'Surathalee' waterfall, Badulla Highway, Sri Lanka.

Video:-
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EbztH4a89NU

The 'Surathalee' (meaning a female beloved in Sinhalese) waterfall is close to the Colombo Badulla highway past Belihul Oya. It is not visible from the roadway but one can hear its roar. It is a short walk along a wide footpath to see it in all is beauty. Try to identify the couple bathing in the middle picture.

Waterfall at 147/10 bridge on the Colombo - Badulla highway, Sri Lanka.

The bridge on the roadway seen from the site of the waterfall.

The waterfall

This waterfall is visible from the roadway but is partially covered with foliage. You have to walk about 50 yards over a slippery path to see it in all is glory.

Video:-
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DClJQu9iSFs

'Belihuloya' the stream crossing the Colombo to Badulla highway, Sri Lanka.

Video:-
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BXOTgHMavRU

The granite stones and boulders made smooth by the flow of water over centuries are seen clearly on these photos.

Rest House, Belihul Oya, Sri Lanka.

The entrance

'Rooftops'

The Belihul Oya - stream flowing by producing a 'white noise' which is calming.

The cafeteria overlooking the stream.

Situated by the side of the Colombo to Badulla Highway, past Balangoda, this Rest House was famous for its amenities from the 1920s. It borders the river and has an idyllic air. Bird life is aplenty and there is a section called 'Rooftops' for the bird fancier. The cuisine is good.

Elephant being washed at Karawanella, Sri Lanka.

Elephant being bathed by its Mahout on the Kelany Ganga at Karawanella, Sri Lanka.
Video:-
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tViCSo6ys_g

'Bopath Ella', Kuruwita, Sri Lanka.

Shaped like the leaf from a 'Bo tree' - Ficus reliogosa - this waterfall draws numerous visitors year round. Its upper reaches can be very slippery and have caused many fatalities.

Video:-
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3U04to8fv-U

Kelany Valley train, Avissawella, Sri Lanka.

Video:-
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2HKjbewFEJY

The narrow gauge train called the 'Kelany Valley Line' ran from Colombo to Opanayake. With time it was curtailed to Rathnapura and later to Avissawella only. The line was slow and running at a loss unlike the early days of absence of good road transport. The narrow gauge was converted to the standard broad gauge and now runs at a profit. There is a lot of talk about straightening the curves and making it run faster. At present one gets a good shake while travelling in it. The old label on bottles of medicine - 'To be shaken before you are taken' - holds true on this journey.