Matale- Nalanda Gedige

Nalanda Gedige is a reconstructed building with somewhat strange architectural patterns situated in Matale District. According to archaeologists it shows a blend of Buddhist and Hindu architecture which is considered as a rare conception.

Initially it had been little away from the present site and with construction of Bovatenna reservoir it was shifted to this place. The area is less congested, calm and peaceful .Only few tourists visit it although it is close to many important places as Matale Aluwihare and Dambulla Temple. The beauty of the structure is enhanced by the surrounding Bovatenna reservoir. After travelling about 50 km along Kandy-Matale road from Kandy (about 26 km from Matale / 20 km from Dambulla), you will come across the name board and follow the small tarred road on the right. This road goes through a rural area and have to travel about 2km to reach the site.

Ambewela farms

Ambewela is well known for its two farms, new Zealand and Ambewela. Mostly tourists are allowed to visit the New Zealand farm which is about 4km from the Ambewela farm and can be accessed in about forty five minutes from Nuwaraeliya city.

 

There are several ways to get there from Nuwaraeliya. One way is via Nanu Oya road and another one is via Boragas junction little away from Haggala Botanical garden (On Nuwaraeliya – Welimada road). Both farms consist of large magnificent grass lands with scattered cattle and isolated trees, many other animals as goats, pigs, ducks and rabbits and outlets which sell products.

 

 

Paddy fields

Though the cultivation methods and seasons vary from one area to another, paddy is a major cultivation of Sri Lanka. As rice is the staple food, production is mainly used for domestic consumption.

Paddy is grown in both flat lands and hilly areas such as Badulla and Kandy.  In flat lands, paddy fields stretch across large areas ending in bases of mountains creating picturesque views while in hills they take the form of steps of various sizes. Small streams with small fish and many semi aquatic plants on their banks run between or alongside of the fields adding more beauty.

In some areas water is supplied by tanks and in other areas farmers have to rely on rain for water. Unlike in flat lands, machines and buffalos can not be used frequently in hilly areas and in those areas farmers have to depend more on man power.

Trincomalee- Nilaweli Beach

Nilaweli ,  one of the most popular beaches in the east cost of Srilanka is situated about 16km north west of  the Trincomalee town. Due to its unspoiled environment with soft sand, gentle breeze, fresh air and clear blue water, it has become a major tourist attraction nowadays.

By boat you can approach the pigeon island (Paravi Doopatha), an island that lies little far from the shore and has got its name probably because of the rock pigeons flying around.

Approximately it will take about 10 minutes to reach the island and boats can be hired from the Nilaweli beach at any time.

The shore of the island is covered with thousands of sea shells and parts of coral reefs. Tourists can decide the duration of stay at the island and can inform the boat when they want to leave. Parking facilities and fresh water for cleaning are available close to the shore.

Kurunegala City- Indulgodakanda

When travelling along Kurunegala – Kandy road, about 6km from the kurunegala city there is a small winding by-road to the right, which opens the gateway to a hillside naming Indulgodakanda. At the junction, you can see a small name board in Sinhala – Tampana Jalashaya/ Bamba Viharaya. Although it is little difficult to follow, this road takes you through an area full of attractive sceneries, abandoned tea estates and a climate different comparing with the kurunegala city. One of the mentioning worth place is the Bamba Viharaya- an ancient temple that is only opened on poya days.

To reach this you have to walk along a small path on the bank of the Tampana reservoir, which supplies water to the Kurunegal city. This path, consists of steps extends to a small hill, through a forestry area, giving a vivid  experience to the traveler.

 

Sri Lanka – The pearl in the Indian Ocean

Sri Lanka , the pearl in the Indian Ocean , with its wide range of tourist locations, pleasant climate , unique plants, animals and food delights the visitors always. So lets fly across Sri Lanka with tree sparrow to know it better.