Lanka Nature Trails

  FROM THE PAGES OF HISTORY Buddhism  Before the rise of Buddhism in the sixth century B.C., India had gone through a long process of religious thought and philosophical speculation; the formulation of the doctrines of Buddhism and the beliefs and practices of the early Buddhists were in great measure due to the religious milieu in which this faith was first preached to the people. A review, perforce very brief, of the religious thought and life in India before Buddhism arose, is therefore necessary for the student of history to appreciate the great spiritual and intellectual upsurge created by that religion, says Prof. S. Paranavitana.  It is not possible to speak with any degree of certainty about the religion of the people of the Indus civilization until its script is deciphered: but, from the examination of the material remains unearthed at Mohenjo-daro, Harappa and other sites, it has been ascertained that certain aspects of Indian religion, with which we are familiar during h

  FROM THE PAGES OF HISTORY King Pandukabhaya At her touch, these leaves, it is said, turned into golden vessels. Remembering, a prophesy of his teacher, Pandukabhaya carried her away to be his consort. She was named Pali, but due to her golden touch, she was surnamed Suvannapali. Having heard of this happening, her father sent his soldiers against Pandukabhaya, but the latter routed them. Five of her brothers who came to avenge the insult, lost their lives in an encounter with Canda, son of the Brahmana Pandula. Though victorious in these encounters, Pandukabhaya thought it prudent to withdraw across the Mahaweli Ganga and set up his camp at the Dola Mountain, where he remained four years. His uncles came forward against him, and from their camp at Dimbulagala conducted operations against the rebel. They were not successful, and Pandukabhaya captured their stronghold at Dimbulagala which he turned into his own headquarters, having driven them across the river. After the failure

  FROM THE PAGES OF HISTORY Myths, Legends and Folklore II In order to overcome this difficulty, it has been proposed to take Lata of the chronicles to be the same as Radha in Western Bengal, and to locate Sinhapura in the place known as Singur. But, if a band of immigrants started from a port in Bengal, it is very unlikely that they would have touched land at a place on the north-western seaboard of Ceylon, where Tambapanni was. And there was no need for them to have come to Supparaka or Barukachcha – ports on the western coast of India – before they arrived in Ceylon. On the other hand, if they started from Gujarat, Barukachcha and Supparaka were on their route to Ceylon. And, in Gujarat, there was in the olden days a place known as Sinhapura, now called Sihor. This uncertainty resulting from an examination of the traditional history has led scholars to compare the Sinhala language with the Aryan languages of India, in order to ascertain the region from which the ancient Sinhales

  FROM THE PAGES OF HISTORY Advent of Vijaya Vijaya grew up to be a wayward youth, collected a band of ruffians about him and harassed the people who complained to the king. Sinhabahu warned his son thrice, but Vijaya did not give up his evil ways. The king thereupon apprehended Vijaya and seven hundred of his followers, had their heads half shaven as a punishment, and sent them away from his kingdom in a ship. Their wives were sent away in a second ship and the children in a third. The ships drifted apart in the sea, the ship with the women on board touching land in Mahiladvipa (the Island of Females) and that with the children arriving at Naggadipa (the Island of the Naked Men, possibly the Nicobars). The ship with Vijaya and his followers on board touched at the port of Supparaka (Sopara, north of Bombay), but their behaviour was such that they were driven out and put out to sea once more. According to one account, the port of Barukachcha (Broach, near Surat) was the place wh

  FROM THE PAGES OF HISTORY Legend of Ravana However involved in legend and myth there is no reason to doubt but that the great Indian Epic of the Ramayana has preserved for us the record of events which actually did take place in the early dawn of the history of Lanka. Ravana, the fierce Island King, had captured the beautiful Sita, the wife of a North Indian prince, and to avenge the insult her husband Rama Chandra, from whom the princes of Odeypore, the proudest family on earth, claim descent, led a mighty army across the water to the invasion of the fabled land. At Pallansena the army of Ravana appeared to dispute the passage of the Maha Oya, but after a fierce battle was driven back in confusion, taking with it the dead body of its commander Ingrutila; Rama Chandra thereupon advanced to the fortress of Ravana, and after a tedious siege succeeded in killing the latter and rescuing the princess. The magic of the defeated king, says a dim tradition, has hidden from mortal eyes th

  Example Itinerary for 7D/6N tour in Sri Lanka. Starting Place - Colombo or Negombo. Day 1 Morning - Proceed to Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage. (Spend 2 hours) Lunch- Afternoon - Proceed to Habarana - Enjoy a wildlife safari Optional - After the safari, have an Ayurvedic (herbal) massage. Dinner  Sleep at your hotel Day 2 Morning - Visit Sigiriya Return to hotel and fresh-up  Visit Dambulla rock cave temple Lunch Afternoon - Proceed to Kandy Evening 5pm Witness a cultural show Next - Visit Temple of the tooth Dinner Overnight Stay at Kandy (Hotel) Day 3 Morning - Kandy city tour 11am Proceed to Nuwara Eliya Lunch on the way at Ramboda. Afternoon - Visit a tea factory. Proceed to Nuwara Eliya Dinner and overnight stay Day 4 Early morning - Visit Horton plains / The world’s end. Catch the train to Ella Lunch at Ella around 3.30 pm After Lunch trekking tour to Nine Arches Bridge Dinner and overnight stay at Ella Day 5  Morning - Trekking to Little Adem’s peak.  Trekking to Ella’s rock Late

  Hantana Hantana is a prominent mountain located near the city of Kandy in central Sri Lanka. It's known for its picturesque landscapes, lush greenery, and biodiversity. The mountain is a popular destination for nature enthusiasts, hikers, and those seeking panoramic views of the surrounding area.   Hantana Mountain and its surrounding forest area are part of the Hantana Range, which is a significant ecological and environmental resource in Sri Lanka. The forest on Hantana Mountain is home to diverse flora and fauna, including various species of birds, mammals, and plants. It's also an important watershed area that contributes to the water supply of the region.   In addition to its natural beauty, Hantana has historical significance as well. There are remnants of colonial-era buildings and structures on the mountain, reflecting its past as a location for British military camps during the colonial period.   Hantana Mountain offers several hiking trails that allow

  Narangala Narangala is a picturesque and magnificent mountain situated in the Badulla district(Uva Province – Sri Lanka). Rising up to approximately 1527 meters, the beautiful Narangala Mountain holds the distinction of being the second highest mountain in the Uva province. Route: Ella - Kumbalwela - Hali-ela - Kandegedara - Keenakele - Thangamale watta - Narangala hike. When traveling in your own vehicle, you have the option to park near the old tea factory before beginning your Narangala hike. Along the journey, there are footpaths and steps available that lead to the peak. This mountain used to hiking and camping. Hiking Trail:- Narangala hiking trail starts at Thangamalai estate. In Tamil, "Thangamalai" translates to "golden mountain." This region is abundant in grass, and when the grass becomes slightly dry due to intense sunlight, it takes on a golden hue, giving the mountain its name. Narangala's distinctive characteristic lies in its sharply re

  Bambarakanda Trail. Bambarakanda Trail goes to the top of Bambarakanda waterfalls, the tallest waterfalls in Sri Lanka. (263 m). This is situated in Kalupahana in the Badulla District at Haldummulla area, between Belihul-Oya and Beragala. And 5km away from the main road (Badulla – Ratnapura road). At Kalupahana junction, you need to turn onto the Kalupahana – Ohiya road. (Along this road, there are many lovely nature scenes and trails as you make your way up to Ohiya.) The Bambarakanda Falls, our destination, is only 5km away from the junction. Bambarakanda Falls, which can be found in a forest of pine trees, was formed by Kuda Oya, a tributary of the Walawe River. Kuda Oya originates at Horton Plains, known as the sponge of Sri Lanka. From the junction, you have the option to use a car or a tuk-tuk to reach there, but I personally prefer to walk this 5 km along this lovely road. Near the waterfall's viewpoint, there is a park where you can safely park your car. Additionall