Tea-pluckers, Haputhale, Sri Lanka.

Tea bushes growing on the slopes of the Haputhale valley.

The plucked bud and leaves.

Weighing the plucked leaves.

Going to another plucking field.

They formed the back-bone to the economy of Sri Lanka. They made the free health and education possible for this country. They work hard on these hills and valleys braving the cold and rain. We as Sri Lankans owe a lot to them.

Video:-
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7k_EP2NUtAQ

'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