Hidden amidst the lush greenery of Sri Lanka lies a cultural treasure, the Nalanda Gedige Temple. This ancient temple shrouded in history and spirituality, stands as a testament to Sri Lanka’s rich heritage. As a traveler, this is a place you simply must visit.

 

A Glimpse into Nalanda Gedige

Nalanda Gedige is not just a temple; it’s a fusion of two great civilizations, Buddhism and Hinduism. Situated in the Matale District, it represents a unique blend of architectural styles from the 8th to 10th centuries, showcasing the harmonious coexistence of these religions.

 

Significance and Importance

This temple holds immense cultural and historical importance. It’s a symbol of religious tolerance and the integration of diverse beliefs that have shaped Sri Lanka’s identity. Nalanda Gedige was a place of worship for both Buddhists and Hindus, making it a powerful symbol of unity.

 

Why Visit Nalanda Gedige

Explore the fascinating history and architecture of Nalanda Gedige. Admire the intricate carvings and marvel at the craftsmanship that has withstood the test of time.

Feel the spiritual energy as you wander through the temple grounds. Nalanda Gedige was a place of worship for centuries, and you can still sense the sacred aura that envelops it.

The temple’s unique blend of architectural styles, nestled within a serene natural setting, provides endless photo opportunities. Capture the essence of this historical gem.

Located in a picturesque area, Nalanda Gedige is surrounded by lush greenery and offers a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of modern life. Take a leisurely stroll in the serene gardens.

 

Your Invitation to Nalanda Gedige

We invite you to embark on a journey back in time and discover the beauty, history, and spirituality of Nalanda Gedige Temple. It’s a place where you can connect with the soul of Sri Lanka, appreciate its diverse heritage, and witness the lasting harmony between religions.

As you explore Nalanda Gedige, remember to be respectful of its historical significance and spiritual sanctity. Let this unique destination touch your heart and leave you with lasting memories of your Sri Lankan adventure.

 

Plan your visit to Nalanda Gedige today and experience the cultural richness of Sri Lanka!

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(Cover Image Source: Look Lanka from facebook)

Imagine a place in the south of Sri Lanka that’s brimming with natural wonders. That place is Bundala National Park. It’s like a magical land filled with different kinds of animals and beautiful landscapes. Let’s take a closer look at what makes Bundala so special.

 

Amazing Natural Beauty

Bundala National Park is a very pretty place. It has lots of wetlands, lagoons (which are like big ponds), and sandy dunes along the coast. People from all over the world think it’s so important that they call it a Ramsar Wetland. This means it’s a place that’s super important for nature.

There are also many different kinds of plants in Bundala. There are big, tall mangrove trees, small shrubs, and trees that love dry places. All of these plants make Bundala a home for lots of different animals.

 

Animals to See

Bundala is famous for its animals. One of the biggest ones is the elephant. You can spot elephants walking around the forests and drinking water at the ponds.

If you’re a fan of birds, Bundala is like a dream come true. More than 200 different types of birds live here or visit during certain times of the year. You can see pink flamingos, colorful storks, and even mighty eagles. It’s like a birdwatcher’s paradise!

Apart from elephants and birds, there are other cool animals too. There are big crocodiles that live in the water, sneaky leopards, and even pangolins, which are special animals that curl up like a ball.

 

A Birdwatcher’s Heaven

For people who love watching birds, Bundala is like their dream world. It has lots of wetlands and ponds where birds love to hang out. Some birds travel all the way from faraway places to visit Bundala. So, if you like birds, don’t forget to bring your binoculars and camera.

 

Going on a Safari Adventure

If you want to see all these amazing animals up close, you can go on a safari. A safari is like a special trip where you ride in a big jeep and explore the park. It’s best to go in the early morning or late afternoon when the animals are most active.

Before you go, make sure to check how much it costs and if you need any special permission. It’s a good idea to book your safari ahead of time so you don’t miss out on all the fun.

 

Helping to Protect Nature

Bundala National Park works really hard to take care of nature. They protect animals and make sure their homes are safe. They also work with the people who live nearby to make sure everyone can enjoy the park without harming it.

When you visit, you can help too! Follow the rules, be kind to animals, and don’t leave any trash behind. It’s important to keep the park clean and safe for everyone.

 

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Bundala is during the dry season, which is from December to April. It’s sunny and nice, and you’ll see more animals. But if you’re interested in certain birds, you might want to visit during their special times when they come to Bundala.

 

Getting Ready for Your Visit

Before you go, wear comfortable clothes for the warm weather. Don’t forget sunscreen, a hat, and bug spray. Stay hydrated by bringing water with you.

Remember to be respectful of the park and its animals. Don’t disturb them, and definitely don’t litter.

 

Conclusion

Bundala National Park is like a treasure chest of natural wonders. It’s a place where you can see incredible animals and enjoy beautiful landscapes. Plan your visit, experience the magic of Bundala, and help protect this amazing place for future generations.

 

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(Cover Image Credit: Udaya Chanaka from Facebook)

Little Adams Peak is a must-visit destination in Ella, Sri Lanka. The place is very popular among both locals and foreigners, as well as hikers. A fantastic spot for a hike that you shouldn’t miss during your visit to Ella

 

Little Adams Peak location

Little Adams Peak is situated a few kilometers away from Ella City. Here you can check the Google Maps location of the destination:

 

To reach Little Adams Peak, you need to drive through the Ella-Namunukula route after you come to Ella City. There are many tea plantations along that route. After around 1.5km of travel, you should turn right and follow a poorly maintained route to reach the trail’s starting point. If you face any trouble, then you can get the support of the locals to find the correct path. Most of the time, you will meet local tea pluckers who are around this route and will treat you with a beautiful smile.

There is a parking lot for your vehicles. No matter what kind of vehicle you are driving, it needs to stop in the park, and now you should start trekking on foot. If you are a foreigner who is reaching this place without a guide, then you can hire a tuk-tuk in Ella city to come to the trail starting point. There is an alternative route that starts near the 98-acre resort, which somebody else can try. You will also meet a little Buddha statue at the beginning of that route.

 

Hike to Little Adams Peak

At the beginning of the hike, you have to walk on a sloping staircase made of concrete. It’s tiring at the start, but gradually the tiredness will reduce. On this way, you can see the Flying Ravana Zipline. It is another place in Ella specially made for adventure seekers.

Our Guests During their Hike to Little Adams Peak

 

After about one kilometer of trekking, you will come to the top of the mountain. There, you can see the famous single tree on the mountain. Now on, you can trek a long distance through the mountain. Sometimes you need to walk on a downward route, and then it will not create upward walking anymore. The highest point of Little Adam’s peak is 1141m from the sea level.

 

What you can observe

There are few view points on the entire mountain range. Not many people trek long distances, and most of them finish their journey after they reach the first view point. At every view point, you can observe a breathtaking view of the surrounding areas.

From the top, you can observe the famous Ella Rock Mountain, which is considered the neighbor of Little Adams Peak. As well, you can clearly identify the Ella-Wellawaya route, which looks like a snake. As well, you can clearly identify most of the southern valleys and the surrounding hills. Kumbalwela area, Namunukula Mountain, and 98 Acres Resort are the other areas and things that you can observe from the top.

Most travelers believe early mornings and late evenings are the best times to visit Little Adams Peak. At those times, you can capture marvelous pictures of both the sunrise and sunset. So, if you are a photo lover, then it’s advisable for you to visit those times to take some unforgettable shots.

 

Other facts about Little Adams Peak

The name ‘Little Adams Peak has been derived because of this mountain’s shape, which is quite similar to the famous Adams Peak (Sri Padaya). This is not a hard hike for anyone. You can finish the entire journey within 2–3 hours. Some areas of the trail are a little bit harder due to its rocky surface. Therefore, you should wear a pair of shoes for this trek. Further, don’t forget to carry enough water with you. There is no water source during the whole trek.

The top of the mountain is also superb for yoga and other meditation activities. If you are a person with such enthusiasm, then you can try them out on the mountain. Sometimes, we are sure that you can find some of those photos when you are browsing about Ella Little Adams Peak.

Further, the amazing fact about Ella is that it is the area where you can breathe the most pure oxygen in the whole world. Hopefully, this fact will also convince you to not do this nice little hike anymore.

 

Final Words

Little Adams Peak is a must-visit destination for all global travelers. It is an ideal spot for photography. You can observe a breathtaking view of both sunrise and sunset from the top.

As well, you can participate in the adventure activities that are organized by the Flying Ravana Team. If you are a foreigner, then you can choose Mahaweli Tours & Holidays as your trusted guide to do the hike to Ella Little Adams Peak. Here, choose our Ella Tour, which will also cover other nice places in the Ella area, including Ravana waterfall and Nine Arch Bridge.

 

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(Note: Cover Image Credit goes to the respective owner. We found it on Facebook)

 

 

Kandy View Point, or what somebody called Arthur’s Seat View Point, is a must-visit spot in Kandy city. The place is situated on the Rajapihilla Mawatha, which is around one kilometer away from the city center. You can go there easily by foot. But you need to walk on a hilly route to get there. Sometimes it can be very tiring for adults. If you are uncomfortable going there on foot, then you can hire a tuk-tuk to reach there easily and quickly. Tuk-tuk is the perfect option to visit there.

Arthur’s Seat View Point is also considered the height point of the Kandy City area, and it is 550m above sea level. It takes around 10–15 minutes to reach there from Kandy Lake.

 

Location of the Kandy View Point

Here is the Google Maps location of the place.

 

View

From the Kandy View Point, you can observe the beauty of Kandy City. There is a nice metal stage for the viewers. Starting from the right side, you can watch a marvelous picture of the Tooth Relic Temple and Kandy Lake. Udawattakale Forest Reserve is situated just above the Tooth Relic Temple. The picture of Kandy Lake is absolutely beautiful, and that brings much relaxation to your mind.

In the center, you can see a clear picture of DS Senanayaka Street, which is directed towards the Katugasthota area. From the distance, you can view Hunnasgiriya Mountain Peak of the Knuckles Mountain Range. As well, you can observe some of the mountain peaks near Kandy City. On the left side, you can see Bahirawakanda Temple with its giant Buddha statue. Simultaneously, you can identify some of the most important buildings in the city.

We can definitely say that this is a perfect spot for a photographer to take some marvelous photos. Therefore, it is advisable for anyone to bring a camera.

 

The Best Time to Visit Kandy View Point

According to most visitors, early mornings and late evenings are the perfect times to visit there. The sunrise pictures of the early mornings will generate fabulous images. It is not very crowded in the mornings. The sunset time is also perfect, but you will face a crowded environment at that time. Nighttime is also ideal for viewing a marvelous picture with lights.

 

Final Word

Kandy View Point is one of the must-visit places during our Kandy Tour. If you are a foreigner who loves to visit there, you can easily contact us as your trusted tour agency in Kandy.

 

 

Sri Muthumariamman Temple is a Hindu temple that is situated in Matale. Most of the Tamil people also called this Arulmigu Sri Muthumari Amman Kovil. The place is an honorable place for both Hindu and Buddhist devotees. It is an open place for locals and foreigners, making it a fabulous place to visit in Matale.

The Sri Muthumariamman Temple is dedicated to Mariamman, who is believed to be the goddess of rain and fertility. In that name, the prefix ‘Muthu’ means pearl, ‘Mari’ means rain, and ‘Amman’ means mother in Tamil.

 

Location

The Matale Hindu Temple is situated not far from Matale City, where it is easy to find. Here you can see its Google Maps location:

 

Address: 608. Sri Mutthu Maryamman Devastanam, 16A, Trincomalee Street, Matale, Sri Lanka

 

What can you observe in the Sri Muthumariamman Temple?

The main attraction of this temple is its large gopuram. The structure is 32 meters tall, so it can be seen from a long distance. The gopuram is decorated with many statues and sculptures. It looks so beautiful, and nobody misses it without capturing its photograph. The gopuram is also called Raja Koburam, and it is considered one of the largest gopurams in Sri Lanka.

As well, you can see paintings and Hindu architecture in this temple. It can further be described as the finest place to watch the excellence of Hindu architecture in Sri Lanka.

 

History of the Matale Hindu Temple

The place was a paddy field in the early 19th century. It was gifted by the owner in 1852 to establish a small statue under a tree to pray for Hindu devotees. Then the current temple was developed by the Hindus into a large Kovil. That happened in the year 1874, which was funded by Nattukkottia Chettiar.

The gopuram contains more than 1000 statues and sculptures that represent Hindu deities. The designs and decorations were done by a South Indian sculptor called ‘Nagalingam and his son, ‘Ramanathan. However, it has been supported by more than 100 local designers and painters as well. The Raja Gopuram was completed in 2007.

The first Kumbabishekam event of the Muthumariamman Temple was held in 1960. The temple was damaged during the anti-Tamil riots in 1983. But it was restored later.

 

Festivals of Sri Muthumariamman Temple

The chariot festival at Sri Muthumaramman Temple is trendy among the locals. It is celebrated every Navam full moon Poya day (Poya day in February). Many people gather around the city to watch that festival with devotion.

 

Further details about the Matale Hindu Temple

There is a large wedding hall in this temple, which has been used since the early days. Visitors from all over the world can enter the temple. However, foreigners are required to buy a ticket to enter the temple. Anyhow, Sri Muthumariamman Temple is a fabulous spot to visit in Matale. You can visit this place during your tour from Kandy to Sigiriya.

Phone Number: +9466 2222 481

Open Hours: 6.30 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 16.45 p.m. to 19.45 p.m.

 

Other places to visit in Matale

National Spice Garden

 

 

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(Cover Image Credit: Worldwide Hindu Temples ॐ )

 

 

The National Spice Garden, or something called Matale Spice Garden, is a nice place to visit in the Matale region of Sri Lanka. It covers more than 20 hectares of land. Here you can observe the wide range of spices that are being cultivated in Sri Lanka.

 

Location

Matale Spice Garden is situated 142km from Colombo and 25km from Kandy. It is 4km away from Matale City, and you need to drive the Madulkelle-Kabaragala road to reach the destination. You can come across this either if you are traveling from Kandy to Sigiriya or from Sigiriya to Kandy.

Here is the Google Maps location of the Matale Spice Garden:

 

Physical Address: National Spice Garden, Central Research Station, Matale, Sri Lanka

 

Spices

You can observe more than 15 spices in the Matale Spice Garden, including pepper, nutmeg, clove, cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, etc. As well, you can observe beetles and cocoa cultivations here. The resource persons will explain how these spices are cultivated, grown, harvested, and processed. You can apply that knowledge to start your own spice cultivation in your garden. The place is open to all locals and foreigners without charge. It offers guided tours for foreigners.

In the 15th–19th centuries, Sri Lanka was a world-renowned destination for spices. This has given the Europeans a compelling reason to seize this island. Matale is one of the best places on the island to cultivate most of the Sri Lankan spices.

 

Other Facts about Matale Spice Garden

The place is managed by the Department of Export Agriculture Sri Lanka, and the premises include an information center, a library, a sales center, and a conference hall. You can get all the information you need about technical advice, cultivation methods, harvesting, and value addition from their information center. In the library, you can browse many publications, including books and brochures. A sales center is a place where you can buy spice-related products for a reasonable price. Here, you have plenty of traditional remedies, cosmetic items, and much more to buy.

Tourists can also experience a free Ayurvedic body massage. You should note that spices and Ayurveda have a very close relationship. These spices are very friendly to your health. You are lucky in Sri Lanka because you can experience the taste of the spices with most of the Sri Lankan dishes.

 

Opening Times of Matale Spice Garden

Matale Spice Garden is open all days of the week. But it is open from 8.30 a.m. to 4 p.m. on a normal day, while it is open all Sundays. There is no need to make pre-bookings, and it is open to all. If you have any further information, then you can easily dial the number below:

National Spice Garden Contact Number: 0662 222 945

 

Conclusion

There are many spice gardens in the Matale and Kandy areas. Ranweli Spice Garden is also another place where you can explore Sri Lankan spices. It is also situated close to Matale.

So, finally, we request that you visit this beautiful and significant place if you are touring both the Matale and Kandy areas.

 

Other beautiful places to visit in Matale:

  • Aluviharaya Temple
  • Nalanda Gedige Temple
  • Matale Hindu Temple

The Ceylon Tea Museum is another nice place to visit near Kandy, Sri Lanka. It is a museum where visitors can learn about the history of Ceylon tea while watching the ancient industry equipment. The situated places are called ‘Hanthana, where you can easily reach them by any vehicle. Public transport is also available towards the place, which is 4km away from the city. There is also enough space available to park your vehicles.

Opening Days and Hours

The Ceylon Tea Museum is open from 8.30 a.m. to 3.45 p.m. from Tuesday to Saturday. But it is only open from 8.30 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sundays. Anyhow, it is closed on Mondays and Poya days.

 

Ticket Prices to the Ceylon Tea Museum

You need to buy tickets to enter the museum. According to their official website, the ticket price for non-resident adults is 1000 LKR. But for the non-resident child, it is 500 LKR. Tickets for locals are cheaper than those for non-residents. There are also guided tours available, and their cost will be added to the ticket cost.

 

What you can observe in the Ceylon Tea Museum

There are 4 floors in the Ceylon Tea Museum. You can see old tea machines and equipment used on the first two floors. On the first floor, you can also see a library and an auditorium. The third floor consists of tea outlets where you can buy some Ceylon tea bags. The fourth floor is entirely a tea café. Here, you can enjoy the surrounding beauty while enjoying a cup of Ceylon tea.

From the fourth floor, you can enjoy a breathtaking view of Kandy City and its surrounding areas. The Knuckles Mountain Range, Hunnasgiriya Mountain, and Alagalla are some of the mountain peaks you can watch from here.

Apart from these, you can observe the old machines that were used for tea production in the 20th century. As well, it consists of photos of notable people and highlights of Ceylon tea from the old days. Anyone can also learn how the famous Ceylon tea is produced. There is a special room called the Tea Tasting Room’. There, you can enjoy the taste of different tea varieties and locations.

 

History

The building was established as a museum in 2001. Before that, it was the old Hanthana Tea Factory. The Tea Factory was established in 1925 by the British Ceylon Government. But the factory closed in 1986. Hanthana was a place where the first commercial tea estates were established.

James Taylor is the pioneer of Ceylon tea history, having started the first commercial tea estate in the Loolkondera estate in 1867. Since then, tea has become Sri Lanka’s major exported agricultural product. Sri Lanka is the fourth-largest tea producer and the third-largest tea exporter in the world. Today, over one million people are engaged in the industry while doing many jobs. Famous Ceylon tea comes from these lovely tea gardens in Sri Lanka. The industry has gone up and down over the past 150 years. The Ceylon Tea Museum is the best place to observe the history of this massive industry.

 

Other Nearby Places to Visit;

 

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(Cover Image Credit: Walahanduwa Tea )

Hanthana Birds Park (Hanthana International Bird Park & Recreation Center) is a recently established travel destination near the famous Kandy City. It is a superb spot for nature and bird lovers. Here you can see more than 100 different bird species, making it a must-visit destination when you come to Kandy next time.

 

Location of the Hanthana International Bird Park

The place is situated 6 kilometers away from the busy city of Kandy. You can observe the famous Hanthana Mountain Range from there. Anyone can easily identify that mountain range because of its established radio transmission towers. However, you should now go towards this hilly area to reach this beautiful bird park.

Address of the Location: Hanthana Bird Park & Eco Tourism (Pvt) Ltd., Kandy, Sri Lanka.

You can easily find the location if you search on Google Maps for the name. Here we have also attached the location to help you find it more easily.

 

To reach the location, you should first come to Kandy. Next, you should drive towards the Bogambara Stadium, and you must turn left there to find the Kandy General Hospital. From there, you should drive around 5 kilometers to reach this destination. It is advisable to use Google Maps, which will assist you in reaching there without any trouble at all.

 

Tickets

You must buy tickets to enter Bird’s Park. The ticket cost for a local adult is 600 rupees. This was the price in May 2023. But the price can change when you are reading this post.

 

Opening Hours and Days

The Hanthana Bird Park is open from Tuesday to Sunday. But it is closed on Mondays. It will open at 9 a.m. to visitors and close sharply at 6 p.m.

 

Birds

As we mentioned earlier, you can observe a lot of birds here. It is recorded that there are more than 100 birds, some of which are rare and native to Sri Lanka. Those are protected in cages, where you can observe them very closely. Further, you can learn about their life cycle, habitat, and behavioral facts. Some of the noted endemic birds are Sri Lanka Spurfowl, Sri Lanka Junglefowl, Yellow-fronted Barbet, etc.

As well, you can observe popular birds like peacocks, eagles, owls, and kingfishers. But most of the visitors are especially attracted to its beautiful parrots. Some of them are in your hands and shoulders. It is a nice incident that you should not capture with your camera. Visitors can also participate in the feedings of those birds. It is a nice experience to have while safely traveling.

Apart from the birds, you can observe monkeys, rabbits, and turtles. From the visitors, little kids are the most enjoyable ones who enjoy watching these birds and animals.

 

Other Facts about the Hanthana Bird Park

The park is situated near the famous Hanthana Tea Museum. It is another nice place to visit for tourists to watch the highlights of the famous Ceylon tea. The premises cover almost 27 acres of land, where you can walk around a large area while watching birds.

The park also includes an educational training center, a breeding unit, a bird orphanage, a bird shelter, a quarantine unit, a natural bird study center, and an educational and recreational center for schoolchildren. Further, it includes a kids playing area, a shooting area, a small café, and photography areas.

Hanthana Bird Park offers guided tours which are ideal for most visitors. It is well suited for family tours, too. There are more than 100 workers working for the protection and care of the birds, and the park looks well maintained.

 

Conclusion

Hanthana International Bird Park & Recreation Center is an ideal place for bird lovers and enthusiasts. It is also a nice place to relax and enjoy nature. Here you can observe a lot of birds and take lovely photographs of them. We invite you to visit this place, whether you visit the Hanthana Mountain Range or are looking for a relaxing place in Kandy.

Contact Number of the Hanthana Bird Park for further information: 076 6120120

 

 

(Cover Image Source: T R A V E L view from facebook)

 

 

Ever thought about visiting a place where the ground is all colorful and magical? Well, Ussangoda National Park in Sri Lanka is just the spot! It’s a cool place for people who like nature and want to see something different.

When you step into Ussangoda, it’s like entering a whole new world. The ground here is red and orange, and the sand is really white. It looks super cool! People used to tell stories that a long time ago, a king’s chariot flew from here, and that’s why the ground is so special.

What’s really interesting is how the land looks. It’s not flat – there are little hills and cliffs you can walk around. It’s not a hard walk, so you can take your time and enjoy the view.

Ussangoda isn’t just about looking pretty, though. It’s home to many plants and animals. If you like watching birds, this is a great place to see them. You might see birds that live here all the time, or even some that are just visiting for a bit.

When you’re at Ussangoda, you can forget about the busy world for a while. It’s peaceful and feels like a secret place that not everyone knows about. Whether you’re someone who loves nature or you’re just curious to see something amazing, Ussangoda is a place you won’t forget.

To sum it up, Ussangoda National Park is like a colorful wonderland where the ground is special, and you can see cool birds. It’s a great place to take a break from regular life and enjoy the quiet beauty of nature. So, get ready to explore Ussangoda – it’s a place where the land tells stories and nature shows off its magic.

Tucked away in Sri Lanka’s lush countryside, Kadiyanlena Falls is a special spot for people who love nature. It’s often called “Kadiyanlena Falls” locally, and it’s a peaceful place far from the busy city.

Kadiyanlena Falls is like a clear waterfall painting, gently dropping into a calm pool of water below. This lovely sight shows how pretty Sri Lanka’s highlands are. To get there, you take a nice walk through green forests and paths that show you amazing views.

The trip to Kadiyanlena Falls is an adventure by itself. It’s good for those who walk a lot and those who just want a simple stroll. While you walk, you can hear birds singing and leaves moving – a calming sound that goes along with your steps.

Whether you like taking pictures, being alone, or you’re just curious, Kadiyanlena Falls is great for taking cool photos, finding peace, and being amazed by nature. Don’t forget to enjoy the mist that sprays around the falls – it feels nice after your walk.

In short, Kadiyanlena Falls in Sri Lanka is an amazing example of the country’s natural beauty. Enjoy the calm feeling, the refreshing mist, and the magic of this hidden spot. Plan your trip to Kadiyanlena Falls now and explore the wonderful nature of Sri Lanka.

 

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(Image Credit: @hasanthi_w from IG)