Sights on the road from Meepe to Bope, Sri Lanka.

Scene from the highway from Meepe to Bope, Sri Lanka.

Sight of 'Sri Paada' - 'Sivanolipaadha malai' - Adam's Peak

On a clear morning the elusive sight of this sacred mountain sends one to ecstasy. The green paddy fields, the distant mountain range and the solitary peak which resembles an 'infants soother' are sights one never forgets.
I  took this picture two days ago.
From time immemorial sailors saw this mountain as the first glimpse of 'Serendib'. Steeped in mystery and legend this attracts pilgrims from all the over the world.
I have climbed the peak and rung the ceremonial bell at its top twice.

Pictures from a home garden nursery, Meepe, Sri Lanka. Try to identify the plants.

At a plant nursery, Meepe, Sri Lanka.

'Thibbatu' - Fruits used in curries.

'Nivithi' leaves used in soups and curries.

Harmless, useless but pretty fruits, Meepe, Sri Lanka.

Hibiscus - Shoe flower, Meepe, Sri Lanka.

Picture taken at a vegetable plant nursery.

Langurs raiding a 'Rambuttan' tree for its fruits, Meepe, Sri Lanka.

'Rambuttan' trees produce fruits which fetch Rs.2 to Rs.5 wholesale and Rs.10/- each for consumers. Thieves rob the produce. Bats, squirrels and various birds eat part of the produce. Langurs raid the plantation to enjoy the fruits. The owners do various ruses to prevent these acts. In earlier days empty tin cans were tied to the top of the trees and were made to rattle by pulling a string from a hut close by to scare away bats at night. Transistor radios were put on full volume and tied to the top of the trees at night. Recently I heard that domestic dogs are put in a cage and tied to the branches of the trees to bark and chase away thieves and pests. I saw a keeper using stones on a catapult to chase away the monkeys.
Video:-
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hwGgtzyTXmY