Badulla- Adisham bungalow

Adisham’s bungalow is one of the popular tourist destinations of those who visit Nuwaraeliya and Badulla. This bungalow (now a monastery of Roman catholic priests) was built by an English planter Thomas Villers in 1931. He has given the name of his Kentish village to this mansion and has imported all components as furniture, carpets and glasses to make sure it looked like an Elizabethan country mansion of his village. The garden which reflects the British landscaping of that era, is carefully planned and includes grass lawns, various types of flowers beds and orchards. The house is still well maintained and consists of a drawing room, library, kitchen, study room and bed rooms. Walls of some rooms are decorated by the paintings of Lady Villers who seems to be a good artist. A stable and a room used as a generator room can be seen outside. In the living room a large portrait of Thomas Villers hangs from the wall and the elegant furniture, beautiful lampshades and carpets imported from Britain are still there.

The fire place in the study room is also a wonderful creation. From the outlet freshly prepared marmalades, jams and cordials can be purchased. If you are travelling from Nuwara eliya take Nuwara eliya- welimada road up to Keppitipola. From there turn right to  Haputhale road. Travelling in this part of the road itself is a unique experience as it winds through a hilly area carpeted with tea bushes. Travel until you come across the name board. Some prefer to walk to the bungalow from this point as it ascends through the Thangamalai bird sanctuary- which is an ideal place for bird watchers. If you are coming from the other way come to Haputale town and take the temple road. It is about two kilometers from Haputale town. A vehicle can reach the place and parking facilities are available.

Kandy- Embekke Dewalaya

Visiting Ambekke Dewalaya- a shrine dedicated to God Katharagama is an invaluable experience as it exhibits marvelous craftsmanship of ancient Sri Lankans. This is the only place in Sri Lanka where we have such ancient wood carvings. Numerous pillars well decorated with fine designs of dancers, musicians, wrestlers, soldiers, hoarse riders and birds hold the roof of the building. Roof it self is a very creative and artistic structure which depicts a very rare piece of architecture. Wood carvings can also be seen in doorways, beams and rafters.

The easiest way to get here is via Pilimathalawa on Colombo- Kandy road. After travelling about 8 kilometers from Pilimathalawa towards Kandy you will come across a clear sign post which indicates the road to Embekke Dewalaya. This road goes through a pleasant country side with paddy fields and small villages. You have to travel about 2 kilometers to reach this wooden wonder.

Kurunegala- Arankale

For those who seek for some escape from noisy, busyand polluted urbanized areas, Arankale is an ideal site. Huge trees with their long stretched roots, various types of creepers hanging from them and pleasant environment with noises of insects and birds creates a forestry atmosphere.

To reach this one has to take Kurunegala- Dambulla Road up to Ibbagamuwa.From Ibbagamuwa take Ibbagamuwa-Moragollagama road and follow it for about 10km. On the left there is a small name board which can be hardly seen from a vehicle.  This narrow road goes through a calm rural area with paddy fields, villages and small forestry areas. There are some ruins of ancient meditation halls and meditation platforms and several other buildings.

Tea estates

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tea is a main export product of Sri Lanka. It is mainly grown in hill country but can also be seen in areas as Galle. In areas such as Kandy, Nuwaraeliya and Badulla, hills carpeted with tea bushes create a magnificent view. Busy workers plucking tea leaves with their fast moving fingers with a basket attached to the back is a common scene. There are several Tea factories which allow the tourists to observe the tea manufacturing process. Labukale is one of them and they provide a guided tour inside the factory.

Kurunegala – Ethagala(Elephant rock)

Athagala (Elephant rock) of Kurunegala has become more elegant because of the recently constructed Buddha statue. You have to take the Kandy road from Kurunegala town and at the round about in front of the Imperial theatre , turn left to Wathhimi road.(This road joins the Kurunegala-Dambulla road adjacent to Welagedara stadium) Follow this road until you come across the name board – Samadhi Pilimaya – Ethagala. The steep mountain road on your right with few sharp bends, takes you to the top and parking space is available. But careful driving is advised. It is also enjoyable to walk along the rock as the surrounding scenery is stunning. For this, follow the small path with embedded steps on your right. Try to visit in the early morning or late evening as it is difficult to walk in the hot sun.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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.