stilt, which is driven deep into the water and casting their lines into the sea below. The stilt is usually made from a strong, flexible wood such as teak, and can reach heights of up to three meters.

Stilt fishing has been practiced in Sri Lanka for centuries, and was originally used as a way to catch small fish close to the shore. Over time, the method evolved to target larger fish further out to sea. Today, stilt fishing is mostly a tourist attraction, with fishermen setting up their stilts at popular beaches and charging visitors to take photos.

Despite its popularity among tourists, stilt fishing has faced a number of challenges in recent years. One of the biggest threats to the tradition is overfishing, which has depleted fish stocks and made it harder for fishermen to make a living. Another challenge is the competition for space, as more and more tourists flock to Sri Lanka’s beaches to see the stilt fishermen in action.

Despite these challenges, stilt fishing remains an important part of Sri Lanka’s cultural heritage. Many fishermen see it as a way to connect with their ancestors and pass down their traditions to future generations. They also see it as a way to showcase the beauty and uniqueness of their country to the rest of the world.

If you’re planning a trip to Sri Lanka, stilt fishing is definitely something you should consider adding to your itinerary. Not only is it a great way to learn about the country’s history and culture, but it’s also a chance to witness an age-old tradition that has been passed down from generation to generation. And who knows, you might even get lucky and catch a fish yourself!

(Cover Image Credit: 500px from Facebook)

Toddy Tapping in Sri Lanka

Toddy Tapping in Sri Lanka: A Traditional Industry Preserved by Skilled Tappers and Unique Locations

Toddy tapping is an age-old tradition in Sri Lanka that involves extracting sap from the inflorescence of the coconut palm tree, which is then fermented to produce toddy, a mildly alcoholic beverage. Toddy has been an important part of Sri Lankan culture and cuisine for centuries and is used in the preparation of various dishes and as a refreshing drink. Somebody called this beverage Thal Ra, Kithul Ra, or Pol Ra, according to the plant used for the process.

Toddy tapping is an art that requires skilled tappers who are knowledgeable about the process. In Sri Lanka, many toddy tappers are from families that have been in the industry for generations, and they are experts in selecting the right coconut trees and extracting the sap with minimal damage to the trees. The toddy tappers use special tools such as the toddy tapping knife, coconut shells, and bamboo poles to extract the sap from the coconut tree.

Toddy Tapper will climb the coconut tree when the time is right. He then breaks the flower for three days, which begins the process.The tappers walk along two adjacent rows between two coconut trees. It appears to be a dangerous activity in which a mistake could cost him his life.

One of the unique aspects of toddy tapping in Sri Lanka is the different locations where it takes place. The majority of toddy tappers operate in the southern and western regions of the country, but there are also toddy tapping places in other parts of the country, such as the North Central, Eastern, and Northern regions. Each location has its own distinct flavor and aroma, influenced by factors such as soil composition, climate, and the age of the coconut tree.

Despite the traditional toddy tapping industry in Sri Lanka facing various challenges in the modern era, there are still many toddy tappers who are dedicated to preserving the tradition and maintaining the quality of their product. Many of them have formed cooperatives to help market their products and protect their interests. These cooperatives ensure that the toddy tappers receive fair prices for their products, and they also help to maintain the quality of the toddy by providing education and training on sustainable and eco-friendly practices.

(Image Credit: Petra Griffin from Facebook)

Coconut Tree Hills in Mirissa

Coconut Tree Hills is a recently famous tourist attraction in Sri Lanka, where it is situated in the Mirissa area of the Southern Province. The picture of this place will definitely come up on Google Images when someone is searching “Sri Lanka.” It is a nice little dome-shaped hill surrounded by palm trees. Coconut Tree Hills is a place that you should not miss during your southern Sri Lanka tour.

Mirissa is a popular tourist destination in Sri Lanka, with most visitors coming to surf at Mirissa Beach. It’s also a great place to see whales in the Indian Ocean. Along with these things, you should not miss the Coconut Tree Hills as well. You can observe this little mountain from Mirissa Beach without any trouble.

There are two major routes to reach Coconut Tree Hills from Mirissa town:

1) Through Mirissa Beach

2) Through Bandaramulla Temple

Most tourists and visitors reach the place through Mirissa Beach. As soon as you reach the beach, you need to walk towards the left and should walk a few meters until you pass a few bays. Then you can get to the location and identify it from afar. Parrot Rock is another little hill you will meet during that walk. It is another place that is nice if you can reach it. You can observe Mirissa Beach from that little mountain too.

If you are driving or are too lazy to walk along the beach, you can reach the location via Bandaramulla Temple. However, you need to walk on a difficult road to reach the place, whether you choose any of the above routes.

Coconut Tree Hills is a privately owned coconut farm that is open to the public 24 hours a day, seven days a week. You do not need to bring a ticket to enter. After you reach it, you will observe an amazing view of the Indian Ocean. The place is fully covered with palm trees, and you can capture stunning photographs to publish on Instagram. The blowing sea breeze will make you more comfortable and help you relax.

The place is normally crowded every day with locals and foreigners. But if you can go there in the early morning, you can observe stunning pictures of the sunrise in a less crowded environment. Anything before 9 a.m. is less crowded, which you should note before your visit. The sunset time is also a superb time to be on Coconut Tree Hills. The climate report explains that October through December is the rainy season in the area. As a result, the best time to visit here is from January to May. Another thing to keep in mind is that the beach is closed from May to September during the monsoon season.

So, we request that you visit Coconut Tree Hills during your next visit to Mirissa. Take some stunning shots there, and don’t forget to tag them with the username @mahaweli.lk on Instagram.

(Cover Image Source: Wonder Discovery from FB)

Unawatuna Beach in Galle

Unawatuna Beach is one of the most famous tourist attractions in Sri Lanka. The beach is situated on the southwestern coast of the island. It is a superb spot for safe swimming in the country, which is another best places to visit in Galle. The distance to Unawatuna Beach from Colombo is 145 km, and from Galle, it is 5 km. It is not far from the cities of Bentota and Galle. Therefore, you can visit here during your southern tour of Sri Lanka.

The beach is gorgeous and attractive to anyone. The golden sands, turquoise water, and palm tree line will surely provide a fantastic feeling for you. It is considered that Unawatuna Beach is a superb spot for swimming. The little child can bathe safely here due to the shallow water level. The tourist can rent a sunbed and enjoy the sunshine while watching the beauty of the Indian Ocean.

There are so many restaurants, guest houses, hotels, and shops around the place. The vendors are selling clothes, souvenirs, and jewelry. So, you can fulfill your requirements without any trouble anymore. On the western side of the beach, you can see a small hill with a pagoda and a Buddha statue. It is open for visitors to reach there, and you can experience a magnificent view of the beach from there.

Unawatuna is always busy with visitors, and most locals come in the afternoons and evenings. Therefore, mornings are the perfect time to visit Unawatuna Beach on a weekday.

(Cover Image Credit should go to the original owner)

Hummanaya Blowhole in Dickwella

Hummanaya Blowhole is a natural wonder of Sri Lanka, situated in the Dickwella area of the Southern Province. The Blowhole is the second-largest in the world and the largest in the country. It is also a nice place to visit in the Matara area of Sri Lanka.

Hummanaya Blowhole is situated in Kudawella Village, which is 28 km from Matara, 12 km from Tangalle, and 5 km from Dickwella. After you reach the Kudawella village on the A2 road, you need to walk around a kilometer to reach the place. It is actually situated on a small hill.

The “Hoo” noise of the blowhole can be heard from a great distance before you reach the place. That noise has caused this natural wonder to give the name “Hummanaya” to this blowhole. You need to buy a ticket to enter its viewing area. From there, you can see how the seawater rushed into the air through a submerged cave. This happens because the sea water flows through two giant rocks under high pressure. Depending on the nature of the sea, the water sprays at different distances. On some days of the year, the water sprays around 25–30 meters high and then splashes around the area.

The seawater shoots happen every two minutes, and it is a pleasant experience for anyone. The viewpoint also makes for scenic pictures of the Indian Ocean. The months of April to September are considered the best months to visit Hummanaya Blowhole. But it is open around the year from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day. If you are a tourist who is exploring, Tangalle, Mirissa, or Weligama areas, then we suggest you not miss this place during your Sri Lanka tour.

(Hummanaya Image Source: Unseen Sri Lanka from Facebook)

Weherahena Temple in Matara

Weherahena Temple or someone called “Weherahena Poorwarama Rajamaha Viharaya,” is another nice place to visit in Matara, Sri Lanka. It is a popular Buddhist pilgrimage site with a large Buddha statue. The temple is considered the first and largest tunnel temple in the world. But there is no great historical value behind this. The distance to Weherahena Temple from Colombo is 170 km, and from Matara city, it is 7 km.

There is an interesting story behind this tourist attraction. It dates back to the early 20^th century. Rev. Parawahera Rewatha Thero has arrived in the Weherahena area as a punishment from his teacher. The land was approximately 0.5 acres in size at the time, and it was made up of a Bodhi tree. The Thero then built a small clay house on the land with the support of the people. He then decided to develop the temple and planned to build it into the largest Buddha statue in the world. He also wanted to build a tunnel temple, as has been mentioned in the Ummagga Jathaka Story.

In 1939, the Thero began construction on the planned temple with the help of Anagarika Dharmapala. The tunnel was first made, and the work on the large statue was started later. Finally, the statue was completed in 1976. Japan was also encouraged to rebuild the temple in a modern style after 1976. The area of the whole temple is nearly 3 acres today.

Today, visitors to the temple can see the beautiful and decorated art on the tunnel walls. The 39-meter height Buddha statue has brought massive attraction to the temple from the Buddhists in Sri Lanka. The Buddha statue is also thought to be in the samadhi position.

We suggest you visit this beautiful Weherahena Temple during your tour of southern Sri Lanka.

(Featured Image Credit: Gamini Nishantha from Facebook)

Star Fort in Matara

Start Fort, or someone called “Tharaka Kotuwa,” is an ancient building in Matara, Sri Lanka. It was built by the Dutch as a defense building during the period of 1763–1765. The start fort is located 350 meters east of the Matara fort on the Nilvala River. The Dutch called this fort “Redoute van Eck” back then.

The Dutch captured Sri Lanka from the Portuguese in 1638. They captured the Matara fort from the Portuguese and reconstructed it in 1640. However, it was vulnerable to attackers coming from the land. The Matara Rebellions and the Kandyan Kingdom army attacked and captured the Matara Dutch Fort in 1762. Anyhow, the Dutch re-captured the fort in 1763. They identified the vulnerable situation of the fort and then decided to increase its strength. As a result, they planned to build the Star Fort.

The name “Star Fort” comes from its unique shape. It has a six-pointed star with enough space for 12 large cannons to cover all directions. The rampart walls have been constructed with granite rocks and corals. The width of the rampart wall is 14 feet. It also has got enough space to hold a small garrison, food supplies, and ammunition.

Further, it has two prison cells and a well in the center with a 2.75-meter diameter. The roof of the building was completed with cadjam leaves in the early days and then replaced with clay tiles. There is a deep moat around the Star Fort, which also provides additional protection.

Even today, you can see the VOC emblem and the year of the construction near the main gate. The Dutch were made to live in this fort for their protection, but they never had a chance to prove that. They handed over the Star Fort to the British in 1796.

The site is still open to visitors and is under the control of the Sri Lankan government. You can walk around the star fort and experience the Dutch culture in Sri Lanka. It is a nice place to visit around the Matara area of Sri Lanka.

(Star Fort Image Credit: Viraj De Alwis from Facebook)