WHALE AND DOLPHIN WATCHING are exciting and unique activities in Mirissa. Sightings are generally all year round and most sightings occur 3 to 6 miles off Mirissa. The frequent sightings all year round has put Sri Lanka and the Mirrissa area on the worlds 'Top Hot Spots' for sperm and blue whale sightings. The blue whales are frequently seen during the first quarter off the South and West Coast of Sri Lanka, which is part of their migration pattern. Pods of spinner dolphins are also spotted during trips as per seasonality.
ST CLAIR’S FALLS in one of the widest waterfalls in Sri Lanka. It is referred as the ‘Little Niagara of Sri Lanka’. It is situated 3 km west of the town of Talawakelle on the Hatton-Talawakelle Highway in Nuwara Eliya. The falls derived its name from a nearby tea estate. The Falls is 80m high and hence 20th highest waterfall in Sri Lanka. St. Clair's falls comprises two falls called "Maha Ella" (Sinhalese "The Greater Fall") and "Kuda Ella," (Sinhalese "The Lesser Fall") which is 50m high and was created by a tributary of Kotmale Oya.
RAMBODA FALLS is 109m high and 11th highest waterfall in Sri Lanka and 729th highest waterfall in the world. It is situated in Pussellawa area, on the A5 highway at Ramboda Pass. It formed by Panna Oya which is a tributary of Kothmale Oya. Altitude of the falls is 945m above sea level.
The Elephant orphanage in Pinnawela was established in 1975, commenced with 07 orphans. Today some of these orphans enjoy the fortune of seeing their grandchildren born in the same location. The original objective of establishing the orphanage inclined more towards tourism, but it soon became a conservational and education centre. With the help of Local & Foreign Elephant experts, Pinnawela started a scientific captive breeding program for Elephants. The free movement of the herd enhanced the chances for respective individuals of both sexes to get together and mate. The nearby river played a dominant role in this regard, and in 1984 the first baby of Pinnawela was born. The success story of Pinnawela has drawn the attention of scientists from the world over. An array of books and research articles on Pinnawela has been published in several languages. The members of the Pinnawela herd have been filmed, videoed, and photographed thousands of times by professionals.
PERADENIYA - ROYAL BOTANICAL GARDEN is located in close proximity to the city of Kandy in the Central Province of Sri Lanka. It is renowned for the collection the variety of Orchids, and has more than 300 varieties of Orchids, spices, medicinal plants and palms trees attach it is the National Herbarium. Total land mass of the botanical garden is 147 acres, 460 Meters above sea level with a 200 day annual rain fall, it is managed by the Division of National Botanic Gardens of the Department of Agriculture.
Sri Lanka is hails for its precious gems and moonstone. Moonstones are a semi-precious but are an integral of the gem business. Meetiyagoda, located between Ambalangoda and Hikkaduwa, is one of the few places where they are found in high concentrations. It is believed by the villagers that this piece of land, around an acre in extent, is blessed by the moon. The moonstone is grey and feels cool and smooth to the touch when polished and has a glow like that of the moon. The finest are bluish in color and there are quite a few of them in these mines. At Meetiyagoda, you can see or even go down into the deep, narrow shafts from which the stones are mined. The small visitor centre will provide information related to this stone while the large shop on the premises sells moonstones as well as other stones.
This was once a rubber estate which was transformed into a magnificent garden by renowned landscape artist Bevis Bawa, the brother of Geoffrey Bawa. Geoffery Bawa was a foremost architect and the visionary who is accountable for the new Parliament, Ruhunu University and Bentota Beach hotel. Bevis Bawa landscaped the five acre garden at Lunuganga in 1929, the famous features of this garden that attracts visitors to it includes alcoves, nooks, bowers and garden sculptures that are spread out throughout the massive land. The gardens are surrounded by sprouts of bamboo and a gate, at the entrance of the gate there is a bell that has to be rung to gain permission to enter the gardens. The gardens are subdivided and landscaped according to varying themes including a Japanese water garden. Visitors could also step into the house where Bevis Bawa resided and enjoy the wooden antique Dutch furniture, wall hangings, sculptures and an assorted display of paintings.
LAKE GREGORY is one of the significant tourist attractions in Nuwara Eliya. It was built by the Governor William Gregory during 1872 – 1877 periods by utilizing the water from the Nanuoya which runs across the town. It is about 91.2 hectares in extent. It was said to be used for water sports and for re -recreational activities during the British rule. A boat yard now allows visitors to go boating and rowing.
The Kelani River flowing through Kitulgala was the main location where the Oscar winning movie ‘Bridge on the River Kwai’ was filmed. On the hill above this town a prehistoric cave was discovered recently containing large middens of shell from unknown civilization. Engage in moderately adventures Whitewater Rafting where one could enjoy the cool waters of the ‘Kelani River’ whilst taking a challenging experience in handing the raft downstream (It is recommended that you have a change of clothes, Fresh towel, and engage in rafting without wearing any valuable items such as Watches, Chains, Rings, Bracelets etc).
A boat ride along the ‘Hamilton Canal’ enjoying the views of the fishing community, Village lifestyle and the marine life such as Fish, water monitors etc.
HAKGALA BOTANIC GARDENS at Hakgala were established in 1861 for the purpose of experimentation and promotion of Cinchona cultivation in Sri Lanka. The gardens lying in the hill country among Sri Lanka's tea plantations in the Nuwara Eliya district are located along the Badulla Road, 9.5 km South-east of Nuwara Eliya, the popular holiday resort.
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