Tag: sri lanka

Stilt Fishing in Southern Coast, Sri Lanka

As you explore Sri Lanka’s famed South Coast, you will come across something most intriguing; as you near the beach from afar you will notice a long stilt some way out to sea. Perched on it, rather precariously it must be added, is what looks like a human form, deftly holding on as the waves move to and fro. As you get nearer you will realise that it is indeed a person, who seems to be balancing himself on a small bar while with his hands he casts a line into the vast blue waters beyond. He is not alone in his endeavours as several feet apart are others on stilts engaged in the same practice; this fascinating sight is what is known as stilt fishing and provides a most unique insight into the livelihoods of the island’s fisher communities, not forgetting some truly stunning photo opportunities.

One thing to keep in mind when it comes to seeing stilt fishermen, Sri Lanka has certain locales where one can view this activity like Ahangama, Kathaluwa and Koggala. If you are looking to combine a coastal getaway that includes visiting areas where one can see stilt fishing then consider staying at one of the Cantaloupe Hotels on the South Coast.

A traditional and arduous means of earning a livelihood, stilt fishing does not require any sophisticated equipment. All that is needed is a stilt (called a ‘ritipanna’), a small bar on top for sitting, a fishing rod (called the ‘pitta’) and of course hours of patience and endurance. Sunrise and sunset (nearing dusk) are amongst the times of day that these fishermen climb atop their lonely perch above the waters and cast their line hoping to catch mackerel or spotted herring that can be sold. Sometimes fishermen may even let you climb up and see what it is like to be seated balancing on the small pole above the waters; keep in mind though most fishermen will expect some money for such activities.

Chandrishan Williams is a travel writer who writes under the pen name, Caleb Falcon. He specializes in writing content based on the many exciting world adventures that await intrepid travellers.

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Water Sports In Sri Lanka’s Southern Coast

Sri Lanka is one of the mind blowing islands of the Indian Ocean. All year round thousands of tourists make their way to this island paradise. Famous for its beaches, Sri Lanka is no stranger to those who prefer a good deal of fun in the waters. Beach Hotels in Sri Lanka has always been a popular choice of accommodation among most tourists who visit the country. Among them one that has gained a significant amount of fame in the recent past has been Citrus Waskaduwa. Located on the Western Coast of Sri Lanka the hotel has a set of well appointed rooms some of which offer a panoramic view of the ocean beside it as well as a spacious garden and pool for the guests.

Water sports have rose to fame in the recent past and are enjoyed by both tourists as well as locals alike. Not too far from Waskaduwa is one of the hot spots for water sports. Bentota is one of the first places along the coast to open up water sport centres. Most of the centres here utilize the river that run across the town known as the Benthara Ganga (River) as well as the sea. Activities available in the region are carried on with the guidance of trained professionals. Some of the activities include, jet skiing, wake boarding, banana boat rides, ring rides among many others. Along the river by the Bentota Bridge one can find many of these sports centres.

Going further down South in Hikkaduwa there are various other water related activities such as scuba diving, snorkelling as well as glass bottom boat rides as Hikkaduwa is a town blessed with one of the most beautiful coral reefs in the island.

A trip to the southern coast of the island would not be complete without a few of these adrenaline pumping activities.

Nigel Walters is a travel writer, who writes under the pen name, Fritzjames Stephen. His content is based on the myriad of experiences and indulgences that the world has to offer travellers across all walks of life.

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Yala National Park

The Yala National Park is the most visited wild life park in Sri Lanka. It has a variety of ecosystems, including moist monsoon forests, dry monsoon forests, semi deciduous forests, thorn forests, grasslands, fresh water and marine wetlands, sandy beaches and plenty of wild life. Safari in Yala Sri Lanka is best served, staying in Deep South beachfront hotels, like the Cantaloupe Aqua which is situated at Talpe.

Among the 44 species of mammals that reside in Yala National Park, elephants, Sri Lankan Leopards, Sri Lankan sloth bears, wild water buffalos, Toque macaques, golden palm civets, red slender Lories, and fishing cats are some of the most prominent. Yala is one of the great national parks of Asia and the best location in the world to spot Leopards in the wild. It has about 350 Sri Lankan wild elephants and the highest leopard density in the world. Yala is an important bird watching area in Sri Lanka. Among 215 bird species of the park, six are endemic to Sri Lanka like the Sri Lanka grey hornbill, Sri Lanka jungle fowl the National Bird of Sri Lanka and many migrant wetland water birds.

Among the 47 reptiles seen in Yala, the Sri Lankan krait, Sri Lankan flying snake, painted-lip lizard, fan-throated lizard are some of the endemic species. The coastal line is visited by the all five globally endangered sea turtles for laying eggs- a wondrous sight that can be seen in the night. The two crocodile species found in Sri Lanka inhabit the park, these being the mugger crocodile and the saltwater crocodile.

There are 18 amphibians species seen in Yala, while, two buffalo species are endemic to Sri Lanka; crabs and prawns are found in the lagoons with many fish species as well. A variety of butterfly species such as the common bluebottle, common lime butterfly, crimson rose, common Jezebel, and common Mormon are also found here.

Yala is closed in September each year to give the wild animals some respite from the large amount of vehicles entering the reserve. Thus it can be said that, a Yala safari during other months is a must for wildlife enthusiasts visiting Sri Lanka.

Chandrishan Williams is a travel writer who writes under the pen name, Caleb Falcon. He specializes in writing content based on the many exciting world adventures that await intrepid travellers.

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Whale Watching in Mirissa

Referred to as the pearl of the Indian Ocean due to its shape, Sri Lanka however a treasure because of the unlimited amount of resources is truly available within it. Showered with endless blessings the island is often referred to as the paradise island. The ocean around the island is a habitat for a wide variety of marine life. Whale watching in Mirissa has become a hot spot among many tourists to catch a glimpse of some of the rarest sites of these breath taking creatures of the ocean.

All around the island one could find number of beaches, however some of the very first resort destinations were born in the South. Since then the region has been famous among tourist. Abandon accommodation options are available here. A popular choice among visitors has been Cantaloupe Levels. Having a total of 9 rooms this boutique hotel offers some of the great panoramic views of the Indian Ocean. The location of the hotel is ideal to explore the towns around it such as Unawatuna , Hikkaduwa, Galle and Mirissa among others.

Mirissa in the South of the country is regarded as the paradise for Whale watching in Sri Lanka. The season for Whale watching starts in November and April. Just before and after the season given the seas are calm and warm there still maybe a chance to witness these sea giants put on a show. Some of the species of whales that can be spotted in and around the Oceans of Mirissa is Blue whale, Bryde Whale, Sperm Whales, Fin Whales and sometimes Killer Whales. On these tours one can also spot fish such as Blue Fin Tuna, Flying fish and Sea Turtles.

There are various tour operators offering various packages and there are sometimes hotel operated tours as well. The ideal time to go into the ocean would be the early hours of the morning.

Uditha Dharmawardhane is a travel writer who writes under the pen name Roland Lefevre. He specializes in creating features on leisure as well as business travel destinations across the globe.

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Whale and Dolphin Watching, Mirissa

You scan the horizon, stretching into infinity. Morning has broken and the sounds of the sea are all around. The waves lap against the hull as you push deeper into the great azure that is the Indian Ocean. Suddenly up ahead you spot movement. A huge form, primordial like, slowly breaks to the surface as you watch with bated breath. Rising above just long enough for you to witness the sheer majesty and awe-inspiring size is the unforgettable sight of a blue whale, swimming wild and free in its ocean home. Whale watching in Mirissa, Sri Lanka certainly offers an amazing journey of discovery out to sea!

Mirissa can be found along the South Coast of the country and if you are in search of beach hotels in Sri Lanka along this stretch of shoreline, then consider options such as Citrus Waskaduwa. Plan an excursion from here to Mirissa Harbour where whale and dolphin watching trips begin early morning, generally between 6.30 – 7.00 am. The best time to spot whales is from November to April, with December to March being considered the peak period for sightings.

Your voyage out to sea can last anywhere from 3 to 5 hours and while there is no guarantee of seeing these magnificent marine mammals, it is an adventure nevertheless. Not as elusive as the whale are the different varieties of dolphins that inhabit these waters. Spinner and bottlenose dolphins are the most commonly seen varieties here. However the main draw are the whales be it blue, fin or sperm whales that have been spotted in the seas around Miriisa.

Make sure you bring along some suntan lotion, sun glasses and hats or caps because though it is relatively early morning, it can get quite hot. Also carry a pair of binoculars if you have one and it goes without saying to bring a camera or camcorder with you to capture that special moment when you see your first whale. Also have some sea sickness pills just in case; the constant rocking of the boat may test ‘landlubbers!’

 

Chandrishan Williams is a travel writer who writes under the pen name, Caleb Falcon. He specializes in writing content based on the many exciting world adventures that await intrepid travellers.

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Madu River Mangrives

Located within the Galle district of the Southern province of Sri Lanka, is the beautiful coastal town of Unawatuna, a major tourist attraction notorious for its pristine, unspoiled beaches. Many believe that the paradise mentioned the epic poem Ramayana is actually Unawatuna, due to the almost identical descriptions. For anyone visiting this magnificent locale, there are a wide variety of accommodation options available given its popularity as a tourist hot spot. One of the most elite of such locales is Cantaloupe Levels, a luxurious boutique hotel.

Although the beaches are always the spotlight of Unawatuna, there are many unique and special aspects of the coastal town that are constantly overlooked. The mangroves of Madu River contain a bounty of diverse ecological treasures just waiting to be discovered. The most popular way one can do so is through a Madu River boat ride, where one can completely immerse themselves in the tranquility and suspense of the Madu River. The suspense is due to the Madu River playing refuge to certain species of crocodile amongst its diverse portfolio of fauna. The Madu River is also highly popular by bird-watchers due to the one hundred plus exotic species of feather-bound creatures that inhabit its reaches. In addition to the ecological treasures, the river safari will also bestow upon anyone embarking on it, a first-hand glimpse of the River’s historical significance, where one can explore the dozens of islet that scatter the area. Most of these are home to local communities that have inhabited the land for generations, with most of them carrying out the traditional task of cinnamon peeling. One of the islets, the one known as ‘Koth Duwa’, is the site of an ancient Buddhist temple that dates back to the Ancient kings of Sri Lanka.

So hop aboard a boat and embark on an adventure along the Madu River where nature and history await.

Chandrishan Williams is a travel writer who writes under the pen name, Caleb Falcon. He specializes in writing content based on the many exciting world adventures that await intrepid travellers. Google+

Maduganga River Safari

Madu Ganga, a coastal wetland ecosystem and estuary located at Balapitiya, is a virgin mangrove forest in Sri Lanka. The best way to experience the beauty of this is by boat. This safari takes one through cool and shady mangrove caves, secluded islands, cinnamon plantations, ancient temples and plenty more. This river safari is the one of the best things to do in Bentota while staying at the beautiful Saman Villas hotel.

The river has around 64 islands, and is also a birdwatcher’s paradise and home to exotic bird species. As cruising along the river, one passes through thick mangrove vegetation, monkeys chilling on treetops, and giant water monitors weaving through the waters. Further upstream, kraal-fishing constructions made of bamboo, used for prawn fishing is plentiful. A collection of islets is found in this region, from tiny specks housing deserted shrines, to larger ones home to over 250 families connected to the mainland by a footbridge. One can see these inhabitants engaged in traditional cottage industries like fishing and cinnamon production.

Cruising along, one can visit the cultural landmark the Kothdoowa Raja Viharya. This ancient temple is on a beautiful setting on the river, where one can feed the friendly mountain squirrels that reside on the island, receive blessing from the head priest, take a tour of the temple and discover the 130 year old Bo tree.

The boat ride stops over at a floating fish farm where one have a can an extremely unique pedicure, where, hundreds of red tilapia fish in a small square begin to nibble at the feet when dipped in to the water. This fish nibbling can be quite relaxing.

There is also an island where cinnamon products are made. A small demonstration doneby a local shows how the cinnamon bark is peeled and processed. One can buy fresh cinnamon and cinnamon oil here.

Thus a Maduganga river safari can be an exhilarating experience while visiting Bentota.

Nigel Walters is a travel writer, who writes under the pen name, Fritzjames Stephen. His content is based on the myriad of experiences and indulgences that the world has to offer travellers across all walks of life.

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Snorkelling in Mirissa Beach Sri Lanka

Are you looking for the perfect island getaway, a place where turquoise-blue seas lap a shore fringed by tall coconut trees? If your answer is ‘yes’ then Sri Lanka is the place to be! Dubbed the Pearl of the Indian Ocean, Sri Lanka is truly an island paradise. Home to 1340 kilometres of coastline, Sri Lanka’s breathtaking beaches are a favourite local hangout, and one of the reasons tourists keep coming back!

Some of Sri Lanka’s most famous beaches lie a few kilometres to the south of the country’s commercial capital of Colombo and is a comfortable half day journey away from the bustling Colombo city. The journey to Sri Lanka’s South will take you through quaint coastal towns that is home to many beachside resorts and a hardworking fishing community. Visit the famous Mirissa beach which lies in Sri Lanka’s extreme south and be blown away by its beautiful surroundings overlooked by CASA Colombo Collection Mirissa. As many a Mirissa hotel and restaurant lie away from the beach, the crescent shaped Mirissa beach can be enjoyed in complete privacy. Witness the beautiful sunrise and stroll along the beach to watch fishing boats return to shore while an afternoon can be spent surfing or sipping on refreshing king coconut while reading a book under a shady coconut tree.

Come the Whale Watching season from November-April, Mirissa comes abuzz with excitement as excited locals descend to Mirissa for the many boat rides that take them on whale watching excursions. Here visitors are treated to the sight of Blue whales, Sperm whales and Bottlenose dolphins. However if you want to escape the crowds and discover the Island’s sea life on your own, the shallow, calm waters of the eastern Mirissa beach is ideal for snorkelling. Spend an afternoon snorkelling in the cool waters off Mirissa’s coast and admire abundant sea life including Bluefin tuna and Flying fish among beautiful corals and wandering turtles. It’s this along with breathtaking sunsets and a picture-perfect coastline that make Mirissa a vital part of Sri Lanka’s serendipity story!

Uditha Dharmawardhane is a travel writer who writes under the pen name Roland Lefevre. He specializes in creating features on leisure as well as business travel destinations across the globe.

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Outdoor Activities in Waskaduwa

Located 37 Kilometres from Colombo, the wonderful beach resort town of Waskaduwa is a travellers getaway to a heavenly repose of tranquillity with its soft, golden sands. But Waskaduwa at the same time doesn’t fail to impress all those outdoor enthusiasts out there. So get ready to pump your adrenaline with Waskaduwa’s riveting outdoor activities.

Beaches are of course Waskaduwa’s crowning glory, so most of the top outdoor activities take place on these shimmering shores. Watersports such as Beach Volleyball, Water Polo, Deep Sea Fishing, Sea Safari Excursions, Diving/ PADI Certifications and Wind Surfing await to set your heart racing in Waskaduwa. But before you explore the great outdoors its essential that you first discover a great indoor accommodation to settle down in Waskaduwa, and Citrus Waskaduwa is one of the finest options you can find among beach hotels in Sri Lanka, as other than outstanding accommodation, the resort also offers outdoor activities such as beach volleyball, water aerobics and horse riding.

Venturing 15 minutes out of Waskaduwa, is Kalutara and the Kalu Ganga (Kalu River), where you can embark on an adventurous river safari. Traverse along serene Kalu River and let your eyes feast on stunning river scenes of mangrove forests that are home to exotic avian species, cheeky monkeys and humongous water monitors.

 

Shehera Fioni is a travel writer who writes under the pen name Catalina Forbes. Her content is based on many thrilling escapades offered to travellers across the world.

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The Kandy Esala Perahara

One of the most popular cities of Sri Lanka is the historic city of Kandy. Considered to be the capital of the island’s Hill Country, Kandy was the seat of the last king of Sri Lanka and is also home to the revered Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic. Known for its amazing scenery, ancient buildings & structures, and rich history and culture, the city of Kandy is a must visit destination. If you are in search of accommodation while looking for things to do in Kandy, consider staying at the luxurious Earl’s Regent Kandy which is an ideal starting point to your adventures.

One of the most famous processions held in Sri Lanka is the Kandy Esala Perahara. It is easily the grandest religious procession in the island and is rich in history, while being one of the iconic symbols of Buddhist culture in Sri Lanka. Taking place either in the month of July or August, this perahara (procession) is organized to honour and pay homage to the Sacred Tooth Relic of Lord Buddha. The perahara is elaborate and grand and is one of the best ways to experience Sri Lankan culture.

Although the Sacred Tooth Relic was in Sri Lanka for many centuries, the procession was inaugurated by King Kirthi Sri Rajasingha in the 18th Century. From this point onward, the perahara has been one of the most popular processions in the island. The procession involves the Sacred Tooth Relic of Lord Buddha being placed within a golden casket and mounted on the back of an elaborately decorated tusker that is taken in procession. The procession involves a plethora of traditional dancers, fire breathers, jugglers, musicians, and many elephants adorning elaborate decorations and colourful paraphernalia. The elephant carrying the Sacred Tooth Relic casket, however, is the highlight of the entire spectacle. Following the main procession, there are four other smaller perahara’s to honour the four guardian ‘Gods’; Vishnu, Katharagama, Natha, and Patthini.
The pageantry, grandeur and enchantment of the Kandy Esala Perahara is therefore a must witness event in Sri Lanka.

Chandrishan Williams is a travel writer who writes under the pen name, Caleb Falcon. He specializes in writing content based on the many exciting world adventures that await intrepid travellers. Google+