The Vivid Green of Sri Lanka

Sinharaja is the country’s last viable area of primary tropical rainforest. More than 60% of the trees are endemic and many of them are considered rare. 50% of Sri Lankan’s endemics species of animals (especially butterfly, amphibians, birds, snakes and fish species). It is home to 95% endemic birds. Because of the dense vegetation, wildlife is not as easily seen as at dry-zone national parks such as Yala. There are about 3 elephants, and 15 leopards. The most common larger mammal is the endemic purple-faced langur. Birds tend to move in mixed feeding flocks, invariably led by the fearless Sri Lanka Crested Drongo and the noisy orange-billed babbler. Of Sri Lanka’s 26 endemic birds, the 20 rainforest species all occur here, including the elusive red-faced malkoha, green-billed coucal and Sri Lanka blue magpie. Reptiles include the endemic green pit viper and hump-nosed vipers, and there are a large variety of amphibians, especially tree frogs. Invertebrates include the endemic common birdwing butterfly and leeches.

Belihul Oya is well-known for its paradise-like mountains, tea plantations, and powerful waterfalls. Belihuloya is a quiet, cooler, green region in the Rathnapura district of Sri Lanka. It’s worth a day trip here, but staying for a few nights allows you to experience everything Belihuloya has to offer. The hills of the Belihuloya area are where you can have breathtaking views.

Pahanthudawa waterfall is another unique and beautiful creation among the waterfalls in Sri Lanka. The reason for its location and nature, and also this waterfall gets its name due to its natural place. This waterfall is situated 1.5 km away from Belihuloya, which takes only about 20 minutes to reach. The area around the waterfall is rich in biodiversity consists of various plants and animals. Pahanthudawa is also a picturesque place where that you can take incredible shots of yourself. Bathing in this location is a bit risky and dangerous. The water level in this area rises within 10 to 15 minutes of heavy rains.

Babarakanda waterfall – Amongst the majestic mountains of Kalupahana in the Central Highlands; leaps the beautiful horsetail waterfall of Bambarakanda Ella. A Horsetail Fall descends a very nearly vertical rock face, maintaining some contact with it. As the tallest falls on the island, Bambarakanda has a vertical height of 263m (863 feet); and is ranked 299th amongst the tallest waterfalls in the world. Bambarakanda has a trail available for interested hikers to climb to the top of the falls. The crest has a beautiful miniature waterfall and a large pool that feeds the main falls. The uninterrupted views of the eastern plains also provide for some wonderful photo opportunities.

The Little Adam`s Peak also known as ‘Punchi Sri Pada’ is situated at the height of 1141 meters and is one of the favourite spots for hiking among the travellers. The Little Adam’s peak got its name from the Adam’s peak, which is Sri Lanka’s holy mountain, due to the similarity of its shape. The path leading to the peak is marked and is easy to find. Once you set on the trail, you will pass through lush green tea plantations, paddy fields and as you move up, the landscape becomes more scenic. Once you reach the top, you will see a 360-degree panoramic view of the picturesque surroundings. The hike is fairly easy and can be undertaken by the entire family. You will meet a lot of follow hikers along the way. Do not forget to carry a bottle of water and a hat along with you.

The Nine Arches Bridge is one of the most beautiful landmarks of Sri Lanka and amongst the top places to visit in Ella. There is an interesting story behind this bridge. When the British stopped the construction of this bridge mid-way due to lack of steel during World War 1, the locals constructed it using stone and bricks. The bridge has stood strong without a single piece of steel since then. The setting of the bridge is extremely charming and is amongst the most popular tourist places in Ella. It is located inside a dense forest near a quaint little village with tea plantations surrounding it. Watching the old world trains pass through this bridge is a sight most loved by the tourists.

Ravana Ella can be spotted on Ella -Wellawaya main road. Kirinidi Oya is the water course for this beautiful cascading waterfall. Many of the Sri Lankan waterfall can be spotted in middle of the jungle, with some lengthy routes. But since this fall is located just next to the main road, everybody can reach this without any trouble. So this becomes very popular sightseeing spot for photography. Ravana ella is related to the famous Indian epic Ramayana. According to the story king Ravana captured the prince Seetha and kept her hidden in a cave which is located behind the Ravana falls. During the dry season water level reduces drastically and Ravana falls becomes very skinny, but again becomes majestic during the up stream rainy seasons.

Yala National Park is the second largest national park in Sri Lanka. Situated in the south- eastern corner of the island. It is famous for its high density of leopards, perhaps the highest in the world. Yala is also home to a plethora of reptilian species and platoons of crocodiles. Common in Sri Lanka, there is a huge diversity of spectacular birdlife, including migratory species such as the flamingo. It is also one of the few places in the world where you can still see the severely endangered black-necked stork. The Yala National Park is famous among visitors as the best place to view large mammals within one territory. The park’s uniqueness is the sheer diversity of the habitat: dense jungles suddenly give way to lagoons and open plain areas, and the park has a simply beautiful seafront.

The Maduganga river enters the sea at Balapitiya and is a stunning setting of winding waterways with pristine mangrove forests and many islands within. Recognised by the Ramsar Convention of Wetlands of International Importance, the river is home to many species of ecological significance. Colourful birds fly above as monkeys perched atop trees grin down at you and water monitors swim by. The best way to enjoy the beauty of the river is on a journey by boat. Glide through blue waters in a Sri Lanka River Safari lined by shady mangroves, glimpse into the lives of local folk as they engage in cinnamon cultivation and make a spiritual stop at the magnificent temple located on an island.

Bentota a city and resort on the southwest coast of Sri Lanka, 65 km South of Colombo. Bentota is closely linked to nearby resorts Beruwela, Aluthgama, Induruwa, Kosgoda, which is traditionally considered areas and beaches of the resort. Overall, this is a moderately well-developed traditional beach resort. Bentota is a world renowned tourist destination for variety of water sports possibilities (water skiing, Jet skiing, surfing, windsurfing, sailing, deep sea fishing and wreck or reef diving) that are nowhere else to be found in the island. The estuary at Bentota and the mainland is replete with international class hotels and boutique hotels.

Colombo derived from Sinhalese name Kola-amba-thota which means “mango harbour”, altered by the Portuguese to honor Christopher Columbus, population 737,396 Colombo, is the largest city and commercial center of Sri Lanka. Colombo was probably known to Roman, Arab, and Chinese traders more than 2,000 years ago. Muslims settled there in the 8th century and controlled much of the trade between Sinhalese kingdoms and the outside world. The Portuguese arrived in the 16th century and built a fort to protect their spice trade. The Dutch captured the city in the 17th century. The British made the city the capital of their crown colony of Ceylon in 1802.