LAHUGALA KITULANA NATIONAL PARK

This park is one of Sri Lanka's smallest but most valuable con-servation areas for elephants and endemic birds.
Location :
Park lies in the basin of the Heda Oya, 16km inland from the coastal town of Pottuvil in Eastern Province. The Pottuvil Moneragala trunk road runs through the south eastern sector of the park.
Access :
The route would be the same as the approach to Yala East Na-tional Park from Colombo. The routes fork off at Pelmadulla and meet again at Wellawaya, one going via Beragala, Koslanda and the other via Thimbolketiya, Udawalawe and Thanamalwila. From Wellawaya the route would be via Moneragala. It is approxi-mately 318km from Colombo. The park office is situated at Lahugala.
Physical Features :
 The terrain is flat with occasional rock outcrops. The park fea¬tures three tanks, Lahugala (243ha), Kitulana and Sengamuwa, which ultimately drain into the Heda Oya. These tanks are largely silted up and support an abundance of beru grass. The area of the park is l,554ha.
 Climate :
Mean annual rainfall is 1650 mm. There are two dry periods, from May to October and from mid-January to March. The north¬east monsoon lasts from November to the end of December. Date and
History of Establishment : 
The area was declared as a sanctuary on 01st July 1966 upgraded to national park on 31st October 1980. Cultural Heritage :
Nearby is the historic site of Magulmahavihara, built for the occasion of King Kavantissas's marriage to Viharamaha Devi.

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Galoya(gal oya) - Boat-ride.

The only National Wildlife Sanctuary of Sri Lanka which offers an opportunity to travel through it by boat, is the Galoya Wildlife Sanctuary. The journey may span a minimum of 07 to 08 hours. Between 05 and 10 people could travel in one boat while the amount per person is Rs. 650.00. A fee of Rs. 400.00 is charged generally for the whole group, as service charges. As the distance travelled reduces, the fee decreases. The final destination of the Galoya Boat-ride is the area known as Makara, situated 17 kilometers away.

The extent of the Iginiyagala reservoir is 9324 hectares. The Galoya Wildlife reserve surrounding it is 25,900 hectares in extent. On the South is the Badurawela mountain range, and on the North, the Danigala and Degela wela ranges. Apart from Galoya, the Sellakkaoya and Kaballa bay oya join the reservoir

From the season starting from October, birds are seen almost everywhere. They are seen to build nests on a decayed tree standing in the middle of the Iginiyagala lake and the surrounding islands during this period. One of the places in Sri Lanka where swimming elephants could be observed is Galoya. Apart from tortoises, the types of fish such as Thilapiya, Korali, Rogu and Catalo are present in the reservoir.

Permission is given to rest and cook food at the destination of the trip, "Makara". Apart from this, for such needs, a few "Galgewal" are situated in the surroundings. They are, the galge-poosa, galge-drakapula and the galge-annasi. The best time for the trip is the period from March to October. It is advisable for bird-watchers to carry a telescope and camera.

-Chakrith Koththagoda-

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Butthala

Ruhunu, Maya and Pihiti comprised the ancient Tri-Sinhale. The Ruhunu Rata or Rohana Deshaya was an independent kingdom spread over about three-fourth of the country. The Uva province which belonged traditionally to Rohana, was declared in 186 to be a separate administrative unit.

When studying the religious, cultural and social history of Sri Lanka, the Uva province receives a special place. At times, the history of Uva extend beyond the Anuradhapura era, and pre-Vijayan history.

According to the Mahavamsa, by the first century A.D, Uva had been known as Huawa (Mahawamsa, Chapter 60). There is evidence to suggest that the present name, Uva had been coined in the 17 th century.

The boundaries of Uva.

The Maha Disava of Uva is as large as 3277 1/8 square miles. About 32 square miles are reserved for water reservoirs. While one boundary is the Mahaveli river, on the other side, the Walwe river, Galoya, Kubukkanoya, Manika river, Kiridi oya, Walawe river and the mountains they originate from, bring great beauty to the Uva province.

The boundaries of Uva according to a folk-song are,

From the southern and Eastern sides,

Marked by the Sripada

And the Walawe river

The bounderis of Uva were marked

Kistorical Yudaganawa.

The Historical Yudaganawa cheithya situated in the Monaragala District, is of great historical value.

The Yudaganawa temple is located about 2km from the Buttala town, on the Monaragala-Wellawaya road. Surrounding the temple are the Manik river on the East, the Puhulgala Mountai range on the North, the Yudagana river and a paddy field on the west, and Buthgal or the Buttala city on the South.

The largest templeever built in Sri Lanka is the Yudagana temple and is 1038 Square feet in circumference.

There are many legends regarding the Yudagana temple. One of them is that King Dutugemunu built the temple to ward off the sins of war with his brother Saddhathissa. The opinion of Prof. Senerath Paranawithana is that the temple is the ancient Cheeragama or Keeragama which was built for the demise of king Parakuba’s (1153-1186).

History bears evidence that the Yudaganawa temple was built in the 2 nd Century A.D. by King Mahanaga. It is believed that the king had built a thousand temples in the area. According to the Mahawamsa, the Dutugemunu-Saddhathissa war took place here.

The Maligawila Buddha Statue.

The Maligawila temple had been known in the past as Ariyakara. The villagers believe that the name was changed to Maligawila on account of the great palace and lakes in the area. The Maligawila temple is spread on 250 acres of land.

The history of Maligawila runs back to the 7 th century and 8 th century A.D. Historically, the statue here had been built by King Dappula.

There are many theories about the height of the Maligawila statue. It is 54 feet and 110 tons in size. There is evidence that the statue had been made in another place, and transported here. This is the only temple that has been built without any supports, and is an important Thereada Buddhist statue

Dambgoda Buddha Statue.

When travelling about a kilometer on the road near the Maligawila statue, the Dabegoda Bodhisatva statue is seen. This area was known as Kana grama in the past, referring to the healing of eye diseases.

The dabegoda Statue is an Apa Loketheesvara statue. This statue, with Mahayana influence, shows evidence of a seven storied building built around it. The two eyes of the statue depict the sun and moon. According to folklore, gems were placed in the eyes in the past.

This area was known as Dewala kanda in the past, and had been dilapidated for some time, and reconstructed in the 1990’s.

Dematamal Viharaya

From butthala

The Dematamal Vihara which is situated in the Okkampitiya Grama Sewa Wasama of the Buddata Divisional Secretatriat of the Monaragala district, is a Buddhist place of worship with great historical importance. The Dematamal Viara is recorded as the first Panchawasa Vihara in the country, ( containing Cheiththiya, Pilima Geya, Seemawa shala etc…)

According to the story, rhe Dematamal Vihara had provided protection to prince Saddhatissa. It is a famous fact that the two brothers were against each other. The prince Tissa who lost the war had hid at the temple. The priests had tried to secretly transport the prince out of the temple. Prince Gemunu having seen this had said, “Tissa, Don’t do that!” Therefore, it is thought that Dutumal became Dematamal.

It is reasonable to say that the Dematamal Vihara is a special Vihara in the country, since a Upa Pala decorated the kotha, similar to the Shanthi Stupa system of India. This is the only cheiththiya to have a Upa Pala. The Upa Gala is 18 feet in height. A rare guardstone can also be seen.

Also, after turning at the Kubukkana junction and travelling about 6 km, turning to the right from Okampitiya, this temple can be reached.

Yatiallathota.

This Vihara is situated far from the Buttala city at Palawaththa.

The history of this Vihara begins with king Mahanaga. When the queen had felt the need to deliver her child at Mannaram diya, she had said that the child should be caught. Thus, the place became Yatiallathota.

Later on, a palace, Bisokotuwa and Cheiththiya were built in the area. Another folk-tale is that the water had been brought there from the Yudaganawa tank. According to inscriptions, King Nissankamalla had renovated the vihara. The historical Kutumbala Vihara is situated nearby.

Chakrith Koththagoda-

Buttala hotels
Galapita Eco Lodge
Hena Eco Loge-0772990299

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Mannar Island

The Mannar Island which occupies an area of 1505.4 square kilometers, has been known historically by names such as, “Manthei”, “Mathota”, “Mahathiththa”, “Mahaputu” “Mawatuthota”. Mannar displays a similarity to the dry desert climate.

There are two main roads leading to Mannar. One is the road passing through Anuradhapura and Madwachchiya, along which 80km should be travelled to reach Mannar. The other is the recently opened road through Puttalam, Eluankulam, Silawatura and the Wilpattu National Park

.

From Mannar

The History of Mannar.

There exist many legends and beliefs regarding the History of Mannar. It is believed that King Vijaya and his retinue had landed in Sri Lanka at this site and that a bride from Madurai was transported between A.D. 505 and 543 across Mannar. (There is also a belief that they had com e here from the area known as Kudiramale, situated at the edge of the Wilpattu Wildlife reserve). Another folk-tale claims that King Ilanaga had escaped to Kerala due to enemy invasions, through Mannar. The Mahawamsa mentions that during the era of Kakusadha Budun, a Bo-tree had been planted at Mahathiththa.

From Mannar

Venkalai Bridge and the Bird-sanctuary

The Venkalai bridge connecting the Mannar Island is the longest island built in Sri Lanka. This bird-sanctuary is located on either side of the bride, between Paliyanthiv and Thirikenilwert, and is 4828 hectares in extent. This place which is a sanctuary of Migratory birds is a haven for about 200 types of birds. Siyakkaraya, Kabiliththa, Ranpath tharawa, Ul peda Tharawa, Petamathabatta are the main types. Apart from them, very rare species of animals have made this place their home, among them are, the Geta Kibula, and Muhudu oora. Mangrove plans and stretches of sand are found all over the Venkalai Sanctuary.

From Manna Thiruketheeswaram Kovil.

Thiruketheeswaram Kovil is one of the famous Kovils built to worship God Eeswara. The others are the Muneshwaram kovil in Halawatha, Koneshwaram Kovil in Trincomale and Rameshwaram of India. This Kovil is situated near the A-32 road. There is a legend that the Kovil was built by Mayan, Ravana’s Uncle, while it is also believed that Rama had worshipped at this temple before travelling to India with Seetha. Another belief among the villagers is that a Brahmin of King Vijaya had worshipped at the temple. The temple is one of the legendary sites where Eeswara had performed many miracles.

Donkeys of Mannar.

Donkeys had been imported to Mannar from Somalia for daft purposes. These donkeys were transported to Puttalam and Kalpitiya too. They can still be seen in herds in the area.

Agriculture in Mannar.

The rainy season of Mannar is only two-months long. The day is much longer too. This climate is favorable for paddy-cultivation. Most of the cultivation is done using rain-water while 24,000 acres are nourished by the water of the Yada Wawa. The red-mixed Latirus soil is perfect for paddy cultivation, while the Data of the Agriculture department show that 170 bushels of paddy are obtained per acre.

Mannar Fort.

The Mannar Fort had been built by the Portuguese. After 1696, the Fort has been controlled by the Dutch. The English captured the fort on October 05 th, 1975. The Mannar port could be described as port that linked Sri Lanka to the world. Details about the Mannar port and fort are found in a stone inscription at Thamanhil island. Presently, the island is controlled by the Sri Lanka police.

Biobas tree.

The Biobas is a huge tree found on the Mannar island. The largest Biobas tree in Mannar is found about 2km from the entrance to Mannar island. The Biobas tree had been the favorite food of Camels brought to the island for draft.

Urumale beach

From Mannar

Urumale is a beautiful beach situated on the annar island. On a clear day, the light of the light-house situated in Rameshwaram, India could be seen at Urumale. The only place in Sri Lanka from which another country could be seen is the Urumale beach. The closest beach to India is the Urumale beach. The sand-hills of the Adam’s bridge which the legendary Hanumatha had used are seen at Urumale. A variety of fish are present in this sea-strip. Beautiful corals are also seen. Presently, this sea-strip is under the control of the Sri Lanka Navy.

-Chakrith Koththagoda-

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Kirala Kelle, Matara

Kirala Kelle, as the Sinhalese name implies, is a ‘mangrove forest’ covering an area of 1,800 ha, accessible from Matra- Hakmana and Matara-Akuressa roads and 3 km from Matara. It is comprised of marshlands, irrigation cannels, and mangrove habitats. Home gardens can be found in the immediate boundary of the wetland.

It is an important wetland supporting many species of plants and animals. The Nilwala Flood Protection works and expanding agriculture has changed the ecology of the forest. A network recently repaired of irrigation canals has restored the water flow in the mangrove area. Kirala Kelle today stands as an ideal habitat for wetland biodiversity, and is considered as one of the most valuable conservation areas in the Matara District. Being close to Matara town, it is a potential site for nature-based tourism.

Presence of fossils of the Window pane oysters (Placenta placenta) in the area indicates that the area has been subjected to inundation by sea water during the Pleistocene period (3 million to 10,000 years before the present).

Kirala kele supports about 35,000 people from 11 surrounding Grama Niladari divisions, There are about 16,000 living in the immediate surrounding of the wetland system. Many people use the wetland for raising cattle, growing paddy and other crops, and in fishing

Habitats in Kirala Kelle

Kirala Kelle is made up of several different types of wetlands – marshland, mangrove areas, paddy lands, and irrigation canals – as well as numerous home gardens.

2. Mangrove

Scatterdly distributed Kirala (Sonneratia caseolaris) can be found at the edge of the irrigation canals. Belipatta (Hibiscus tiliaceus), Wel Kadurau( Cerbera manghas), Diyadanga (Dolichandrone spathacea) and Kerankoku (Acrosticum aureum) also found in the area.

1. Marshland

The largest area is marshland. The dominant species found in the marshland are Olu (Nymphaea pubescens), Manel (Nymphaea nouchali), Kumudu (Nymphodes indica), Cyperus platyphyllus, Nalagas (Phragmites karka), Induru (Hanguana malayana), Hambu pan (Typha angustifolia) and Borupan (Eleaocharis dulcis). Although Hambu pan can be used for handy crafts, community of Kirala kelle is not extensively used this resource to earn extra income.

3. Irrigation Canals

Several very attractive aquatic plants are found in the irrigation canals. These include Nelum (Nelumbo nucifera), Olu (Nymphaea pubescens), Manel (Nymphaea nouchali), Kumudu (Nymphodes indica). People collect flowers of these for supplementing their income. Bordering the canals is Mudukiyya (Pandanus odoratissima).

Biodiversity

Flora (Plants)

In a recent rapid, preliminary survey, 83 plant species belonging to 40 families were recorded in Kirala kelle, Aquatic vegetation dominates the area; a considerable population of herbs, shrubs, and small trees are also found. People use many of these plants as food sources. Fruits of Kirala (Sonneratia caseolaris), seeds of Olu (Nymphaea pubescens), and young leaves of Kerankoku (Acrosticum aureum) are some popular food items. There are important medicinal plants such as Pupula (Vernonia zeylanica) and Ranwan keekirindiya (Wedelia chinensis). Reeds, Hambu pan (Typha angustifolia) and other Reed species, are also very common and are used, in a limited way for handicraft industry.

Fauna (animals)

This complex, rich wetland habitat is the home for many animals. Thirteen species of mammals have been recorded from the site, including the common and endemic Purple faced leaf monkey (Trachypithecus vetulus), and the Toque macaque (Macaca sinica). They feed on vegetation, and can be a nuisance on home gardens..

Wetland birds are the most prominent animals of Kirala kelle. One hundred and three bird species were recorded fom Kirala kele, of which 48 are wetland birds. Large flocks of Lesser whistling ducks (Dendrocygna javanica) ia a common sight; Other common birds include the Asian Openbill (Anastomus oscitans), Purple Swamphen (Porphyrio porphyrio), Purple heron (Ardea purpurea), Pheasant-tailed Jacana (Hydrophasianus chirurgus), and Pond heron (Ardeola grayii). Kirala kelle not only provides the feeding ground for many bird species, but also provides nesting habitats for many bird species such as herons, cormorants, egrets, coots, weavers and Munias. An influx of migratory wetland birds can also be observed during the migratory season from early September to late March every year.

Freshwater fishes form an important part of the wetland and provide food for the communities. Small scale fishing is very common to supplement household income.. About 25 species of fish are found in the waters of the wetland. The exotic species, Tilapia (Oreochromis mosambicus) and Niloti (Oreochromis niloticus) are the most abundant. Other commercially important fish are the murrel (Channa striata), spotted snakehead (Channa punctata), stinging catfish (Heteropneustes fossilis) and walking catfish (Clarias brachysoma).

In addition to the above, many species of butterflies, reptiles, amphibians and hundreds of invertebrate species also decorate the biological wealth of Kirala kelle.

Threats to Kirala kelle

Occasional land filling, unless arrested now can be a serious problem in Kirala Kelle. Currently, there generally is management of solid waste; however, with expansion of tourism, it is necessary that at least the current state of solid waste management is maintained. Although it is not extensively distributed, very aggressive invasive plant Wel aththa (Annona galbra) can be found along the irrigation channels. Unless management actions are not taken, this could be serious threat Kirala Kelle.

According to the Fauna and Flora protection ordinance, “no person shall hurt, shoot, kill or take any wild animal, or take or destroy any egg of any bird or reptile or any nest of any bird within the area”. Therefore, it is evident that even though permits are not required to enter the Kirala Kelle, it is still a protected area, and there are certain things that one should bare in mind during an excursion.

Proper management of Kirala Kelle is important for conserving the biological, hydrological and ecological aspects and for the surrounding communities to continue to use it in their daily lives. Kirala Kelle also offers an excellent nature tourism site which will also help the communities to earn money. Thus it is your responsibility to ensure that our flourishing and valuable wetland Kirala Kelle is well taken care of.

It is your duty to conserve Kirala Kelle...

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Lunugamvehera National Park

The Lunugamvehera National Park

The Lunugamvehera National Park was designed to protect water-ways and to provide a resting-station for elephants, migrating between the Eastern section of the Yala Wildlife Conservation and the Western side of the Udawalawa National Park. As the biodiversity

in this area, including elephants is considerable, in order to conserve the area, it was declared a National Park under the Wildlife and Conservation Act and on December 8th 1995.

Borders of the park.

This National Park which belongs to the Divisional Secretariats of Thanamalwila, Wallawaya, Kataragama and Buttala of the Monaragala District of the Uva Province covers 23,498.08 hectares of land.

Ways to reach the park

While the main office of the park is situated on the Hambanthota-Wallawaya road, there are two roads leading to the park.

01. Travelling 245 km, passing through Udawalawa Thanamalwila from Cololbo.

02. Travelling through Colombo, Galle, Matara and Hambanthota, passing the Weerawila Junction and travelling 280km on the Wallawaya road.

03. Apart from this, travelling from Kataragama,passing the Gamudawa Junction and traveling acros Tammanawa, 18 km, takes a traeller to Lunugamvehera.

The park could be accessed through two main roads. Those are, the road situated at the edge of the bank of the Lunugamvehera wewa and through the black bridge situated near the Conservation Office at Thanamalwila.

Geographical Features.

In this park which is situated in the wet-zone, small hillocks can be seen here and there. The height from the sea-level is usually 91 meters. The beautiful mountain at a height of 20 meters is the highest point of the park.

Plant-life.

The eoc-systemc onsists of Dry zone and evergreen forests. Weera, Kone, Palu, Hik, Kunumallawa, Kirikone, Ulkenda, Kappetiy and Coffee plants are commonly seen.

Wildlife

Due to the grass the gas that grows around the Lunugamvehera lake, many wild animals could be seen arriving here searching for food. Among them are many elephants and buffalo apart from dandulena, Porcupines, Kola diviya, MOngoose, Wild boar, Mimiththa and Spotted deer.

Among the types of bird which live here are the native Jungle fowl which faces a threat of extinction. Among the reptiles could be seen the Crocodile, Star tortoise, and Pala Polanga.

Archelogical ruins of Pas Kema (Waterholes), Hathkema and seven vihara, a cave-painting and stone inscription can be seen.

The main lakes of the park.

The Weheragala lake has been built by obstructing the Menikgaga at Weheragala. It was opened in 2008, and was built by Mr. Gunadasa, a Sri Lankan engineer, using traditional Sri Lankan building techniques. Also, the Lunugamvehera lake has been built by obstructing the Kirindi Oya at Lunugamvehera.

Guest houses.

Two Guest HOues to serve loval and forieign tourists visitng the Park have been built. They are,

1. Thalgaha digana

2. Weragala

Each Guest house is built near the river, and are equiped with all facilties, including food, while 20 guests could lodge at one time. Reservations could be made t the main Wildlife Office at Colobo

Wilpatthu national park( wilpattu )

Wilpatthu national park is among the oldest and most important of protected areas in sri lanka its flora and fauna are representative of the dray lowland zone.

It also contains a number of important cultural sites. Extension of the park to include the adjacent waters is identified a priority

Location

The park lies on nirthwest cost, 30km due west of Anuradhapura,and spans the border between north western provins and north central province. The Modaragam Aru .in the south. In the Kala Oya , And in The west Portuguese and Dutch bays and the open sea.

From Wilpattu National Park

Access

The only practiclaccess from colombo would be via Negombo, chilaw and Putthalam .the turn off is at the little of hamlet of Thimbiriwewa on the 28th mile post along the putthalam Anuradhapura road. The park office, where one obtains permit and guide is Hunuwilagama, 8km from the turn off.

The main topographical feature in this park is the concentration of” villus” or lakes within it. Though looking like lakes, these ‘villus’’ are in flat basin like fault depressions on the earth surface containing purely rain water. Two of these ‘villus ‘are saline, due to a characteristic in the soil. This villu feature is peculiar to this part of the island. The other equally striking feature, though confined to certain sectors of the park. Is copper read, loamy soils extremely varied? The western sector of the park. With deeply forested areas and thorny bushes is reminiscent of yala national park in the southern sri lanka. Wilpatthu national park ranges from sea level to 152m. The area of Wilpatthu national park is 131,693 hectares.

Cultural Heritage;

Much legend and history is associated with the park and its immediate surroundings .Vijaya landed at kudrimalai in 543BC and founded Sinhalese race.Vijaya Married Kuveni, the jungle princess,whose palace lice in ruins at Kali villu. north –east of Maradanmaduwa are Wirandagoda and Galbindi Niyara where Prince Saliya ,son of king Dutugamunu ,is reputed to have lived with his forest bride of low cast,asoka Mala,some 200 years ago .Kudiramalai ,or Horse Point ,was visited by a subject of Emperor Claudius in 47 AD ,who was blown off course by monsoon. The local king later sent his own envoys to Rome during the time Pliny. The palace of Queen Alitani,Aliserrani is reputed to lie burid at Kudrimalai.Pomparippu is an archaeological site where sealed urns containing human remains have been fund. These burials ware probably in pre-Vijayan time. There are engraved stone boundary posts from ancient Hindu temple sit on the top of Kudrimalai Point Nearby,on the beach lies the grave of Muslim saint The old catholic church at Pallakanal is visited by several thousand pilgrims for the annual festival . in the eastern part there are remnants of breached tanks lift over from agricultural systems of ancient Sinhalese civilization.

VEGETATION

Three types of VEGETATION can be distinguished : Littoral vegetation including salt grass and low scrub immediately adjacent to the beach; a 5-10km coastal belt of monsoon scrub of very low stature ; and further inland , monsoon forest with tall emergent’s ,such as Palu (Manilkara Hexandra)and satin Chloroxylon Swietenia, Milla (Vitex Altissima) .Weera(Drypetes Sepiaria) ,Ebony (Diopyros Ebenum)some 73% of the park is dense forest or scrub and the rest is more open habitat.

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රන්මිහිතැනRanmihithanna:Mahinda Rajapaksha Tele Cinema village

Ranmihithanna: A road with some locations in the 1^st tele cinema village in the Sri Lanka. There are more locations built permanently for designed tele dramas and cinema in Ranminithanna Mahinda Rajapaksha Tele Cinema village. Directors & producers able capture many shots to their cameras in local and foreign locations, many cultural locations and many climate locations.

රන්මිහිතැන: ශී‍්‍ර ලංකාවේ මුල්ම ටෙලි සිනමා ගම්මානයේ, දර්ශන තල කිිපයක් සහිත මාවතකි. සිනමා සහ ටෙලි නිර්මාණ සදහා අවශය විවිධාකාරයේ ඉසව් (^Locations) රන්මිහිතැන්න, මහින්ද රාජපක්‍ෂ ටෙලි සිනමා ගම්මානය තුළ ස්ථිරව ගොඩනගා ඇත. මෙරට සහ පිටරට විවිධ ප‍්‍රදේශයන්, විවිධ සංස්කෘතීන්, විවිධ දේශගුණතත්වයන් සහ විවිධ නිර්මාණ ක‍්‍රමයන් කැමරා වල සටහන් කර ගැනීමට නිර්මාණකරුවන්ට හැකියාව ලැබේ.

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Jaffna Trip 02- jaffna town

Jaffna fort
The Jaffna fort, built in 1619 by the Portuguese Army to prevent enemy invasions from the sea, is a most popular site in Jaffna. The fort which was under "Yuan De Melo" during the reign of Portuguese was repaired by the Dutch in 1658 and Ian Vandelite was the officer in charge of the fort during the period of Dutch. The Dutch captured this fort from the Portuguese without much effort and the English, in their turn, captured the fort from Dutch in 1795. Though it is possible to walk around the Galle fort, it is not possible to walk around the Jaffna fort

Jaffna Library
Jaffna library which is still considered as the symbol of Jaffna, was established in 1935 and was completely destroyed by fire in 1981. The library was reconstructed and made open to the public again in 2004. Currently, the library has books worth around Rs 100 000.

The Jaffna library is open from 8.30 AM to 5.30 PM on everyday except for Mondays.

Jaffna Museum
The Jaffna museum, which is the home to many Sinhala and Tamil antiques, is open to public from 8.30 AM to 4.30 AM everyday except for Tuesdays.

Nallur Kovil

From jaffna town trip

The kovil is said to have been built by Prince Sapumal, under king Buwanekabahu who ruled Sri Lanka in 15thcentury. The Portuguese raised the kovil to the ground during their invasion in 1560 and king Sangili, the ruler of Jaffna at that time, had protected the celestial jewelry and other holy items, hiding them in a place about 01 Km off, in the road running to point Pedro.

The services are held at the kovil at 07.30 AM, 10.00 AM and 03.30 PM.

King Sangili
King Sangili is known as a warrior in the history and he is said to have protected Jaffna from all enemy invasions. The statue of a warrior on horseback, one will meet walking along the road before the Nallur Kovil, is believed to be a statue of King Sangili. Once the statue is passed, one will meet a huge gate, built by the Dutch and after the gate, the palace of king Sangili can be seen, bearing traits of a combination of Dutch and Indian architecture.

Naga Viharaya

Naga Viharaya, the only Buddhist temple in Jaffna, is situated in the Stanley road in Jaffna town. According to the history, king Devanampiyathissa and a group had been to Jaffna to receive Theri Sanghamiththa and the group bringing Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi's southern branch to Sri Lanka. On the group's way back to Anuradhapura, the king was requested by the 'Naga' tribesmen of Jaffna to let them keep the Bodhi tree branch with them for one week's time. Accordingly, the Bodhi branch had been planted in Jaffna for one week's time before it was finally brought to Anuradhapura.
It is this incident that is described in the famous verse used for worshipping the Bodhi,

"Dev lowa deviyan puda kala bodhiya,

Naa lowa sathiyak puda kala bodhiya"

Siri Vimala thero is the present incumbent of the Naga viaharaya.
Jaffna market
You can find the best Kotta kilangu, Palmyra jaggery, Palmyra yams, grape wine and Nelli crust at the Jaffna market. The most special is Jaffna ice cream, which is found only in Jaffna. 'Raja Ice Cream Parlor', 'Lingam Ice Cream Parlor and Rio Ice Cream Parlor are the most popular ice cream parlors in Jaffna. And for grapes and nelli crusts 'Arul Angram' is the best place in Jaffna.

View jaffna

Jaffna Trip 03 -Out Of The Town

POINT PADRO , பருத்தித்துறை, පේදුරු තුඩුව

The point Pedro is at 432 Km distance from point Donra and most people coming to Jaffna and visiting Nagadeepa and Nallur kovil, like to visit point Pedro as well. Many of them like to take photographs at this beautiful place.

Dambakola Patuna

A text saying, "Lankeshwara Narendra, uttering merry words, got in to water with the people belonging to 16 different castes, bearing the maha bodhi on his head…" can be seen near the 'bodhi' at the entrance to Dambakola Patuna. The wonderful white sandy beach with dents in Dambakola Patuna is added more beauty by the bays making their way in to the land. Dambakola Patuna with its beautiful beach is a most suitable for anyone coming from India or any other country to land in and for us Sri Lankans it is an important place as it was here that Theri Sangamiththa landed in with the Sri Maha Bodhi plant. So it wouldn’t be wrong to call Dambakolapatuna the place through where Buddhism came to Sri Lanka.

Keerimali,கீரிமலை

The Keerimalai pond is situated in Keerimalai devala premises. The two ponds known as Keerimalai pond are just a few feet away from the sea but contain fresh water and even more surprisingly the water in these two ponds are blue in colour. There's a belief that it is the wall that separates the ponds from the sea that keeps their water fresh. The word 'Kiramalei' means the mountain of mongoose ('Kira' meaning mongoose and 'Malei' meaning the mountain)

According to the legend, a prince and a princess came to Sri Lanka from India and when they landed here their faces had turned to horse and mongoose faces as the result of a curse of gods. Later the prince's face had become normal again in the place called "Mawattapuram" while the princess' face turned normal after she bathed from the " Keerimalai" pond. The devala was later raised in respect of this miracle. The Hindus venerate this place with great respect and they float the ash of their cremated relatives in the sea near the pond. As they believe that the water in these ponds have the power to rejuvenate the old people and fertilize the infertile people. They venerate the ponds with such respect that some of the devotees can be seen worshipping the water as they get in to water. The Kiramalei pond was last repaired in 1969.

From jaffna out of the town

Kadurugoda temple
Route- if coming from Kiramalei, you have to turn to left from the 'Chunnakam' junction and go toward 'Sankani' to see the 'Kadurugoda' temple which is better known in the area as 'Kandarodei'.
According to the past records, there had been 60 stupas in this temple. The 60 stupas had been built to place the ash of 60 arhath theros from 'Punkudativ'. The Department of Archeology has found 56 of the stupas so far and thus the Kadurugoda temple bears a significant historical importance due to these archeological factors.

The well with no bottom.

The well with no bottom is situated in the Point Pedro- Puthur road and the well is so called because its bottom has not been discovered yet by any. There is a belief that the 'Kiramalei' pond is connected to this well beneath the ground. It is believed so as a lime, put in to this well once, had come up from the Kiramalei pond.

Casuarina beach
The beautiful shallow beach with sand was an extremely popular destination before the war. Paying just Rs 500, you can go on a boat ride in the sea near Casuarina beach.

Few of the places you can visit in Jaffna
Welikandu, Kodikaman kovil, Vallipuram stone inscription, Hanuman kovil are a few of the most popular sites in Jaffna. You can have accommodation facility at the rest house at Naga Viharaya. A single room can be taken at a price between Rs 300 to Rs 500 while a double room can be taken at Rs 750. In addition to that, there are several other places you can select to for accommodation.

View out of jaffna in a larger map

Jaffna Trip -Nagadipa and Delft Island-නාගදීපය, ඩෙල්ෆ් ,

Nagadeepa

'Nagadeepa' is probably the recognized landmark in the Jaffna peninsula for the Southeners since Buddhists, the majority of the southerners believe that lord Buddha visited Nagadeepa during his second visit to the country. According to legend Lord Buddha visited the site to resolve a conflict between 'Naga' tribesmen who build the temple to honour the settlement.

Over time the temple which has been repaired by kings like Dhathusena, Saddhathissa, and Dutugemunu. But the temple was also destroyed periodically during various invasions. The most recent of such incidents occurred in 1958 when angry Tamil rioters broke down the statue of Lord Buddha, a present from Myanmar, and threw it to the sea. The statue was later retrieved from the sea bottom and was reinstalled at Kareinagar Army camp.

'Naagapushani Amman' kovil is the other important tourist attraction in Nagadeepa. As it is said in legends, the old god statue in this kovil emerged from the earth, thousands of years ago and Indian merchants who frequented Jaffna constructed this kovil. Contributors' board of Naagapushani Amman kovil hold a 'Dansela' to provide free lunch to Buddhist and Hindu pilgrims visiting Nagadeepa and the rest house there can provide accommodation to 200 people.
To reach Nagadeepa Island, one has to take a boat from Kites, Karikattuwan jetty. One passenger is charged only Rs 20 for this 30 Km tour which lasts nearly 20 minutes.

Delft Island

To reach Delft island , one can use Karikattuwan jetty where he can take the ferry (a large boat with motors) to the island free of charge. The boat which belongs to the Road Development Authority leaves the jetty at 09.00 AM and reaches Delft in about one hour. The boat leaves Delft at 03.00 PM.
The entrance to Delft is decorated by a huge pandol. One CTB bus operates in the island and if you intend to tour the island, you can use Lorries, land masters and three-wheelers also.
The island still bears evidence of its Portuguese, Dutch influence; there are two forts, one of which is built in Portuguese time while the other one was built during the Dutch period.
The Dutch Fort which was also used as a prison has very small rooms and 2 ½ feet thick walls.
In the past, pigeons served as the medium of communication between the islands and there still is a vast pigeon population in the Portuguese fort. Limestone can be seen everywhere in the island and walls surrounding the houses in the island have been raised with these stones. Delft, which has a population of about 5000 people, is the only place with this sort of walls.
The other important sight in this island is the "growing rock'. The 'growing rock', situated fenced around at a Devala premises, grows in size according to the islanders.
The Christians believe Adam left his footprints in the island. The island has the ruins of a few old temples as well.

View Nagadipa and Delft Island in a larger map

Labugama and Kalatuwawa Reservoirලබුගම ජලාශ, කලටුවාව ජලාශය

As you progress along the Colombo-avissawella main road, you shall find the kaluaggala junction from which when you take a turn to the left and go on for a mere 14km, it will lead you to the labugama tank. This place of great beauty is also a place of great importance as it gives the life form for the country’s commercial capital’s water needs.
As the people have brought forward the story behind the great existence of the tank, from their ancestors, it was the Prince of Wales in 1875 who had proposed this tank and showed the feasibility of satisfying Colombo’s water requirement from Labugama. And thus, the construction of the tank commenced in 1882.
By 1886 the tank was able to commence the flow of water to Colombo and it holds a remarkable capacity of 1960 million gallons of water. It provides 16% of Colombo’s water requirement.
So, how does one find water for a tank; you find a reliable source such as the Kelani River, go along the course till it branches off to create the Wak Oya and place the tank at the tip of this brook. The Labugama province receives approximately 3000ml of water with the monsoon rains and with that you have the story behind water for the tank.