Exploring the Heights of Tranquility: Pidurutalagala, Sri Lanka – By Bhanuka – eLanka Nestled in the central highlands of Sri Lanka, Pidurutalagala stands as the island nation’s highest peak, offering a majestic panorama of lush landscapes and a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. This iconic mountain, also known as Mount Pedro, holds cultural, historical, and natural significance that beckons both locals and travelers alike. Geography and Location: Pidurutalagala, standing proudly at 2,524 meters (8,281 feet) above sea level, is part of the Pidurutalagala Range, which is an extension of the central highlands. Located near Nuwara Eliya, a charming hill station known for its temperate climate and colonial architecture, Pidurutalagala is easily accessible, making it a popular destination for those seeking a refreshing retreat. Flora and Fauna: The ascent up Pidurutalagala is not only a journey to the summit but also a passage through diverse ecosystems. ...

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Mandaram Nuwara – misty mysterious mountain locked terrain By Arundathie Abeysinghe Commonly referred to as the “Misty City” (Mandaram Nuwara in Sinhala) as the location is shadowed by adjacent mountain ranges and mist engulfed, Mandaram Nuwara is a spectacular tiny hamlet in the Central Province of Sri Lanka. Located at the foot of *Pidurutalagala Mountain (Mount Pedro), the tallest mountain in Sri Lanka in the Nuwara Eliya District of Central Province, a unique feature of this scenic hamlet is that it has never seen the first rays of the solar rays nor the remaining rays because of its mountain-locked location. Legends as well as folklore weave through this hamlet… Enclosed from the west by Piduruthalagala Mountain and from the east by the Balagolla mountain ranges  and constantly enveloped by a veil of ethereal mist and the seamless presence of nature, the breathtaking hamlet of Mandaram Nuwara evokes images of a ...

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Tangamale Bird sanctuary – haven for avifauna aficionados by Arundathie Abeysinghe Sri Lanka is a resplendent island located in a geostrategic location in the Indian Ocean and is one of the significant locations for ornithology due to the abundance of bird life. Hence, Sri Lanka has become a popular destination for avifauna aficionados. Of the 427 recorded feathered species in the country, 250 are residents and 23 are endemic with a variety of ecological areas such as the hill country to jungles and forests, wet to dry zones as well as low lands. Hence, avifauna aficionados observe and research about these colorful feathered species while basking in the glory of the spectacular vistas. The Bird Sanctuary is home to Sri Lankan blue magpies (Urocissa ornata), paradise flycatchers (Terpsiphone paradisi), green barbets (Stactolaema olivacea), golden orioles (Oriolus oriolus), Sri Lanka Grey Hornbill (Ocyceros gingalensis),  spot winged thrush (Geokichla spiloptera),   black naped ...

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Ambuluwawa Biodiversity Complex – unique blend of nature and human creation By Arundathie Abeysinghe Engulfed in mist during early mornings and late evenings, a picture of surrealism, a precipitous drop and breathtaking vistas, Ambuluwawa Biodiversity Complex is an icon looming in the distance when viewed from *Gampola town… At the summit of the stupa, the landscape unfolds below until the white cloak of the veiled mist creeps surreptitiously engulfing the surroundings into oblivion similar to a picture postcard… Ambuluwawa Peak is situated in the center of former Gampola Kingdom approximately 25 kilometers from Kandy City on an area of 327 acres (approximately 132 hectares). It is a landmark of Gampola, former kingdom of King Bhuwanekabahu IV (1341-1357 AD) who ruled Gampola Kingdom. Gampola is entrenched in history and endowed with nature and biodiversity as well as a mild climate. Ambuluwawa Biodiversity Complex, the first multi-religious complex in Sri Lanka is ...

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Gregory Lake – spectacular tourist attraction in ‘Little England’ By Arundathie Abeysinghe   Surrounded by spectacular vistas, breathtaking misty mountains and serene blue skies, Gregory Lake also known as Lake Gregory is a well-known tourist attraction as well as a location for recreational activities and water sports that has been in existence in *Nuwara Eliya from the British Colonial Era to date. Gregory Lake is the most prominent, scenic attraction and historical landmark in Nuwara Eliya town visited by local as well as foreign tourists. The Lake and its surroundings are crowded during April, the tourist season in Nuwara Eliya, although, some people, especially locals visit the area during the off season too. During the British Colonial Era, the Lake had been created with the objective of providing electricity to Nuwara Eliya town. To date, electricity to Nuwara Eliya town is generated from the water of the Lake. Yet, from ...

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