Saturday, May 26, 2012

Hakgala Botanical Gardens, Nuwara Eliya, Sri Lanka.

Entrance to the Hakgala Gardens.
Roadside view of the gardens

Another roadside view.

Parking area.
Video:-
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VxkFED3SXcw

We DID NOT enter the Hakgala Gardens as the entry fee for non Sri Lankan Identity Card holders was Rs.1100/- each. A Sri Lankan bystander told us to see the Nuwara Eliya Gardens where the show was better and cheaper - Rs.300/- for foreigners. No ID card was needed to prove that you were a Sri Lankan.

Thursday, May 24, 2012

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

Wednesday, May 23, 2012

'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.

Tuesday, May 22, 2012

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

Sunday, May 20, 2012

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.