Bird by a pond, Tissa.

Shrine on a rock, Katharagama.

A wayside boutique, Katharagama.

The road to 'Vedahiti-kanda', Katharagama.

This peaceful road, surrounded by green paddy fields on either side leads to 'Vedahiti-kanda' at Katharagama. The legends tell us that when Lod Skanda married Valli, the Veddha cheiftains daughter, he made his abode on the hill called 'Vedahiti-kanda'. It was a spiritual centre for worshippers of Lord Skanda - Muruga. The symbolic 'vaahana' or vehicle of Lord Muruga, the peacock is heard and seen in plenty in these sylvan surroundings.

A Pea-cock by the road-side, Katharagama.

Pea-cocks are claimed to be the 'vahana' - vehicle, of Lord Katharagama - Lord Murugan. Thus they are left alone. Their beautiful feathers are a prized possesion.