Kalutara

                                                               Kalutara


                      

Calido beach to be a tourist attraction

(Colombo Lankapuvath) The Government focuses on developing Kalutara district including the scenic Calido beach in to a tourist destination.
Accordingly Kalutara will also be made into a fully accommodated religious city while establishing a holiday resort and other facilities needed for tourists.

The famous Kalutara Bodhiya, "Holy Cross" Church and the Hindu Kovil stands as significant places in Kalutara.

Addressing a media briefing in Colombo on 13th July 2010, Deputy Minister of Ports and Aviation Rohitha Abeygunawardena said that the development work including construction of holiday resorts and Cafeteria’s in the area will be completed by 2011.

Meanwhile a special boat service will commence from Kalu Ganga up to Caldio beach facilitating those who visit the Kalutara Bodhiya to view the beauty of the coast as well mentioned the Minister.

  MANGOSTEEN  ,,  the Queen of tropical fruits .

                     The Mangosteens   belong to the  family  Clusiaceae . The purple Mangosteen ( Garcinia mangostana ) is a tropical evergreen tree believed to have originated in Indonesia . It is popular in Indonesia , Phillipines , Burma  , Sri Lanka and Malayasia . It is successfully grown in the slopes of the Nilgiris and Kanyakumari district of Tamil Nadu  and  Malabar ( Kerala ) . Mangosteen is known as  Mangustan ( Hindi ) and Sulambali ( Tamil  ? ) .

                     The tree grows from  7 to 25 metres ( 20 - 80 ft ) tall . Mangosteen reach fruit - bearing in as little as  5 - 6 years , but more typically require  8 to 10 years . The fruit which is green in colour turns from green to red to dark purple as it ripens .

                     The juvenile fruit does not require fertilisation to form . ( This is known as Parthanogenesis in botanical terms ) . The fruit first appears as pale green . As the fruit enlarges over the next  2 to 3 months , the rind ( exocarp ) of the fruit , which is not edible , deepens to darker green . During this period , the fruit increases in size and the rind remains hard until a final , abrupt ripening stage . The entire process takes place over a period of  10 days as the edible quality of the fruit peaks . The change of colour and softening of the rind are natural processes of ripening that indicates the fruit can be eaten and the seeds have finished developing . When ripe the fruit is as delicate and agreeably sweet .

                                                    

                                                                                purple mangosteen fruit                

                     Inside the fruit , 4 - 6 segments are found but only 1 - 2 of these contain seeds that have the size and shape of a shelled almond . The fragrant edible flesh that surrounds each seed  is the inner layer of the ovary .  The pearly white pulp is so soft and juicy that it almost melts in mouth with an indescribably sweet and pleasant flavour . The pulp is sweet and tangy , juicy and somewhat fibrous .

                                                                    the pearly white pulp of the fruit

                     Mangosteen fruit is referred to as the Queen ( sometimes as King ) of tropical fruits .....  the most delicious fruit of the tropics with universal appeal . The exquisite flavour of the fruit is likened to that of nectar and is the only fruit tn which glucose is in readily available form .

 The Rind ( exocarp ) .

                    The rind  comprises an array of polyphenols including Xanthones and tannins that assume astringency which discourages infestation by insects , fungi , plant viruses , bacteria and animal predators while the fruit is immature . The juice extracted from the inedible rind has purple colour   and astringency , derived from rind pigments , have potential amelioration effects . Some are of the view the Xanthone present could stimulate apoptosis **  in leukemic cells  in vitro .

                    Chronic consumption of mangosteen juice containing xanthones will show signs of acidosis # .

Pulp ( endocarp ) .

                     Often described as a suitable delicacy , the edible white pulp is called an  ARIL . The aril is part of the fruit which bears an exceptionally mild aroma and contains saccharose , dextrose and kerrelose ( jayaweera ) . The main volatile component having caramel , grass , and butter notes as part of the mangosteen fragrance are  hexylacetate , hexenol and a - copaene .

Uses in  medicine.

                     Various parts of the plant have use in folk medicine , mostly in S E Asia . It is reported to have possible anti - inflammatory properties , and may have been used to treat skin infections or wounds , dysentery  or urinary tract infection .

                   It is believed that the sick , when appetite or the power of eating has gone , are nevertheless delighted with the fruit . The cortex is used in treating chronic diarrhea , urethral irrigation , gonorrhea etc . The xanthone provide valuable effects on cardiovascular diseases and has powerful antioxidant properties , helps heal damaged cells , slow aging and ward off degenerating diseases and physical and mental deterioration .

                  It promotes good health . Because of the anti - inflammatory , antimicrobial , antifungal and antiseptic properties of the extracts of the rind it is used in Cosmetic industry . Made into an ointment , it is applied on eczema and other skin disorders .

                  Black dye is obtained from its shell .

                    Research is going on on the usefulness of Mangosteen for medical purposes .

Kaluthara Bodhi

- Forgotten Heritage : Symbolic Kalutara Bodhiya -

Photo from : http://www.tourism.wp.gov.lk

On top of the mount overlooking Kalu ganga, the Portuguese built a fort in the 16th century A.D. The Portuguese destroyed the Gangatillake Vihara built by King Vikkam Pandya in the 11th century when they invaded Kalutara.
After Portuguese once took possession of the site of the mount where the Gangatillake vihara stood, decreed the area out of bounds to the public. Even the present Sacred Bodhiya below by the main road was declared as a prohibited area (thahanam pradesha).

Upasaka Sendanayake The Crusade

The British in the early 19th century, transformed Kalutra into a rubber, coffee and cinnamon plantations area. With the construction of the rail-road bridges over Kalu ganga in 1877 by the British, the Kalutara Bodhiya by the main road came into limelight and motorists, devotees and others who passed it, paid homage.
A pious and dedicated Buddhist layman, Upasaka Sandanayake regularly cleared the shrub jungle around the Bodhiya. The public helped him and it became a popular place of worship.
The British Assistant Government Agent of the time, Mr. Brodhurst (an engineer himself) found the Bodhiya a real obstruction when constructing railroad bridge and ordered the tree to be axed.
Immediately Upasaka Mahatmaya Sendanayake planned a protest with posters against the cutting down of the Bodhiya.
When the 'D' day dawned for the cutting the Bodhiya. The Assistant Govt. Agent, Mr. Brodhurst arrived with his officials to the scene only to face an angry mob armed with clubs, kathties, mammoties. The Assistant Government Agent sought police aid from the Kalutara police station. The police warned them to disperse. But the protesters did not move and had to face charges of unlawful obstruction but the Bodhiya was saved from the axe.


The Kalutara Basket Centre

Kalutara is famous for its colourful, soft basketry. At the Basket Centre in the middle of the village, the local weavers tame the unyielding palm fronds, turning them into purses, coasters, hats and other items. Then unyielding and stubborn thorny Watekeiyya palm leaves are skillfully transformed into patterned mats, purses, lampshades and linen baskets. Many other wares are woven from coconut fibre.

                                

Galle

                                              The Tea Factory / Spice Garden


                               

The Handunugoda plantation & Tea centre is very popular for visitors who wish to obtain a comprehensive knowledge of the workings of Tea – Rubber & Cinnamon Plantations. Sri Lanka was famed for its spices and the Southern Province produces the best Cinnamon in the world. Visit a spice garden at Habaradoowa which grows spices and herbs used for Sri Lankan cuisine and medication.

Rumassala The ‘Beautiful Rock’

The impressive cameo note, in the Daily News Travel by Ganga Pradeepa, nudged me into musing about Rumassala and its environs. There is a strong reason for such reflection. I hail from Unawatuna, and was born and bred on the leeward side of the sheltering Rumassala.

First, let me make a brief observation about the popular etymology of the name of this village - Unawatuna. Most people tend to settle for the ready interpretation, that, Unawatuna derives from ‘Onna-wetuna’ (There, it fell).

Sama Chethiya

But, in reality, the name ‘Unawatuna’ denotes a minor harbour - ‘a cove or a small bay’. It becomes from Una-patuna (Oonapattana) - small inlet. This expression has been used to denote natural harbours, in ancient Sri Lanka (Dambakola Patuna, Yapa Patuna etc.).

For centuries, ocean going vessels, called at Galle and Unawatuna. A helpful ocean current allowed ships to drift almost effortlessly to these natural harbours of the southern coast.

Though the Portuguese Captain Laurenco de Almeida, intended to sail to the Port of Colombo, the current brought him to Galle.

Age-old lore has it, that, Tarshish - a Port referred to in the Bible, is in fact Galle. Around the cove of Unawatuna, there are traces, that speak about links with lands beyond the ocean. Even today, there is a place on the shore at Unawatuna bay, known as ‘Ja-kotuwa’ - ‘The camp of the Javanese people’.

The very name of the capital city of the Southern Province - Galle - has been whimsically interpreted in popular etymology. They try to make out that, Galla is derived from Gala which means cattle-shed. But, Galla simply means forest or grove as in such instances as Attana-galla, Tan-galla. At times Galla changes into Golla.

Strange

To return to Unawatuna - in quite a strange manner, there are several ‘falls’ associated with the area around Unawatuna.

The hillock of Rumassala figures prominently in a mythical ‘fall’. The core theme of the Indian epic Ramayana is a mythical encounter between Rama and Ravana. When Rama’s brother Lakshman was near-fatally wounded in battle, there was only scant hope about his life. The Prince’s life could be saved only if certain herbs could be fetched from the Himalayas. Speed was of high essence. Hanuman the Monkey God undertook the mission. At the site, he forgot the names of the herbs.

He broke of the chunk of one mountain, where the herbs occurred. When the chief physician extracted the essential herbs, Hanuman threw away the chunk of the mountain. It fell to the ground and came to be named Rumassala. Ru-mas-sala, could be translated as ‘Beautiful Rock’. Incidentally, its present name ‘Buona Vista’, seems an echo of the original meaning, since ‘Buona Vista’ implies, ‘Beautiful Sight’.

There is yet another ‘fall’ associated with this region. As Pradeepa indicated, in a far off age, a meteorite from outer space would have fallen in this area. Sir Arthur C. Clarke has stated that, spot in this region does not come within the magnetic field that envelops the whole earth.

Mystery

In consequence, Sir Arthur explains, that, Exhausted geo-stationary satellites end up high above this place around Unawatuna, and keep on milling round and round.

It is interesting to note in this context, that, when Arthur C. Clarke came to Sri Lanka (then Ceylon), way back in 1956, he made Unawatuna his first home. The mystery associated with the Rumassala area, may, in all probability, have intrigued him. When we were children, the elderly folk told us stores about the mystery of Unawatuna and Rumassala.

There are fruit groves in Rumassala which, only those travellers who genuinely lose their way, would come upon. Among precious herbs, in the Rumassala region, recording to folk-lore, is ‘kalu-nika’, a medical plant with life-giving properties.

Ganga Pradeepa dwells extensively on the Peace Pagoda . This sacred edifice, gives a totally new significance to ancient Rumassala, converting the whole rock into a monument for harmony and peaceful co-existence.

Rumassala

There are other places of high significance, a visitor to Rumassala should not miss.

A fascinating Buddhist Theme Park is evolving around the Elders’ Home in Rumassala.

A well-proportioned statue of the Buddha, is the predominant feature of this Park. Serene, tranquil and compassionate the

tatue of the Buddha contemplates the ocean below. The originator and the main implementer of this concept, Sarath Dias, had this sacred statue of the Buddha constructed to symbolise the miracle of whole series of Buddha statues, that mysteriously withstood.

The hideous, massive and monstrous onslaught of the Tsunami. Other images at this Buddhist Theme Park, depict the Introduction of Buddhism to Sri Lanka by Arahant Mahinda and his saintly retinue. On September 17, 2008 a statue of Anagarika Dharmapala, became part of this site.

Social worker, Buddhist activist and community leader, Sarath Dias, keeps on adding to this Buddhist Theme Park. The Arrival of Buddhist Nun Sanghamittha, bearing a sapling of the Sacred Bodhi Tree from India, will be depicted in an edifice that is currently being constructed.

History

While at Rumassala, one must make it a special point to see a very old institution of learning. The Buona vista school possesses an impressive history. Among its alumni, are Sir Oliver Goonetileka, Prof. Senarath Paranavithana and Martin Wickremasinghe.

Rumassala shelters, those under its shadow, when the Tsunami struck. But, on either side of the Fortress Rumassala, Tsunami’s effect was grievous and disastrous.

Rumassala is undergoing a process of fast urbanising, roads, residential places, restaurants are being continuously built.

When we were children, we sat on the comely beaches and had literary debates and recited poetry. Rumassala was then a place of mystery, and had been inhabited only peripherally. But, with all the modernisation, a streak of mystery still remains.

On a visit there, if you momentarily stepped beyond the beaten track and walked among the trees and bushes that still stand, you may even come upon the miraculous Kalu Nika - the life giver.

Hiyare Reservoir Rainforest

One of the most beautiful stretches of rainforest in Sri Lanka is the rainforest bordering the Hiyare Reservoir, about 18 km (approximately half an hour’s drive) from Galle. Visitors to the Hiyare Biodiversity and Education Center have a rare opportunity to see two Hog Deer. This extremely wary and nocturnal deer is rarely seen in the wild by naturalists. Its is confined to western seaboard. W. W. A. Phillips in his Manual of the Mammals of Ceylon published in 1935 gave its distribution as being from a few kilometers North of Kalutara to Kottawa in Galle. It is found in a band which ranges from 10 to 30 kilometers inland. The Hog Deer is believed to spend the day in forested patches and come out at night to feed in swamps, paddy fields, etc. Its hooves are specially modified to spread out slightly when it walks, to distribute its weight on swampy ground. Hog Deer are free living in the wild in Sri Lanka, and are considered by many authors to be a native species, despite a curiously disjunct distribution in South Asia. W. W. A. Phillips writing in the first edition of Manual of the Mammals of Ceylon commented of a traditional belief that it was introduced by the Dutch or the Portuguese. However this comment was removed from the 1980 revised edition. The nominate species is found in tall grasslands and swamp forest in Northern India from Uttaranachal to Assam, Mizoram and Manipur. It is possible that DNA analysis may shed some clues as to the origin of the sub-species of Hog Deer in Sri Lanka.
The Hiyare Rainforest as it is popularly referred to, is an extension of the Kottawa Khombala Forest Reserve. This stretch of rainforest is scenically situated around the Hiyare Reservoir. The reservoir and the land surrounding it is administered by the Galle Municipal Council, whereas the much larger forest reserve is administered by the Forest Department. The reservoir ceased to supply water to the town of Galle in 2002 and in 2003 the Galle Municipal Council opened it to the public. It has also encouraged and facilitated the Wildlife Conservation Society of Galle (WCSG) which runs a field center there. The WCSG engages in education, conservation and research. The initiative by the Galle Municipal Council is a benchmark for other local authorities to engage with the public and to support conservation and education.
Thanks to the Galle Municipal Council’s Hiyare Reservoir Rainforest and the Forest Department’s Kottawa Rainforest and Arboretum, residents and visitors to Galle have superb and easy access to rainforests. Galle is the rainforest capital of Sri Lanka and is the richest of Sri Lanka’s districts in bio-diversity. In the first week of October I travelled to the Lighthouse Hotel in Galle to join Sharmini Serasinghe who is producing and presenting Discover Sri Lanka, a new travel series for Rupavahini. Together with Lighthouse Hotel Naturalist Anoma Algaiyawadu, I was to assist her in showcasing Galle as the Rainforest Capital of Sri Lanka. On my way South, I travelled through stretches of the A2, where I had swamps on my left right. The swamps reminded me that I had not yet seen a Hog Deer and I thought my only chance lay in an injured specimen been taken captive for treatment. A few days later, with Sharmini and her Rupavahini crew, I arrived at the education center of the Wildlife Conservation Society of Galle in Hiyare to film the rainforest. Imagine my surprise and delight when Sameera Akmemana and Sampath Gunasinghe of the society pointed out two Hog Deer under its care. The Ruapavahini crew also filmed some of freshwater fish such as the Striped Rasbora and the endemic Sinhala Barb. The latter is easily seen in the reservoir. The word Hiyare originates from an expression which means a hundred streams. Over thirty species of freshwater fish have been recorded by the Wildlife Conservation Society in the rainforest streams of which several are endemic.
An enclosure presently has an injured Hog Deer fawn which has had the end of one of its feet bitten off by dogs. An un-related adult female has also been brought in. The female has bonded with the fawn. The female had been kept as a pet and it cannot therefore be released as it is trusting towards people and may be hunted. According to Sameera Akmemana and Sampath Gunasinghe of the Wildlife Conservation Society of Galle, these two Hog Deer take the number of Hog Deer brought to the center to a total of eight. For photographers and naturalists, this is a superb opportunity to view and photograph Hog Deer.
To enter the Hiyare Reservoir Rainforest, and the Kottawa Rainforest and Arboretum, a nominal fee is levied for tickets. To get to Hiyare, from Galle, take the Udugama Road (B 129). A hundred meters past the 9 km post of the B 129, take the road to the right. 4.4 km later you come to a big bridge, take the dirt track immediately to your left which leads to the Hiyare Reservoir, a hundred meters away.
For the Kottawa Rainforest and Arboretum, continue along the B 129. Just past the km. 13 post on the B 129, on the right, is the Kottawa Information Center. Buy your entrance tickets here. Further along the road before the 14 km post are gates to the left and a large yellow sign board "Kottawa Arboretum Wet Evergreen Forest Kottawa Khombala". Enter the forest from here. Follow the wide trail that runs parallel to the road until it rejoins it about a km away.

Galle

                                               Turtle hatchery

                                          

On the fringes of Koggala town is a small turtle hatchery that first opened in 1996. In an effort to promote responsible tourism and conservation, the hatchery buys turtle eggs off fishermen, in an attempt to discourage them from poaching & selling the eggs for food. Visitors are educated on the importance of protecting turtle life, via the hatchery’s facilities that care for newborn turtles until they are ready to be released back into the ocean, an experience that some lucky visitors may even have the opportunity to do themselves first-hand. The wide sandy beaches that exist round the island of Sri Lanka are utilized by several of the marine turtles for laying their eggs. The commonest of these are the Loggerheads and the Leathery turtle while the green turtle is less common.

There are five varieties of Sea Turtles found in Sri Lanka, namely Olive Ridley Turtle, Loggerhead Turtle, Green Turtle,Hawksbill Turtle and Leatherhead Turtle. The all major nesting habitats are located in the Galle District (Bentota, Induruwa, Kosgoda, Thibbattawa, Ahungalle, Balapitiya and Unawatuna) and Hambantota District (Rekawa, Wellodaya, Kahanda modara, Walawemodara and Yala).

Ahangama & Midigama

 It is a well known fact that Sri Lanka contains some of the best beaches in the world and therefore it is no surprise that is also has one of the best surfs in the world. Ahangama and Midigama is no exception. It is often called the surfers paradise as it has a very powerful left break which surfers yearn for. In Ahangama all you need to do is head straight out from the Kabalana Beach Hotel to find the break and in Midigama you can find breaks near the 139km marker. The entire area is a haven for surfers as it offers the cheapest deals in food and accommodation.  Also another advantage is that the breaks are never crowded so you can get some solid surfing done.

Ahangama and Midigama are significant in the surfing world because of the breaks. The best surfing spot is found right in between Ahangama and Midigama.  The spot which is south from Galle is called “the rock” as the peak is right in front of a huge rock which sticks out from the sea. The break has a long left and a steep short right. It is known to break up to 7 feet and the incoming tide provides the very best for surfing. The better known area is Midigama as there are many cheap offers as well as noteworthy breaks. This area is good for beginners and it is possible to go long boarding as well. The morning offshore wind gives out a few barrels.

Early in the morning and late evening it is possible to see some stilt fisherman in Ahangama a practice unique to most Sri Lankan coastal villages. Ahangama and Midigama are known to be much laid back and the perfect place to relax. Besides the sun, sea and surf there is very little that can be done or can be seen in these areas.  There is a small turtle hatchery nearby where one can see baby turtle being released back in to the ocean.  These relaxing coastal villages are the perfect places if one wants to catch the best waves in the area or relax and soak up some sun.

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Ahangama & Midigama

Ahangama & Midigama

Ahangama & Midigama

Ahangama & Midigama

Galle - Koggala Lake

                                                  Koggala Lake

                                                         

                                        

The largest lake in the island, Koggala lake is an unspoilt ecological haven a few hundred meters away from the resort. The small islands scattered in the lake ideal for bird watching at sunset. This beautiful turquoise lagoon is just a couple of kilometers away from the town; dotted with rocky islands & fringed with mangroves. The lagoon teems with birdlife & supply prawns in abundance. Motor boat trips & catamaran rides take you to the smaller islands around the lagoon, each showcasing a unique experience in itself.

Dutch Reformed Church Of Galle

Galle Church — Burial Chambers And Vaults

The Dutch Reformed Church, with gables on the eastern and western walls, but no tower, was completed in 1755. It is similar in style to the ones in Negapatnam and Cochin in India, even including the walls. It is built on the site of an earlier Portuguese convent. Around the church and within the walls is a small graveyard.

The church: Groote Kerk, surrounded by a small cemetery with old gravestones. It has two entrances. One in the front, visible on the left, the other on the right hand side.

It was to such a Chamber that the body of Gerard Hulft , the Dutch Commander who was killed during the siege of Colombo, was kept. For it is on record that, "the body of General Hulft was received in Galle three days after his untimely death .... and placed within a masonry catalogue in De Groot Kerk for one year. Thereafter, it was lowered into a grave on the right of the pulpit within the Church — the General’s arms and spurs being hung on the wall, over the grave. The following year, 1658, the Dutch conquest of coastal Ceylon being complete, the body of Hulft was removed to the State Dutch Church, within the Colombo Fort, where it was placed in a tomb".
Today the Burial Chambers -there being two adjacent to each other- in the north garden of the Galle Church can be seen and entered. With funds and expertise provided by the Netherlands Government, the Chambers as well as the interior of the Church have been repaired and restored.
The present day visitor may enter down a flight of steps and see the lime-stone arches of the Chambers. Still very damp and sweating.
As to any subsequent discovery, R. L. Brohier alludes also to a two-chambered vault underneath the Church floor. One of these he says was opened in 1908 — but little is of the other. The manuscript of his book, "Links between Sri Lanka and The Netherlands" — a book of Dutch Ceylon, was completed sometime in the mid - 1970’s. So the entry we’ include from his publication as above — is relevant. The Chamber discovered when the garden caved in , was not accurately identified by him at the time.
There is also a vault that can be identified underneath the western end of the nave of the Church, and within it. We have it on record that this vault was last opened in 1925. An account has been included in the publication Links Between Sri Lanka and The Netherlands. The account as given is by R. G. Anthonisz, the first Government Archivist and Librarian appointed by the British Colonial administration.
During the repairs effected to the Church, in 1925 the Church was without a roof. The heavy rains made the flooring sink in certain places. There was then the fear that one of the vaults which were believed to be under the floor beneath the Church floor had collapsed. R. G. Anthonisz was consulted in regard to the opening of the vault

Interior of the Galle church. To the left, on the wall, is a peculiar mural tablet bearing the coat of arms of Abraham Samlant, a well-known Commandeur of Galle in the 18th century. @ Photo: Krane

Then according to the directions received from the Government the vault was re-opened in 1925. R. L. Brohier describes in his book of Dutch Ceylon that when the vault was opened it was found to have been in good preservation — though much smaller than expected, a mere 6 by 9 by 5 1/2 feet. The remains of the last coffin was there, the lid covering the bones. On a side there were fragments of other old bones and bits of coffins scattered around. An account giving the history of the vault and the reason for opening it were bottled and the vault closed.
This is interesting history and those who care can see the Chambers in the north garden and go round the beautiful Church after its re-dedication at the end of October‘ 2004. A Service will be held by the Dutch Reformed Church of Ceylon attended by high dignitaries of State in the country.

Galle Cultural Museum  Within the Fort of Galle in a Dutch Colonial building in Church Street is the Cultural Museum adjoining the New Oriental Hotel. The artifacts reflect the art and culture of the Southern Province. The National Maritime Museum, Galle  Located within the Fort of Galle in a colonial Dutch ware-house with imposing pillars, this museum displays the fauna & flora of the sea. Artifacts consist of preserved material and scaled down models of whales and fishes. Generally, all the resources of the sea are displayed in this Museum. It also shows in diorama form with life sized models, the traditional methods of fishing. Some artifacts of underwater archaeology are also on display. An interesting experiment is the 'walk-into-the sea' diorama, showing the natural coral beds, sea grass beds and deep sea fishes. Finally, one leaves the museum seeing the causes of sea pollution, coast erosion and methods used to combat these problems.                 On display     Galle Museum

                  Galle

Unawatuna Beach

Unawatuna is a coastal village in Galle district of Sri Lanka. Unawatuna is a major tourist attraction and famous for its beautiful beach and corals.

Kanneliya Rain Forest – the bio-diversity hotspot

Kanneliya Forest Reserve located in the Galle district is the largest of the KDN, or Kanneliya-Dediyagala-Nakiyadeniya, forest complex. Kanneliya is regarded as one of the most biologically diverse areas in the country (as well as in the world). The bio-diversity of Kanneliya is considered richer, even compared to the world heritage rain forest “sinharaja”.Most of Kanneliya today is a forest that had recovered from selective logging that had happened in1970s.  The water flows in the forest are now recovering with a numerous numbers of streams adding life to the diverse vegetation and some what hilly landscape. These streams create several beautiful cascades in side the forest. They also provide ideal opportunities for nice cool dip in some of the purest streams in the whole world!

Getting There

Public access to Kanneliya is allowed through the forest department managed conservation center located close to Galle-Udugama-Neliwa road at Koralegama, Panangala.

Access By Road

Route1: Colombo -> Kalutara (Katukurunda) [45km on A2] -> Nagoda [3km on B008] -> Mathugama [5km on B308 & 11km on B8] -> Horawala [5km on B3] -> Moragala [7km] -> Palewatta [8km on B3] -> Pitigala [10km on B3] -> Udugama [24km via Mapalagama] -> Panangala [6km on B156] ->Koralegama -> Kanneliya Conservation Centre [2km](approximately 125km)

Route2: Colombo -> Galle [120km on A2] ->Udugama [40km] ->Panangala [6km on B156] ->Koralegama -> Kanneliya Conservation Centre [2km](approximately 165km)

Route3: Colombo -> Kalutara (Katukurunda) [45km on A2] -> Nagoda [3km on B008] -> Mathugama [5km on B308 & 11km on B8] -> Horawala [5km on B3] -> Moragala [7km] -> Palewatta [8km on B3] -> Neluwa [30km] -> Thawalama[5km] -> Panangala [12km on B156] -> Koralegama -> Kanneliya Conservation Centre [2km](approximately 135km)

Public Transport in only up to Panangala.

Weather and Season

December to February	Lower chance of rain. Streams generally rich after rain. Good time to visit Kanneliya for waterfalls.
March to April	Less chance of rain. But water levels would also be less. Good time to visit Kanneliya for Hiking
May to July	Higher changce of rain. Time your visit after high monsoon activity to see waterfalls in full flow
August, September	Can be quite dry. Good for hiking but water levels will be low.
October, November	Higher changce of rain. Time your visit after high monsoon activity to see waterfalls in full flow

Attractions and activities

1. Hiking: There are two main trails that takes you deep in to the forest. Kabbale mountain trail takes you up to a summit point from where you can enjoy the panoramic view of the surrounding. Trail to Narangas Ella goes deep in to the forest passing several points of interest such as the Giant Navada tree.
2. Natural Bath: Streams flowing through Kanneiya offers many opportunities to take a dip in clean, cool waters. Popular natural pools include the pool in front of theKanneliya conservation center, the pool behind the conservation center and a natural pool behind the Kanneliya Forest resort.

Accommodation Options

The best option would be to stay at the forest department dormitory right at the entrance to the forest. also there are few private eco-lodges close to Kanneliya.

Because of its proximity to Galle, you can stay in Galle and drive to Kanneliya. It takes less than an hour form Galle to reach there.

Notes, Tips and Special Remarks

1. A forest department guide will always accompany you on your hikes.
2. Take only pictures, leave only foot prints
3. Water levels in the waterfalls will significantly go down during dry months. Therefore if you want to see them in full flow, time your visit just after rainy season
4. When it rains, some of the trails get infected with Leeches. Make sure that you are prepared. 

Image Gallery
Panoramic view from the Kabbale hill. Trail to Kabbale is not too tough, and will let you enjoy the beauty of this forest first hand.
After a rain in the forest in the afternoon, the sun breaks in, crating a magical feeling. Not only when light filters through the wet trees, it is also interesting to see it lighting up the fallen leaves on the ground too.
Two, easy to reach attractions in the forest. The Anagimale falls is the easiest to reach. Just 2km from the gate on a broad trail, makes it very accessible.  Just 200m more on the main trail  from the Anagimale falls, lies the giant creeper.
The forest canopy is as beautiful and diverse as what lies below. Different shades of green decorate the canopy which will look stunning when sun shines after a light rain in the rain forest
The Beautiful Cascades of Anagimale falls. The streams have lost most of their water retaining capabilities due to de-forestation in 1970′s an therefore the true beauty of these waterfalls are rarely seen today. Situation is improving with the recovery of the forest but it is a living example to show how difficult it is to restore the delicate balance of nature once disturbed.
I have met people who complain that the places like “Kanneliya” are “boring” and “Nothing much to see”. Well the truth is that there are a plenty of wonders to see but we simply ignore them in a hurry.After a good walk in Kanneliya, I would be really surprised if some one haven’t seen a few creatures like the vine snake pictured here and a plenty of beautiful formations of nature such as this “fern on the boulder”
Two other attractions of Kanneliya. You need to venture little deeper in to the forest to see the Narangas Ella. THe giant Navada tree is located at a short detour from the same trail.
Water is synonymous with life. To the forest, streams add movement and create a sense of life. Water flowing in these streams are possibly the purest in the world with no contact with humans until they leave the forest.
The Gentle Flow: A closer look at the gentle flow of a stream. While the attempt to capture the rhythm of the flow has paid off,  the feeling will never be complete without the  charming sound the water makes when it sneaks through the boulders.
The forest department dormitory at Kanneliya – This is the best accommodation option, both economy wise as well as location wise

                                                                                         Unawatuna Beach

Unawatuna Beach

Unawatuna is a coastal village in Galle district of Sri Lanka. Unawatuna is a major tourist attraction and famous for its beautiful beach and corals.

Eco-Tourism

Unawatuna Beach at Dawn

Unawatuna is rich in its biodiversity. Unfortunately, its greatest potential attraction for eco-tourism was the marsh land or mangrove called Kadolana which was partially destroyed, dredged and filled up to build a chain hotel which never got off the ground. Many locals believe it to have been cursed for being built at the doorstep of the Wella Devalaya.

Over sixty species of endemic birds, including Terns, Egrets, Herons, Sandpipers, Kingfishers, as well as rarer species such as the Lesser Whistling Duck, the Asian Palm Swift, the White Breasted Waterhen, the Turnstone Loten's Sunbird, and the Black Bittern have been sighted in the locality by the ornithologist, Clive Byers. These birds are mostly sighted in the remaining marshy area and Rumassala Hillock.

Off the coast of Unawatuna, beneath the Indian Ocean lies a number of coral reefs, shipwrecks, and a great variety of fish and turtles. The turtles still wade onto the shore to lay their nests and eggs, and at times, as if to lay first claim to the sandy shore now invaded by the tourists and dotted by restaurateurs, even go right into the beach front restaurants .

The Rumassala coral reefs at the east end of the Galle Harbor attract divers, but are now endangered due to possible port development. Eco treks in the shrub jungles of Rumassala are also available.

Dagaba

Dagoba in Unawatuna

In later years a Buduge, or House of Buddha, and the Swethamalee Chaitiya, or Dagaba, was built on the hillock abutting the Devalaya, or House of Gods. Thousands of pilgrims throng to this place of worship every month of Esala to offer poojas. This festival is a new rice offering so most cultivators bring a share of their crop and pray for timely rain and plentiful harvest. Some others save a fistful of rice from their daily meal and offer that rice, still others would purchase a few measures or even full gunnies of rice along with coconuts to offer.

This rice is pounded and mixed with coconut milk and treacle and made into a porridge which is then offered to the deities at the devalaya and given as alms to thousands of devotees who will trek to the devalaya for this alms giving or Maha Deva Dana or Kiri Dana. Fisher folk save and offer part of their earnings called "Goda kotasa" seeking protection on their forays into the ocean.