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“Govinda Hela” – royal fortress of yesteryear – By Arundathie Abeysinghe Home to a diverse range of endemic flora and fauna and located in Siyambalanduwa, on the border of the Ampara District in the Eastern Province of Sri Lanka, in a thick forest surrounded by rivers and tanks, “Govinda Hela” (known as “Westminster Abbey” by British Colonials during the British Colonial Era due to its resemblance to the landmark in London) had been an inaccessible fortress of King Bhuwanekabahu who reigned in the 6th century. Thereafter, the location had been abandoned. It was rediscovered by British Colonials during the British Colonial Era and renamed as “Westminster Abbey.” Scattered on the summit of Govinda Hela are ruins of a royal palace and a monastery, yet the main attraction of the location is the “Hulan Kapolla” (a space between two rocks, through which strong wind blows). The highest point of the trek ...

Apr 26, 2023 Posted by eLanka admin In Articles, Arundathie Abeysinghe Tagged Arugambay, Bo Tree, Hulan Kapolla, Siyambalanduwa, Sri Lanka, Westminster Abbey

“Kok Doowa Island” – paradise for avifauna aficianados – By Arundathie Abeysinghe A small rocky island located in the enormous *Parakrama Samudraya Reservoir in Polonnaruwa constructed by *King Parakramabahu (1153-1186) is a paradise for birdwatchers. During the nesting season of birds (from February to May) that coincides with the start of the monsoon, this tiny island turns home to thousands of nests, a birdwatchers’ paradise, a mesmerizing site… “Kok Doowa” meaning the ‘island of storks’ due to large numbers of birds, especially, storks (Ciconiidae) nesting on the rock, the island is visited not only by birds, but by elephants, especially those crossing Parakrama Samudraya. During the dry season, when the water levels of the reservoir decreases, visitors can walk across the water towards the island. Yet, when water levels are high, services of a fisherman’s boat to reach the island is necessary. The island has two summits, approximately 200 meters ...

Apr 20, 2023 Posted by eLanka admin In Articles, Arundathie Abeysinghe Tagged Anuradhapura Kingdom, King Parakramabahu, Kok Doowa Island, Parakrama Samudraya, Polonnaruwa

Udawadiya Village – steeped in legend and history – By Arundathie Abeysinghe Source : facebook Steeped in history and legend and located in the salubrious climes of *Ella in *Badulla District, spectacular hamlet, Udawadiya is the location of well-known battles against the Portuguese during the Colonial Era. Blessed with natural resources including clean fresh water from Menik Ganga (Ganga meaning river in Sinhala), currently, there are 142 families inhabiting this isolated village. Although, considered as a remote village, the hamlet is breathtaking surrounded by spectacular mist engulfed mountains, gushing cascades, endemic fauna and flora, cool climates and terraced paddy fields… The main occupation of the villagers is farming. The terraced paddy fields surrounded by breathtaking mountains is a sight to behold. Residents of the hamlet utilize ox-drawn carts (known as thawalama in Sinhala) as their sole mode of transport as there are no roads that could facilitate vehicular traffic. Hence, to ...

Apr 13, 2023 Posted by eLanka admin In Articles, Arundathie Abeysinghe Tagged Badulla, Ella, Udawadiya Village

Nuwaragala Mountain – geographically significant remnant mountain – By Arundathie Abeysinghe Significant as a remnant mountain belonging to *Gal Oya Mountain Range, Nuwaragala Mountain is 658 meters high. Located in Pollebedda village (s well-known village of *Vedda community) in Mahaoya Divisional Secretariat Division in the*Ampara District, currently, the location is under the purview of the Department of Forest Conservation. Several decades ago, the location was inhabited by Vedda community. There are large numbers of ancient tank walls, ponds, stone steps and ruins of several temples including cave temples that have not been formally researched, yet. There is a large cave with dripstones with inscriptions. There are also large numbers of stone pillars on the ground. Hence, the surrounding area is archeologically significant. Situated along *Mahiyangane-*Dimbulagala-Dalukkane Road, a paved pathway constructed out of stone leads to the summit of the mountain and to a large cave that can house approximately 150 ...

Apr 6, 2023 Posted by eLanka admin In Articles, Arundathie Abeysinghe Tagged Ampara, Gal Oya Mountain Range, Mahiyangane, Nuwaragala Mountain, Pollebedda

Fort Macdowall – outpost during Kandyan Wars – By Arundathie Abeysinghe Constructed by British Colonials in 1803 as a garrison during battles against Kandy and located en route to one of the most significant roads, Kandy to *Trincomalee, Fort Macdowall was an outpost during Kandyan Wars. Named after General Macdowall (Lieutenant General Hay MacDowall who led the missions against Kandy), 6th Commander of British Troops in *Ceylon, the Fort came under siege during the *Matale Rebellion as it is located in Matale. On 28 July 1848, during the Matale rebellion, Fort Macdowall came under siege by approximately 400 rebels led by Weera Puran Appu and Gongalegoda Banda (renowned as national heroes, at present). Rebels had set fire to a coffee storehouse in the vicinity and ransacked Matale *Kachcheri. Hence, on July 29, Lord Torrington, Governor of Ceylon has declared martial law to bring the situation under control and the British ...

Mar 30, 2023 Posted by eLanka admin In Articles, Arundathie Abeysinghe Tagged Ceylon, Fort MacDowall Cemetery, Gongalegoda Banda, Kandyan Wars, Kingdom of Kandy, Matale, Matale Rebellion, Weera Puran Appu

Ceylon Tea Museum – vintage Hanthana Tea Factory By Arundathie Abeysinghe Kandy is a mandatory stop in tourist itinerary. Breathtaking vistas, salubrious climate, culture, arts, handicrafts, Kandyan hospitality and scenic attractions have all contributed to Kandy as a famous tourist destination. Dotted with verdant tea estates in the surrounding hills, *Hanthana, *Nilambe, *Hewaheta, *Pussellawa and *Gampola as well as situated at an altitude of 650 meters – 1300 meters of tea cultivation, Kandy is known as a ‘mid-grown’ tea region. In 1867, Tea cultivation started in Sri Lanka in Kandy in *Loolcondera Estate. The weather in Kandy providing a conducive environment for ‘Kandy Tea’, a bright infusion with a coppery strong tone as tea estates in Kandy are clustered in valleys where the wind is less fierce and sheltered from monsoon winds. A few years ago, the first Tea Museum in the world was set up in Hanthana ...

Mar 27, 2023 Posted by eLanka admin In Articles, Arundathie Abeysinghe Tagged Ceylon Tea Museum, Gampola, Hanthana, Hewaheta, JAMES TAYLOR, Loolcondera Estate, Poya Day, Sir Thomas Lipton

Unudiya Ella – spectacular natural pool in Bothale – By Arundathie Abeysinghe Nature offers unique magnificent spaces to relax and enjoy breathtaking vistas. Sri Lanka, an amazing tiny island of only 9,833,517 square kilometers in the Indian Ocean Region has an abundance of natural wonders, the cynosure of local as well as foreign tourists. The resplendent island has a diverse range of varied landscapes that attract travelers from all over the world. Cascading waterfalls and natural swimming pools are among those natural riches that have become ideal places to relax; places where nature breathes and gives life … Situated amidst breathtaking landscape in *Bothale in *Mirigama, Unudiya Ella (Ella meaning waterfall in Sinhala) is a natural pool with a length of 0.71 kilometers. Situated approximately four kilometers from Mirigama and seven kilometers from Warakapola (of Kegalle District), it is easy to reach Unudiya Ella. With different levels of small waterfalls ...

Mar 24, 2023 Posted by eLanka admin In Articles, Arundathie Abeysinghe Tagged and natural swimming pools in sri lanka, eLanka, Gampaha district, Mirigama, Mirigama Unudiya Ella, pool in Bothale, Sri Lanka, Unudiya Ella

Makandawa Forest Reserve – wonderland in Kithulgala – By Arundathie Abeysinghe Sri Lanka is a small island in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR), similar to a droplet of water and despite being a small island, it is endowed with a diverse collection of landscapes, climates, awe-inspiring vistas which have enticed tourists for decades. Well-known as an island of magical proportions, it was known as the “Pearl of the Indian Ocean”, “Serendib” and “Taprobane”. In 2019, Lonely Planet (travel guide book publisher founded in Australia, in 1973) voted Sri Lanka as “number one country to visit” and in 2020, Sri Lanka has been named “the best country in the world to visit” by readers of Conde Nast Traveller (a US based travel publication). A spectacular island endowed with cascading waterfalls, breathtaking mountain ranges, verdant tea gardens, wildlife parks with endemic wildlife and stunning beaches, Sri Lanka has attracted many European and ...

Mar 18, 2023 Posted by eLanka admin In Articles, Arundathie Abeysinghe Tagged Kelani River, Kithulgala, Makandawa Forest, Sri Lanka, water sport activities

Rangala Natural Pool amidst spectacular landscape – By Arundathie Abeysinghe Situated in *Teldeniya in Kandy District, Rangala Natural Pool is situated amidst tea estates, fields, mountains and beautiful streams. It is an alluring natural pool. Rangala village is a spectacular hamlet and the pool can be easily accessed. Considered as one of the best natural pools in the *Knuckles area, some visitors have named the pool as a “theatrical pool” due to its shape. The river that flows through Rangala is the origin of this natural swimming pool. The deepest end of the pool is approximately nine meters (30 feet). Yet, there is one section of the pool which is over nine meters (30 feet) deep. It is not advisable to bathe in that area. There is a small bridge to indicate the location of the pool (over Kotaganga (“ganga” meaning river in Sinhala) that originates from Knuckles Mountain Range. ...

Mar 9, 2023 Posted by eLanka admin In Articles, Arundathie Abeysinghe Tagged Kandy District, Knuckles, Knuckles Mountain Range, Matale, natural swimming pool, Rangala Natural Pool, Rangala village, theatrical pool, victoria Dam

Samanabedda Cave Temple – abode for meditating monks – By Arundathie Abeysinghe Situated off the beaten track in Uhana in *Ampara–Mahaoya main road approximately six kilometers (3.7 miles) away from Ampara town, amidst spectacular forests, Samanabedda Cave Temple has served as an abode for meditating monks. Samanabedda Cave Temple also known as “Samanabedda Purana Gal Len Viharaya (meaning Cave Temple in Sinhala) Department of Archaeology has declared the Temple Complex as an archaeological site. Ruins of a massive cave temple are scattered in the forest. Yet, proper archeological investigations of the Temple Complex have not been carried to date and many ruins in the location remain unexplored. Drip ledged caves of diverse sizes designed as abodes for meditating monks and a ruined stupa (dagoba) with stone pillars are engulfed by jungle. There are also base stones, debris of old structures on the rock plateau located towards west of the stupa. ...

Mar 2, 2023 Posted by eLanka admin In Articles, Arundathie Abeysinghe Tagged Samanabedda Purana Gal Len Viharaya