Sinharaja Rain Forest

 

Sinharaja Forest

Sinharaja Rain Forest

Sinharaja Rain Forest ( UNESCO World Heritage Site), the last viable remnant of Sri Lanka’s tropical lowland rainforest spanning an area of 18900 acres is located within Sabaragamuwa and Southern provinces of the south-west lowland wet zone of Sri Lanka. Sinharaja is bounded by rivers on three sides. On the north, Sinharaja is bounded by the Napola Dola and Koskulana Ganga. On the south and south-west are the rivers Maha Dola and Gin Ganga. On the west are the river Kalukandawa Ela and river Kudawa Ganga. To the east of Sinharaja is an ancient footpath near Beverley Tea Estate and by the Denuwa Kanda.
6°21′-6°26’N, 80°21′-80°34’E.


Area of Sinharaja Rain Forest

The total area of the Sinharaja Forest Reserve is 18,900 acres or 7,648 hectares. It ranges in altitude from 300m to 1,170m.


Significance of Sinharaja Forest

Sinharaja Forest reserve is also home to over 50% of Sri Lanka’s endemic species of mammals and butterflies, as well as many kinds of insects, reptiles and rare amphibians.


Establishment of Sinharaja Forest Reserve

Most of the area of Sinharaha forest was originally declared a forest reserve under the Waste Lands Ordinance in 1875. In 1978, Sinharaja Rain Forest was included in the international network of biosphere reserves, established and maintained as part of UNESCO’s Man and the Biosphere (MAB) program. In October 1988, this reserve, together with a northeastern extension of it, was declared Sri Lanka’s first National Wilderness Heritage Area. In December 1988, the Sinharaja Biosphere Reserve became Sri Lanka’s first natural site to be added to UNESCO World Heritage list.
Climate of Sinharaja Rain Forest

Meteorological records gathered from in and around Sinharaja over the last 60 years reveal the annual rainfall of Sinharaja Forest has ranged between 3614mm to 5006mm and temperatures from 19°C to 34°C. The high rainfall is owing to two monsoons: south-west monsoons during May-July and the north-east monsoons during November-January.


Physical features

Sinharaja Rain Forest is a narrow strip of undulating terrain consists of a series of ridges and valleys drained by an intricate network of streams, which flow into the Gin Ganga on the southern boundary and Kalu Ganga, via the Napola Dola, Koskulana Ganga and Kudawa Ganga, on the northern boundary.
Nature trails of Sinharaja Rain Forest

The two main nature trails of Sinharaja Rain Forest are those lead to the peak of Moulawella and the peak of Sinhagala. Both of these nature trails begins at Kudawa Conservation Centre (KCC) are equally enjoyable and enlightening. The forest is densly crowded with tall trees growing in close proximity, but winding trails make the trekking. Small streams of crystal-clear cool water, that is home to a variety of fish, toads and crabs, crisscross the trails. And the mixed species of birds are seen in the canopy of woods.

Nature trails of Sinharaja Rain Forest

The two main nature trails of Sinharaja Rain Forest are those lead to the peak of Moulawella and the peak of Sinhagala. Both of these nature trails begins at Kudawa Conservation Centre (KCC) are equally enjoyable and enlightening. The forest is densly crowded with tall trees growing in close proximity, but winding trails make the trekking. Small streams of crystal-clear cool water, that is home to a variety of fish, toads and crabs, crisscross the trails. And the mixed species of birds are seen in the canopy of woods

Sinhagala Nature Trail

Trail head: Entrance to the protected area, Kudawa Conservation Centre, Weddagala, Kalawana
Trail end: Sinhagala Peak
Length of the trail: 2.4 km
Rise in elevation gain along the trail: 300m at Trail Head: 473m at Trail End
Approximate time: 5-7 hours
Hiking Season: Best months are December to April

Sinhagala Nature Trail

Mulawella Nature Trail

Trail head: Entrance to the protected area, Kudawa Conservation Centre, Weddagala, Kalawana
Trail end: Mulawella Peak
Length of the trail: 2.4 km
Rise in elevation along the trail: 457m at Trail Head to 758m at Trail End
Approximate time: 1-2 hours
Hiking Season: Best months are December to April

Birdlife in Sinharaja Rain Forest

Sinharaja Rain Forest is home to numerous indigenous birds such asthe Ceylon Hanging Parrot (Loriculus beryllinus), the Ceylon Grey Hornbill (Ocyceros gingalensis), the Ashy-headed Laughing Thrush (Garrulax cinereifrons), Layard’s parakeet (Psittacula calthripae), the Jungle fowl (Gallus lafayetii ), the Spur fowl (Galloperdix bicalcarata), the Ceylon Wood Pigeon (Columba torringtonii), the Brown- capped Babbler (Pellorneum fuscocapillum), the Red-faced Malkoha (Phaenicophaeus pyrrhocephalus) and the Ceylon Blue Magpie (Urocissa ornate) among others, are prominent in this area.

19 of Sri Lanka’s 20 species of endemic bird species in Sri Lanka are found in the Sinharaja Reserve
Among the endangered birds are Sri Lanka Wood Pigeon, Green-Billed Coucal, Sri Lankan white-headed starling, Red-faced Malkoha, Green-billed Caucal, Sri Lanka Spur fowl Sri Lankan Blue Magpie, and Ashy-headed Babbler, all of which are endemic.

Sinharaja Rain Forest

Mammals, reptiles, amphibians and butterflies

Out of 12 endemic mammal species of the country 8 are found here. Giant squirrel, dusky-stripped jungle squirrel, badger mongoose and endemic purple-faced leaf monkey and torque macaque are frequently seen.

Many threatened species of mammals, reptiles, amphibians and butterflies are found in the Reserve including the leopard. Endemism among mammals and butterflies is greater than 50%. Reptiles and amphibia include python, endemic green pit viper, endemic hump nosed lizard (Lyriocephalus scutatus) and and rough-nose horned lizard (Ceratophora aspera)

Conservation Value Sinharaja

Conservation Value Sinharaja is the last extensive primary lowland tropical rain forest in Sri Lanka. It holds a large number of endemic species of plants and animals, and a variety of plants of known benefit to man. Sinharaja Forest Reserve is the last viable remnant of Sri Lanka’s tropical lowland rain forest; over 60% of the trees are endemic and many of these are rare; and there are 21 endemic bird species, and a number of rare insects, reptiles and amphibians (IUCN Technical Evaluation).

The long-term success of conserving Sinharaja depends upon the sustainable development of its buffer and peripheral zones through a participatory approach emphasizing the involvement of local people. Construction of hotels on peripheral zones and constructions of roads over the protected areas are bound to result in irrecoverable damages to this world heritage site.





Map of Sinharaja Rain Forest

A – Kudawa Conservation Centre
B – Jeep track from Kudawa Conservation Centre to Kudawa Research Station
C – Mulawella peak
D – Kudawa Research Station
E – Gal Yen Yaya
F – Sinhagala Peak
G – Pitadenaya Conservation Centre
H – Pitadenaya Ticket Counter
I – Track from Mediripitiya to Pitadeniya Conservation Centre
J – Kohila Aramba
K – Kekuna Ella
L – Patan-oya Ella
M – Duwili Ella (Kosmulla)
N – Morningside Conservation Centre
O – Natural Pool
P – Duwili Ella (Morningside)

1 – Wathurawa-Mulawella
2 – From Kudawa Conservation Centre to Nawanda Tree
3 – From Sinhagala Trail to gal len yaya
4 – Sinhagala Trail from Kudawa
5 – Kohila Aamba Trail
6 – Kekuna Ella and Pata-oua Ella Trail
7 – Sinhagala Trail from Pitadeniya
8 – Duwili Ella Trail from Denuwakanda
9 – Duwili Ella Trail from MCC
10 – From Morningside to the natural pool
11 – Trail from Kosmulla via Duwili Ella to Siththara gal lena (cave)

Ravana Falls

Ravana Falls

In the misty mountains of tropical Sri Lanka, the wide Ravana falls gushes down a height of 82 feet falling from an oval concave rock. It takes the form of a drooping areca flower during the peak season of its water flow, but its size is reduced dramatically during the dry season. Located in the Ravana Ella Wildlife Sanctuary in Ella, this waterfall is the source of many legends and secrets.

 

The Legend

Aeons ago there was a king in India who was unable to have any children. Full of desperation he requested his priests to create a homam (sacred fire) to ask the gods for an heir. The gods blessed him and from the fire rose four little globes of light which entered the bellies of his four wives; who found themselves pregnant. They eventually gave birth to four healthy baby boys, the eldest being Rama. Rama was extremely beautiful, brave, talented and kind; for, unknown to his parents, he was the reincarnation of the Hindu God Krishna. Once he attained the right age, he married the equally beautiful and gentle princess Sits and was ordained the heir.  However, the happiness was not to last. One of the other wives the king was jealous of Rama’s success and hatched a deceitful plot with the assistance of a witch. The stepmother made the king honor a boon he granted for her assistance at a time of war. Kaikeyi asked that her own son be crowned as king, while Rama was exiled to the forest for 14 years. And so Rama, Sit a and his faithful brother Lakmanan left for the forest with nothing but the clothes they wore.
The troubles were only just beginning though. The three made a hut and lived there peacefully for an year until the evil king of Sri Lanka saw them. The king Ravana was from the cruel race Rakshasa who could use magic, and was smitten by the beauty of Sita. He used his magic to kidnap her and took her to Sri Lanka. Sits was imprisoned in a cave; until Rama used his godly powers to create an army and rescued her. So says Ramayanam the Tamil literary epic of love and war.

 

 

The Historical Connotations

Whilst the story of the Ramayana appears to be fanciful fiction; strangely enough several archeological treasures have been unearthed and locations referred to in the literary epic have been found in actuality. Based on these discoveries, some information has been established as undeniable fact.

• Ravana was a real Sri Lankan king who lived over 5000 years ago.
• The technology used by him was advanced with no equivalent in the current world.
• He was extremely powerful and much feared by his countrymen.
• He kidnapped a beautiful princess and kept her imprisoned in a cave in Sri Lanka.
• The nearby waterfall was used for her bathing purposes.
• Ravana created a beautiful garden for her entertainment filled with flowers and fruit trees.
• The key locations of the cave, garden and launch pad for his flying vehicle have been located in modern Sri Lanka.

 

 

The Cave and Archeological Evidence

The Ravana Ella cave is located at the base of a cliff not far from the waterfall. It’s believed to have been the cave where Sita was imprisoned; and is a very popular tourist attraction. Excavations in the cave have revealed evidence of human habitation dating back to over 25,000 years ago.

Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic

The Temple

The Temple of the Sacred Tooth (Sri Dalada Maligawa) was originally built by the Kandyan Kings between 1687 and 1707, in order to house and honour the sacred tooth relic. The temple itself was badly damaged during the 18th century colonial wars against the Portuguese and Dutch, and the wooden structures were subsequently rebuilt using more robust stone. In more recent years, the temple was damaged by Hindu Tamil separatists in 1998, although once again, the tooth relic was unharmed.


The temple buildings are perhaps not as magnificent or ornately decorated as many we’ve seen in South East Asia, yet they are rather striking with their red roofs and white stone walls overlooking Kandy Lake. The low walls have simple carved openings that give a filigree effect, and are used to house coconut oil lamps and candles during festivals.

It’s inside where the magic happens. In a bold contrast to the exterior, the interior temple structures are elaborately carved and painted with exotic woods, lacquer and ivory. On entering the temple complex you step into the Pallemaluwa, or the ground floor area. The chamber is intricately decorated, and it is here where the daily rituals are carried out.

Further inside is the Pattirippuwa, or Octagon, which was built by the last King of Kandy as a place where he could address his fellow countrymen. Once part of the royal palace, today this building has been incorporated into the temple and is now home to ancient texts.

Festivals

The best time to visit Kandy is during the Esala Perahera, one of the most famous Buddhist festivals in the world. Held in July or August each year, this 10 day torchlight parade began in the 18th century to honour the sacred tooth. The relic was carried by a royal male elephant, which would lead a colourful procession of drummers, fire dancers, musicians, jugglers, acrobats, dignitaries and 100 other elephants decked out in elegant finery around the city of Kandy. If you’ve ever seen photographs of elaborately decorated elephants in Sri Lanka, it will have been from the Esala Perahera!

Unfortunately the tooth itself has not been used during the festival since 1990, as a result of tensions with the Tamil Tigers and the resulting worry that the relic could be damaged or stolen. Instead, the jewelled casket is paraded in its place.

The final night of the procession ends at the shrine within the Temple of the Tooth, with elders dressed in the costumes of the Kandyan kings. The president and country leaders also take part in the ceremony to reinforce their dedication to serving the people of Sri Lanka. About a million people attend the Esala Perahera each year, and as the temple is seen as part of Sri Lanka’s cultural heritage, many Tamil Hindus and Christians also take part.

Visiting the Temple of the Tooth

Every day white robed pilgrims make the journey to the temple, bearing offerings of lotus blossoms and frangipani to honour the precious relic. The flowers are purchased from vendors beside the temple gates, and the whole complex is wonderfully scented with blossoms and incense. Visitors of other faiths as well as tourists are welcomed at the Temple of the Tooth, and it’s very easy to navigate your way around. Just follow the slow procession of devotees filing through the halls and past the relic.

You can hire a guide at the entrance, and be aware that if anyone starts chatting to you whilst you’re buying your ticket, it is likely that they will be guides. Only allow them to accompany you if you’re willing to pay for their tour afterwards! If you prefer to go it alone, take a guide book as information is scarce. However, inside one of the halls, there is a series of informative story boards (in English) telling the legend of the sacred tooth.

There are several museums to explore (entrances are included in the ticket price and many of the labels are in English), and the King’s palace is also inside the temple grounds, although this is not open to visitors.

Temple Entrance: SKR 1500 per person.
Opening hours: 05.30 – 20.00 hours

Top Tip: You will need to remove your footwear before entering the temple – shoes are stored at the entrance and handed back on departure. It’s a good idea to wear socks to avoid burning your feet (the pathways outside become very hot in the sun).

Where to stay: There are lots of accommodation options in Kandy, you can check here for prices and availability:

Embekka Devalaya

History of Embekke Devalaya
 
Embekke Devalaya is the best place in Sri Lanka to see the finest wood carving work.
Embekke Devalaya (Embekka Temple) was built by the King Wikramabahu II in 1370's. This period is belong to Gampole regime time the King Wickramabahu II was ruling Sri Lanka. According to the historical information, this temple was done by Queen Henakanda Bisobandara. The drummer from the nearby village call Rangama was also involved. Devalaya had a three story building, but that is not available now.

 
Carvings and Wood Work

Once you pass the main entrance of the Embekke Devalaya, you will find the main hall with wood carving The columns, pillar and doors are decorated with wood carvings and even the roof was done with the special design. Specialty is that they use wood for everything, without any metal parts. Nails also wooden nails. Decorations includes flowers, swans, dancers, solders and lots of mythical animals.

The carvings, which adorn the wooden pillars of the drummers' hall, as well as the "Vahalkada" (the entrance porch of the Devala, which is said to be older) are some of the best examples of Sinhalese art.

The roof itself has significant features. The rafters all slant from above towards the incoming visitor are fixed together and kept in position by a "Madol Kurupawa", a kind of a giant catch pin the like of which we do not find elsewhere.

Hanthana Mountain Range

The Hanthana mountain range in Kandy is popular among those who like to go hiking, camping, bird watching and be close to nature in any way. Local songwriters, too, have lyricised the scenic beauty and tranquility of these mountains.

Located 1240 m above sea level, the Hanthana mountain range stretches all the way from the Kandy city to the town of Galaha, 20 km south. The freshwater springs on the western end of Hanthana feed the waters of the Mahaweli river, and the tributaries of the river separate the individual hills of the range.

In total, there are seven individual peaks, the highest being Ura kanda. The peaks offer spectacular views of Kandy city, the Knuckles range, the dolosbage range of Aranayake, and the hills of the Sabaragamuwa region, too, can be spotted from the heights of these hills.

Trekking up the slopes of Hanthana

 

Aside from beautiful scenery and a breathtaking panorama from its peaks, Hanthana is a favourite travel spot for many people because it is easy to explore. It is possible to reach the foot of the mountain range via the Peradeniya-Galaha road or the Kandy-Udawela road.
The mountain range, which is most often hidden by mist, is favoured by local university students who know it better by the name adara kanda (mountain of love). Every year, university students from around the country make it a point to visit this mountain range.

The Peradeniya University itself is nestled on the lower slopes of the Hanthana mountain range, on a 1,080 acre stretch of land.

One of the best places to visit while trekking through the hills of Hanthana is the Hanthana viharaya, which dates back to the days of the Kandyan Kingdom. Located 10 km away from Kandy City, it is the temple situated on the highest elevation in Kandy.
A 500 acre plantation of pine trees belonging to the Department of Wildlife Conservation, and several forest areas close to the Ura Kanda peak, are some of the other sights which can be seen on a trip to these hills.

Hantana: A Nature lover’s paradise

 

According to Article No. 47 of the 1980 National Environmental Act, Hanthana has been named a protected nature reserve. Fishing cats, civets, wild boars, hares, monkeys, leopards, foxes, and hedgehogs are a few of the animals which have made the hills of Hantana their home. Around 120 different species of birds, too, have been found on these hills.

John Davy, a British writer who lived in Ceylon in the 19th century, mentions in An Account of the Interior of Ceylon, and of Its Inhabitants: With Travels in that Island that Hanthana was a protected forest during the era of the Kandyan Kingdom, too.

The people of Kandy were given permission to enter the area only to collect firewood and cane, which allowed for a large number of animals to live and roam freely throughout the forest.

Minneriya National Park

Minneriya National Park Sri Lanka

Minneriya national park is located 182 kms away from Colombo, in the North Central Plains of Sri Lanka. The major city closest to Minneriya National Park is Polonnaruwa. The recently renovated, the ancient Minneriya Rainwater Reservoir irrigates a considerable area of the district of Polonnaruwa and is the focal point of the Minneriya National Park. May to October is the best period to visit Minneriya National Park in view of the famous Gathering of the wild elephant herds. The gathering is documented as the largest known meeting place of Asian Elephants in the world. During the dry season of August to September each year, herds up to 300 elephants are seen within a few square kilometers of the vast Minneriya Reservoir. This Elephant Gathering is a thrilling spectacle that would be remembered for rest of the life of all those who were fortunate enough to witness it. 24 species of mammals and over 170 species of birds have been recorded here and out Of the 25 species of reptiles recorded in the park 8 are endemic.

Safari camping in Sri Lanka is an ideal way to savour the splendour of the island from one of the many spots available for such camps. The game reserves of Sri Lanka are best savoured from such a camp than trudging up and down from a hotel! You may select a tour from a wide range of tours or enjoy one tailor made just for you. Observing nature and its diversity is best done in our opinion in one such camps, whether its fauna, flora, bird watching or even interacting with the local indigenous people “Veddha’s”.

The Climate and altitude at Minneriya National Park

Minneriya National Park that covers an area of 8,889 hectares is of tropical monsoon climate: annual rainfall is about 1146mm and mean annual temperature is 27.5 centigrade. The altitude ranges from100m to 885m at the top of Nilgala peak.

 

 

Accommodation options at Minneriya National Park

 

Minneriya National Park has no accommodation facilities within its boundaries. But the cities close to Minneriya National Park– Sigiriya, Polonnaruwa, Habrana and Giritale- are clustered with luxury hotels and lodges.

 

 

Vegetation at Minneriya National Park

 

The vegetation of the park consists of tropical dry mixed evergreen forests, abandoned chena lands, grasslands and wetlands. The open grasslands and old chena lands are dominated by the many species of small shrub.
The abandoned chenas are dominated by kukuruman (Randia dumetorum), keppettia (Croton sp.) wara (Calotropis Gigantea) and grasses i.e. katu-una (Bambusa bambos), wali indi (Phonenix zeylanica), illuk (Imerata Cylindirca) and pohon (Panicum Maximum).
The phytoplankton is dominated by Microcystis and Melosira.Among the large trees are palu (Manilkara Hexandra), Satin (Chloroxylon Swietenia), milla (Vitex Altissima), Kalumediriya (Diospyros Quaesita), halmilla (Berrya Cordifolia), weera (Drypets Sepiaria).

 

 

Mammals at Minneriya National Park

 

Among the 24 species of mammals resident in the park are Elephants, Leopards, Sloth Bear, Spotted Deer, Sambar Deer, Wild Buffalo, Wild Pig, Grey Langers, Purple-faced Leaf Monkey, three species of Mongoose, Porcupine and Indian Pangolin.

 

 

Birds at Minneriya National Park

 

Minneriya National Park has recorded over 170 species of birds. From Migrating waders like Woodsand Piper, Common Sandpiper & Kentish Plovers to forest birds like Malabar-pied Hornbills, Rufus Woodpecker the globally endangered Lesser Adjutant and the endemics Sri Lanka Grey Horn-bill, Sri Lanka Green Pigeon, Brown-capped Babbler and Sri Lanka Jungle Fowl are some of the highlights.

 

 

Amphibians & Reptiles at Minneriya National Park

 

Among the nine species of Amphibians at Minneriya National Park are the endemic and endangered Slender Wood Frog and the Common Tree Frog. Of the 25 species of reptiles recorded in the park 8 are endemic including the Red-lipped Lizard. Water and Land Monitors are also seen here. The Mugger Crocodile can be seen near the tank. Many species of fresh water fish are found in the Minneriya reservoir.