Tala Ceylon

05/04/2022

🐅 Yala National Park 🐘

Yala (යාල) National Park is the most visited and second largest national park in Sri Lanka, bordering the Indian Ocean. The park consists of five blocks, two of which are now open to the public, and also adjoining parks. The blocks have individual names such as, Ruhuna National Park (Block 1), and Kumana National Park or 'Yala East' for the adjoining area. It is situated in the southeast region of the country, and lies in Southern Province and Uva Province. The park covers 979 square kilometres (378 sq mi) and is located about 300 kilometres (190 mi) from Colombo. Yala was designated as a wildlife sanctuary in 1900, and, along with Wilpattu was one of the first two national parks in Sri Lanka, having been designated in 1938. The park is best known for its variety of wild animals. It is important for the conservation of Sri Lankan elephants, Sri Lankan leopards and aquatic birds.

There are six national parks and three wildlife sanctuaries in the vicinity of Yala. Among the largest is Lunugamvehera National Park. The park is situated in the dry semi-arid climatic region and rain is received mainly during the northeast monsoon. Yala hosts a variety of ecosystems ranging from moist monsoon forests to freshwater and marine wetlands. It is one of the 70 Important Bird Areas (IBAs) in Sri Lanka. Yala harbours 215 bird species including six endemic species of Sri Lanka. The number of mammals that has been recorded from the park is 44, and it has one of the highest leopard densities in the world.

The area around Yala has hosted several ancient civilizations. Two important pilgrim sites, Sithulpahuwa and Magul Vihara, are situated within the park. The 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami caused severe damage on the Yala National Park and 250 people died in its vicinity. The number of visitors has been on the rise since 2009, after the security situation in the park improved.

05/04/2022

⭐ Star Fort Matara ⭐

In 1640 the Dutch completed the main fort at Matara but found it to be vulnerable from attacks coming from land. In 1762 Sinhalese forces backed by Kandyan Kingdom attacked and took control of the fort.[1] In 1763 the Dutch regained control of the fort and that year commenced construction of another smaller fort on the east bank of the Nilwala River, in order to protect the main fort from attacks originating from the river.

The Star Fort was built to a unique shape of a six pointed star with space for 12 large cannons to cover approaches from all directions. The glacis or outer wall is approximately 7.5 metres (25 ft) wide and is surrounded by a 6 metres (20 ft) wide and 3.1 metres (10 ft) deep moat.[1] The rampart walls of the fort are constructed out of granite rock and coral, and are 14 feet (4.3 m) in width.[1] The fort was built to hold a small garrison, food supplies and enough ammunition to withstand an attack before being re-inforced from the main fort. The fort also had a two prison cells and a 2.75 metres (9.0 ft) diameter well in its centre to supply water.[1] The drainage system was internal and disposed of the water collected from the monsoon rains to the moat. The date of construction (1765) is embossed over the main gate with the Dutch East India Company insignia and the coat of arms of the governor flanked by two rampart lions. The entrance gate of the Star Fort, which is faced with coral, is also emblazoned "Redoute Van Eck 1763", commemorating the Dutch Governor of Ceylon, Lubbert Jan baron van Eck (1719 - 1765). The roof of the building originally was roofed with cadjan leaves, which were later replaced with clay tiles.

The fort is said to be the last major defence post built by the Dutch but never had the chance to prove its effectiveness. In 1796 the fort was handed over to the British with the surrender of the Sri Lankan territory by the Dutch. The British used it as an administrative office and in 1965 it was used as a library until 1975 when it was acquired by the Department of Archeology.[1] The fort has subsequently been restored and currently houses a museum, which showcases the history of Matara.

05/04/2022

🔥 The Galle Fort 🔥

The Galle Fort, or Dutch Fort as it is also known, is a fortification first built by the Portuguese on the Southwestern coast of Sri Lanka. The initial fortifications, which were built in the late 16th century, were quite basic. However, the fort underwent extensive modifications in the 17th century by the Dutch, making it one of the most important archeological, architectural and historic monuments to illustrate the European influence in South East Asia between the 16th and 19th centuries. According to a statement by UNESCO, the site was recognized as a World Heritage Site for its unique exposition of an urban ensemble which illustrates the interaction of European architecture and South Asian traditions from the 16th to the 19th centuries which is criterion number four for such recognition.

05/04/2022

05/04/2022

05/04/2022

🦈 Sunken ships of Hikkaduwa: Witness the shipwrecks 🦈

Home to a number of shipwrecks that are engulfed in vividly coloured corals, the turquoise blue waters that surround Hikkaduwa is more of a treasure trove than a part of the vibrant Indian ocean. Among hundreds of wrecks that are scattered around the southern coast, two of the wrecks that are located at proximity to the coast of Hikkaduwa draws more visitors than the rest due to its unique offerings. They are The British tanker “Conch” and the Earl of Shaftesbury.

The Conch was once a military vessel and it is believed that it met its doom due to a strong storm that had sent it to the bottom of the coral studded waters. The corals have, however, being delighted by this gift have expanded their colony within the ship’s quarters. Today is has become a haven for marine life which includes colorful varieties of reef fish, crustaceans, and even sea turtles. The wreck is located next to a mark called Akkurala rock off the coast of Hikkaduwa. The wreck is situated 22 meters below sea level and during your excursion, you could clearly see the ship’s propellers, the engine, and the hull perfectly intact with nature in the process of slowly reclaiming the remains.

Unlike the Conch which is a recently occurred wreck, the Earl of Shaftesbury is a remnant of the colonial era. It was a British cargo ship that ran aground in the year 1893. It was a sailing ship which has had 4 masts and measured up to approximately 88 meters in length. None of its dimensions are identifiable today, but most of the ship’s prominent attributes can be spotted if you look closer. As the other wreck, this too is covered with well above a century worth of coral growth and serves as a paradise for marine creatures.

Diving excursions can be arranged by getting in touch with the local tour operators. The tours will be carried out with the guidance to PADI certified divers and you will also be offered all sorts of diving gear. The best time to visit these wrecks is from December to March.

05/04/2022

🐠 Hikkaduwa National Corel Park 🐠

Hikkaduwa National Park lies in the popular tourist destination of Hikkaduwa along its beach. The corral reefs on this marine park has made Hikkaduwa Beach one of the most sought after beaches of the country.

In 1940, the Ambalangoda/Hikkaduwa Rocky Islets were declared sanctuaries and was limited to the land boundaries of these rocky islets. The intention was to afford protection to seabirds nesting on the islands.

In 1961, 110 acres of territorial waters off Hikkaduwa were afforded protection under the Fisheries Ordinance. In 1979, the Hikkaduwa Marine Sanctuary was gazetted under the Fauna & Flora Protecton Ordinance. In 1998 it was upgraded to the status of a nature reserve and later to a national park . Hikkaduwa National Park is one of the only 2 marine national parks in Sri Lanka.

The primary purpose of the Hikkaduwa National Park is to protect the coral reefs. However human activity continues on the beaches of this park. The reef has suffered high degradation due to both natural and human activities. The live coral cover was decreased from 47 percent to 13 percent in a coral bleaching event in 1998,induced by the 1998 El Nino weather.

05/04/2022

🌊Hikkaduwa Beach🌊

Hikkaduwa is one of Sri Lanka's top surfing sites, with a clear hot water base. Waves range in size from 4 to 11 feet high. Surfing in the Hikkaduwa region is well-known, and the greatest conditions are found during the dry season, which runs from November to March. In Hikkaduwa, there are four hotspots. Scuba diving and diving in clear waters are popular activities along this length, and it is the most environmentally friendly way to observe the colorful fish that dart around. The coral sanctuary off Hikkaduwa's coast is a vast shallow body of water surrounded by a reef with layers of multicolored corals and a plethora of colorful fish. A collection may be seen just off the shore.

01/04/2022

☸️Kande Viharaya☸️

Kande Viharaya is a major Buddhist temple in Kalutara District, Sri Lanka. The temple has got its name 'Kande vihara' (Mountain temple) as it is built on top of a hill located near to Aluthgama town. The temple has been formally recognised by the Government as an archaeological site in Sri Lanka.
The temple was founded by ven. Karapagala Dewamitta thero in 1734,under the guidance of ven. Udugama Chandrasara thero who was then chief incumbent of Galapatha Raja Maha Vihara and a pupil of ven. Weliwita Sri Saranankara Thero. Since then the temple was renovated and developed time to time under state patronage that lead the temple to become a major Buddhist shrine in the country. In 1904 the Kshethrarama Pirivena, an educational institution for monks, was attached to the temple as a result of the efforts done by Ven. Hikkaduwe Sri Sumangala Thero.The pirivena acts as a center for Buddhist education in the country, is also conducted by the Kande Vihara.

01/04/2022

💧 Bentara River Safari 💧

Bentota River Safari is one of the most popular outdoor activities in Bentota. It is the best way to explore the nature while enjoying a Boat Trip. This is ideal for all age groups .
Bentota River safari is a 2 hour journey in the boat while witnessing Bentota Lagoon , old mangroves and animals such as Crocodiles , Water-monitors, some inherent birds and many more. This activity can be started anytime between 6.30am to 4.30pm. Geusts will be picked up from anywhere in Bentota, Induruwa Alu,thgama or Beruwala and drop off at the same location for free. Bentota Bridge is the starting and finishing point of the River Safari. Free table water will be given. Witnessing the Bentota “estuary” ( calls MOYA KATA in Sri Lanka ) , where the Bentota River flows in to the Indian ocean is one of the eye catching sightseeing of this river safari.