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The sites and sounds of Srilanka are enchanting. Its many island destinations offer golden sandy beaches, hilly retreats and forests in a tasteful blend of history, colours and culture. One such place is Dambulla where Adventure Travel and Ecotourism Conference was held in February 2001 which hosted professionals from the industry with expertise in ecological and adventure segments of tourism. The main attraction there is the ancient rock temple that has been standing there since 100 BC and its caves, where the exiled kind from Anuradphapura took refuge.
Located amidst lush forests and on the shores of the Kandalama tank (a seasonal lake) is Kandalama Hotel. This Eco-friendly venue has been the first recipient of the Green Globe Certification. On the other side of the lake is the bird-friendly culture club. Here at the club, tastefully laid out trees along the detached cottages attach birds right onto the doorway of the cottages. Of the 435 recorded bird species, at least 23 are native of the island and the area round the culture club is home to many.
Beside bird watching, one has the facility to go elephant trekking, horse riding, canoeing and mountain biking. Guided tours are also available to see the flora and fauna of the area, specially of the dry zone of Srilanka (the area around the culture club).
The club is also equipped with the Ayurvedic health centre. Ayurvedic treatment- the ancient form of medication in Srilanka, cures a number of ailments caused during our day to day loving. This therapeutic remedy is now in vogue and a lot of people follow it to maintain healthier bodies or to refresh themselves of routine fatigue.
The Kandalama Lake area rewarded some of the most brilliantly lit skies at dusk that my eyes ever feasted upon during my many sojourns around the world. After a three-day continuous rain spell that forced everyone inside during the conference, the sun shone brilliantly the fourth day and a crisp clear day with clear blue skies awaited us. I then decided to venture out and went to see the Palace Gardens. Across the Palace Gardens, I took a steep climb up the Sigiriya Rock- an ancient Citadel, recognized as a world heritage site by UNESCO and also proposed as the 8th wonder of the world.
Once it was the magnificent Fortress of Kind Kasyapa where the main palace was built atop the rock, looking down serene rock gardens and the thick lush jungle of the dry zone. From Dambulla a pleasant drive through the dry zone of the island took me to Nuwara Eliya via Kandly. On the way to Matale, I decided to visit the Royal Spice Garden. The owner, famous for some of his curative oils the world over, enlightened me with some of the endemic plants and trees of Lanka. Marvellously landscaped on the hills, there is a beautiful sight of the tea gardens stretched out, dotted with south Indian tea-pluckers busy in their chores.
The winding road journey lead to the conceptual Tea Factory Hotel, an old tea Factory transformed into a fine Hotel. I was informed about the various processes of how tea is made ready for packing. At the height of some 4000 feet, the nights and early morns here are chilly and require woollies. The following day I journey towards the Ella Adventure Park, en-route feasting my eyes and things of beauty. Many waterfalls splashing over the lush slopes of the hills, for instance. The Adventure Park is yet another concept lodge. Visitors are given handson training in Outward bound techniques – way of survival in the wilderness.
The friendly stall and guides make the training an easy and fulfilling experience. The Park also offer Para gliding, canoeing and jungle walks. The cabana accommodation amidst thick forest canopy is tastefully matched with its exterior. From Ella Adventure Park, during a five-hour journey, I surpass some of the great scenic vistas of Srilanka displaying the beauty of St. Claire waterfalls, Adam’s Peak and acres of tea gardens.
On this final stretch of my itinerary I arrive, in the late evening, at the Rafter’s Retreat – A private mansion turned into accommodation for visitors keen on experiencing the thrills of White Water Rafting. The mansion is owned by the second generation of the ex-governor of the Kithulgala region. There are some challenging rapids and falls for rafters to try their skill and team spirit.
And finally, as all good things come to a conclusion, my last day journey brought me back to Colombo for a homeward bound flight with lasting impressions of meeting some of the most wonderful people, the majority living in peace amidst the treasures of mother nature, and some of the man-made troubles that one would find everywhere in the world of today.
Travel Guides:-
Getting There:
Sri Lankan Airline has a worldwide connection into Colombo –the international arrival terminal. Tourists attractions around the island have a network of roads and railways. There are no domestic connections from Colombo to the places in the Dry Zone, Kandy and Nuwara Eliya.
Immigration:
Contact your nearest Sri Lanka embassy for details of entry into the island. In general, visitors must have a valid passport and a valid Air Ticket. Visa may be provided on arrival.
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