Sunday, November 17, 2013

Sigiriya drawings

 Sigiriya drawings

John Still in 1907 suggested, "The whole face of the hill appears to have been a gigantic picture gallery... the largest picture in the world perhaps". The paintings would have covered most of the western face of the rock, covering an area 140 metres long and 40 metres high. There are references in the graffiti to 500 ladies in these paintings. However, many more are lost forever, having been wiped out when the Palace once more became a Monastery so that they would not disturb meditation.[citation needed] Some more frescoes different from the popular collection can be seen elsewhere on the rock surface, for example on the surface of the location called the "Cobra Hood Cave". Although the frescoes are classified as in the Anuradhapura period, the painting style is considered unique,[citation needed] the line and style of application of the paintings differing from Anuradhapura paintings. The lines are painted in a form which enhances the sense of voluminousness of figures. The paint has been applied in sweeping strokes, using more pressure on one side, giving the effect of a deeper colour tone towards the edge. Other paintings of the Anuradhapura period contain similar approaches to painting, but do not have the sketchy lines of the Sigiriya style, having a distinct artists' boundary line.These ladies in the pictures below are known as the daughters of king Kashyapa.He painted them in gold and black color so,they can be remembered.The King was very fond of his daughters.that's why he painted their portaits on the Sigiriya cave walls.


Saturday, November 9, 2013

Most Beautiful Beaches In Sri Lanka

Most Beautiful Beaches In Sri Lanka 

Sri Lanka is very famous for its beaches. The entire island is surrounded by blue crystal clear ocean. As a matter of fact, a lot of hotels are based near the beaches.Some beaches even have a historical significance. The beautiful, breath-taking and panoramic views of the western, southern, eastern and northern coastlines are yet another proof of choosing this island as your ultimate holiday destination. Sun-bathing and sea-bathing all year round due to the fact that the country is a tropical one. The beaches around the northern coastline are fringed with palm trees whereas the rest of the coastlines are bordered with coconut trees and thereby providing a best chance to learn how to produce toddy.

Mount Lavinia Beach

The more popular place for beach parties since it is located pretty close to the commercial capital, Colombo. The beach is noted for its idyllic beauty and history. Beach sports such as , beach volleyball, windsurfing, beach rugby are very famous among the locals even. DJ nights take place frequently at MT Lavinia. proximity to the capital. 




Mount Lavinia

Mount Lavinia

Hikkaduwa Beach


Majority of beach parties in Sri Lanka are held here. Known for its great resorts lining the coast and sandy beaches situated 98 kilometers south of Colombo. Scuba diving is much in demand in Hikkaduwa because of its legendary coral gardens



Negombo Beach


The famous fishin town located 35 km north of Colombo, very popular among locals for buying fresh sea food. Delicacies such as squid and lobsters are made in nearby hotels and restaurants , you can literally taste the ocean. It is one of the beaches with a long history where during the Dutch colonization churches and forts were built, most of these structures are still seen today.



Unawatuna Beach


Is ranked as the 12th best best in the whole world. About 5 km south of Galle is the golden beach. It is one of the safest beaches in Sri Lanka since it is protected by a reef. Surfing, snorkeling & diving are some of the water sports you can do for recreation here.



Arugam Bay Beach


116 km from Colombo is another fishing village known as Arugam Bay. Identified as the best surfing beach in Sri Lanka and the 4th best beach in South-East Asia and is also among the 10 best surfing beaches in the world. The Bird Santuary is also at close proximity to it so bird-watches / surf fanatics can spend a great time at the beach. Buddhist and hindu temples are also located closeby.



Bentota Beach

The best beach for a romantic honeymoon or holiday. The most ideal place for water sports. Its located about 62 km sounth of Colombo.



Kalutara Beach

Situated 42 km south of Colombo. Kalutara is famous for it beach as well as for the Kalutara bodiya which is considered a sacred place for buddhist pilgrims. The best thing about the Kalutara beach is that the river is also at close proximities to it so sports like water rafting can be done.



Nilaveli Beach

Located in east of the country 120 km from Colombo and 14 km from Trincomalee. The natural habour and beach is one of finest in world. Nelaveli is ideal place for water sports like scuba diving.



Alankuda Beach (Kalpitiya)

The best beach for whale and dolphin watching along with snorkeling amongst beautiful corals. Canoeing, sailing, wind surfing also take place along this beach. It's a 3 hour drive from Colombo itself which is very convenient for tourists who stay in Colombo for the vacation. However Alankuda itself offers cottages and hotels along the beach for those who want to spend a romantic fun-filled day/night at this beautiful getaway. The Beach is paradise itself.




Friday, November 8, 2013

Sigiriya

Sigiriya

Sigiriya is an archelological site in North Central Sri Lanka. It contains the ruins of an ancient palace complex, built during the regin of King Kasyapa (477AD - 495 AD). It is one of the 7 world heritage sites in Sri Lanka and is one of it's most popular tourist destinations.
The Sigiriya site consistes of a 180m tall granite rock, whose sides are so steep that at some points the top overhangs the base. At the top of the site there is a palace complex. The ruines of various chambers, stairways and pools can be seen at the top. There is a stone stairway leading from the base to the top of the mountain. About half way to the top, there is a pair giant pair of lions paws which is infact the ruind of a huge head of a lion whose open mouth served as the entrance to the royal palace. Surrounding the palace complex are the ruins of a garden complex consisting of two moats, various pools.

The History of Sigiriya

Sigiriya may have been inhabited through Pre-Historic times. It was used as a rock-shelter mountain monastery from about the 3rd century BC, with caves prepared and donated by devotees to the Buddhist Sangha. The garden and the palace was built by Kasyapa 477 - 495 AD. Then after Kasyapa's death it was a monastery complex upto about the 14th century after which it was abandoned. The ruins were discovered in 1907 by British Explorer John Still.

Ruins of the Royal Court

The Mahavamsa, the ancient historical record of Sri Lanka, describes King Kasyapa as the son of King Dhatusena. who murdered his father by walling him alive and then usurping the throne which rightfully belonged to his brother Mogallan. Mogallan fled to India to escape being assasinated by Kasyapa but vowed revenge. In India he raised an army with the intention of returning and retaking the throne of Sri Lanka which was rightfully his. Knowing the inevitable return of Mogallan, Kasyapa is said to have built his palace on the summit of Sigiriya as a fortress and pleasure palace. Mogallana finally arrived and in the battlefield Kasyapa's armies abandoned him and he committed suicide by falling on his sward. Mogalan returned the capital back to Anuradapura and turned Sigiriya to a Moastory complex.


Thursday, November 7, 2013

Yala natonal parck

Sri Lanken Wild Elephants 

Yala National  park











In general, Asian elephants are smaller than African elephants and have the highest body point on the head. The tip of their trunk has one finger-like process. Their back is convex or level. Females are usually smaller than males, and have short or no tusks.
Sri Lankan elephants are the largest subspecies reaching a shoulder height of between 2 and 3.5 m (6.6 and 11.5 ft), weigh between 2,000 and 5,500 kg (4,400 and 12,100 lb), and have 19 pairs of ribs. Their skin color is darker than of indicus and of sumatranus with larger and more distinct patches of depigmentation on ears, face, trunk and belly.
Only 7% of males bear tusks. According to the elephant census conducted in 2011 by the Wildlife Conservation Department of Sri Lanka, only 2% of the total population are tuskers.
Sri Lankan elephants are somewhat diminutive when compared with historical accounts dating back to 200 BC and with photographs taken in the 19th century during the time of colonial British rule of the island. The smaller size could possibly be the end result of a long-continued process of removing the physically best specimens from the potential breeding-stock through hunting or domestication .










Wednesday, November 6, 2013

Visit to Sri Lanka

Visit to Sri Lanka

  Sri Lankn Air Taxi
  Sri Lankn Air Taxi


  Sri Lankn Air Taxi

  Sri Lankn Air Taxi