Discover-SriLanka: Sri Lanka

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 *****

Showing posts with label Sri Lanka. Show all posts

15 April, 2024

Sri Lanka - Mongoose[family Herpestidae]

Mongoose is a fascinating creature! It's a small carnivorous mammal belonging to the family Herpestidae, native to Africa, Asia, and southern Europe. They have long bodies, short legs, and a bushy tail. One of the most interesting things about mongooses is their ability to fight venomous snakes, including cobras. They're known for their agility and quick reflexes, which help them to avoid snake bites. Some species of mongoose have even developed a resistance to snake venom. Additionally, mongooses are highly social animals, often living in groups called "packs" or "businesses."

Video by - NelPhotography

iPhone Xr

27 February, 2024

Sri Lanka - Kothmale

Kothmale is a region in Sri Lanka, located in the Central Province. It is known for its picturesque landscapes, lush greenery, and tea plantations. The Kothmale Dam, which was completed in 1995, is a notable landmark in the area. The dam serves multiple purposes including hydroelectric power generation, irrigation, and flood control. The reservoir created by the dam is also a scenic attraction and supports various recreational activities such as fishing and boating. Additionally, Kothmale is renowned for its biodiversity and is home to diverse flora and fauna.

Video by - NelPhotography

iPhone xr

06 December, 2023

Sri Lanka - Caterpillar

"Caterpillar" refers to the larval stage of an insect belonging to the order Lepidoptera, which includes butterflies and moths. Caterpillars are known for their distinctive appearance, typically characterized by a segmented body, multiple legs, and often, the presence of hairs or spines. During this stage, caterpillars are voracious feeders, consuming plant material to fuel their rapid growth.

The caterpillar undergoes a remarkable transformation called metamorphosis, transitioning into a pupa (chrysalis in butterflies) and eventually emerging as an adult butterfly or moth. This process involves significant changes in body structure, physiology, and behavior.

Pics & Video by - NelPhotography

Samsung Galaxy S10

24 November, 2023

Sri Lanka - Orb-weaving spiders

Orb-weaving spiders are a diverse group of arachnids known for building intricate, circular webs. These spiders belong to the family Araneidae and are found all over the world. The web typically has a circular shape, and the spider sits at the center or near it, waiting for prey to get entangled in the web. Once caught, the spider quickly immobilizes its prey and then consumes it.

Video by - NelPhotography

Samsung Galaxy S10

29 September, 2023

Sri Lanka - Betel plant[Piper betle]

Betel leaves are leaves from the betel plant (Piper betle) and are commonly used in many parts of Asia, especially in countries like India, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka. They have cultural and traditional significance and are often chewed with areca nut and slaked lime.

Betel leaves have been used for ages as a natural remedy for stimulating the central nervous system function. The presence of aromatic phenolic compounds in betel leaves stimulate the release of catecholaminesm, which supports in enhancing the sense of well-being and uplifts mood.

Pics by - NelPhotography

Samsung Galaxy S10

23 September, 2023

Sri Lanka - Traditional rice varieties[Suduru samba]

"Suduru Samba" rice is a traditional variety of rice cultivated in Sri Lanka. It is known for its unique taste, aroma, and texture. Due to its popularity and unique characteristics, Suduru Samba rice has gained recognition not only in Sri Lanka but also among individuals interested in diverse and traditional rice varieties worldwide. It is often sought after by people looking for healthier and more flavorful rice options.

In ancient Sri Lanka, farmers cultivated over 2000 indigenous varieties of rice.

Pics by - NelPhotography

Samsung Galaxy S10

20 September, 2023

Sri Lanka - Red ants

Red ants are a type of ant known for their reddish-brown or reddish-black coloration, although the specific appearance can vary depending on the species. There are many species of red ants found around the world, and some of the most common ones include the red imported fire ant (Solenopsis invicta) and the European red ant (Myrmica rubra).

Pics by - NelPhotography

Samsung Galaxy S10

18 September, 2023

Sri lanka - Chameleon[Order - Chamaeleonidae]

Chameleons change their skin color to communicate with other chameleons, regulate their body temperature, and blend into their surroundings as a form of camouflage. They achieve this through the dispersion of pigments in their skin cells and can display a wide range of colors and patterns.

They have eyes that can move independently of each other, allowing them to focus on two different objects simultaneously. This adaptation helps them spot prey and predators more effectively.

Pics by - NelPhotography

Samsung Galaxy S10

17 September, 2023

Sri Lanka - Indigenous rice varieties

The indigenous rice varieties of Sri Lanka are an integral part of the country's agricultural heritage and cultural identity. These varieties have been cultivated for generations and have adapted to the local climate, soil conditions, and farming practices. They often possess unique characteristics such as drought resistance, pest tolerance, and nutritional value.

In ancient Sri Lanka, farmers cultivated over 2000 indigenous varieties of rice.

Kalu Heenaty rice

Pics by - NelPhotography

Samsung Galaxy S10

08 March, 2023

SRI LANKA - Wild flowers [Blooms in the Breeeze]

Video by - NelPhotography

Samsung Galaxy S10

14 June, 2022

Sri Lanka - Wild Flowers [Pinna,Clerodendrum paniculatum]

The Pinna flower, which grows wild has a height of about 12 inches and the girth at the base of the conical flower is about 15 inches. The color is bright red and it is an aggregation of a host of tiny flowers.

Pics by: NelPhotography

Samsung Galaxy S10

27 February, 2019

Sri Lanka - A Mother's Love [Monkeys of Anuradhapura]

A mother's love - monkeys of Anuradhapura.

Video by: Nelsonlanka

Sony NEX 6

09 July, 2018

SRI LANKA - MAHIYANGANA TEMPLE

Pics by: Nelsonlanka

Sony DSC H 7

29 April, 2018

SRI LANKA - THE BUDDHA STATUE OF DAMBULLA

Pics by: Nelsonlanka

Sony NEX 6

27 April, 2018

SRI LANKA - SUNRISE FROM MY ROOFTOP

Pics by: Nelsonlanka

Sony NEX 6

08 March, 2018

SRI LANKA - THE DEDIGAMA ELEPHANT LAMP [12th CENTURY HYDRO STATICS ]

The elephant lamp of Dedigama, Kotawehwra, is a twelfth century A.D. creation, by an unknown craftsman, during the reign of King Prakramabahu the 5th.

The hollow figure of an elephant made of brass stands in the center of a circular oil lamp with several wicks. The right front leg of the elephant is raised a few millimeters, there is a hole on the bottom of that foot. Oil is poured into the hollow of the elephant through this hole by removing the elephant, the circular base of the lamp is filled with oil and the elephant is placed in the center of the lamp.

When the wicks are lit and the lamp burns for a few hours the level of the oil

decreases, when the level goes below the hole on the bottom of the right foot the atmospheric pressure forces the oil, inside the elephant, to flow into the basin through the hole in the genital organ, thereby increasing the level of oil for the wicks to burn.

This ingenious creation, based on hydro static principles, is on display at the Dedigama Museum. It has been displayed at the London Museum on several occasions and depicts the scientific knowledge of the ancient craftsmen of Sri lanka.

27 February, 2018

SRI LANKA - SMALL MIRACLE [ COLLAGE ]

" 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 BELEIVE 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

Pics by : Nelsonlanka

Gerrit,Netty,Hans and Hanneke [ Belgium ]

19 February, 2018

SRI LANKA - PLOWING FIELDS WITH WATER BUFFALO

The traditional way of plowing rice fields is shown in the three photographs taken in a village in Sri Lanka.

Pics by: Nelsonlanka

17 March, 2017

SRI LANKA - HOT SPRINGS [KANNIYA]

There are seven square shaped wells only 3 to 4 feet deep and one can see the bottom. The temperature of the water is considerably high but vary from one spring to another. Wells run out of water when 10 to 15 buckets of water are taken out.

The history of the hot water springs can be traced back to the Ravana era.