Travlang Travel Guide

Travlang's Guide to International Travel

Wilpattu National Park – A Synonym Of Adventure And Excitement

Wilpattu national park is a park in Sri Lanka forming a part of the island.  The exclusive feature of the National Park is the presence of the “Willus”. The park forms the north – west shore lowland which experiences a dry season. It lies in the dry zone of the country. The

Wilpattu National Park

park is situated on the western side of the Anuradhapura at a distance of 30 km from Puttalam. The word Wipattu means “Land Of lakes”.

The park occupies the area of 131,693 hectares and ranges between 0 to 152 meters above the sea level. Initially this park was a sanctuary but later on it was converted in to a national park in 1908. The climate experienced by the national park is monsoon oriented. It rains only during the months of February and March.  Because of the amount of rainfall received here the park is full of greenery.

There are lots of plants and animal species fund in the Wilpattu national park. There are 31 species of mammals out of which the elephants are the most cherished and admired by the tourist. You can also come across various other species like the mouse, shrew and mongoose. Also you can find colorful bird species that includes eagles, owls, kites buzzards etc.

It is also the home for the different varieties of reptiles. These embrace the monitor lizard, crocodile, cobra, rat snake, turtles etc. it is the largest park of Sri Lanka that is known for the exotic animal species including the leopards, bears, pigs and many more.

Initially it was the most visited amongst all the parks but due to the deterioration it had to be closed down. Later on it was open again and then a large number of animals were brought in. Till then the number of visitors has been increasing every year. It is very mush a spectacular view to watch the animals and their activities. Visiting it is more like being apart of any festival.

Though January to May is the peak season when this national park is most visited but it can be also visited in the months of October even. There are special tours organized by the government who takes the visitors for exploring the wildlife of the Wilpattu national park.

So if you love animals and wish to see them you can definitely visit the Wilpattu national park. Therefore plan your trip and go ahead to make your trip a life long experience for you and your family.

Pigeon Island National Park – A Trip To The Pulsating Wonderland

The Pigeon Island National Park is one of the most famous parks of Sri Lanka. It is located only one kilometer from the Nilaveli coast. It has derived its name from the bird pigeon

Pigeon Island National Park

that is most abundant in this park. Also the park is known for some of the well known coral reefs. The park has a bit dry temperatures as it is situated in the dry region of Sri Lanka.

The national park is a part of the pigeon island that was established in the year 2003. Earlier it was a sanctuary. The island is divided in to two areas one is the large pigeon island and the other is the small one. The coral reefs are found in the large pigeon island. It has both the plant and the animal species. There are different types of both plant and animal species together with the huge number of both of them. It has about 100 species of coral reefs.

The other animals that are the part of the pigeon island national park are the various types of turtles and rock pigeon. The rock pigeon is one of the most attractive attributes of this park. The visitors come to watch the rock pigeon from different parts of the world.

One can enjoy both the park and the wildlife that is found here. The kids can enjoy the park as there are lots of options for them. Apart from viewing the animals you can also explore the beauty of the park. The majestic landscapes together with the green environment are the most attractive feature. One can enjoy them a lot with their children.

The national park is also a picnic spot for the vacationer. Not only the visitors but also the local people love to visit the park. It is the best place to enjoy and also have a good time together with the family. The atmosphere is cool, vibrant and pleasant. It is a very nice experience to spend your vacations in the nature’s arms. For those who love to be close to nature can feel it here. For them the national park is just the right one that they would be looking for.

One of the major aims of this park is to engage in fish collection and fishing. But now there has been a sudden dwindle in the variety of the fishes.

Therefore the pigeon island national park is the best attraction that you would always cherish and wish to visit it again and again.

Adam’s Peak – A Holistic Approach To Sri Lanka

Adam’s Peak is the earliest pilgrimage that is a sacred spot by a person of any religion. It is a conical mountain that has an elevation of 2243 meters. It is common belief of the people that Lord Buddha during his third visit to Sri Lanka left his footprints on this sacred

Adams Peak

mountain. This is the reason why the place is even known as the Sripada – which literally means the sacred footprint. The Muslims believe it to be the footprints of Adam, Christians see these footprints as the footprints of St. Thomas and the Hindus regard these footprints as the footprints of Lord Shiva.

The pilgrimage of the Adam’s Peak generally takes place in the month of April, which is the dry season for the nation. This is the time when the southeast monsoon winds just strikes the Sri Lanka. Pilgrims try to reach the holy spot before the breaking of Dawn. The reason to it is that the view of the holy peak at this part of the day is simply at its superb.

There are many ways by which you can carve your way through the Adam’s Peak. But the chief and commonly used is the route trough Hatton Town and the Ratnapura District.

The place encourages the eco – tourism of the country. The visit to this place will surely going to form some unique moments of your entire life. The aches and the pains that you will come across while climbing this sacred peak of Sri Lanka will definitely live long ion your memories! Apart from being the sacred spot of Sri Lanka this peak will offer you some beautiful natural trails of the tropical rainforest.

Adam’s Peak is well – known as the Samanalakande or the “Butterfly Mountain”. This is because the sacred peak of the nation enjoys the presence of myriads formed by the small and tiny butterflies that come from the entire island to die upon this sacred place. At some parts this sacred mountain is extremely steep and the climbing chain on this mountain is placed by the Great Alexander. Although there is not even the single evidence that may prove these chains were introduced over the mountain by him. At the top this peak is a four sided figure where there stands a Buddhist Temple and the place of pilgrimage of Saman with the strange footprints. The pilgrims make their offerings and take away the rain water from these footprints. There is a common belief that this rain water has a strong therapeutic ability.

If you go to Sri Lanka then make sure that before you return back to your home you have visited this sacred peak.

Colombo Zoo – A Meeting With Wildlife Of Sri Lanka

A visit to the Colombo Zoo will bring you in contact with the splendid wildlife of the Sri Lanka. Colombo Zoo is located in the Dehiwala, Colombo. Apart from just viewing these wild creatures you can learn a lot about them. The Zoo has a wide variety the creatures

Colombo Zoo

which are prevalent as well as unfamiliar to the nation’s wildlife. If you are lucky enough you will certainly be benefitted by the view of the sea lion show, chimpanzee and get a chance to ride an elephant. The trip of your family is surely going to be one of the most adventurous tours of their life.

This Colombian Zoo was founded in the 20th centaury and is well – known as the Dehiwala Zoo, due to its location. It is regarded as the largest and most diverse zoo in the entire continent of Asia. The Zoo occupies a volume of 24 acres and encloses flourishing vegetation and gorgeous landscapes. The Zoo serves as the hostage to a variety of birds and animals that roam freely in the entire area covered by the Zoo. Populations of over hundred mammals dwell in this Zoo.

The faunal variety of the Colombian Zoo comprises of Sri Lankan Leopard, Fishing Cats, Pygmy Hippopotamus, Sri Lankan Sloth Bear, Mouse Deer, Spider Monkey, Lions and the Gibbons. If you adore watching the birds, then over a hundred classes of birds can be marked soaring free in the sky over this region. Few variety of birds which can be traced in the area are the Sri Lankan Jungle Fowl, Mute Swans, Alexandrine Parakeet and a lot more.

If you are fond of the Reptilian species then you can explore over 35 different species of the reptiles. These include Albino Cobra, Green Pit Viper, Estuarine Crocodile and the Flap Shell Turtle. If you prefer to gaze at the attractive Butterflies then you can pay a look at over 20 varieties of the various species of the butterflies. The major attraction of the Colombian Zoo is the every day circus show by the Elephant. This show includes the dancing performance by the six Indian Elephant. The daily shows of Chimpanzees and the Sea Lion are preceded by the talks of the Human – Animal conflict.

The Colombian Zoo is an ideal place for the Environmentalists. So make a visit to this spot of Sri Lanka and be familiarized with the wildlife of the nation. Watch the animals, explore about them and at last enjoy the incredible time at the Zoo!

Yala National Park – Sri Lanka’s Eco Tourism Spot

If you are on the hunt of a tropical ecstasy on this planet then you can undoubtedly flee to Sri Lanka for a great vacation. The country serves as the home for most of the fantastic locales, beaches and the people on the planet. This is a country that enjoys the position of the best vacation spot for every tourist. The tourist attractions in the country are in a

Yala National Park

huge abundance. But the chief visited spot by the tourists is the Yala National Park. The park is a great place for all those tourists that enjoy the exquisiteness of the nature.

Yala National Park is one of the premier eco – tourist destinations present in Sri Lanka. The National Park lies in the Northeast of the Tissamaharama and 290 kms.  From Colombo The3 place lies at the distance of 290 kms on the Southeast coast of Sri Lanka. The vegetation of the park if comprised up of the semi – arid barbed scrub which is intermingled with the pockets of this secondary fairly dense woodland. Tiny lagoons of the Mangrove vegetation also mark its presence across the coastal lagoons in this wooded area.

The National Park is well – known for the variety of its natural world. The Most remarkable point Park is the presence of Elephants in this National Park. The Park has an outstanding Shoreline which is connected to the Coral Reefs. It also takes pride in the presence of the huge amount of the vital culture ruins that5 bear the evidences to the ancient civilizations. This also signifies that much of the area of the Park is colonized and is highly sensitive.

Since the Yala National Park is located in the arid – regions of Sri Lanka, the climate of the Park is generally hot and dry. The region receives its annual rainfall by the Northeast monsoon winds that blow in the area from November to January. It can also receive an unpredictable rainfall by the Inter – Monsoonal rains in March or April and in the month of September. The month of February is generally dry for the region. Other months that share this dry climate are June, starting days of September and the mid part of October. The average temperatures close to the sea level is 27 C. In the period of the dry season the temperatures of 37 C is not a matter of surprise.

So be assured that the next time when you make a visit to Sri Lanka then you do not miss a trip to this National Park.

Devon Waterfall – Pride Of Sri Lanka

The Sri Lankan atoll occupies the place in the great Indian Ocean. It is bounded by the Bay of Bengal and the Arabian Sea. The Gulf of Mannar and the Palk Strait disserves the Sri

Devon Waterfall

Lankan Island from the Indian Subcontinent. Monsoon is the integrated part of the season in the country. Sri Lanka is the perfect land for the tourists who love to explore the natural beauty. The presence of the waterfalls adds beauty to this piece of island. The series of the waterfalls is really important for the tourism of the country. The Devon’s waterfall is the most well – known waterfall of the country.

This waterfall is situated in the province of Devon. This Sri Lankan waterfall rises to an elevation of 318 feet. It is well – known for its perplexing looks. The fall comprises of the three cascades. Devon waterfall runs swiftly down the vale beneath and is quite closely located to the St. Clair’s waterfall. The area is well – defined and clear. This factor adds a gigantic look to the waterfall. On the main track’s reverse side we can take a notice of the gorgeous tea gardens and the modern tea centre. It is an utter delight to gaze at the Devon’s waterfall.

As a matter of fact this is an immense structure which is highly graceful and lavish as well. The Devon’s waterfall gets the name from a British coffee planter whose name was Devon. The best sight of this waterfall can be viewed from 20th milepost of the Talawakele – Nawalapitya Highway. A drive from the capital; of Sri Lanka – Colombo city by the route of the Avissawella will bring you to this superb sight. A visitor can also make his way to the Devon’s waterfall via Hatton – N’Eliya road.

In the year 1998, the Sri Lankan Kumar Bundala, who is well – known as Tony, had set up the record of the fall. The deficiency of the Kotagala Plantation in the area could mean that the region that surrounded the Devon’s waterfall which was comprised of the various species that dwelled on the place was adversely affected. However the environmentalists saved the place from this adverse disaster that could have ruined the beauty of the region.

The tropical wood land of the Sri Lanka is imparted a cool touch of gentleness and smoothness by these waterfalls in this country. This place serves as the highly visited spot of the nation and is hence most important for the country’s tourist department.

Make sure that the next time when you go to explore the island then you do not miss the trip to this gorgeous place.

Bundala National Park – Haven To Migrant And Resident Birds

Bundala National Park is located in the Southeastern zone of Sri Lanka. This is in a semi – arid part of the country. The National Park belongs to the Southern Province. The

Bundala National Park

Bundala National Park occupies an area of 6216 hectares. This National Park was originally recognized as a sanctuary in the year 1969. Due to the magnificent role played by the Park this was declared as the RAMSAR Wetland in 1990. The Bundala National Park serves as the wintering area to all sorts of the wandering birds.

Since the National Park is situated in the semi – arid part of the province, so the rainfall in the Park is highly seasonal. Focal cause of the rainfall in this area is the Northeast Monsoon Winds that blow over this part of the country in the period of December to February. The average annual Rainfall marked in this area is 900 – 1300 mm. Area generally experiences an elongated drought from May to October. The average twelve – monthly temperature is 27 C. The Daily Temperature of the region is 30 C and this is quite tolerable by the dwellers of the area.

The Bundala National Park serves as the home to a large population of the elephants, Quagmire and estuarine crocodiles, turtles as well as other faunal animals that include leopards. Elongated along the eastern coast of the Hambantola, the Bundala National Park is an ideal spot for the immediate enjoyment. You can travel four hours in a jeep and take a stunning view of the leopards, elephants, eight feet crocs, huge squirrels and the flamingoes. The afternoon travel to the National Park in the dry season (that extends from December to May) provides the tourists with the most suited chance of viewing the wildlife.

The Bundala National Park encloses the coast for nearly 20 km. This includes five shallow and brackish lagoons and the leeway which entirely dry up at times when the drought extends for long period. These lagoons are separated by the thick low scrubby wooded area that runs down the coastal dunes.

The most vital characteristic of the Bundala National Park is the pink flocks of the flamingoes that provide a highlighted image to the park. The sight of this pink flock is quite awkward. But in the dusk it will blow you off and force you to capture the image of this sight in your cameras. Herons, Spoonbills, Painted Storks are frequently sighted.

So if you are trying to find a place that can serve your purpose of vacation and has striking surroundings as well then this National Park is fit for you.

Bopath Falls – Complete Paradise For Its Tourists

The Bopath Falls derive its name from its shape. It is in the shape of a Bo – leaf. The source of this splendid Bopath Waterfall is the Kurugana River which later joins the Kurugaomaodara. As compared to other waterfalls in Sri Lanka this is widely crammed waterfall. The mean temperature of this region is 26.9 – 27.8 degree Celsius. The region where the Bopath Waterfall holds its existence receives a mean yearly rainfall of 5080 mm. The average velocity of the water flowing in this waterfall is nearly six cubic meters per second.

The topmost part of the Bopath Waterfall is comprised up of granite and botite virin. This section of the Waterfall is covered by sand. The water that falls from the waterfall is used up by the local people dwelling in the area to irrigate their land pieces and the paddy farms of the Udakada and the Kuruwita areas. The place around this waterfall is highly rich in its bio – diversity. The place is surrounde by the trees like Atticka, Dun, Para, Ginihota, Beduru, Orchids, huge variety of Meewana, and Makulu.

The faunal species found in this region are Wild Boar, Meemina deer and the reptiles. The water of the Bopath Waterfall serves as the home for the great variety of fishes like Bulathhapaya, Lallu, Maguru, Korali, Sonnu and eel. The Bopath Waterfall is sheer in its folklore. The Bopath Waterfalls are located in the Ratnapua District of at the Agalwatte Village.

To visit this waterfall of Sri Lanka you can take your way through road from Colombo to Ratnapura. Then Take a turn on your left along Deviphala Road. After you cover a journey of three kilometers on this track you will land up to the area close to the Bopath Waterfalls. If you have planned to stay on this piece of land for more than one day the Bopath Falls Rock Chalet is the luxurious lodge dwelling in this region is waiting for you!

The Bopath Falls Rock Chalet is elegantly designed resort. The cozy and the private rooms are quite away from the primary building of the resort. These rooms are outfitted with the air conditioners, televisions and many other comfort facilities. The private sit – area of this lodge has comfortable relaxing chairs and offers you a view of the well – maintained garden of this resort. The music produced by the water of this waterfall is quite fascinating and when this sound of water is accompanied with the chirpings of the birds it really adds beauty to the entire site.

If you plan out to go to a place that is beautiful as well as recreational then you must surely make a trip to this place.

Aurgam Bay – A Surfing Spot Like None Other

Aurgam bay is situated on the “End Point” of the Eastern Road of the East Coast Of Sri Lanka. If you are on the hunt of an isolated rural life that has the atmosphere of the forest and is a perfect adventurous place then the Aurgam Bay is all yours! The Aurgam Bay is a real spot for the surfers, wildlife devotees and the water spot freaks. The place has

Aurgam Bay

reasonable and some cheap hotels and the guesthouse. But apart from all these factors the Aurgam Bay has not yet completed its journey to become the chief tourist spots of the nation.

Aurgam Bay is one of the Top ten surf spots that hold their existence on this planet. The Aurgam Bay receives the same Arctic Winter Swell that is experienced by Indonesia in the mid part of the year. The most suited time of that year to surf on this Bay is the period between May and November. At this part of the year the leading winds is offshore for almost first half of the day.

Surfing Spots On The Aurgam Bay:

1. Aurgam Point
Due to the position of this surfing point it magnetizes many tourists towards it. If you are lucky enough to get at this point on the day when the weather us fine then the point will provide you a clean wall in the barrel of the sections and will offer you a ride of four hundred meters. Some of the local people that dwell near the area have opened few cafes that provide the visitors of the Aurgam Bay with a great vantage.

2. Potuvill Point
If the conditions are right then you can enjoy your surfing through this section of the Bay. Although this section of the Aurgam Bay is less crowded as compared to the Aurgam Point because of the half hr ride from the original point of the Bay yet it facilitates you with a memorable experience of 800 meter surfing right inside the Bay.

3. Crocodile Rock
A half hour tuk – tuk ride to the south of the Bay will leave you with a twenty minutes walk on foots. Now after this journey you will land on the Crocodile Rock Beach. This is the smallest surfing point on the Aurgam Bay. However surfing on this point of the beach will leave you with a tremendous experience which you will remember through out your life.

This beach is going to serve your purpose of surfing. The place is wonderful and a peaceful spot in Sri Lanka. So make sure that once in a life you are going to explore this spot.