Sunshine Travels – a subsidiary of Sunshine Holdings Ltd., one of the leading investment conglomerates in Sri Lanka – are further expanding their business in the hotels segment with substantial investments towards innovative new developments. They aim to offer a unique holiday experience through their newly launched umbrella brand ‘Mandira Bungalows’ which will feature colonial style boutique bungalows in several locations around the Island – most with some historical significance.
Recognising tourism as the thrust sector for the Sri Lankan Economy since the cessation of the 30 year civil war, the parent Group Sunshine Holdings, intends to capitalise on its current positive experience in the tourism industry by taking steps to penetrate into new avenues in the travel business. Hence, the company is expanding their horizons in the hospitality industry by establishing ‘boutique bungalows’ across the country – this is in addition to the two plantation bungalows of Sunshine Travels which now come under the Mandira brand - newly refurbished and re-launched as Mandira Strathdon Bungalow and Mandira Dickoya Bungalow. Promoted as boutique bungalows they are aimed at offering a novel experience. Making a refreshing change from the over popular beach destinations, the misty mountains and the cool climate of Sri Lanka’s ‘up country’ holds much potential for the leisure sector, with new opportunities and options to take advantage of – precisely what Sunshine Travels have taken the lead in doing, by starting out with the launch of Mandira Bungalows. Now owned and managed by Watawala Plantations – a leader in the plantations sector, Strathdon and Dickoya bungalows were built in the early 1900’s in the style of that era to provide a comfortable and somewhat familiar home from home to ‘planters’ who presided over the estates. Their colonial ambience is lovingly preserved today in the elegant decor; the simple luxury and the warmth of service that makes these two boutique bungalows so unique. The bungalows are cosy havens where guests can step back in time and wake up to the charms of 19th century decor. Old prints of colonial heyday adorn the walls. Heavy drapes, feather soft pillows, linen and lace and thick pile carpets – with such comfort embracing one from all around, the temptation to snuggle up in an armchair all day and lazily admire the view of lush estates outside the window, is one that is easy to give into. Colonial comforts aside, every modern facility and convenience - from hot showers to cable TV is also there to keep visitors firmly in the indulgences of the 21st century. The gardens surrounding the bungalows are extensive with beautiful mountain vistas and the rolling slopes of the tea estates around. The cuisine at Mandira offers the best of both worlds with an extensive menu offering a choice of Western and Eastern dishes carefully prepared to suit the most discerning tastes. And if guests have particular dietary requirements, that can be catered to as well. With the ‘Hill Country’ of Sri Lanka being as rich as the tea it produces, guests have diverse distractions to enjoy too. A wealth of cultural traditions, unspoilt wilderness and varying landscapes are all there to be experienced first hand and for those who refuse to sit still, there is much to explore. The Lonarch dairy farm hides high up in the mist. A quick course on tea can be taken with a factory visit to Kenilworth Estate. The oldest Golf course in Asia is nearby at Nuwara Eliya with enough spectacular waterfalls to admire along the way. The Zesta Tea Cup provides a stopover for a refreshing cuppa and to pick some brew to take home. Rare herbs and spices grown at the Carolina Spice Garden en route also make an interesting diversion. With both the initial Mandira properties now in full operation and being much in demand, the future prospects certainly look bright for this unique brand of boutique bungalows. They also plan to partner with other bungalow operators across the country to provide their clientele a more exclusive, personalised vacation at these boutique bungalows. With the ‘season’ having been in full force and 2011 being just around the corner, Sunshine Travels are actively pursuing opportunities for growth and increase in market share with the launch of the Mandira boutique bungalows. With exciting plans for further developments and additional properties to be unveiled in the near future, their new website www.mandirabungalows.com will also be launched for the boutique bungalows giving them global exposure and opportunities for further progress in the leisure sector.
To supplement the demand for accommodation at various tourist destinations in the country, Sri Lanka Tourism launched the Home Stay and Bungalow program adding another exciting segment to present accommodation categories.
At present Sri Lanka Tourism has recognized 1-5 star class hotels, guest houses, Ayurveda hotels, eco lodges, apartment hotels, boutique villas and hotels, and camping sites. Commenting on the Home Stay and Bungalow program, Chairman Sri Lanka Tourism said: "This is a different approach to provide clean, comfortable and affordable supplementary accommodation to tourists. They will have an opportunity of an engaging experience of customs, traditions, authentic cuisine and other attractions of the location, while staying with the local host, thus giving them a memorable experience during their holiday; and it will help us to reinforce one of our key pillars in positioning, the 'Authenticity' of our tourism product". Home Stay and Bungalows once approved by the Standards & Quality Assurance division of Sri Lanka Tourism will be duly publicized. An accommodation guide listing all registered Home Stay properties and Bungalows will be issued to enable both domestic and foreign tourists to avail themselves of this facility. The objectives of the program are to provide accreditation to the Home Stay and Bungalow category, broaden the stakeholders base in tourism, expand the benefits of tourism to the community, as well as to support the demand for supplementary accommodation in urban areas, and provide employment and economic benefits to the local community. Sri Lanka received 654,000 tourists in 2010. This figure is expected to go up to 750,000 tourists (in 2011). The Home Stay and Bungalow program is expected to generate about 1000-1500 rooms immediately. Deputy Minister of Economic Development Lakshman Yapa Abeywardena said "The Mahinda Chinthana has clearly identified that benefits of all economic development will have to go down to the common people. The Home Stay program will enable the community to get directly involved in the tourism industry and derive its benefits, and will further enable us to take tourism to a higher level of success". The Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) has come out with criteria to inspect and register such establishments and all required information can either be collected from the Quality Assurance division or downloaded from www.sltds.gov.lk . Commenting on the new scheme Dileep Mudadeniya, Head of Standards & Quality Assurance and Investment said: "New rooms which are under construction will take another 2 years to come to the market. But we have untapped potential for Home Stays and Bungalows that can be turned immediately into accommodation units to meet the immediate demand. Further, this is a well known accommodation category in Europe, and even in India, and our visitors are familiar with the concept.'' While any private house in good condition with owners occupying the same house and located in an easily accessible part of the country will primarily qualify to register as a Home Stay unit, unoccupied houses with cooking/meals (and other guest service) facilities are categorized as Bungalows. The house shall fulfill the minimum requirements of the Home Stay scheme including having one or more rooms for accommodation, with each room having separate attached bathroom facilities. Interested parties are at liberty to submit fresh proposals for approval for setting up Home Stay/Bungalow units in suitable locations, under the supervision Sri Lanka Tourism. As part of the program Sri Lanka Tourism will also be providing a training for all Bungalow and Home Stay owners covering areas such as on-line marketing, house keeping, cooking with focus on guest satisfaction, kitchen hygiene, storage of food, garbage disposal, preparation of authentic cuisine, emergencies etc . Etisalat has come forward to promote and distribute this concept via a dedicated portal. "In the current context, the online medium has by-passed many traditional channels and real world barriers reaching the global customer at a minimal cost. Home-stay portal will enable local property owners to market their home-stay online and attract potential tourists with just a click. In the long run, we are aiming at providing knowledge to them which will help them in improving their services and standards. Our vision & mission had always been geared towards extending people's reach via advanced technologies. I strongly believe that this initiative will be a success and we are delighted and honored to be part of this initiative to empower Sri Lanka tourism sector to be the wonder of Asia" CEO Etisalat Sri Lanka, Dumindra Rathnayaka said. Regional Development Bank (RDB ) has come forward to provide limited loan assistance for the concept. Commenting on the program Chairperson of the RDB Janaki Kuruppu, said "At RDB we believe in Empowering Sri Lankans" to achieve economic development of their families. We are the only 100% GOSL owned bank serving the real SME sector, with a reach of over 200 service points in rural Sri Lanka alone. We are always on the lookout for ventures that will appeal to our target customers. We feel the type of household that will go for this "Home Stay" concept will be very much within the reach of our customer base and will be a great opportunity for them. This is the only way that the country's macro economic growth can be shared with the common people." The Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) invites all Sri Lankans who have well located, attractive and suitable bungalows and homes, with minimum required standards, in various parts of the island to come and register with Sri Lanka Tourism.
Sunshine Travels – a subsidiary of Sunshine Holdings Ltd., one of the leading investment conglomerates in Sri Lanka – are further expanding their business in the hotels segment with substantial investments towards innovative new developments. They aim to offer a unique holiday experience through their newly launched umbrella brand ‘Mandira Bungalows’ which will feature colonial style boutique bungalows in several locations around the Island – most with some historical significance.
Recognising tourism as the thrust sector for the Sri Lankan Economy since the cessation of the 30 year civil war, the parent Group Sunshine Holdings, intends to capitalise on its current positive experience in the tourism industry by taking steps to penetrate into new avenues in the travel business. Hence, the company is expanding their horizons in the hospitality industry by establishing ‘boutique bungalows’ across the country – this is in addition to the two plantation bungalows of Sunshine Travels which now come under the Mandira brand - newly refurbished and re-launched as Mandira Strathdon Bungalow and Mandira Dickoya Bungalow. Promoted as boutique bungalows they are aimed at offering a novel experience. Making a refreshing change from the over popular beach destinations, the misty mountains and the cool climate of Sri Lanka’s ‘up country’ holds much potential for the leisure sector, with new opportunities and options to take advantage of – precisely what Sunshine Travels have taken the lead in doing, by starting out with the launch of Mandira Bungalows. Now owned and managed by Watawala Plantations – a leader in the plantations sector, Strathdon and Dickoya bungalows were built in the early 1900’s in the style of that era to provide a comfortable and somewhat familiar home from home to ‘planters’ who presided over the estates. Their colonial ambience is lovingly preserved today in the elegant decor; the simple luxury and the warmth of service that makes these two boutique bungalows so unique. The bungalows are cosy havens where guests can step back in time and wake up to the charms of 19th century decor. Old prints of colonial heyday adorn the walls. Heavy drapes, feather soft pillows, linen and lace and thick pile carpets – with such comfort embracing one from all around, the temptation to snuggle up in an armchair all day and lazily admire the view of lush estates outside the window, is one that is easy to give into. Colonial comforts aside, every modern facility and convenience - from hot showers to cable TV is also there to keep visitors firmly in the indulgences of the 21st century. The gardens surrounding the bungalows are extensive with beautiful mountain vistas and the rolling slopes of the tea estates around. The cuisine at Mandira offers the best of both worlds with an extensive menu offering a choice of Western and Eastern dishes carefully prepared to suit the most discerning tastes. And if guests have particular dietary requirements, that can be catered to as well. With the ‘Hill Country’ of Sri Lanka being as rich as the tea it produces, guests have diverse distractions to enjoy too. A wealth of cultural traditions, unspoilt wilderness and varying landscapes are all there to be experienced first hand and for those who refuse to sit still, there is much to explore. The Lonarch dairy farm hides high up in the mist. A quick course on tea can be taken with a factory visit to Kenilworth Estate. The oldest Golf course in Asia is nearby at Nuwara Eliya with enough spectacular waterfalls to admire along the way. The Zesta Tea Cup provides a stopover for a refreshing cuppa and to pick some brew to take home. Rare herbs and spices grown at the Carolina Spice Garden en route also make an interesting diversion. With both the initial Mandira properties now in full operation and being much in demand, the future prospects certainly look bright for this unique brand of boutique bungalows. They also plan to partner with other bungalow operators across the country to provide their clientele a more exclusive, personalised vacation at these boutique bungalows. With the ‘season’ having been in full force and 2011 being just around the corner, Sunshine Travels are actively pursuing opportunities for growth and increase in market share with the launch of the Mandira boutique bungalows. With exciting plans for further developments and additional properties to be unveiled in the near future, their new website www.mandirabungalows.com will also be launched for the boutique bungalows giving them global exposure and opportunities for further progress in the leisure sector.
On October 7th 2010, Grand Oriental Hotel re-launched an exotic Mixed Grill known as the “Taprobane Mixed Grill” to be served from 24th October at the famous Harbour Room with added sensation of 70’s music with ‘Sam the Man’.
This unique mixed grill has been served earlier for 3 decades and has been re- introduced back to GOH with a variety of lip smacking grills that would pamper your taste buds.
Mr. Nihal Jayawardene, General Manager of GOH also added that this Grill was very famous among people previously and they knew where to have their favourite succulent meat. Without harming the tradition, they added some classic hits from the 70’s by ‘Sam the Man’ who entertained audiences with his music over decades as a pioneer saxophonist playing various types of music from classical to jazz.
The executive chef of GOH, Mr. Ruwan Withana said that the menu consists of imported lamb chops, beef, chicken, bacon, sausages, fried eggs and liver accompanied with mash potatoes and buttered vegetables or with rice will be served with famous 'Taprobane sauce.' Also all your favourite mouthwatering stakes and sizzlers will be available at a nominal price.
So all you Grill lovers take some time and head to Grand Oriental Hotel for the amazing ‘Taprobane Mixed Grill’ to celebrate the old tradition with a difference.
For more information & reservations please call 0112 320320 No. 02, York Street, Colombo 01.
Esna Villas, a company fully owned by Esna Holdings, has invested in a beach property on Nilaveli beach, Trincomalee with a 144 feet beach frontage. This project, which is valued at USD 1 million, is the company's first foray into the leisure sector. The company plans to set up an "all suite" boutique hotel on the property with construction already being in progress. Eshana De Silva, Chairman, Esna Holdings, observed that this project includes a "Presidential Villa" which has a private swimming pool with all the luxury amenities of a Five-Star property. We are very excited as this would be the only project of this kind in Trincomalee. Sri Lanka has seen a massive influx of tourists after the much anticipated post-war tourism boom. Esna Villas plans to set up similar boutique hotels in other prime tourist locations around the Island. There is little doubt that projects such as these are vital in post-war Sri Lanka.
Sri Lanka’s KumbukRiver has been included in a list of the world’s top 20 most unusual hotels, just announced by an international portal dedicated to the unusual and the audacious, a statement said.
The list includes Dubai’s landmark Burj al Arab and the Galactic, the first-ever hotel in space, the KumbukRiver statement said.
KumbukRiver is a 16-acre eco-resort in Buttala, on the banks of a river on the edge of the Yala wildlife park in the island's south.
The majority in the hot list of amazing hotels ranging from the world’s most costliest and dazzling to the most audacious small wonders is from Europe and USA.
"Only Sri Lanka and Japan figure from the Asian continent with Japan’s famous high-tech 'Capsule' hotel taking the honors for Asia along with KumbukRiver, the statement said. (LBO)
The DestinAsian correspondents visit dozens of new properties across Asia and Oceania and select only those that, in their esteemed opinion, excel in terms of design, location, service and value. A spot on the Luxe List represents DestinAsian’s seal of approval. On newsstands internationally and available online at www.destinasian.com, the list includes such recognized other properties such as, Armani Hotel Dubai, Aman Resorts Hangzhou, The Peninsula Shanghai, Ritz Carlton Shanghai, Leela Palace Kempinski Udaipur, Banyan Tree Club & Spa Seoul.
By Sanath Weerasuriya Hotel Thilanka in Kandy is one of the few hotels in the city that can boast about years of experience and the old world charm. Nearly two and half dacades ago, Hotel Thilanka was one of the oldest hotels to join the new Kandyan era of the post tourism boom in the seventies.
It was started as a Colonial house and turned into a guest house in the mid eighties, which turned out to be one of the most sought after destinations in Kandy.
Nestled at the foothills of popular Udawatta Kele, just on a higher elevation to the Dalada Maligawa, Hotel Thilanka reflects the typical Kandyan traditions.
Over looking the city of Kandy and the Lake, Thilanka has 76 standard and deluxe rooms.
This four star hotel will go through a massive refurbishing programme next year, which makes the complete face lift and new additions to the hotel.According to Thanuj Gunawardena, the Managing Director of the hotel, Rupees 400 million will be spent on adding and up grading rooms and other public area.
‘The old wing is totally refurbished and currently we are considering the new wing area and the new room addition to that side’ he said
‘We simply do not close the entire hotel for this project. We have maintained our occupancy rate at a very healthy level during the past few months and we do not want to stop this success. So we go on step by step refurbishing programme and it will be ready for the next winter season’ he explained.
Upul Gedarakumbura, the Resident Manager of the hotel said most of the top travel agents are working with them and the hotel is currently running at nearly 90% occupancy rate.
'We have some extra points such as close proximity to Maligawa, City, Udawatta Kele and of course the service’ he said.
The Hotel’s main restaurant serves menus around the world. Traditional Kandyan dishes are favourites among Sri Lankan clientele. Continental, Chinese, Indian and Thai food are popular with Sri Lankan and foreign travellers.
'Chef Anton Dissanayake and Chef Weerasinghe are behind all these culinary delights' Upul said. Lobby Bar and Woodpecker Bar are two top attractions.
‘We arrange tours to various places of tourist attractions such as Dambulla Cave Temple, Sigiriya, Aluvihare, Lankatillake and Embakke Temples of Cultural and artistic value’ RM Gedarakumbura said. The banquet hall is one of the biggest revenue earners of the hotel, which can accommodate 400 persons. The Board Room is air conditioned with seating capacity for 50 persons, for all conventions and banqueting .
The major attraction of the hotel is its Ayurvedic Spa. The ancient healing arts of the Himalayan Rishis are to savour at our ‘Ayurvedic Spa. Our Spa offers the herbal secrets to fitness, wellbeing and regeneration’ RM Gedarakumbura said
Massages, sauna and herbal baths, facial treatment, yoga sessions, medicinal oils, the wonder of floral ingredients, the help of facial packs, toning, and cleansing are some of the treatments available at the Hotel.
Within a long time we had a thought to set up a website that could introduce the Great Wall of China to all over the world, which writings appearing in sources online and offline are often oversimple and centered generally on titles granted to the world's longest construction, and on travel information whose browsers might not know that the Great Wall is gasping under the burden of tourism.
Contrasting to the contents above, little has been mentioned about the origin of the Great Wall, and its significance why and how in military affairs during more than 20 dynasties who built it. What's worse, quite a few sources even hold wrongly about the building time and the length of the Great Wall, and arbitrarily about the role it played in the international world. All these may lead people to a false impression of the Great Wall.
Most people tend to think that the Great Wall was a product of wars (actually of defense), thus its role ought to have been most closely related to battles and bloodshedding. It is, however, not that case. Most time under the Great Wall was actually peace rather than war; the Great Wall, in all times, was connected to the culture, foreign policies, and economy (just think how much could be spent on this super project). Philosophically, the Great Wall speaks well for a growth in the mixed soil of peace and war. It stands for some power, an unbeatable power despite all bitter conditions, known as the Great Wall Spirit among Chinese people.
Besides culture, policies and economy, another essential part that can't be divided from the Great Wall, which is the history of China. The Great Wall, whose building started more than 2,000 years ago, represents a main part of Chinese history, which has a profound influence on China today. So to speak, the Great Wall, in a sense, is history. And you will see that this tendency is reflected in our content. We generally talk about the Great Wall with dynasties who built it, along with events and social aspects of those dynasties, which may branch out as far as to other topics. In this manner of narration, It can be a little loose and sightly off the point, but we think it interesting, and it makes sense to put the Great Wall into the Chinese history.
Bundala National Park is situated in the southeast part of the country in the semi arid zone. Park belongs to Southern Province. The park area is 6,216 hectares.
The park was initially established as a Sanctuary in 1969. Due to its significant role as a wintering site for migratory birds this was declared as RAMSAR wetland in 1990.
As Bundala National Park is located in semi arid zone, rainfall is highly seasonal. Main source of rainfall is Northeast monsoons (December – February). Mean Annual Rainfall: 900 – 1300 mm. Area is experiencing prolong drought from May to October. Mean annual Temperature 27o C. Daily temperature above 30oC is not uncommon.
Bundala National Park is mainly consist of 4 brackish lagoons, salt pans, marshes, thorny scrub lands, sand dunes, dry mixed ever green forests and dry grass lands.
Scrublands mainly consist of Andara (Dichrostachys cinerea), Eraminiya (Ziziphus sp.), Karamba (Carrisa spinarum). However the invasive species such as Prosopis juliflora and Opuntia delenii are spreading in the grasslands and scrublands. Forest is covered by typical dominants of Dry mixed ever green forests Palu (Manilkara hexandra), Weera (Drypetes sepiaria) and Mallithan (Salvadora persica). Maila (Bauhinia racemosa) and diwul (Limonia acidissima) are also frequently seen.
Park provides the shelter for Elephant, Spotted Dear, Wild Boar, Black naped hare, Grey & Ruddy mongoose, toque macaque, Grey Langur & porcupine, jackal and fishing & Rusty Spotted cats. This park is also well known for sightings of estuarine crocodile and mugger crocodile.
The main attraction of the Bundala is the birdlife, especially waders. There are both resident and migratory species. Greater Flamingo, Spot-billed Pelican, Lesser Adjutant and Black-necked Stork are among the large birds. Large flocks of terns, gulls, sand-pipers, snipes, teals, cormorants, egrets and many more water birds are commonly seen.
Uda Wlawe National Park largely comprises the lower and the immediate catchments of Uda Walawa Reservoir and some parts of Mau Ara basin on the east. This PA falls within Rathnapura District in Sabaragamuwa Province and Moneragala District in Southern Province. The area to the west bank of alawe Ganga is within Rathnapura District and that on the east bank of within the district of Moneragala. Uda Wlawe National Park is located approximately between the latitudes 60 25’ and 60 35’N and longitudes 800 45’ and 810 00’E.
CONSTITUTION
This protected area comprises wholly of the Uda Walawe National Park as declared by Government Gazette Notification No: 14 of 30/06/1972 (Appendix 1). However , as per Government decision an area of approximately 3,000 hectare along its western boundary (as already re demarcated) is shortly to be de notified whereas approximately 3,500 hectare area along its eastern boundary (presently being re demarcated) is to be included in the Uda Wlawe National Park by a fresh Gazette notification.
EXTENT
The total existing area of Uda Wlawe National Park is 32,315 hectare (323.15 sq km) whereas upon the reconstitution mentioned in a Para 1.1.3 above taking effect its extent will become approximately 32,815 hectare (328.15 sq km). This plan is for the reconstituted area. A significant of the Uda Wlawe National Park is occupied by the Uda Walawe multipurpose reservoir while the rest is and the dry land. Besides this reservoir which at full capacity occupies 3405 hectare, there are numerous small tanks, most of them defunct, within the PA. The dry land of the reconstituted NP included these smaller tanks is approximately 29,410 hectare.
Approach and Access
The main entrance to the Uda Wlawe National Park is situated at the 7th mile post on Uda Walawe – Thanamalwila road. It can be reached from Colombo via Rathnapura, Pelmadulla and Uda Walawe junction along Palmadulla – Embilipitiya road.The total travel time from Colombo is approximately four hours. The Uda Wlawe National Park also can be reached from Colombo through Hambanthota via Thanamalwila.
The Statement of Significance
Uda Walawe National Park is next only in popularity to Yala National Park in the Southern Region. Elephants can usually be observed even at mid-day. Availability of water, during the driest periods, also accounts for such visibility. Conservation of wildlife, especially elephant and of the immediate catchment of the Uda Walawe Reservoir are the twin purpose for the setting up of Uda Wlawe National Park. From elephant conservation angle it has a resident population of about 150 with more animals ranging in during the dry season from habitats to the east and north of Uda Wlawe. On the eastern side it still has a tenuous corridor link with the Lunugamvehera National Park and through the latter with the Yala National Park. Department of Wild Life Conservation is presently implementing an electrically fenced corridor from Uda Wlawe National Park’s eastern boundary to Lunugamvehera National Park. It is also linked with elephant habitats in Kalthota, Koslanda and Haldumulla areas from the north. To its east by north-east lies a large habitat chunk of over 200 sq km extent in the Kuda Oya basin (Kirindi Oya System) which is being considered as a new national park. Corridor links with this still survive but they are under pressure of encroachment for cultivation. Therefore, this Park is highly significant for long-term elephant conservation. Besides the elephant, recent investigations have recorded 21 species of fish (1 endemic-E and threatened-T), 12 species of amphibians (3 E+ T), 18 species of snakes (2 E / 7 T), 15 species of tetra pod reptiles (6 E / 10 T), 184 species of birds (8 E / 12 T) and 39 species of mammals (3 E / 15 T). Of the scores of plant species recorded, 3 are endemic and one is considered as threatened (i.e. Mandora-Hopea cordifolia). As such the site score from the bio-diversity point of view is quite high, despite the much degraded vegetation cover. There are pockets of natural Intermediate Zone forest, stripes of riparian forests and some pockets where natural succession in advancing. All these constitute significant biodiversity pockets. One other significance of this park is that it forms the immediate catchment of Uda Walawe reservoir which provides water to a command area of 32,000 hectare of paddy and sugarcane land and has the potential to generate 6 MW of hydro-electricity. At full supply level, the tank covers about 3400 hectare and the maximum depth is then about 20m at the dam site. The reservoir has been made to provide irrigation to 12,000 hectare on the rivers right bank and 20,000 hectare on the left bank. The park was established to conserve wildlife and forest as well as protect the immediate upstream catchment from erosion. After its declaration the much degraded vegetation is slowly recovering and but for this park, the whole immediate catchment would have been cleared risking catchment degradation and siltation of the reservoir. At the time of the park demarcation, there were many settlements inside the area concerned and a major part of the Park was cleared for shifting cultivation. Most of the high forest was practically destroyed, what remained of the forest was the forest areas associated with Rock Knob Plains and shallow soil areas that were unsuitable for agriculture source:http://udawalawenationalpark.com/
The Kithulgala forest is a secondary rain forest situated beside the Kelani River, one of our longest rivers. There is a tributary flowing through the forest to this river. The forest reserve has a high biodiversity. Though it is mostly secondary forest, it's faunal and floral diversity is very similar to a primary forest. Wild boar, Toque Macaque, Purple faced leaf monkey, and Barking deer are some of the interesting mammal species.
Among the interesting bird species Red faced Malkoha, Ceylon Blue Magpie, Oriental Dwarf Kingfisher, Frog Mouth and Layard's Parakeet are outstandin
The Horton Plains National Park is the only national park situated in the wet zone of the country and falls within the Nuwara Eliya district. Situated 2300m above sea level this national park has different climatic conditions and habitat to all the other national parks. Almost all life forms in Horton Plains are adapted to the high altitude conditions. There are a lot of endemic flora and fauna found in the plains itself. The endemicity among fauna is comparatively high. Bear Monkey (race of the Purple Face leaf Monkey), Sambhur and Leopard are some interesting mammals. One would also find several endemic hill country birds in the Horton plains national park.
The panoramic scenic beauty of the hill country could be witnessed within the park. The famous "World's End" and "Bakers Falls" are major attractions. The Kirigalpotta, second highest peak and the Thotapola, third highest peak of the country are also situated in the Horton plains source:http://www.srilankatraveller.com/places-of-interest/national-parks.php#top
Anuradhapura has been made royal capital by the king Pandukabhaya in 380 BC. It remained residence and royal capital for 119 successive Singhalese kings till the year 1000 AD when it was abandoned and the capital moved to Polonnaruwa. You will see some of the most famous as well as the tallest dagoba of Sri Lanka, remains from palaces, temples, monasteries, ceremonial baths and the temple of the holy Bo-tree. This tree was grown from a sapling of the very tree under which more than 2500 years ago the Buddha found enlightenment
With the dawn of the second century BC, adventurers from across the Palk Strait had begun to settle down in the northern coast. One such intruder called Elara, became supreme in almost whole of the North and reigned from Anuradhapura. He was later challenged by the ruler Gemunu, son of King Kavantissa. Later this independent ruler, Gemunu of the South met in combat with Elara and the latter was killed. For the first time a single kingdom for the island arose.
Dutugemunu's reign saw the culmination of Buddhism Dutugemunu (161-137 BC) contributed immensely for the religion of Buddhism. Anuradhapura Kingdom lasted one thousand and five hundred years. Despite the intrusions and clashes of South Indian Chola, Pandyan and Pallava, there prevailed stability in the continuity of the Anuradhapura civilisation.
Due to the strong diplomatic relations among the countries like Rome and China, in first century AD. Fa-Hsien visited Sri Lanka. And in seventh century, Hisuen T'sang regretted his failure of his attempt to reach Sri Lanka.
A tour to the island country of Sri Lanka offers varied and enriching experiences. Sri Lanka as we all know has a rich and glorious history and still is predominantly a Buddhist country, though there are significant followers of other religions here. Though you can explore the whole country at your will, that is, you can visit any place, there are some popular tour places, that are always included in any well known tour operator’s itinerary. Another way to discover the country is through the museums. There are several museums in the country dedicated to its sea resources or history or architecture or archaeological excavations. In this context, the Anuradhapura Archaeological Museum situated between Brazen Palace and Ruwanweli Seya must be mentioned. Here you will get an idea on the relics of the past or what Anuradhapura was in earlier times. Anuradhapura's nearness to the south of India influenced the lives of the people in particular and society in general. Many took refuge in the teachings of Lord Buddha but it had a flip side too. Many noted scholars believe that the path of ahimsa made it vulnerable to outside marauders like the Tamil forces of Rajaraja Chola. He ransacked the city in the 11th century AD. The Sinhalese capital was shifted to Polonnaruwa. But even afterthrow and expulsion of the Chola Dynasty, Anuradhapura did not regain its former glory. Mawathu Oya River forms the outside edge that divides the sacred ancient city and the contemporary town of Anuradhapura located on the eastern side of the river. Anuradhapura Arcaeological Museum contains several exhibits discovered from the ancient city. There are explanatory displays which help a great deal in understanding what the ancient civilization was all about. Amongst all the displays, there is a model of the Thuparama Vatadage and an artifact chamber from Mihintale.
Yala National Park is geographically located in Sri Lanka at latitude 06°16' - 06°42' North and longitude 81°15' - 81°42' East. The Park can be visited via the town of Tissamaharama in the Hambantota District of the Southern Province.
While Block I has good access roads, access to Blocks II and III is limited mainly to dry weather. There are eight Park bungalows all of which are within Yala Block I. Another has been constructed at Katagamuwa Sanctuary, and one more is now ready for occupation in Yala Block IV. Accommodation is available for 8-10 people in each bungalow on the basis of prior reservations with the Department of Wildlife Conservation. Apart from resident visitors occupying the bungalows, a large number of day visitors enter the Park.
The Block I boundaries of the Park, take in 19 kilometers of sea coast in the southeast from Amaduwa to Yala, 19 kilometers from Yala up the Menik Ganga to Pahalahentota, 19 kilometers from Pahalahentota to Bambawa, and 3 kilometers from Bambawa to Palatupana.
"The earliest epigraphic "Brahmi" inscriptions discovered in Sri Lanka and in this region date back to the 2nd century B.C. Prior to this the Indo-Aryan settlers from Northern India as represented,in the legend of Vijaya, were well established and in full control of the area. Edifices of the earliest Buddhist cave monastery type began to be constructed wherever there was human habitation and in suitable rock outcrops, of which there are many in the area. There are to this day innumerable and very interesting remains of cave dwellings from the pre-Christian era."
This region was part of the Rohana (Ruhuna) Kingdom, having an advanced civilization as evinced by remains of dagabas and ancient artificial reservoirs (tanks), built by clever hydrological engineers, to irrigate large extents of cultivable land.
After the 10th century, historical evidence draws attention to the absence of inscriptions later than the 10th century A.D. "Architectural and sculptural remains of the medieval period are absent. It would appear to be a justifiable inference that some sudden de-population of the region occurred. The ancient chronicles supply no information whatsoever and the jungle tide spread covering the past with a mantle of secondary forest. These have matured to the climax stands seen in Yala today.
The historic Esala Perahera in Kandy began on July 18, with the usual installation of the 'kapa' (sanctified log) at the devales dedicated to the four guardian gods Natha, Vishnu, Kataragama and goddess Pattini. It will be followed by the Devale peraheras from 18 to 21, and by the Kumbal perahera from 22 to 26.
The Randoli perahera, the most grandiloquent of the peraheras will parade the streets from 27 to 31. The ritual of the water-cutting ceremony will be held on August 1, followed by the Day perahera on the 2nd thus, bringing the grand spectacle to an end.
Seven days after the Day perahera, as tradition holds, 'Waliyaknetuma'(an abridged form of Kohomba-kankariya) is danced at the Vishnu devale, by people of the 'balibat' caste, for seven more days, with masked dancing, to avoid malignant influences.
This is a general account of the Esala perahera in Kandy, which has changed in detail down the ages, e.g., during the Kandyan period two peraheras were held, one by evening and one by night, preferably during the Randoli perahera.
The Associated Newspapers of Ceylon Ltd. (ANCL), will illuminate the Dalada Maligawa, during the perahera season, with due honour to the 'Dantadhatu'(the sacred Tooth Relic of the Buddha).
The Esala perahera in Kandy, we see today, dates back to the reign of Kirti Sri Rajasinha (1747-1780). It is a combination of the Dalada perahera, and the four Devale peraheras dedicated to the guardian deities of the island.
Earlier, the Esala perahera was conducted exclusively to appease the divinities, and patronized by the Malabari kings of South India, who ruled the Kandyan provinces. They were Hindus. The month of Esala is reminiscent of 'Esala Dev-keliya' (play of the gods).
How the band wagon of the Dalada perahera came to be merged with the four devale peraheras, has an interesting story. When the bhikkus from Siam (Thailand), headed by the Most Ven. Upali Maha Thera, came to Sri Lanka, to bestow the defunct 'Upasampada' (the highest ordination qualifying a bhikku), their arrival coincided with the Esala festival in Kandy, when preparations were under way to hold the Devale peraheras invoking the blessings of the gods for the king and his subjects.
The Maha Thera Upali, having heard the noise of jingalls (a kind of large Indian swivel musket), inquired from the king the reason for all that noise the king told the Maha Thera that arrangements were being made to hold the Devale peraheras, during the month Esala, to appease the gods and to receive their blessings.
The Maha Thera immediately took umbrage over the news, and at the attitude of the king in giving preference to Hindu customs, in a land where orthodox Buddhism has gained ground for more than one thousand years.
The king, realising his mistake and using his wits, not to offend the Maha Thera, informed him that Dalada perahera will lead the procession followed by the Devale peraheras, in their order of importance. There had been, throughout history, processions of great magnitude which could be considered as the precursors of the present day Dalada perahera.
When the 'danta dhatu' (Tooth Relic of the Buddha) was brought to the island by prince Danta and princess Hemamala of Kalinga (Orissa), during the reign of Kirti Sri Meghavarna (352-377), the three Buddhist fraternities in Anuradhapura (Mahavihara, Abahayagiri vihara and Jetavana vihara), claimed to possess it as the most revered object of worship.
The king, wishing not to displease the bhikkus of the three viharas, placed the Relic in a golden reliquary, and keeping it in his royal chariot, allowed to go to one of the three viharas.
The chariot unguided went to the Abahayagiri vihara, and the bhikkus thera accepted it and enshrined it in a gaily decorated 'dhatugruha' (relic chamber). It later became the palladium of regal authority.
The Mahaviharavasins and the Jetavanavasins did not claim it. Before the transfer of power from Anuradhapura to Polonnaruwa in 1058, the Tooth Relic was annually taken in procession from the vihara to the city of Anuradhapura and back to the vihara, with great pomp and ceremony. It was the beginning of the Dalada perahera in the island.
The significant and widespread belief regarding the origin of the Esala perahera is woven into the fabric of mythology, especially in regard to the water-cutting ritual. During the reign of Vankanasika Tissa alias Kasubu (109-112), a band of Cholians from South India, invaded the island, and having slain the king, took away 12,000 Sinhala captives to South India. His son, king Gajabahu, along with his herculian soldier Nila, crossed the Indian Ocean to India, by cleaving the waters of the sea with his massive iron rod.
After peaceful negotiations with the Colian king Senguttuvan, king Gajabahu was able to bring back the captives, along with an equal number of Cholians, in recompense. Later, they settled down in the villages of Hewaheta, Tumpane, Udunuwara, Yatinuwara, Alutkuruwa etc. The water-cutting ritual at the Getambe ferry reminisces the exploit of Nila in cleaving the sea to go to India.
King Parakramabahu I (1153-1186) of Polonnaruwa, held a Dalada perahera, when there was a severe drought in the country threatening a famine. The following day, rains came down in torrents inundating the low-lying areas, and filling the lakes that had gone dry.
In the Dalada Siritha, a treatise on the Tooth Relic, it is said: "Vesi novasnakala mama lesin Dalada pooja karanawa isa". (When there is no rain, make offerings to the Tooth Relic in this manner). There is belief among the Buddhists that whenever there is severe drought, the Tooth Relic should be carried in procession.
History tells us that during the governorship of Sir Edward Barnes (1824-1831), a Dalada perahera was held in Kandy in 1829, on the advice of the Kandyan chiefs, to avert a severe drought. It resulted in a heavy downpour when the flood waters spilled over the Kandy lake submerging the low-lying areas, and making roads impassable.
The flood waters came to be known as the Dalada Watura (Relic water). The governor was surprised over the miraculous power of the Tooth Relic, about which a despatch was sent to the Colonial Secretary in England.
The Esala perahera ritual complex begins with the installation of kapa, a pole about four feet in height, within each devale. A few days before the new moon in August, the Basnayaka Nilames of the four devales, along with the kapuralas, go in search of a young jak tree (Artocarpus integrifolia), that has borne no fruit, and clear the ground around the tree. it is then fumigated with the smoke of burning resin and sprinkled with specially prepared sandalwood water.
Flowers, betel leaves and a lighted lamp are placed at the foot of the tree, and the deity, whose abode, perchance, it may be, is implored to leave the tree, before it is felled. Earlier an asala tree (Cassia fistula) was selected, instead of the lactiferous jak tree, to make the kapa poles.
Once the tree is felled, it is cut into four equal parts and distributed among the four devales, the Natha devale getting the first kapa. The traditional procedure followed in felling the tree is mentioned in the Sinhala text Maimataya (Skt. Mayamata). Each log is carried in procession and planted inside the devales.
Earlier they were installed outside the devales, but now having reduced in size, they occupy an elevated ground inside each devale, specially built for the purpose. It is known as kap-situweema.
For five days from the date of installation of the kapa, the kapurala of each devale take around the log every evening (formerly twice a day), accompanied by music and drumming, flag and canopy bearers and spearmen and the sacred insignia of the gods (ranayudha).
This takes the form of a little procession in each of the devales, and is known as Devale perahera. On the fifth day, the insignias are taken out of the devale premises and borne inside a dome like structure, known as the ranhilige, on the back of an elephant, accompanied by the Basnayaka Nilame and his retinue.
The Devale peraheras come at the appointed hour and assemble in front of the Dalada Maligawa. The Relic casket, which is a substitute for the Tooth Relic, is placed inside a ranhilige, which is tied on to the back of the caparisoned Maligawa elephant.
The Maligawa perahera joins the waiting Devale peraheras in front and gives the lead in moving on. The perahera consisting the Maligawa and Devale peraheras march through the prescribed streets, and it is called the Kumbal perahera.
Randoli perahera is an expanded version of the Kumbal perahera, to which are added palanquins (randoli) of the four devales. These contain the ornaments of the goddesses, sword and pitcher of each devale. On the 5th day of the Randoli perahera, after a short break up, reassembles and makes its way to the Asgiri vihara, where the casket is placed, and the Devale peraheras return to their respective devales.
Later in the night the four Devale peraheras make their way to the water-cutting site at Gatambe ferry. At the river the kapuralas of the devales are led in a decorated boat to some distance, from where they cleave the waters with the sacred sword, and collect a pitcher full from the place where the sword touched the water, to be stored in the devales for one year, to be fed back into the river, at the next water-cutting ceremony.
On their way, the peraheras stop at the Ganadevi Kovil, Kandy, where the assembled crowds received the blessings of the gods, in the form of a tilaka (prasada) of sandalwood paste on the forehead.
In the afternoon, the peraheras of the four devales form into one unit and go to Asgiri vihara to join the Maligawa perahera. Thus, the full procession is formed again and the Day perahera, takes a prescribed route and goes back to the Maligawa, where at the prescribed auspicious moment, the casket is replaced at the sanctum sanctorum.
The introduction of Ves dancing to the perahera is of recent origin. Ves is a sacred dance. The ves-tattuwa (the magnificent head dress of the Kandyan dancer) is a sacred object guarded by a system of taboos and traditions. As a form of dancing Ves is considered fit for the gods. The Diyawadana Nilame, Punchi Banda Nugawela Nilame (1916-1937), who introduced it to the Maligawa section of the perahera, has made this great change.
In 1828, when Governor Barnes participated in the Dalada perahera, the Maligawa perahera consisted of the following: (1) Peramune Rala riding the Yahalatanne elephant. (2) Gajanayaka Nilame carrying the symbolic goad. (3) Kodituwakku Nilame and his retinue. (4) Disava of Four Korales. (5) Disava of Seven Korales. (6) Disava of Matale. (7) Disava of Sabaragamuwa. (8) Disava of Walapone and (9) Disava of Udapalatha, each carrying their respective flags.
Today, the provincial representation has been forgotten. The Kodituwakku department is absent. The Peramune Rala and Gajanayaka Nilame are solitary representatives. The extinction of old elements and the substitution of new elements have, doubtless, harmed the original integral symbolism of the Esala festival.
The elephants are less in number than in the old days, when more than one hundred elephants participated in the perahera. The winds of change have affected the old customs and rites to a reasonable degree.
Ambewela place is at between Parakumpura and Pattipola railway stations. There is a nice and big railway bridge at Ambewela area. It is at 3km to Parakumpura side of Ambewela. Railway Quarters of Ambewela also and near to Ambewela railway bridge. This railway bridge is viewed very beautiful and deep bridge. After pass the Ambewela bridge you can view the Elgin waterfalls. Elgin waterfalls at closed to Ambewela bridge. There is about 200m between them. In Ambewela place you can view Ambewela bridge, Elgin falls, Farm, Grass lands. Cattle farms, New Zealand farms, Milk powder factory and many more.
Situated in the lush green hills of Nuwara Eliya, Ambewela Farms are made up of two farms, Ambewela Farm and New Zealand Farm. Blessed with the cool climes and pristine environment of the hill country, Ambewela Farm boasts superior breeds of cattle, modern technology and top-quality pastures where cattle graze freely. The result is an organisation of international standards in a local setting, producing the best quality milk and milk products. The Ambewela Farm has purebred Ayrshire cattle and the New Zealand Farm rears purebred Friesian cows, with both farms maintaining a pure line of cattle. These pedigree cows require a great deal of attention, and in order to maintain the quality of the milk, the farm management takes great care to provide them with a balanced diet and sterilized drinking water. In addition, the cattle are given excellent healthcare by our two resident veterinary surgeons that tend to the animals on a 24-hour basis. The cleanliness of the milking process is also of great importance with automatic milking parlours maintaining the highest levels of hygiene set by the Alfa Laval Company of Sweden. These measures ensure that the milk produced in the two farms is of the very best quality. source:http://www.stassengroup.com/dairy/ambewela_farms_sri_lanka.php
Step on to endless pristine white beaches, feel the caress of the salt spray breeze and the tropical sun on your skin, and wade into the warm ocean shallows. Amidst the palm groves of the quaint fishing village of Negombo, Browns Beach Hotel, with its unspoiled private beach, is one of the most popular beach hotels in Sri Lanka. The three-star Browns Beach Hotel is the perfect budget solution for your holiday on the beach.
The accommodation at Browns Beach Hotel gives you the service of a three star hotel at a great price. The Browns Beach Hotel has 140 tastefully decorated rooms with a view of the ocean. 25 beach rooms can also be used as triples. Our bathrooms come with luxurious rain showers. Each bathroom is equipped with a hair dryer and supplied with soap and towels. The rooms are equipped with energy efficient air conditioning and are wheel chair accessible. Enjoy your meal and sip a beer or glass of wine while feasting your eyes on the vista of the ocean, and being lulled by the sound of the waves. At night it is an amazingly romantic experience with the starlight or moonlight reflecting off the mysterious waters.
Enjoy international cuisine at our theme nights including Sri Lankan, Italian, Chinese, barbeque and Indian. You can also enjoy our extensive range of fresh seafood. Each dish we serve is a work of art, lovingly crafted by our master Chefs. The restaurant at Browns Beach Hotel combines the best traditions of international fine dining, with a Sri Lankan touch, making the meals here a unique experience. We also offer a variety of theme nights that include live bands, piano music, oriental bands, magic shows and cultural shows. You can enjoy the music on offer at our main restaurant, bars and hotel lounge. source:http://www.srilankatravelblog.com/2009/07/browns-beach-hotel-negombo.html
Sunshine Travels – a subsidiary of Sunshine Holdings Ltd., one of the leading investment conglomerates in Sri Lanka – are further expanding their business in the hotels segment with substantial investments towards innovative new developments. They aim to offer a unique holiday experience through their newly launched umbrella brand ‘Mandira Bungalows’ which will feature colonial style boutique bungalows in several locations around the Island – most with some historical significance.
