Sinharaja Forest Reserve
The Peak Wilderness Sanctuary and the Polonnaruwa Archaeological Reserve Area are some best areas for bird-life.
Around mid-August, the some Birds who live through winter migrating with large numbers to this island . Bundala, are especially famous for migrating flocks of flamingos. In the forested areas, migratory tree warblers, thrushes and cuckoos can be found. Reservoirs in the dry zone attract numerous types of ducks, whilst large water birds. |
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Fruits & Spices
Sri Lanka has a year round abundance of fresh fruits - Pineapple, papaya, banana and mango are plentiful throughout the year. Between the months of July and October, mangoosteen, passion fruit, avocado, pear, durian, rambuttan and oranges are also available. For centuries spices have been one of Sri Lanka's most celebrated exports, among them cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, cardamom, pepper, etc.
Beaches of Sri Lanka
About 58 km south of Colombo, Beruwala is the site of the oldest Moor settlement on the island (1024 AD) and the town even today retains a somewhat Arabic character. This is the beginning of a 130 km stretch of beach where resort development has taken immense strides in the past few years. There are several good beach resorts, built almost next to each other along the coast with beautiful tropical gardens and in such a way so as not to disturb the landscape. The bay offers good bathing possibilities the year round.
About 37 km north of the capital and only 6 km from the International airport, Negombo, is more fascinating and picturesque in its history and everyday life than as a beach front. The town has several buildings dating back to the Dutch and Portuguese colonial days. The Negombo lagoon is famous for its harvest of lobsters, crabs and prawns and fish auctions on the beach are worth a look. Old world fishing crafts such as the outrigger canoe and the catamaran are still used to bring in seer, skip jack and herrings. The gourmet can enjoy seafood in plenty.
The most popular beach area, Hikkaduwa has a varied choice of beach and sea. Quite famous for its 'coral sanctuary', a shallow area enclosed by a reef is full of multi coloured corals, and colourful tropical fish. A short distance southwards, as the reef fades out, there is a wider beach with good waves for board or body surfing. Glass bottomed boats; masks, snorkels and flippers can all be hired here. Enjoy the underwater delights but we urge you not to be tempted into buying or encouraging the sale of coral.
The island is blessed with 103 rivers and rushing down rocky precipices forming a number of roaring waterfalls of various shapes and heights, all ending up loosing the momentum at the Indian Ocean. Only a few of Sri Lanka's waterfalls can be viewed with ease, where as the others can only be seen by penetrating thick forests and tea plantations.
Bambarakanda is he tallest water fall in Sri Lanka. It is four miles away from the Colombo-Bandarawela road.
St. Claire is the widest waterfall. close to the main road from Avissawella - NuwaraEliya and also canbe seen from the Main Line rail track close to Talawakelle. The Baker's Falls in the Horton Plains gets its water from the Belihul Oya. It is close to World's End.
