Pahiyangala, Horana, Sri Lanka.

'Pahiyangala' has been identified as a prehistoric human cave dwelling, carbon dated at about 32,000 years before the present era. The name 'Pahiyan' has no relationship to 'Fa-Hsien' the famous Chinese traveler of the fifth century AD. It is easily approachable by road and a short climb.

Elephant orphanage, Pinnawala, Sri Lanka.

The total wild elephant population is estimated at roughly 2500 and is going down. Elephant orphanages give succor to abandoned young elephants or those affected by disease or injury. The elephant orphanage at Pinnawala is a big tourist attraction. Here you see the elephants taking a bath in the adjoining river, at Pinnawala during the early afternoon hours..

Rubber trees, Rathnapura, Sri Lanka.

Hevea brazilienensis is the botanical name of the rubber tree. It was a native of Brazil and was propagated from there to the rest of the world. The latex oozing from its cut bark is collected and forms the main ingredient in the manufacture of rubber. There are quite a lot of these rubber plantations in Sri Lanka. I took this picture of the trees standing in a row at Paradise Estate, Rathnapura, Sri Lanka.

Alupola waterfalls, Rathnapura, Sri Lanka.

The series of three separate waterfalls forms the Alupola falls. You see a picture showing all three falls.

At Horton Plains, Sri Lanka.

On the first few metres of the walk to Baker's falls at Horton plains, you come across this beautiful sight. I took this picture in 1998.