Introducing Minneriya National Park

Dominated by the ancient Minneriya Tank, this national park (adult/child US$12/6, plus service charge US$6, plus per vehicle charge Rs 150) has plenty of scrub and light forest in its 8890 hectares to provide shelter for its toque macaques, sambar deer, leopards and elephants – to name a few. The dry season, from June to September, is the best time to visit. By then, water in the tank has dried up, exposing grasses and shoots to grazing animals; elephants, which number up to 150, come to feed and bathe; and flocks of birds, such as little cormorants and painted storks, fish in the shallow waters.
The park entrance is along the Habarana–Polonnaruwa road. A new visitor centre near the entrance sells tickets and offers a variety of exhibits about the park’s natural history.

from -lonelyplant.com

History and the Description of the Minnariya National Park: 

A flapping sea of black invades the emerald Minneriya Tank, as a flock of two thousand cormorants nosedive for fish. The elephants too, trudge by drinking from the same reservoir.

Not close to being the largest tank in Sri Lanka , Minneriya Tank - with the woods that surround it forming the Minneriya-Giritale National Park - is nevertheless home to an extraordinary diversity of wildlife. If numbers interest you, there are nine species of amphibians, 24 species of mammals, 25 species of reptiles, 26 species of fish (three of which are endangered), 75 species of butterflies and 160 species of birds.

Making your way through the park, you will see elephants, Spotted Deer and also the Sambar, which is a deer with no spots and an apt scientific name, carves unicolor . If you're lucky, a leopard looking for food might cross your path.

Less menacing but equally intriguing are the frogs and lizards with their tongues ready. Among the reptiles, the Red-lipped Lizard and Skink are both endemic to Sri Lanka as well as endangered. The frogs, on the other hand, are more abundantly present and have a tendency to jump over your feet or across your eyes between leaves. A notable example with a formidable but misleading title is the Sri Lanka Greater Hourglass Tree Frog.

It all sounds like there's such a lot to see at the park. But overhead is where the action really is. Sri Lanka , home to over 400 species of birds, has long been a birdwatcher's paradise. In Minneriya National Park alone, 160 species crowd the trees or strut the banks.

You can afford to miss the Painted Storks, Great White Pelican, Gray Herons, and even the Ruddy Turnstones (whatever those are). But do try to spot the Sri Lanka Jungle Fowl, Sri Lanka Hanging Parrot, Sri Lanka Brown-capped Babbler and Sri Lanka Gray Hornbill, because, as you can guess from their names, nowhere else are you going to find them but here, in Sri Lanka.

Even if you're not a bird enthusiast, at least you can boast about your trip later by throwing around some exotic bird-names.

 from- srilankaecotourism.com

Dunhinda Falls

The Dunhinda Falls is one of Sri Lanka's most beautiful waterfalls located about 5 km off Badulla town. The waterfall, which is 210 feet (64 m) high gets its name from the smoky dew drops spray, (Dun in sinhala means mist or smoke) which surrounds the area at the foot of the waterfall. The water fall is created by the river called Badulu Oya which goes through the Badulla town.

To reach the water fall you have to walk more than 1 km distance along a foot path. Along this foot path you can see another small waterfall at a distance. However walking along this muddy foot path is really worth as the waterfall is so beautiful. Along this foot path there are many native venders selling herbal drinks to refresh and rest yourself. At the end of the path there is a secure stage constructed for viewers to see the waterfall. If you are brave enough you can reach the foot of the waterfall and cross the river and see the most beautiful view of the fall.

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Hakgala Botanical Garden

On your holiday trip to Sri Lanka, you must visit Hakgala Botanical Gardens situated near Nuwara Eliya. This botanical garden is definitely interesting not only to the botanist but also to the layman. Because of the tropical climate and huge diversity in the topography tropical and sub-tropical trees grow here with abandon. The plentiful underbrush and tall trees of the tropical forest contrast sharply with the arid scrub land and talipot palms of the dry north. You will be able to see varieties like the almost treeless patnas of Horton Plains to the dark forests, wreathed with the Old Man's Beard Moss. Other exotic varieties are Poincianan regia, the white Mesua ferrera and the cherry blossom-like Tebebuia, Vanda and Wesak Orchids. Masses of Na Tree (Mesua nagassarium) and the BlueWater Lily (Nymphaea stellatacas) are found here. The borders of several estuaries and lagoons provide several fishing spots and other resources related to fishery.
Hakgala Botanical Gardens site has a legend attached to it. According to the legend, it was the pleasure garden of King Ravana of the epic Ramayana, and it may have been the place where Sita, the consort of Lord Ram, was hidden. In 1860, the botanic gardens in its present form were founded by the distinguished British botanist Dr. G.H.K. Thwaites.
Hakgala Botanical Gardens is suitable for decorative and more useful temperate zone plants. There is an huge array of pine trees here. You will be able to see conifers and cedars from Australia, Bermuda and Japan, and cypresses from the Himalayas, China, Persia, Mexico and California. The botanical garden has an English oak as well as a camphor tree. Camphor trees are usually found in regions above 12,000m above the sea level.
Hakgala Botanical Garden as an extensive rose garden where you will be able to see and admire the infinite varieties. Montane orchids too have their home in this garden, there are also infinite varieties of orchids here.

Location and climate

Hakgala Botanical Garden is situated on the Nuwara Eliya-Badulla main road, 16 km from Nuwara Eliya. The garden has a cool temperate climate because of altitude is 5,400 feet above the sea level. The mean annual temperature ranges between 16°C to 30°C during course of a year. From December to February it has a cold climate, while the warm climate persists from April to August.

History

Garden established in 1861 as an experimental cultivation of Cinchona, a commercial crop thriving at the time. Once after the Tea replace the Cinchona, it was turned into an experimental Tea cultivation. In 1884 it transformed to a garden since then many sub tropical and some temperate plants were planted in the gardens.

Folklore

In the folklores, it says Sri Lankan demon King Ravana after abducting Sita, kept her hidden in this area and area was offered to Sita as a pleasure garden, the place finds mention in the Ramayana as Ashok Vatika.The area was named as "Sita Eliya" and "Sita Amman Temple" was built on the site.

Visitor attraction

There are over 10,000 species of flora planted here and during the Spring season in Nuwara Eliya thousands of visitors come to see the blooms here. Number of annual visitors is around 500,000.^[The garden is famous for number of species of Orchids and Roses are planted there.

Galle fort

Galle fort was built first by the Portuguese, then modified by the Dutch during the 17th century. Even today, after 400 years of existence, it looks new and polished with reconstruction work done by Archaeological Department of Sri Lanka. Today Sri Lankan government and many Dutch people who still own some of the properties inside the fort are looking at making this one of the modern wonders of the world.
Today, the citizens of Dutch fort in Galle are trying to make this a free port and a free trade zone. If successful no taxes are levied on the companies and individuals who reside inside the city.
The Dutch fort also known as Ramparts of Galle withstood the Boxing Day tsunami which destroyed the Galle town. There are many Moor families who live inside this fort along with Sinhalese, Dutch, English, Portuguese and Germans. More details regarding the history of the fort can be found at the visitors centre and at the Dutch period museum inside the Fort.
The tax system proposed inside the fort says there is no withholding tax, no tax on capital gains, no corporate tax for ten years from the start of the business, no VAT, and no profit tax.
Some of the not famous Moor families who live inside the fort are Noordeen Cassim's family and Fatima Koppen Adams family who run a story telling center for the tourists and children who visit these places every day.

UNESCO heritage site

Before the Dutch took Colombo from the Portuguese, Galle was their headquarters. Contrary to the Colombo Fort, the one in Galle was not only not demolished, but is one of the best preserved examples of 17th century colonial fortifications in the world, and is on the UNESCO list of World Monuments. The reason for its remarkable state of preservation is that this once busy trading town, visited by the East-India fleets and many regional traders, fell upon slack times after the Dutch had left. The development that did take place focussed on the new town of Galle, outside the Fort. The Fort is really a walled city, with a rectangular pattern of streets full of the low houses with gables and verandas in the Dutch colonial style. An irony of history is that most of the inhabitants of old Galle, occupying the houses of the Dutch, are the descendants of the Muslim traders that the Dutch despised so much for their petty trade that violated their monopoly. The Muslims have adapted many of the houses to their own likings, closing up the verandas with woodwork to prevent their women from being seen from outside. Recently it is no longer allowed to alter any of these houses, some renovation is taking place, and private museums with handicraft shops have even been established.
There are also several interesting buildings from early British times, and an early 20th century lighttower. The fort was started by the Portuguese in 1588, but there is nothing recognizably Portuguese left. Probably parts of the thick walls, that you can walk on almost all around the town, in the sunshine and the cool breeze, with the red-tiled roofs of the houses on the one hand, and the blue ocean on the other.
The Dutch, with a force of some 2,500 men under Koster, captured the fort from the Portuguese in 1640. Fortification went on until the early 18th century. They also built an elaborate system of sewers that were flooded at high tide, taking the sewage away to sea.

 What to see inside the Fort

On the other side of the bay is a hill with a great view of Galle in the distance. On top of the hill is the Closenberg Hotel, one of the most beautiful colonial houses in Sri Lanka. A sleek, low building with a red-tiled roof and a wood interior, it has covered verandas with antique furniture, and a rose garden overlooking the bay. Across the water are the walls of Galle, and behind them one can clearly see all the important buildings of the Fort. The hotel is in ongoing danger of destruction to make place for industrial development on the shoreline beneath it, but it has managed to hold out for now.

Turtle species in Sri Lanka

Olive Ridley Turtle (Lepidochelys olivacea)
This is the most common of the turtle species visiting Sri Lankan shores. Olive Ridley turtles sometimes appear in large numbers. The peak nesting period in Sri Lanka is between September and November. The Olive Ridley Turtle is the smallest of all the marine turtles. It has a round olive coloured carapace devoid of any markings but with a serrated edge. The Olive Ridley is omnivorous, eating crustaceans, small fish and occasionally marine vegetation. Olive Ridley which reaches a length of 80 cm and commonly weighs about 50kg.Oilve Ridley turtles nest in huge congregations known as arribada's. In Orissa in North East India about 600,000 females nest on one beach on a few consecutive nights each year.

 

Leatherback Turtle (Dermochelys coriacea)

The Leatherback turtle is the largest of the sea turtles. The biggest specimen ever seen by man was 3 m long and weighed 916kg. Leatherback turtles feed almost exclusively on jellyfish and therefore often fall prey to marine pollution. Plastic bags floating in the water look like jellyfish, the turtle eats the plastic which lines its stomach causing the animal to starve to death.

Green Turtle (Chelonia mydas)

Nesting of Green turtles is reported from all turtle nesting sites, with the highest abundance in Kosgoda and Rekawa. The carapace of this species is oval in shape and has a green and black mottled appearance. Green turtles nest throughout the year on Sri Lankan shores, with their peak season being between January and March. The diet of the Green turtle changes during its lifetime. Juveniles are mostly carnivorous, feeding on a variety of worms, crustaceans, and small fish, whereas the adults are herbivorous, feeding only on marine vegetation (sea grasses and algae).

 

Hawksbill Turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata)

Hawksbill turtle by its hawk-like pointed beak and the colourful, o verlapping scutes on its carapace.The Hawksbill is relatively smaller than the other marine turtles.Hawksbill turtles are able to store toxins from jellyfish, sponges and crustaceans in their flesh. Consumption of Hawksbill flesh can prove fatal. A number of people in Sri Lanka have died as a result of eating Hawksbill turtle flesh. Hawksbill turtles have been driven to the brink of extention by the "tortise shell" trade. The turtles' scutes are removed while the animal is still alive and are then fashioned into ornaments and souvenirs. Its narrow head and jaws shaped like a beak allow it to search in small crevices of coral reefs for food

Loggerhead Turtle (Caretta caretta)

Loggerhead turtles are the least common of the marine turtles nesting in Sri Lanka. These turtles are so named because of their large head, containing a pair of muscular jaws. They are distinguished by the colour of their carapace that has varying shades of brown and the pattern of scutes on their carapace and head. Loggerheads feed on sponges, jellyfish, mussels, clams, oysters, shrimp, and a variety of fish. The main nesting season for this species is between November and January.

Turtle Conservation Project in Sri Lanka

The TCP was established in 1993 and in March 1995 it was registered as an Independent Sri Lankan non-governmental organisation (NGO) with the Central Environmental Authority (CEA). TCP aims to devise and facilitate the implementation of sustainable marine turtle conservation strategies through education research and community participation. A Marine Turtle Specialist a member of the IUCN/SSC Marine Turtle Specialists Group (MTSG) and a trainee of the Duke Marine Lab of the Duke University North Carolina USA currently leads the organisation. TCP maintains field offices at Rekawa Kosgoda Panadura and Kandakkuliya.

As an Independent Sri Lankan non-governmental organization (NGO) TCP aims at assisting government departments academic institutions and other NGO's in devising and facilitating the implementation of sustainable marine turtle conservation strategies. TCP intends to achieve this via education research and local participation towards communities who are close to important marine turtle habitats.

TCP's vision focuses upon "Make Sri Lankan Seas a Heavenly Habitat For Turtles" and the mission is to "conduct research surveys education & awareness programmes community based conservation and management programmes to achieve the sustainable level of sea turtle populations in Sri Lanka".

TCP Srilanka Won Several awards for its uniqueness.

Coral Garden Hotel - Hikkaduwa

Coral Gardens is the underwater grove of the Paradise Isle and the cradle of underwater adventure, and the best location on the Western seaboard of Sri Lanka for scuba diving and snorkeling, not just to explore the reef and its rich species diversity but shipwrecks several centuries old. It is also the ideal exploratory hub for those waiting to explore the inland treasures ranging from rain forests, wildlife parks, boat rides through mangroves, and the rich cultural landscape along the Southern coastline. Coral Gardens is the pioneer beach hotel of Sri Lanka. Facing the splendid coral reefs of Hikkaduwa with the best beach-front garden within a radius of 20 miles, the hotel is world renown for what it has to offer by way of underwater adventure. A professional team of trainers will test your skill level and help you make the best use of the available facilities for scuba diving and snorkeling. There are 15 diving locations to pick from, including two ancient shipwrecks. And for the absolute amateur, there are glass-bottomed boats that will take you around the reef. Be dazzled by the wonderful sea life in all the colours of the rainbow or by the sun-drenched beach. Sit by the poolside with a fresh fruit drink, or on a bench with a book and let the gentle breeze wrap you in the most ancient of tales. Or take a break from sun, sea and sand and explore the many wonders that lie not too far inland from the hotel.

PRODUCTS & SERVICES

Products & Services :154 A/C Rooms, Bath/Shower, WC, Telephone, Radio, All rooms facing the Indian Ocean, Satellite TV, Room service, Main restaurant, Large swimming pool with children's pool, Underwater sports, Boat excursions, Sailing, Fishing, Squash, Gym, Tennis court with flood lights, Table tennis, Volley ball, Darts, Squash court, Sauna, Discotheque, Coffee shop, Bar with lounge and outside terrace, Boutique, Souvenir shops, Hair dresser, Ayurvedic centre, Conference facilities.

OTHERS

SPORTS & LEISURE

Underwater sports  Scuba Safari is a facility created for those who revel in or are curious about underwater adventure. Under the watchful eyes of professional trainers, guests are tested for their skills in snorkeling and diving and depending on the skill level taken out to explore the magical world that lies just a few hundred meters away from the hotel, the Hikkaduwa Coral Reef, home to the most colourful and wondrous creatures of the sea. Among the 15 diving locations are two shipwrecks whose histories and no doubt fascinating tales lie at the bottom of the sea. They provide an opportunity to dive into a different century. Glass-bottom boats are also available for the more faint of heart. The undersea world is not denied anyone, the hotel makes sure of this. Herbal Health Centre A holiday is meant to relax the mind and rejuvenate the body. We leave nothing to chance. The Ayurvedic Health Centre has a range of services designed not just to alleviate aches and pains but enhance that overall feel-good sensation of your body. The physicians will work with you to come up with a treatment plan that suits your needs and fits your schedule. Herbal baths, aromatherapy, facial massages, body massages…in fact the entire gamut of Ayurvedic treatment devoted to keeping every part of your body in top order and, for those who are keen on looking as healthy as they feel, to look at the world with a fresh face, so to speak Recreation There are all kinds of water. A huge swimming pool though the sea is, there will be moments when you prefer calmer waters. The swimming pool is the ideal place to cool off when the heat becomes a tad unbearable. Or after you've worked up a sweat playing squash or volleyball. Well, you could work up another sweat playing water-polo, if that is possible while in the water. The pool bar will serve you a sandwich a drink or anything else of those innumerable in-between-meals snacks that are part and parcel of holidaying. Entertainment Night time is for partying. If that is your preference. You can let down your hair and kick in with the music at the discotheque. But dance is not all there is to entertainment. Live entertainment comes in many forms….you can listen to a band, watch a magician or a juggler. Every night something different, something new, guaranteed to enthrall. Sit back with the drink of your choice and soak it up along with the balmy ambience that is a permanent resident of the hotel. Restaurant Food is crucial and the staff of Coral Gardens has taken this to heart. The kitchen prides itself in always providing a wide array of dishes to satisfy every taste. A generous spread of international cuisine is well complemented by exotic Sri Lankan dishes. The “International” element is accentuated every night with a special “ethnic” corner. Food goes down better if the ambience is right. The elegantly designed restaurant is a nice place to sit and dine and also makes a hang-out place to sit and relax. The poolside bar on the other hand, will give you a snack and a drink if you really don't want to get out of your swimsuit and are loathe to leave the sun and breeze.