Discover-SriLanka

DISCOVER - SRI LANKA: PROLOGUE

IN PRAISE OF MY BEAUTIFUL ISLAND,

INFORMATION, PHOTOGRAPHS AND VIDEO.

THE 13th CENTURY VENETIAN TRAVELER MARCO POLO DESCRIBED THE ISLAND AS 'THE JADE PENDANT IN THE INDIAN OCEAN'. THE ABUNDANCE OF GEMSTONES, SPICES, RAIN FORESTS AND WILDLIFE; THE MAGNIFICENT BEACHES, ANCIENT RUINS AND A WRITTEN HISTORY OF OVER 2500 YEARS MAKE THIS ISLAND A TOURISTS' PARADISE.

THE RUINED CITIES OF ANURADHAPURA AND POLONNARUWA ILLUSTRATE THE GLORY OF THE ANCIENT KINGDOMS. THE GIGANTIC STUPAS AND BUDDHA STATUES ARE AMONG THE BIGGEST MAN MADE STRUCTURES OF THE WORLD. THE MASSIVE RESERVOIRS, BUILT BY ANCIENT KINGS TO IRRIGATE THOUSANDS OF ACRES OF LAND, ARE MARVELS OF HYDRO ENGINEERING. THERE ARE EIGHT UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITES IN SRI LANKA

THE ISLAND WAS KNOWN TO THE GREEKS AS 'TAPROBANE' AND TO THE ARABS AS 'SERENDIB'. EARLY MERCHANTS VISITED THE ISLAND IN SEARCH OF GEMSTONES AND SPICES, MAINLY CINNAMON AND PEPPER. COFFEE AND TEA PLANTATIONS WERE STARTED BY THE BRITISH COLONIAL RULERS. CEYLON TEA IS FAMOUS THE WORLD OVER.

TOURISM INDUSTRY IS A MAJOR MONEY SPINNER FOR THIS BEAUTIFUL ISLAND. THE VAST EXPANSE OF BEACHES, RAIN FORESTS AND NATIONAL PARKS WITH HERDS OF WILD ELEPHANTS, THE CENTRAL HIGHLANDS WITH LITHE WATER FALLS, BRING IN THE TOURISTS. THE ISLAND IS DOTTED WITH HUNDREDS OF HOTELS TO ACCOMMODATE THE TRAVELER. AN ISLAND OF 25,000 SQ; MILES HAS 103 RIVERS AND 25000 RESERVOIRS, MOSTLY MAN MADE. WITH VARYING CLIMATIC CONDITIONS THIS IS TRULY A 'SMALL MIRACLE'.

" THE ISLAND OF SRI LANKA IS A SMALL UNIVERSE, IT CONTAINS AS MANY VARIATIONS OF CULTURE, SCENERY AND CLIMATE AS SOME COUNTRIES A DOZEN TIMES ITS SIZE........I FIND IT HARD TO BELIEVE THAT THERE IS ANY COUNTRY WHICH SCORES SO HIGHLY IN ALL DEPARTMENTS - WHICH HAVE SO MANY ADVANTAGES AND SO FEW DISADVANTAGES. LOVELY BEACHES, BEAUTIFUL LANDSCAPES, IMPRESSIVE RUINS, A VIBRANT CULTURE AND CHARMING PEOPLE- NO WONDER SRI LANKA IS A SMALL MIRACLE ".***** Arthur C. Clark *****

14 March, 2025

Sri lanka - Blogging: Discover-Sri lanka reached 1,000,000 Views

A big 'Thank you' to all my readers!

11 March, 2025

Sri Lanka - Kid's Art [Drawings by Yunemi Sawethma, Age 8 years]

Children use art to explore their thoughts, emotions, and the world around them. It allows kids to express their feelings and ideas in a non-verbal way.

Pics by - NelPhotography

iPhone XR

28 February, 2025

Sri Lanka - Kandy at dawn

Kandy is known for its rich cultural heritage, stunning natural beauty, and historical significance. It was the last capital of the ancient kings of Sri Lanka and is located in the central part of the island, surrounded by picturesque hills. The city is famous for the Temple of the Tooth Relic (Sri Dalada Maligawa), which houses a tooth relic of the Buddha, making it a key pilgrimage site for Buddhists.

Kandy at dawn - Pics taken at 5.30 a.m.

Pics By - NelPhotography

iPhone XR

20 February, 2025

Sri Lanka - Kids can Draw [Drawings by Yunemi Sawethma, Age 8 years]

Yes, kids can absolutely draw! Drawing is a fantastic way for children to express their creativity and even boost their confidence. Depending on their age and skill level, kids might start with basic shapes and gradually move on to more complex images as they grow.

Pics by - NelPhotography

iPhone XR

22 December, 2024

Sri Lanka - Hibiscus [Family: Malvaceae]

What a vibrant and stunning hibiscus flower! With its fiery blend of red, orange, and yellow hues.

Hibiscus is a genus of flowering plants in the mallow family, Malvaceae. The genus is quite large, comprising several hundred species that are native to warm temperate, subtropical and tropical regions throughout the world.

Pics by - NelPhotography

iPhone XR

18 October, 2024

Sri Lanka - The turmeric flower (Curcuma longe)

The turmeric flower is the blossom of the turmeric plant (Curcuma longe), which belongs to the ginger family (Zingiberaceae). While turmeric is primarily known for its rhizome (the underground stem) that is used as a spice and for its medicinal properties, the plant itself produces a beautiful, ornamental flower.

Color and Shape: Turmeric flowers typically have pale green, white, or light pink bracts (modified leaves) with small yellow flowers emerging from the center. The bracts can be quite striking and colorful, adding to the plant's ornamental appeal.

Blooming Time: The flowers usually bloom during the monsoon season, as the plant thrives in warm, tropical climates with adequate moisture.

Appearance: The flowers grow on a spike that rises from the base of the plant, often above the large, broad, lance-shaped green leaves.

Cultural Uses: Although the turmeric root (rhizome) is more commonly used in cooking and traditional medicine, the flower is sometimes used for decorative purposes or as part of rituals in some cultures.

Turmeric plants are popular in home gardens, both for their culinary uses and their aesthetic appeal when in bloom.

Pics by - NelPhotography

iPhone XR

22 June, 2024

Sri Lanka - Kids' art [by Kivein]

Kids' art is a delightful and important form of expression for children, reflecting their imagination, creativity, and development.

Drawings by Kivein. Age - 8 years.

03 June, 2024

Sri Lanka - Clitoria ternatea

Clitoria ternatea, commonly known as butterfly pea, blue pea, or Asian pigeonwings, is a plant species belonging to the family Fabaceae. It is notable for its vibrant blue flowers, which have various uses in traditional medicine, culinary applications, and as a natural food coloring.

Potential Health Benefits

Antioxidant: Due to its high anthocyanin content, it may help neutralize harmful free radicals in the body.

Anti-inflammatory and Analgesic: The plant has been studied for its potential to reduce inflammation and pain.

Cognitive Function: Some studies suggest that Clitoria ternatea may enhance memory and cognitive function.

Pics by - NelPhotography

iPhone XR

15 May, 2024

Sri Lanka - The Dambulla Cave Temple

The Dambulla Cave Temple, also known as the Golden Temple of Dambulla, is a renowned Buddhist temple complex situated in the central part of Sri Lanka. It's one of the country's most impressive cultural and religious sites, holding significant historical and spiritual importance.

The temple is located atop a massive rock outcrop, offering stunning panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. What sets Dambulla apart are its cave temples, which are carved into the rock and adorned with intricate Buddhist murals and statues.

These caves date back to the 1st century BCE, with the complex being continually expanded and renovated over the centuries. Inside, you'll find over 150 Buddha statues, as well as various depictions of Buddhist deities and scenes from the life of Buddha painted on the cave walls. The ceiling of the caves is also adorned with elaborate frescoes, depicting religious motifs and narratives.

The Dambulla Cave Temple is not only a religious site but also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognized for its historical significance and architectural beauty. It's a must-visit destination for anyone interested in history, culture, and spirituality while exploring the wonders of Sri Lanka.