Gala Muduna Temple in Badulla

Galamuduna Temple in Badulla

Would you like to sit on a wooden bench on top of a rock and watch the beauty of nature? So this is one of the best places to get such an experience.

From past to present
Sri Sambuddhaloka Wiharaya is located in a small village called Kahataruppa’, which belongs to Badulla District. The distance to the place is around 20 km from Badulla city. Currently, this temple is known as “Galamuduna Temple”, because it is situated on a large stone mountaintop. Visitors can observe a breathtaking view from there. In ancient times, there was a chamber where the arahants meditated below this rock. And also, there was a palace inside the rock. Dagoba and dwelling houses are currently being constructed, and devotees can contribute.

On the way
You have to choose the Palawatta-Kahataruppa bus from Badulla city. After that, get off the bus and walk down a small road for a short distance. It is 4km away from Kahataruppa junction.

As a visitor, you shouldn’t forget to bring a water bottle, an umbrella, and a snack. There is a small outlet near the bus stop where you can buy anything. Typically, visitors can travel on this small inner road on foot, by motorbike, or by three-wheeler. But it is difficult for little cars to follow that route.

Heaven Beauty
When you go to the top of the rock of the temple, you can see the village of Kohonawala, which has the least amount of sunlight in Sri Lanka, as well as Madolsima, Matigahathanna, and Pitimaruwa. Devotees can worship the sacred Bo tree and Buddha temple. The top of the rock can be seen very attractively in the early morning or in the evening when the sun sets.

So, finally, we have to say that the people who visit this sacred place and enjoy its beauty should be protected by not littering here.

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(Cover Image Credit: Dulan Uddhika Marasinghe )

Adisham Bungalow in Haputale

Spending a day in a beautiful green garden surrounded by cold mist is a great experience for anyone. Adisham Bungalow can be called the best place to experience this for any tourist coming to Sri Lanka. It can be identified by a former name called ‘Adisham Hall’ and an alternative name called ‘St. Benedict’s Monastery. We hope that the information we provide in this article will be important to all of you who are looking forward to seeing Adisham Bungalow and spending a vacation.

 

Location and creation

This bungalow is located in Haputale, Badulla district. And also, it is 5000 feet above sea level. The construction of Adisham Bunglow was started in 1927. The entire construction of Adisham Bunglow was completed in 1931. This architectural bungalow was contributed by Sir Thomes Lister Villiers, who was a British aristocrat, planter, and governor of that time who strived for equality in education and the cessation of child employment.

The mansion was designed by Webster and Booth in accordance with Tudor and Jacabian architectural styles. The monastery occupies an area of 12 acres of land and the bungalow consists of forty rooms. The house is built with strong granite walls made of locally quarried stone, long, narrow turret windows, and chimneys. The roof was covered with flat Burmese teak shingles, and doors, windows, panels, stairs, and floors were all made of Burmese teak. The carpets needed for the Adisham bungalow were imported from Persia. Some of the chairs here are made of camel skin. It was completed with an advanced system of heating the rooms by passing the wind blowing through the wind windows in the roof through special pipe systems and sending them into the furnace. The room where the boiler is located is another special condition in the Adisham bungalow.

 

 

Ownership

After Sir Thomas Villiers, this was purchased by Don Charles Wijewardhana and his daughter Rukmini Wijewardhana, owners of Sedawatte Estates, in 1950. But after the daughter Rukmini sold it to an Italian Benedictan monk, However,the Italian monk removed silver cutlery and a few items of furniture in order to recover his investment and also make a profit. After two years, the house and property were donated to the Ampitiya Benedictine Monastery in 1963. Currently, it is maintained as a Roman Catholic Benedictine Monastery. The priests make various products from the fruits obtained from the garden of the bungalow and release them in the market.

 

 

Natural surroundings and tourist attractions

Beautiful oil and watercolor paintings by Thomas Lister’s wife,who was a talented artist,add to the artistry of the bungalow. Another painting that is special among the paintings here is the one with the portrait of Sir Thomas Lister, drawn by an English painter named David Painter. As with Leonard da Vinci’s Mona Lisa, this painting is painted so that we turn in the direction, and what is even more interesting is that not only the eyes but the whole person are turned in the direction.

Adisham Bunglow can be named as both a colonial heritage in the country and a masterpiece of English architecture set up in the mountains. The stone mansion and the monastery play key roles as eye-catching creations. When we consider the natural beauty of the awesome garden, it can be seen as an acre-wide orchard of fruits and plants with a beautiful hillside view across Hindu kovils, tea estates, and eucalyptus forests. Visitors can feel the scenic beauty around the monastery garden with its lovely flower beds. Beautifully blooming orchids and roses enhance their attractiveness. The upper part of the bungalow is a forest and a bird sanctuary. The cold mist and the small, spectacular mountains full of tea plantations add to the beauty of the environment. And the other most unique thing is the view point of Sir Thomas in the Adisham bungalow. If you go there, the best time to go is between 5.30 and 6 a.m., when the sun rises.

 

 

As a visitor, what can I do?

Anyone who visits Adisham bungalow can enjoy nature, spending the vacation, sightseeing, and photography. It is open to those who are willing to visit every Saturday, Sunday, Poya Day, and all days of school vacation from 9.00 a.m. to 4.30 p.m. You have to pay Rs. 100 for adults and Rs. 50 for children at the entrance. For those who prefer to stay here and have a holiday, concessionary packages with food have also been introduced. In addition to this bungalow, you can also get a variety of farm produce here. Adisham Monastery is an attraction not to be missed.

 

 

Kandy View Point (Arthur’s Seat View Point)

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 your Kandy City Tour. If you are a foreigner who loves to visit there, you can easily contact us as your trusted tour agency in Kandy.

 

 

Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage

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. 

 

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.

 

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(Cover Image Source: Wonder Discovery from FB)

Dondra Head Lighthouse

Dondra Head Lighthouse in Matara

Dondra Head Lighthouse is situated in the Dewinuwara of the Southern Province, Sri Lanka. It is considered the southmost point of the island which is situated 6km from the Matara. The Dondra Head Lighthouse is considered the tallest lighthouse in Sri Lanka and one of the tallest lighthouses in Southeast Asia.

The lighthouse is managed by the Sri Lanka Port Authority. It is open to visitors, but you should get special permission to visit its balcony. The view looks breathtaking, and you can observe the calmness of the Indian Ocean and many other land areas of the Matara region.

The height of the lighthouse is 49 meters (160 feet). But the light’s focal height is 47 m. Overall, it contains seven floors and 14 windows. Further, Dondra Head Lighthouse is considered one of the four international lighthouses in Sri Lanka. Electricity is used to power the lighthouse, where its range is 52 km (32 miles).

The construction of this lighthouse was commenced in 1887 and completed in 1889. The initial design was made by Sir James Nicholas Douglass. But the construction was done by William Douglass. All the construction materials, including bricks and steel, were imported from the UK.

The place is a superb spot for travelers who visit southern Sri Lanka. Therefore, we request that you don’t miss this place when you are traveling to Matara, Mirissa, Weligama, or any other area of the Matara area.

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(Image Source: Anna Franci from Facebook) 

Hike to Pidurangala Rock in Sigiriya

Sigiriya View from Pidurangala Rock

Pidurangala Rock is another famous tourist attraction in the Sigiriya area. It is a 360-degree viewpoint with a nice little hike to follow. The view of the Sigiriya Rock Fortress from Pidurangala Rock is simply breathtaking, and we believe you’ve seen it while searching for images of Sri Lanka on Google Images.

Pidurangala Rock is not as famous as Sigiriya Rock. But it is a superb destination that you should also visit during your tour of Sigiriya. It is located 2 kilometers to the north of the rock fortress. The hike will start from the Pidurangala Raja Maha Viharaya, where the initial part of the hike is not very difficult. In the beginning, there is a clear and nice footpath. After that, you will meet the Pidurangala cave temple and the ancient ruins around it. Historians believe that the ruins date back more than 2000 years. They also believe the entire area was a monastery before King Kashyapa came to Sigiriya in the 5th century AD.

After the cave temple, your hike will become much harder, and you will have to cross some difficult spots. The route is easy to find thanks to the man-made red arrow signs. Anyhow, your route is along the large boulders. If you are an experienced hiker, it will only take you around 30 minutes to climb this rock. But if you are a lazy hiker, then it will take you around 45 to 60 minutes to reach the top.

The view from Pidurangala Rock is absolutely fabulous. It is an ideal spot to take some rare images. From there, you can observe most parts of the Central and North-Central provinces of Sri Lanka. The best time to visit there is at sunrise and sunset. These times allow you to take your best shots.

As a visitor, you should buy a ticket to enter Pidurangala Rock. It is open from 5 a.m. to 6 p.m. There is no water source on the top; therefore, you should bring enough water with you.

Finally, we suggest that you don’t forget this place during your travels to Sigiriya Rock Fortress or Dambulla Cave Temple.

 

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(Cover Image Source: @ParadiseSrilanaka 

Nuwara Eliya Post Office

Nuwara Eliya Post Office

The Nuwara Eliya Post Office is a popular tourist attraction in Nuwara Eliya. It is situated in the center of the city, where you can reach it easily. The post office is considered one of the oldest post offices in Sri Lanka. It was inaugurated in 1894 by the British.

The Tudor Revival architecture has been used in the development of this building. It looks very beautiful when you are seeing it from a distance. The red bricks were used in the construction. Its clock tower, which you can see in the corner of the building, also attracts visitors.

Sri Lanka Post issued a Rs 10 stamp on December 20, 1990, to commemorate World Post Day. On that stamp, a photograph of this building was included. In 2012, the upper floor of this building was converted into accommodation for tourists. Before that, it was used by former postmasters as quarters.

If you are a traveler who explores the hill country of Sri Lanka, then we request that you visit the Nuwara Eliya Post Office during your Nuwara Eliya tour.

Seetha Amman Kovil in Nuwara Eliya

Seetha Amman Kovil

Seetha Amman Kovil, or someone called “Seetha Amman Temple,” is a famous tourist attraction in Nuwara Eliya, Sri Lanka. It is 5 kilometers from Nuwara Eliya and 1 kilometer from the famous Hakgala Botanical Garden. Therefore, you can visit Seetha Amman Kovil during your Nuwara Eliya tour or Hakgala Botanical Garden visit. The village is called “Seetha Eliya,” and it is near the Hakgala Mountain.

It is the only Hindu temple in Sri Lanka that was dedicated to Princess Seetha. People believe the place is special where it combines with the epic tale of Ramayanaya.

 

History of Seetha Amman Kovil

King Ravana has captured Indian Princess Seetha, according to the Indian epic Ramayana. He took the princess to Sri Lanka and kept her as his prisoner. This happened almost 5000 years ago. The Hakgala region is thought to be one of the locations in Sri Lanka where King Ravana held captive Princess Seetha.

The nearby stream to the Kovil, according to the story, catered to Princess Seetha’s needs when she spent her days here. Later, Lord Hanuman found the princess. But King Ravana captured Hunaman and burned his tail. He was then burned alive with his tail. Now, the people believe the dark color of the soil comes from when the Hunuman burned the area. They also think the circular depressions on some rocks in the stream are because of Hanuman’s footprints.

There were no Kovils at first. But later, people made the Kovil by respecting Princess Seetha. There, you can see South Indian architecture on the Seetha Amman Kovil.

 

More facts about the Temple

Seetha Amman Kovil is open every day, and visitors can participate in pujas. There are two main puja times. The morning session continues from 8 a.m. to 1pm. The evening session runs from 2 to 6 p.m. You are no need to buy tickets to enter. It is fully free. In any case, you can donate to the Kovil. You can also find this place easily when you are traveling on the Badulla-Nuwara Eliya road.

If you are a traveler who loves to explore Ramayanaya locations in Sri Lanka, then you should definitely not miss this place. It is 10 minutes from Nuwara Eliya. Therefore, you can come here very easily. As well, don’t forget to visit Seetha Amman Kovil with your full devotion.

 

Some Photos of the Seetha Amman Temple

Seetha Amman Kovil  

 

(Image Source; Facebook.com and Credit should go to the original owners)

 

 

Lipton’s Seat in Haputale

Lipton's Seat

Lipton’s Seat is a popular high observation point in Sri Lanka among local and foreign travelers. It is situated at the top of the Poonagala Hills at an elevation of 1970m. This is also a viewpoint from which you can observe five major provinces in Sri Lanka. The route to Lipton’s seat is absolutely beautiful with greenish tea estates. We can suggest that it is another must-visit place near the Ella tourism city.

 

Location

Lipton’s seat is situated in the Badulla district of Uva Province. Haputale and Poonagala are the closest town to the area. Distance to here from Haputale is 16km and from Ella is 27km. There are two major routes to reach the place.

  • Bandarawela, Poonagala and through Nayabedda Estate
  • Hapuatale and through dambethenna tea estate

 

Those two routes are very scenic with lush and greenish tea plantations. It’s no matter whether you select one from them,

If you are starting from Ella, then the Poonagala – Nayabedda route is ideal for you. The surround is amazing to watch. Tuk Tuk is the most suitable vehicle for this route and it takes around 1 ½ hours to reach there. If you come from Colombo or from the Upcountry railway, then the Haputale-Dambethenna route should be your selection. The public transport busses are available on that route. But Tuk Tuk or a scooter are the most ideal vehicle for too this route. It also takes one hour to reach the destination.

However, you should buy a ticket to enter the Lipton’s seat. After the entrance, you have to walk around 1.5km to reach the actual viewpoint.

 

Amazing View

As we mentioned earlier, you can observe five major provinces in Sri Lanka from here. Those five provinces are; Uva, Sabaragamuwa, Eastern, Southern and Central. As well as you can clearly identify some of the key places. In a clear day you can identify Chandrika Lake, Udawlawa Lake, Handapanagala Lake, Hambanthota Harbour, Wedasitikanda Mountain, Devinuwara Lighthouse, South Coast and Tricomalee Lighthouse.

Early morning is the best time to visit Lipton’s Seat. On that time you can observe the beauty of the sunrise from the distance. It is actually a fantastic picture and you don’t forget to capture it with your camera. Sometimes, the mist will cover the place and it will destroy your stunning view. In such a time, you can see the clouds under you. If you are lucky person then you will see clear picture of the surrounding. If not you will be unhappy with the mist.

 

History

Lipton’s Seat and the surrounded Dambethenna tea estate was established by the Scottish tea planter Sir Thomas Lipton around 1890s. He was also contributed in development of the tea industry in Sri Lanka. He managed all the surrounded tea estates and lived on there. After his duties, he came to this view point and sited on their leisurely by observing the scenic view. Sir Thomas Lipton also started the Dambethenna Tea Factory for the manufacturing of tea. On those time this was the estate produced the best Black Tea in the country.

 

Other Facts about Lipton’s Seat

  • Catherine Seat is another nice view point near the Lipton’s seat. It is few kilometers away and which is situated in the Nayabedda estate. This view point also generate a scenic picture and you can clearly identify the places like Bandarawela, Diyathalawa, Uva Valley and Namunukula Range.
  • Lemathota Waterfall is a nice waterfall that you will meet it in the Dambethenna estate. But it is not popular among most of the travelers. However, it is another nice place to wait for few minutes.
  • Lipton’s seat is a place with cool climate. You should be ready for that before go there. As well as you can expect sudden changing weather.
  • There is a nice statue of the Sir Thomas Lipton near the viewpoint. You can sit neat it and enjoy the beauty of the atmosphere.
  • The place is open from 6am to 5pm. Anyhow, Morning is the ideal time to go there.
  • You can visit Dambethenna Tea Factory and further can analyze the tea manufacturing procedure.

 

(Cover Image Source & Credit: Lanka Classy Tours Twitter) 

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