Edisham Bungalow at Haputhale
Friday, December 23, 2011
Thursday, December 15, 2011
Peradeniya Botanical Garden
Botanical Garden
Sri Lanka is one of the most startling and beautiful island countries in the world. It has a very rich and diverse culture, something that dates back to centuries. Sri Lanka has an equally rich religious tradition of ahimsa and peace with all as the majority of the country’s citizens are practicing Buddhists. But there are other ethnic communities as well like the Hindus, Muslim Moors, Malays and Burghers. The natural beauty of the country is without parallel. There are unending coastlines, tropical forests, wildlife sanctuaries and high mountains. This diverse topography is the reason behind the equally varied flora and fauna of the country. There are several wildlife parks and gardens in the island country and Peradeniya Botanical Gardens must be mentioned in this context.
All the botanical gardens are full of ornamental flowers and exotic plants, are like emerald jewels adorned in the striking landscape of the island. These gardens have are veritable store houses of a variety of trees and flowers collected from all over the world. Peradeniya Botanical Garden is located in Kandy one of the most important places in Sri Lanka. Kandy is around four miles from this botanical garden and it dates back to the reign of King Vikrama Bahu III who reigned in the fourteenth century. A large variety of decorative plants and other creepers that are used to produce the special spices of Sri Lanka are found in Peradeniya Botanical Garden. Huge tropical trees are found through the length and breath of the lawns. The orchid house in the garden is really worth a visit. There are more than three hundred varieties of superb orchids blooming in profusion. The spice garden in the park has trees and plants used for preparing traditional Ayurvedic medicine. The magnificence of the garden is heightened by the Mahaweli River which flows through its outer edge.
Facilities for visitors
The gardens offer the following facilities to visitors.
- Weel Chairs
The gardens provide wheel chairs for disabled persons. Please inquire at the main entrance for wheel chairs.
- Meals and refreshments
The cafeteria is opened daily from 10.00 a.m. to 5.30 p.m. The RBG guide map gives the location of cafeteria.
- Seating
There are four summerhouses and several garden benches available throughout the garden. Two of the summerhouses are built in commemoration of former Superintendent of the Gardens, George Gardner and former Director of the Gardens, G.H.K. Thwaites.
- Toilet facilities and drinking water fountains
Toilet facilities and drinking water fountains are available within the garden.
Garden Regulations
- No vehicles are allowed unless with permission.
- Place rubbish in the bins provided or take it home, where it can be recycled.
- Dogs must be kept on a short lead and under control.
- Please refrain from indecent disorderly behavior and being a nuisance to others.
- Musical instruments, radio electronic equipment and weapons are prohibited. Do not pick flowers,take cutting or uproot plants. Penalties apply.
- Damaging any property belonging to the gardens including animals, plants, trees, flower beds, labels, seats etc. is not permitted. Penalties apply.
- Visitors are not permitted to introduce alcohol or any other narcotic drug or to enter the gardens under their influence.
Refrain from playing football, rugby, hockey, cricket, volleyball or any other game prohibited by the deputy director.Selling or expose for selling anything inside the garden in illegal.
Garden Photos
Peradeniya Rest House
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
Embekke Dewalaya
Embekke dewalaya
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EMBEKKE DEWALAYA
Around 13 km from the Kandy city, a Buddhist temple dates from the 14th century is situated in the villege "Arathtana". It is decorated by wooden columns richly carved with animals, dancers, and wrestlers.
A drummer in this village, who had a skin disease, decided to go to the Temple of Katharagama - a temple in the southern part of Sri Lanka to get a cure. His illnesses were cured after promising to worship the temple annually. Due to his old age, he's unable to continue annual ritual travel .So he praied the god that , as he was too old. Then the god of katharagama made a prediction of a miracle near Arathtana and ordered him to perform rituals there.
Gardener of the flower garden in Embekke of Queen Henakanda Bissobandara tried to remove a "Kaduru" tree from the garden. When he cut it a stream of blood began to flow from the tree. After knowing it,drummer perform the rituals there as he was ordered to do by the god. He built a small temple called the "Embekke Devalaya".After some days the king Wickramabahu in Senkadagala era, ordered to build a three story building there and gave land, queens' jewelry and elephants as gifts. Since then the temple of Embekka is worshiped by people.Today, the drummers' relatives perform rituals in Embekke.
Embekka is unique,because it owns some of the greatest carvings in Sri lanka. There are total of eight buildings built for the temple of Embekka. Six buildings are in the inner temple, and two of them outside. The structure that are inside the surrounding wall are known as the 'inner temple'. The structures that are outside the wall are known as the 'outer temple'. about embekke dewalaya
Thursday, November 10, 2011
Udawalawa National Park In Srilanka
UDAWALAWA NATIONAL PARK- SRI LANKA
The Udawalawa national park was established on 30th July 1972. It lies in the lower catchment of Udawalawa Reservoir in the country's Intermediate Lowland region. This area falls into two administrative districts in two provinces. The parkland on the right bank of Walawe ganga is within Ratnapura district in the province of sabaragamuwa and the parkland on the left bank falls within Moneragala district in the province of Uva. This Park is located approximately between the latitudes 6 25'E and 6 35' N and longitudes 80 45'N and 81 00' E.
The dry land area of the Park is about 119 Sq miles or 308 Sqm, approximately 28910ha. The Udawalalawa reservoir is situated within the park premises, the total surface area of which at full supply is 3405ha. The total area of the park within the declared boundary including the reservoir is 32,315ha.
The dry land area of the Park is about 119 Sq miles or 308 Sqm, approximately 28910ha. The Udawalalawa reservoir is situated within the park premises, the total surface area of which at full supply is 3405ha. The total area of the park within the declared boundary including the reservoir is 32,315ha.
Thursday, October 20, 2011
Lankathilaka Raja Maha viharaya
"Proud Of Our Up Country"
Lankathilaka Raja Maha Viharaya
The Lankathilaka temple, situated on the outskirts of Kandy, is one of the finest examples of Sinhalese temple architecture. More info and images inside.
The temple was completed in 1334 by king Buwanekabahu IV, who had chosen Gampola as his kingdom. The five kings who ruled from Gampola made significant contributions to art and culture. The Gadaladeniya and Embekke temples, which will be covered in future posts, are also from this period.
The Image house contains devales to the four guardian deities of the island, each with his consort. A Pali inscription can be found on the rock which the temple is built on and it is supposed to be a record of the valuable gifts given to craftsman who worked on the temple. The exterior of the image house is decorated with sculpted elephants and other decorative designs.
The arched passage of the image house leads into an inner sanctum which is decorated with floral designs. The two side walls and the ceiling are covered with paintings and the inner sanctum contains a huge statue of the seated Buddha under a "Makara Thorana". I was unable to go into the image house as the priest was not around and the image house was locked. However, I was able to take a few shots of the artwork that decorated the main door to the image house.
Gadaladeniya Raja Maha Viharaya
"OUR HERITAGE OF VISIT UP COUNTRY"
Gadaladeniya Raja Maha Viharaya
 Stupa of the Gadaladeniya temple |
 Entrance |
 Some of the carvings |
Gadaladeniya Temple, which is situated at Pilimatalawa on the Kandy-Colombo Road, just passing Kadugannawa, is famous for its beautiful stone carvings. This temple was built on a flat rock at Diggala in the 14th Century.
Faded paintings from around that time provide many clues as to the manner in which the temple was built. The art is South Indian, so the general belief is that the workers were also brought down from abroad. The chief architect of this temple had been a South Indian called Ganesvarachari. Therefore, this temple is essentially a South Indian design.
The genius of the Kandyan master craftsmen is very obvious in this region; whereby Gadaladeniya Viharaya is built of stone, the nearby Lankatilaka Viharaya and its Devale are built of clay bricks with a unique architectural design; Embekke Devale is built of wood while the mysterious Galengolla Potgul Viharaya with its valuable ola leaf manuscripts has a cover-up in the style of Florentine rebirth and its interior resembles a Christian basilica with cupola (dome) and octagonal pillars.
The Gadaladeniya Temple also contains a beautifully painted giant wooden chest holding paintings and sculptures of great historical and artistic importance. The entrance to Gadaladeniya features large stone pillars, which support a roof of huge stone slabs.
Within the vihara, an ancient stone and plaster Buddha image looks down upon milkrice pots that have been collecting food offerings for centuries. The 638-year-old jak-wood doors still exhibit their original paintings.
According to an inscription there, this temple was built by King Buwanekabahu IV in the year 1344. The main shrine room has a seated (in Vajrasana ) Buddha statue under a Makara Thorana and four standing Buddha images. The Makara Thorana is decorated on both faces with gods such as Brahma, Suyama, Santhusuta, Natha and Maithree, and two attendants.
The chamber within the Sikhara (dome) has had a Buddha image, which had been destroyed by the Portuguese. Next to the shrine room is a Devale dedicated to God Vishnu.
According to the Mahavansa, the great chronicle of Sri Lanka, it was 'Upulvan Deiyo' (Vishnu) that was selected as the guardian to protect the land of Sri Lanka and Buddhism within it at the time of Buddha's passing away. Therefore, this deity holds a special place among Sri Lankans.
By the side of the Vishnu Devale is a stupa made on a rock. This is believed to have been constructed by King Parakramabahu V. This stupa has a roof built over it, held by four pillars. Four smaller satellite stupas are built on small shrine rooms around the main stupa. This structure is called the Vijayothpaya or Vijayantha Prasada after the mythical palace of god Indra.
This temple had been neglected for some time and then had been handed over to Velivita Saranankara Thera by King Viraparakrama Narendrasinha (1707 - 1739); it had been looked after ever since by his pupils in succession.
Though this temple is known as Gadaladeniya today, an inscription identifies it as 'Dharma Kirthi Viharaya', which is the name of the founding monk. 'Nikaya Sangrahaya' identifies this temple as 'Saddharmathilake' and 'Saddharmalankaraya' identifies this as 'Gadaladeniya Viharaya' after the village in which it is located.
Gadaladeniya is one of the best places to view the original stone carving designs; there are many carvings on the pillars. So, next time you visit Kandy, don't just return after visiting the Dalada Maligawa, visit Gadaladeniya too. You'll be amazed by the beauty of this temple
Faded paintings from around that time provide many clues as to the manner in which the temple was built. The art is South Indian, so the general belief is that the workers were also brought down from abroad. The chief architect of this temple had been a South Indian called Ganesvarachari. Therefore, this temple is essentially a South Indian design.
The genius of the Kandyan master craftsmen is very obvious in this region; whereby Gadaladeniya Viharaya is built of stone, the nearby Lankatilaka Viharaya and its Devale are built of clay bricks with a unique architectural design; Embekke Devale is built of wood while the mysterious Galengolla Potgul Viharaya with its valuable ola leaf manuscripts has a cover-up in the style of Florentine rebirth and its interior resembles a Christian basilica with cupola (dome) and octagonal pillars.
The Gadaladeniya Temple also contains a beautifully painted giant wooden chest holding paintings and sculptures of great historical and artistic importance. The entrance to Gadaladeniya features large stone pillars, which support a roof of huge stone slabs.
Within the vihara, an ancient stone and plaster Buddha image looks down upon milkrice pots that have been collecting food offerings for centuries. The 638-year-old jak-wood doors still exhibit their original paintings.
According to an inscription there, this temple was built by King Buwanekabahu IV in the year 1344. The main shrine room has a seated (in Vajrasana ) Buddha statue under a Makara Thorana and four standing Buddha images. The Makara Thorana is decorated on both faces with gods such as Brahma, Suyama, Santhusuta, Natha and Maithree, and two attendants.
The chamber within the Sikhara (dome) has had a Buddha image, which had been destroyed by the Portuguese. Next to the shrine room is a Devale dedicated to God Vishnu.
According to the Mahavansa, the great chronicle of Sri Lanka, it was 'Upulvan Deiyo' (Vishnu) that was selected as the guardian to protect the land of Sri Lanka and Buddhism within it at the time of Buddha's passing away. Therefore, this deity holds a special place among Sri Lankans.
By the side of the Vishnu Devale is a stupa made on a rock. This is believed to have been constructed by King Parakramabahu V. This stupa has a roof built over it, held by four pillars. Four smaller satellite stupas are built on small shrine rooms around the main stupa. This structure is called the Vijayothpaya or Vijayantha Prasada after the mythical palace of god Indra.
This temple had been neglected for some time and then had been handed over to Velivita Saranankara Thera by King Viraparakrama Narendrasinha (1707 - 1739); it had been looked after ever since by his pupils in succession.
Though this temple is known as Gadaladeniya today, an inscription identifies it as 'Dharma Kirthi Viharaya', which is the name of the founding monk. 'Nikaya Sangrahaya' identifies this temple as 'Saddharmathilake' and 'Saddharmalankaraya' identifies this as 'Gadaladeniya Viharaya' after the village in which it is located.
Gadaladeniya is one of the best places to view the original stone carving designs; there are many carvings on the pillars. So, next time you visit Kandy, don't just return after visiting the Dalada Maligawa, visit Gadaladeniya too. You'll be amazed by the beauty of this temple
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
Kagugannawa Dawson Tower
INFORMATION FOR DAWSON TOWER
FOR KADUGANNAWA
The train after an hour of 1400 ft climb reaches Kadugannawa summit at 1690 above sea level. The station is located by the side of the Colombo-Kandy road which was completed in 1832, 30 years before the railway line was built. The historical land mark of Dawson Tower which was constructed in memory of Capt. Dawson, who successfully completed road construction, is seen through the train window. The train continues its final stretch from the Kadugannawa station from which the line drops gently to Peradeniya station at 1553 ft, passing the Mahaveli Ganga, Sri Lanka’s largest river. The line rises again to a height of 1602 ft at Kandy as the train completes its 72 mile journey.
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
Ambuluwawa Mountain
AMBULUWAWA, GAMPOLA ,SRILANKA
Ambuluwawa Mountain Cultural Center
Some millions of years ago Sri Lanka was a part of the Indian peninsula and was connected to Godwanaland. Later it was pushed away towards north as an island. According to the Rama-Ravana legend Talaimannar strait is the location where Hanuma built his bridge to connect Sri Lanka with South India . This was the place which connected Sri Lanka with India from time to time. Sri Lanka lost this geographical connection some thousands of years ago but it has resulted in creating a rich biodiversity here comprising a large population of fauna and flora.
Sri Lanka is considered to be the country in Asia which has the richest biodiversity in a single area. Biodiversity in this country spreads through a wider range of area as a result of its inter relationship with Indian peninsula. Significance of living beings, variety of forests and the natural freshness of the soil have created the bio land environment inherited to Sri Lanka and the mid country hills occupy a significant place in the fonnation of biodiversity. There are planes in the South-west area. There are rivers in the mid hill country, which receive their flowing water from the South-west monsoon rains and connection rains. The area is thickly vegetated too. Large streams and almost all the main rivers starting trom mid hill country can be seen in the South Western side of the hill country. Water basis as well as the fertile soil, comfortable treeze that blows through the wann rays of the sun - all these are the results of the biodiversity in the mid country .
Ambuluwawa
Ambuluwawa peak situated in the center of Gampola Kingdom established by the great Sinhala King Buvanekabahu IV. (1341-1357 AD) was hitherto not put into any use. Height of the peak trom the mean sea level is 365 feet and from the Gampola town is 1965 feet Mayura Sandesa, the messenger poem written in the 14th Century describes this enchanting rock and the surroundings thus:
When the planets and stars disappear trom the sky and when the nectar appears in or drops from flowers on tree tops and when the sun spreads its rays as it rises over the mountain of the east, you may set off trom Ambuluwakada happily.
Ambuluwawa – Biodiversity
Biodiversity at Ambuluwawa has a more complexed expansion than that of the common examples of biodiversity. Ambuluwawa is a rock mountain but it is different trom rock mountains commonly seen in Sri Lanka . It is made of special type of rock known as "Inselberg" and is least subject to erosion caused by natural forces.
Experiments on the diversity of vegetation at Ambuluwawa are still in progress. According to the research work so far done, there are about 200 varieties of plants belonging to 80 plant families. The soil here is red or brown and belongs to the latezoic type. Medicinal plants known as 'iramusu ', ' muva kiriya ' and ' nawa handi ' are the common plants grown in the area.
Surrounding the mountain there are uniformly spread ever green forests, groves of blossomed flower plants and creepers which make the breeze around the mountain cool. Panoramic view of the mountain ranges is enticing and impressive. Clearly visible mountains such as Pidurutalagala in the east, Bathalegala or Bible Rock in the west, Sri Pada or Adams Peak in the south and Knackles range in the north enrich the scenic beauty of the place. Apart from these, mountain ranges associated with Alagalla and Kadugannawa, mountains like Hanthana and Hunnasgiri and mountains in Nuwara Eliya district are also clearly visible and they add beauty to the surroundings.
There is no other summit than Ambuluwawa which is surrounded by a large number of mountain ranges of scenic beauty in Sri Lanka . The precious water of the Mahaweli the life blood of up country people and the long tracts of paddy fields fed by Mahaweli water make the
Ambuluwawa rock more attractive. Thousands of rival, houses and the crowded streets of Gampola town can be seen at a single place - Ambuluwawa and the view is unique and impressive.
Sri Lanka is considered to be the country in Asia which has the richest biodiversity in a single area. Biodiversity in this country spreads through a wider range of area as a result of its inter relationship with Indian peninsula. Significance of living beings, variety of forests and the natural freshness of the soil have created the bio land environment inherited to Sri Lanka and the mid country hills occupy a significant place in the fonnation of biodiversity. There are planes in the South-west area. There are rivers in the mid hill country, which receive their flowing water from the South-west monsoon rains and connection rains. The area is thickly vegetated too. Large streams and almost all the main rivers starting trom mid hill country can be seen in the South Western side of the hill country. Water basis as well as the fertile soil, comfortable treeze that blows through the wann rays of the sun - all these are the results of the biodiversity in the mid country .
Ambuluwawa
Ambuluwawa peak situated in the center of Gampola Kingdom established by the great Sinhala King Buvanekabahu IV. (1341-1357 AD) was hitherto not put into any use. Height of the peak trom the mean sea level is 365 feet and from the Gampola town is 1965 feet Mayura Sandesa, the messenger poem written in the 14th Century describes this enchanting rock and the surroundings thus:
When the planets and stars disappear trom the sky and when the nectar appears in or drops from flowers on tree tops and when the sun spreads its rays as it rises over the mountain of the east, you may set off trom Ambuluwakada happily.
Ambuluwawa – Biodiversity
Biodiversity at Ambuluwawa has a more complexed expansion than that of the common examples of biodiversity. Ambuluwawa is a rock mountain but it is different trom rock mountains commonly seen in Sri Lanka . It is made of special type of rock known as "Inselberg" and is least subject to erosion caused by natural forces.
Experiments on the diversity of vegetation at Ambuluwawa are still in progress. According to the research work so far done, there are about 200 varieties of plants belonging to 80 plant families. The soil here is red or brown and belongs to the latezoic type. Medicinal plants known as 'iramusu ', ' muva kiriya ' and ' nawa handi ' are the common plants grown in the area.
Surrounding the mountain there are uniformly spread ever green forests, groves of blossomed flower plants and creepers which make the breeze around the mountain cool. Panoramic view of the mountain ranges is enticing and impressive. Clearly visible mountains such as Pidurutalagala in the east, Bathalegala or Bible Rock in the west, Sri Pada or Adams Peak in the south and Knackles range in the north enrich the scenic beauty of the place. Apart from these, mountain ranges associated with Alagalla and Kadugannawa, mountains like Hanthana and Hunnasgiri and mountains in Nuwara Eliya district are also clearly visible and they add beauty to the surroundings.
There is no other summit than Ambuluwawa which is surrounded by a large number of mountain ranges of scenic beauty in Sri Lanka . The precious water of the Mahaweli the life blood of up country people and the long tracts of paddy fields fed by Mahaweli water make the
Ambuluwawa rock more attractive. Thousands of rival, houses and the crowded streets of Gampola town can be seen at a single place - Ambuluwawa and the view is unique and impressive.
New Vision
Modern development of Ambuluwawa has converted it to a reserve for folk museum based on a clear cut vision. Three tanks built on the Summit provide water down to the bottom of the mountain. Stones being an essential element of the environment the Stone Park which displays a collection of stones is a new experience. Local and foreign scholars who wish to conduct research can have necessary facilities here in a calm and quiet atmosphere. The Bo sapling obtained from the Sri Maha Bodhi grows upon the summit offering a sense of tranquility to everybody.
Beautiful entrance, twin ponds, water parks and stone parks are unique features of the Ambuluwawa summit. Herb gardens and nature bring immense relaxation both to mind and body. Spine plantations and orchards are fine examples which tell us that local agro economy should be developed. International Conference Hall is equipped with all the necessary facilities for conferences. Area above the tank is a forest haunted by deers and sambhars making the environment lively. Roads with sleeps and precipices give you frightening experience. The sub-way below the summit gives you excitement. A restaurant is run in an enchanting location. "Govi Sevana" has been established for the farmers to congregate. An image house of the latest style is being constructed to place the Buddha statue made of stone. The observation room on the top of the mountain provides facilities to admire the superb panorama. An inscription has been installed explaining the objective of the biodiversity complex. Hon. D.M. Jayaratne, Minister of Post, Telecommunication and up country Development deserves nations homage for creating this wonderful biodiversity complex with relentless pursuit.
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