Monday, May 21, 2012

The 'Belihuloya' stream, Sri Lanka.


Video:-
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BXOTgHMavRU

The 'Belihuloya' is a stream which passes close to the Belihuloya Rest House, on the Colombo - Badulla highway. It carries clear water originating from the Horton Plains above and its water is icy-cold. On rainy days it can become a roaring muddy torrent. It is strewed with rocks and boulders and has many pools where one could bathe. However having a bath among the boulders can have its dangers where treacherous currents can drag one down.

Sunday, May 20, 2012

Saturday, May 19, 2012

Elephant on the Kelany Ganga, Karawanella, Sri Lanka.



The Kelany Ganga at Karawanella. You can see Adam's Peak in the distance. A domesticated elephant is being bathed by its Mahout.
Video:-
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tViCSo6ys_g

Friday, May 18, 2012

'Bopath Ella', Kuruwita, Sri Lanka.



Shaped like the leaf from a 'Bo tree' - Ficus reliogosa - this waterfall draws numerous visitors year round. Its upper reaches can be very slippery and have caused many fatalities.


Video:-
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3U04to8fv-U

Tuesday, May 15, 2012

Kelany Valley train, Avissawella, Sri Lanka.

Video:-
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2HKjbewFEJY

The narrow gauge train called the 'Kelany Valley Line' ran from Colombo to Opanayake. With time it was curtailed to Rathnapura and later to Avissawella only. The line was slow and running at a loss unlike the early days of absence of good road transport. The narrow gauge was converted to the standard broad gauge and now runs at a profit. There is a lot of talk about straightening the curves and making it run faster. At present one gets a good shake while travelling in it. The old label on bottles of medicine - 'To be shaken before you are taken' - holds true on this journey.