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Tuesday, October 20, 2015

Dunhinda Waterfall

Dunhinda Waterfall

“Dunhinda” is one of the mostly spoken-about waterfalls in Sri Lanka. Although she couldn’t come even close to the highest waterfalls of the planet in height she rivals many of them when it comes to the natural beauty that it bestows on the environment . Situated about 2 km distance from the main road which runs to Taldena from the remote city Badulla in the Uva Province this is easily accesible and frequently visited by local and foreign visitors. On the way can be seen the “Kuda Dunhinda” ( “Kuda” means small in Sinhala ) which is the prologue to its mighty brother . In native tongue “Dun” means mist or vapour which is the ideal explanation for a waterfall creating wreathes of mist on its way down.
Dunhinda Waterfall
Dunhinda Waterfall

Diyaluma Waterfall

Diyaluma Waterfall

With an appearance and location which often make people believe that it is the highest waterfall in the isle, this lanky “Diyaluma” waterfall pours its way down and flows towards Kirindi Oya underneath a bridge on the highway from Beragala to Wellawaya. The extent of water spilt downwards is so great during the rainy season that it makes amends for the monotonously undisturbed water trunk falling from head to foot with no intermediate cascade whatsoever. Its geographical location by one of the mostly used Highways spanning the Hill Country to the Plains speaks for its reputation not only here but in other parts of the world as well.
Diyaluma Wtaerfall
Diyaluma Wtaerfall

Devon Waterfalls

Devon Waterfalls

With a peculiar appearance imparted to it by its formation in three continuous cascades this waterfall christened “Devon Falls” pours down to the valley beneath not a long distance away from its brother the “St. Clairs”. On the main road opposite to it there is situated a modern tea centre finding its abode thankful to this “Veil ( Bridal ) of the Vale ( i.e. valley )”. Driving from Colombo, the capital, via Avissawella one suddenly catches this unearthly sight which is to be soon enhanced by the grandeur of the “St. Clairs”. This beauty too is endangered by the above-mentioned power plant beast
Devon Waterfalls
Devon Waterfalls

Bopath Ella

Bopath Ella

“Bopath Ella”, not like many of the others of her kind , finds her abode in a busy surrounding in the village called Devipahala off Kuruwita on A4 High Level road close to Ratnapura. Being within 3 hours driving distance from the capital, it thus claims the honour of having the highest turn-over of enthusiasts seeking respite from the grimy and monotonous town life .Nevertheless, it has the notorious reputation of devouring its visitors off and on who , attracted by the surroundings ,indulge in over-enjoyment .Here again, the falls take the shape of a “Bo” leave ( “Bo” tree is a sacred tree here ) from which the name has been derived.
Bopath Ella
Bopath Ella

Bambarakanda Ella

Bambarakanda Ella

Sri Lanka is blessed with over one hundred waterfalls. The tallest is the Bambarakande Falls which cascades down 263 metres like liquid light. It is only four miles away from the Colombo-Bandarawela road in a forest glade, but it is not visited often, though well worth the trip.
Bambarakanda is taller than the famous Diyaluma falls which is only 220 metres but thought to be the tallest waterfall in Sri Lanka. The Diyaluma or Diya Haluma collects its water from the Poonagala Oya in the vicinity of Koslanda and Wellawaya. Located six miles from Koslanda and 13 miles from Wellawaya, its waters originate from the Mahakande Pass in Koslanda. You can see this waterfall if you stop a while on your way to Haputale and detour.
Due to the geological formation of Sri Lanka, the central highlands are surrounded by peneplains, plateaus and valleys. Rainfall sends a large volume of water hurtling down the precipitous edges of the highland mass.
Bambarakanda
Bambarakanda
The up thrust millions of years ago has caused several peneplains to form, the highest being well over 6000 ft. It is in this area that the water is collected when there are showers and flows down along tributaries down the mountain slopes.

Baker’s Waterfalls

Baker’s Waterfalls

The Baker’s Falls in the Horton Plains gets its water from the Belihul Oya. It is close to World’s End. The icy waters glisten in the sunshine amid a backdrop of mountain terrain and deep valleys and the patna through which you traverse give it contrast. If you are lucky you may see the rare black monkey and rhododendrons in bloom.
Discovered by Sir Samuel Baker and a good stopover on your way to the World’s end.
Baker's Waterfalls
Baker’s Waterfalls

Sunday, October 18, 2015

Cave Temple Dambulla

Cave Temple Dambulla

Dambulla Cave Temple
Main article: Dambulla cave temple
Dambulla Cavekovil also known as the Golden Temple of Dambulla) is a world heritage site (1991) in Sri Lanka, situated in the central part of the country. This site is situated 148 km (92 mi) east of Colombo and 72 km (45 mi) north of Kandy. It is the largest and best-preserved cave temple complex in Sri Lanka. The rock towers 160 m (525 ft) over the surrounding plains.There are more than 80 documented caves in the surrounding. Major attractions are spread over 5 caves, which contain statues and paintings. This paintings and statues are related to Lord Buddha and his life. There are total of 153 Buddha statues, 3 statues of Sri Lankan kings and 4 statues of gods and goddesses. The later 4 include two statues of Hindu gods, god Vishnu and god Ganesh. The murals, covers an area of 2,100 square meters. Depictions in the walls of the caves include Buddha's temptation by Mara (demon) and Buddha's first sermon.