NILAVELI

An importent beach resort just 14kms. from Trincomalee. It is an ideal site for sun bathing, sea bathing and driving. A few metres off shore is a small rocky island. Good for snorkelling.

SIGIRIYA

The ancient town of Sigiriya or the 'Lion Rock' has an antiquity of over 500 years. It lies 169kms. from Colombo and 22kms. from Dambulla. It was designated as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1982 and is a major attraction of Sri Lanka.The spectacular rock fortress here was built in the 5th century by king Ksyapa fearing an invasion by his half-brother. The fort is famous for fine frescoes of the 'heavenly maidens' halfway up the rock in a sheltered gallery. Other attraction are the - 'mirror wall', the colossal plan of the royal palace, water gardens fortifications.

NUWARA ELYA

The charming town 180kms. From Colombo is set in the heart of the tee country. The British devoloped it like an English countryside, whith homes in style from Georgian to Queen Anne. It prowides you an ideal holiday away from the hutle-bustle of Colombo. The beauty of well-kept lawns whith hedges, an Anglican church, a femous golfe course and beautiful parks is to be experienced. Perched at a height of 1,890 meters above see level, the air is cool and fresh and reguvanates visitors.

Colombo

Captivating Colombo,the commecial capital of Sri Lanka is a fine blend of antiquity and modernity. It was a small port and a way station for sea trade between East and the West during 5th sentury. The Arab traders settled near the port in the 8th century. The Portuguese arrived here in 1505 and bult a small fort, which was taken over by the Dutch during the mid-17th century. The Dutch contributed to the growth of the city, but after the arrival of the British in1815, the sity witnessed grete progress and declared the capital of Ceylon.

Nachchaduwa Reservoir

Mahagallaka reservoir (today known as Nachchaduwa reservoir) is considered to be one of the sixteen large reservoirs built by King Mahasen (276-303). Nachchaduwa lies just outside the city of Anuradhapura . Centuries later King Dhatusena (459-477) built a canal (Jayaganga) to bring water to this reservoir from Kalawewa. This reservoir is considered to be a bold scheme since huge flood water with very high velocity could come down the valley. The great chronicle Mahavamsa probably makes another reference to this reservoir during the time of King Moggallana II (535-555). It is said that King Moggallana II, who lived 300 years later built Passapatanavapi reservoir by damming the Kadamba river (Malwathu Oya). This description matches well with Nachchaduwa. It is possible that Moggallana II could have expanded the work of Mahasen.

Nachchaduwa tank has three sluices to control its water levels. The main sluice is located near the southern end of the bund and releases water mainly to Tissa Wewa . The other two sluices release water to Nuwara Wewa .

Accrding to H. Parker, Ancient Ceylon, “It was a bold scheme as floods estimated to amount to 11,000 cu ft per second were to be expected and there was no suitable rock over which they could be allowed to flow, but it was carried out successfully”

Specifications of Nachchaduwa Wewa

Catchment 623 Sq. Km.
Length of Dam 1,646 m
Height of Dam 11 m
Capacity 55.7 millions cu. m

Sri Pada Mountain (Adams Peak)

The mountain of Sri Pada is one of the rare places that people of four major religions in the world worship. The mountain is situated in the Rathnapura district with a height of 7,360 feet (2,243 meters).

Although this is only the second highest mountains, It rises alone majestically with a conical shape and offers an unobstructed view over land and sea. It is said that the mountain was the landmark of the ancient sea-faring Arabs, who came to Sri Lanka, to trade in gems, spices, ivory etc., and they, having sighted the conical mountain miles off shore, prayed to God for having brought them safely to the island.

According to the Sri Lanka's great chronicle, Mahawamsa, Buddha visited Sri Lanka three times. The last time he traveled from Kelaniya to Sri Pada, and then to Digavaphi. It is said that Buddha left his foot print on the rock at top of the mountain at the invitation of the Deity Saman (Saman Deviyo).

Deity Saman is recorded as having met the Buddha on his first visit to the island when he visited Mahiyangana to drive away the Tribe of Yakkas. Saman became a stream-entrant (sotapanna) after listening to the Buddha. Deity Saman then requested a object of worship , and Buddha gave him a handful of hairs with which he enshrined on a dagaba at Mahiyangana.

The Mystery Ussangoda

On the great Southern road just before you reach Ambalanthota the name board Ussangoda will no doubt attract your attention. The road turns seawards and after a few minutes drive and a climb uphill you reach a peculiar landscape shrouded in mystery and yet to be properly explored.

The landscape that greets you is weird and wonderful. The vast land that extends on all sides has hardly any tall trees and is covered by a short grass or moss. In some places well defined circular islands of vegetation can be seen But these do not include any tall trees. The earth is of a dark red colour, giving the landscape a Martian look and the area is popularly believed to be bestowed with strange and mystical powers. Many are the legends and stories told of it.

It is believed by some that anciently a meteoroid had fallen here, which explains the barren nature of the soil and the peculiar vegetation growth patterns.

According to a man living in the vicinity this peculiar land attracts many small wild animals and a variety of birds and is also a refuge for rare medicinal plants

He told us that it was only in areas where experiments were carried out or for some other reason digging and disturbance of the soil had taken place that the growth of vegetation had taken place.

From here a track also leads to the sea coast and suddenly you find yourself standing at the edge of a cliff of red earth looking down over miles of beach and the sea with its deep turquoise waters, boisterous blue waves and frothy white foam. A charming picture of freedom that is nature at its best.

National Zoological Gardens - Dehiwala

It was the conspicuous collaboration of two brothers John Hagenbeck and his brother Carl who was twenty two years younger than him whose initiation gave rise to the National Zoological Gardens and what it is today when John Hagenbeck bought two and a half acres of land at Dehiwela and began a private animal collection centre.

Black Rhino, new to the zoo
The centre was started and subsequently used by John to hold the wild animals before exporting them to Europe , a trade he began more than sixty eight years ago in Sri Lanka.

It was only in 1936 that the centre was taken over by the government and today the objectives of the zoo are merely conservation ,animal welfare, breeding research and education.

John's attraction for Sri Lanka had been since the age of twenty when he first visited Ceylon in 1886 where he had indulged in many fields of business.

Knuckles Mountain

- A wonderful place for hiking and nature tours -
In the central and southern parts of Sri Lanka there are several peaks that are highly ecological and rich in bio diversity. These mountains are preserved as forests and are the starting points of many rivers.

The panoramic views of the Knuckles Range
Knuckles is one the most important bio diversity environments with range of mountains and a great water and wild life resource.

Loved by travellers for it's beauty Knuckles mountains has become a hot spot in eco tourism in Sri Lanka.

Ambuluwawa

At an elevation of 3567 feet, on the summit of Ambuluvava peak that rises just four kilometres from Gampola, a sapling of the sacred Bo Tree of Anuradhapura is carefully, lovingly tended. Acting Director of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Peradeniya, D.S.A. Wijesundera, has ensured a green shade cloth over and around it and told me that it was already putting out new leaves. I believe it is the only sacred Bo sapling to thrive at such a height.

A fitting place indeed, for as Nandasena Mudiyanse tells us in his book, The Art and Architecture of the Gampola Period (1341-1415 AD ), the foot of this mountain holds the ruins of the Malati-mala-sailays, the dwelling place of Dharmakirtti Sthavira. Only the platform of this ancient edifice now remains in the embrace of a grove of araliya. It was here that Dharmakirtti composed the Pali poem Jananuragacarita. No ordinary monk was he. He was the thera Silavamsa. He also composed the Patami-Maha-Sataka and it was Bhuvanakabahu IV who built for him this Gampola abode. History has it that he was the brother of King Parakrama Bahu.

The Mayura Sandesaya also names Dharmakirtti as the Sangharaja of that period. The 1928 translation edited by W.F. Gunawardhana states: "The hierarch Dharmakirtti who is wise and who hoisted the flag of Dhamma as a symbol of victory over the world."

GALLA

The following day we proceeded towards the historic town of Galle. "Of the 14 remaining lighthouses in Sri Lanka only the Galle lighthouse is located at a World Heritage Site", Fernando explained. "For centuries, Galle was Sri Lanka's main port as it has an excellent natural harbour.

The port of Galle dates back to the time when Arab traders sailed to China in search of eastern riches. Galle was their last haven before crossing the Bay of Bengal. Perhaps one of the earliest recorded references to Galle comes from the great Arab traveller Iban Battuta, who visited the port, which he calls Qali, in the mid 14th century. Galle was central to the spice trade route".
The Legendry ancient port town 116kms.From Colombo is believed to be the 'Tarshish of the Bible', where King Solomon obtained gems, spices and peacocks. It was perhaps the first international trade and commerce centre of Sri Lanka. Galla is in fact the most historically interesting living city of Sri Lanka. Today, it is the fourth largest town of Sri Lanka and is the bustling provincial capital and administrative centre of the south.The Dutch influence on the town is very well reflected in its grand buildings, churches and a tide-baced sewage sistem. The residents are still engaged in making the Dutch 'pillw-lace', fine ebony-carving and gem-polishing.The main atraction are -The lovely Unawatuna Bay ;the old Dutch 'Star' fort (a World Heritage Site) ; Groote Kerk (Dutch Church), Dutch Government House, the New Orientel (build in 1684) and Old Bell Tower.

Galle Fort

The pride of a nation and the country in the eyes of the world is enhanced by its civilization, its culture and its natural beauties. Endowed with these qualifications with a 2500 year old history supported by ancient archaeological treasures, Sri Lanka is rated as a biodiversity hot-spot of the world.

Ocean-swept walls of Galle Fort
A recent visit to the Galle Fort World Heritage Site, the writer came face to face with evidence of 'disintegration' of this historical location.

The Galle Dutch Fort is a rare historical jewel protected by dark, thick stone walls - with the endless ocean on one side. The roads inside the Galle Fort have hardly changed, like the squares on a chess board cris-crossing in regular patches. Straight and narrow lanes branch in and out inviting the visitor to a delightful walk into the 17th century. Today's Peddlar Street was called "Moorse Kramerstraat" by the Dutch, Lighthouse Street was "Zeeburgstraat and Middelpuntstraat", Hospital Street as `Nieuwe Lijnbaanstraat and Lijnbaanstraat (New Ropewalk Street), Old Ropewalk Street as Oude Lijnbaanstraat (Old Rope-Walk Street), Church Street as Kerkstraat, Parrawa Street as "Parruasstraat" and Chiando Street as "Chiandostraat". Through this memory walk one would however miss the 17th century familiar vendors who traded in cinnamon, lace, elephants, tortoise and turtle shell ornaments besides the famous down south sweetmeats like "bondi aluwa" hanging in garlands from the shoulders of vendors.


Galle Fort - an august presence in the South

Adisham Bungalow

Adisham is the kind of place seekers of peace dream about. Now a religious house where tranquility lies like a blessing and the grandeur of sweeping mountain vistas takes your breath away, Adisham was originally the country seat of Sir Thomas Villiers.

The spirit of Thomas Lister Villiers strongly pervades this stately house. Villiers came to Ceylon in 1887 with 10 sterling pounds in his pocket. He was born in 1869 in Adisham Rectory in Kent, the son of Rev Henry Montague Villiers. He was a grandson of Lord John Russell, twice prime minister of Britain.

Thuruwila Irregation Tank

Thuruwila is an ancient irregation tank in (Wewa) Anuradhapura district built more than 20 centuries ago. It is believed that King Mahanaga built it in the third century B.C. This can be considered as the forth Wewa (Tank) to be built in Sri Lanka. Basawakkulama , which is built by King Pandukabaya is the first Wewa (Tank) in Sri Lanka. After that, King Devanampiyatissa has built two tanks, Tisa Wewa and Nuwara Wewa .

In 1880s the British rulers of Sri Lanka reconstructed this tank which was in a ruined state after abandonment for centuries after the Chola invasions from South India in 10 th to 13 th centuries.

Nuwara Eliya

Early this morning a 4WD takes you to Horton Plain. The drive is spectacular and the views on a clear day of the various terrace farms, meadows, and animal farms are spectacular. Once we reach Horton Plains we have two options. The first is driving back. On our way back we would stop at Ambewela farms for a wander to enjoy the breathtaking scenes. The farm has the finest of everything from their cattle to their pastures and technology. These Farms are set in lush green hills and blessed with cool climes and a pristine environment off Nuwara-Eliya. We would get back to Nuwara Eliya by lunchtime and have the afternoon at leisure with us for visits to markets or for nature walks.

Polonnaruwa

After breakfast, we proceed on a guided tour of Kandy. The Hill Capital of Kandy was the last bastion of the Sinhala kings and is a charming city offering a living record of a magnificent past. Center of attraction in Kandy is the Dalada Maligawa, the temple housing the sacred Tooth Relic of the Buddha. Kandy Lake enhances the charm of the City. Kandy is a romantic city any time of the year. We also visit to the Market Place, an art & crafts show room. Following this, we drive along the Upper lake road to get a panoramic view of the Kandy Lake and its environs. We continue driving to Peradeniya and visit the Botanical Gardens, where you can view a rare collection of tropical exotic and indigenous flora can be viewed and also famous Orchid House.

polnnaruwa

Polonnaruwa is the glory of mediaeval Sri Lanka is seen at Polonnaruwa, the mediaeval capital of the Island. Polonnaruwa used by the Sri Lankan kings as a 'country residence' from the 7th century became the Island's capital in the 11th century AD. Within the ramparts of the Royal Citadel are the ruins of the King's palace,the Council Chamber and the Royal Bath

Galla

Galle Face Regency Hotel is situated in the heart of the commercial capital of Sri Lanka. An oasis of tranquility amidst the hustle and bustle of the city by the side of the Indian Ocean. The Galle Face, hailed as a masterpiece of Victorian architecture, retains the dignified and polite atmosphere that gave it such fame in the colonial age. Sympathetic renovations and refurbishments are helping to protect its historic status in more demanding times. The Sea spray restaurant, specialising in fish, is blessed by an ocean frontage. There is nowhere better place to watch a Colombo sunset than from its immaculate terrace and gardens. Overnight at Galle Face Regency Hotel (Oceanic Deluxe)

Togo

lying to the east of Ghana are smaller and less prosperous nations than Ghana, but are still attractive to visitors. Commercial and subsistence agriculture are the main sources of employment and the rural countryside offers photographic and contemplative opportunities. Traditional crafts, music, drama and spiritual practice provide a folk arts focus to any trip. Road travel between countries is quite simple

Greece

Explore Greece, a land where pure blue skies and sparkling waters provide the background for beautiful scenes of olive trees, rock formations, and ruins. Learn about the country's rich history, inextricably intertwined with a rich tradition of mythology, as you visit Delos and Delphi. See remnants of modern man's first societies at the Acropolis in Athens. We offer trekking, kayaking, and other active adventures on the mainland, the Peloponese, Crete and the Greek Islands. Journey through the past, and through paradise

Tailand

Thailand offers exotic nature, welcoming culture, beautiful scenery and superior accommodation for any travel style. Thailand can be a stopover en route to other Asian destinations or a wonderful, safe, diverse experience in itself. JOURNEYS’ Secrets of Siam offers a unique immersion in the nature, arts, food and ethnic cultures of Chiang Mai, Mae Hong Son and other areas of northern Thailand. Active travelers can trek, ride elephants and go rafting. For an intense multi-country cross-cultural exploration, choose a JOURNEYS Indochina exploration combining Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam. Whether you’re exploring Thailand in depth, or just passing through, add on a JOURNEYS’ Bangkok Hospitality package or a stay at a beautiful Thai beach. Short direct fights connect Bangkok with Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Burma, Nepal and Yunnan, China. Thailand is an easy, exotic and logical inclusion on around the world itineraries. Thailand is also one of the best exotic family travel destinations in the world

Panama

Travel to Panama for exceptionally accessible rain forest and amazing diversity. You will explore the most natural areas of the Panama Canal searching for birds and animals in Gatun Lake. Expert naturalist guides always find lots of monkeys and other mammals. Choose to stay in Panama City’s fine hotels by night and seek the wildness of vast jungles just a few minutes away. No place on earth is better for birding. Panama offers ecotourism at its natural best.

Ejypt

find the world’s most impressive ancient wonders and the world’s friendliest people. On trips ranging from 7-8 days to three weeks, you’ll be guided by a professional, certified Egyptologist with a vast knowledge of the last 6,000 years of Nile Valley civilization and a sincere enthusiasm for sharing Egypt’s history with you. JOURNEYS can guide you to Abu Simbel, Aswan, Luxor, the Western Desert, Giza and The Great Pyramids. You can cruise the Nile in supreme comfort. Petra is only a few hours away. Visit Egypt with other mid-East and Africa destinations, or on an around-the-world itinerary

America

A JOURNEYS visit to Central or South America features vivid experiences of nature, scenery, archaeology, traditional culture, and all the sensual flavors of the tropics. Many trips include explorations of the hemisphere's finest rain forests, pre-Colombian ruins, and wilderness areas

China

historically and scenically rich locales. Engage the people and explore the issues and the environments and culture of China, the planet's most populous nation. Our thoughtful, articulate, English-speaking guides lead well-paced, active and adventurous group trips with frequent departures. Visit China, including the Three Gorges, Beijing, Yunan, Tibet and Hong Kong on your own custom, private, individual or family trip.

AFRICA

The word safari means "journey" in Swahili, and we take our etymological connection to Africa seriously by offering only the best travel experiences. Look to us for active trips and safaris featuring local, expertly trained guides and the best in food and equipment. We can help you link West Africa, East Africa, and Southern Africa with explorations throughout the continent as well as trips to Madagascar. Choose from regularly departing group safaris or private safari-style travel arrangements tailored to your exact interests and budget. JOURNEYS offers safaris and cultural travel to Africa year-round.

wewa (tank)

The small tank (wewa) based villages are a unique feature in the landscape of Sri Lanka Dry Zone in particular. The tanks occur in clusters called cascades within which are many different types of tanks with some of them are mere water holes yet performing a significant role. In no other place human were living in full harmony with the environment than in the small tank based villages in Sri Lanka. The tanks in fact are people-centered eco-systems. The eco-system itself consists of tree clad forest catchments, submerged areas with other types of plants, water body protected by water plants, the earthen and other structures well protected by plant species, drain water area, unknown plant and wildlife relationships supporting the equilibrium of the eco-system, highland areas, and domesticated animals.

Blow Hole (Hummanaya) : Dikwella

The “Hummanya” blow hole is a well-known attraction in the deep South of the country and it certainly lives up to expectations. Seeing it was an exhilarating experience and one that shouldn’t be missed.

So how do you get there? Passing the Matara town and after Dickwella, one has to turn right at Kudawella and proceed about 1.1 km. Residents in the area offer to take care of your vehicle at a nominal fee

Veddah Village

Nuwara Gala, once the kingdom of Saddatissa, brother of King Dutugemunu, still boasts of ruins of an old castle and a rock pool built on top of the mountain. It is believed that Saddhatissa who was hiding from his brother lived in Nuwara Gala until the death of King Dutugemunu.

A veddha community, originally from Dambana, reside in Polle Badda a hamlet in the Ampara district. Farming being their main income, the community is headed by vannila aththo 'Goba' who still continues to practise their rare rituals and customs.

Demodara Nine Arch Bridge

This viaduct was built at Gotuwala between the two railway stations - Ella and Demodara during the British Colonial period is the largest in Sri Lanka. Located almost 3100 feet above the sea level, this 99.6ft high bridge is called "Ahas namaye palama" (Nine skies bridge) in Sinhala. When one stands underneath it and looks up there is a beautiful sight of 'nine skies' through the nine arches, hence the Sinhala name. This bridge is also called 'The Bridge in the sky' due to the sheer hight.

This massive bridge is built entirely of solid rocks, bricks and cement without using a single piece of steel. The bridge was finally commissioned in 1921.

One end of this curved 9 arch bridge is a tunnel, in one of my pictures the tunnel is visible (click here). There is a popular story to say that when construction work was commenced on the bridge, the World War 1 broke-out and the steel consignment assigned for this site was seized and was used for war related projects. When the work came to a standstill the locals came forward and build the bridge with solid stone bricks and cement without steel.