Lakdasun - Images of Sri Lanka » Bird Watching http://www.lakdasun.org Free Pictures, Wallpapers, Guides for Nature and Wildlife Enthusiasts Tue, 27 Dec 2011 03:06:15 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3 Horton Plains (Maha-Eliya) – Heaven on Earth, 2100m Above Sea Level http://www.lakdasun.org/attractions/attraction-07-horton-plains-national-park.htm http://www.lakdasun.org/attractions/attraction-07-horton-plains-national-park.htm#comments Sun, 22 Nov 2009 04:24:00 +0000 lakdasun http://www.lakdasun.com/wp/?p=233
Directions to Horton Plains Activities possible at Horton Plains Accommodation close to Horton Plains Horton Plains Weather Pictures of Horton Plains Tips, Notes and Special Remarks
Horton Plains is a unique natural attraction in Sri Lanka. It is located in the highest plateau of the country and its known for its beautiful landscapes and rare plant and animal life. The Horton plains is one of the most important catchment areas in Sri Lanka which acts as a giant sponge which store rain water and then feed several major rivers of the country through out the year. The vegetation mainly consists of wet grass lands and montane forest. The weather at Horton Plains is quite Dynamic. Average temperature varies between 5 degrees Celsius to 27 degrees Celsius.

Getting There

Main entrance to Horton Plains National Park and the visitor center is located on the Ohiya – Pattipola road. There are two ticket offices at Ohiya side and Pattipola side of this road. View Google Earth Trail Map
Access By Road
Route1: Colombo -> Awissawella [58km on A4] -> Ginigathhena [53km on A7] -> Hatton [13km on A7] -> Thalawakele [17km on A7] -> Nanu-Oya [17km on A7] -> Black Pool [4km on A7] -> Ambewela [10km] -> Pattipola [6km] -> Pattipola Entrance [5km] –> Horton Plains National Park Visitor Center [5km]
Total Distance 185 km
Route2: Nuwara Eliya -> Black Pool [6km on A5 & A7] -> Ambewela [10km] -> Pattipola [6km] -> Pattipola Entrance [5km]  –> Horton Plains National Park Visitor Center [5km]

Total Distance 27km

Route3: Bandarawela -> Boralanda (Via Hputale or Diyathalawa) -> Ohiya [13km] -> Ohiya Entrance [5km] -> Horton Plains National Park Visitor Center [5km] | Discussion: Horton Plains via Boralanda on Lakdasun Forum
Public Transport in only available up to Pattipola and Ohiya.
Access By Train On Colombo – Badulla line, get down either at Pattipola or Ohiya Railway station. The road connecting these two towns goes through the Horton plains and its visitor center is just 10km from both Pattipola and Ohiya.
A 4WD Trail You can drive a 4WD drive from Kalupahana on Colombo – Badulla highway up to Horton Plains [24km from Kalupahana].
Hiking from Belihuloya You can hike up to Hortan Plains from Belihul-Oya on Colombo – Badulla Highway [9km from Galagama] or hike up to Horton Plains from Dayagama Estate, Agarapathana [5.6km from the estate border]

Weather and Season

December to February Temperatures are fairly low. Less chance of rain. Good time to visit Horton Plains.
March to May Not too cold. Flowers bloom all over the plains. Less chance of rain. Best time to visit Horton Plains.
June to September Strong winds. Less chance of Rain.
September to November High possibility of Rain.

Attractions and activities

  1. Beautiful Landscapes - The main attraction of the park is the beautiful landscapes it posses. Rolling hills, endless grass lands with tiny wildflowers, clean streams flowing through valleys, waterfalls and the scattered forest patches create endless diversity in landscapes. The dynamic whether, mist and sunlight makes is even more interesting and beautiful.
  2. Hiking: Horton plain is one of the most interesting hiking destinations in Sri Lanka. The popular hikes include Climbing Kirigalpoththa mountain second highest summit in Sri Lanka, Climbing Thotupola mountain the third highest in the island and World’s end, bakers falls circuit which cover the most popular attractions of the park.
  3. Camping: Camping at Horton Plains gives you the best opportunity to witness the true beauty of the park at dawn and dusk.
  4. Bird’s and other fauna / flora: A Horton plain is home to some of the rarest animals found in Sri Lanka. If you pay close attention you will be able to spot some of them and if you are really lucky you may even be able to see a “Leopard”.

View Google Earth Trail Map

Accommodation Options


Horton plain is just 30km from Nuwara-Eliya and 40km from Bandarawela. There are plenty of accommodation options available in these two town.

Following are options even closer to Horton Plains;

  1. Maha-Eliya Department of Wildlife bungalow (Inside Horton Plains)
  2. Ginihiriya Department of Wildlife bungalow (Inside Horton Plains)
  3. Camp Sites of Wildlife Department (Inside Horton Plains)
  4. Forest Department Dormitory at Ohiya (9km to visitor center)
  5. Forest Department Bungalow at Kande-Ela (20km to visitor Center)

Look for more accommodation options in this area at Lakdasun forum accommodation options board

Notes, Tips and Special Remarks

  1. Horton Plains is a strict “no polythene”, “no open flames” zone. You are not allowed to carry any plastic bags, sheets, lighters or match boxes. Pack your snacks in airtight boxes if you want to take them along with you.
  2. Camp fires are NOT allowed inside the park. Please carry Gas/Kerosene burners.

Image Gallery
Early morning misty landscape of Horton Plains
Misty Landscapes – Horton Plains coming out of the veil of mist as first rays of the day falls on the wet and cool grasses and the forest patches.
View of the valley from World's end at Horton plains Baker's falls at Horton plains
World’s end and the Baker’s falls. The two most poplar attractions in the park. World’s end is a 2000m drop at the abrupt end of the highest plateau of Sri Lanka.
Spider web - a close up look at Horton plains Sambar dear at Horton plains
Big, small and missing: Horton Plains is home to many species of animals and plants, for some, it’s the only home in the world. Sambar dear pictured right is the largest mammal living there today. Majestic elephants once roamed Horton plains had been hunted to extinction by the heartless and irresponsible British rulers of the 18th century.
Herd of sambar dear at Horton plains grass land in early misty morning
A herd of sambar deer photographed against the back drop of misty grass lands at Horton Plains around 6.30 in the morning
Wildflower at horton plains Wildflowers of Horton plains
The beauty of the vast plains is always enhanced by these little beauties. A vast variety of tiny wildflowers like the once pictured here scatter the grass lands at Horton plains making it look like a colourful blanket. The best time to see flowers is around April / May but there are many species that bloom year around
Horton plains with grass lands, scrubs and forest - view from top of the Kirigalpoththa Kirigal poththa and scenic view of the hills around Horton plains
Kirigalpoththa, the second heights mountain in Sri Lanka is situated in Horton plains. Hiking to the summit of Kirigalpoththa will let you enjoy these breath-taking views of Horton Plains.
Lonely tree in serene grass plans at Horton plains Glistering water drops on grass in sunlight at Horton plains
Trees and plants contribute immensely to the beauty of this special place as this lonely tree adding life to the serene plain and the grass bushes with glistening flowers creating a magical feeling in a cold morning
Little bird in Horton plains Giant squirrel at Horton plains
While it appears to be “Too Cold” for this little bird, the furry giant squirrel looks all warm and comfortable.
The Chimney pool in Horton plains grass lands Natural springs in Horton plains
Belihul-Oya one of the main tributaries of Walawe River starts from Horton Plains and winds through it valleys creating beautiful scenery such as the “Chimney Pool” pictured above (left). Natural springs scattered in the grass land, as the one pictured on the right, feed three out of four main rivers of Sri Lanka. Some of these springs can be see on the Kirigalpoththa Trail.
First rays of the day on thick mist creating heavenly colors at Horton plains
Have you seen “Dancing Light”? As the first rays of the day falls on the thick mist, amber light dances over the white mist and create heavenly landscapes such as this which changes almost every second.
Camping site at Horton plains Feeding sambar dear at Horton plains
Can man be part of this unique eco system? Yes, if you set up a camp and get close to nature without disturbing it you will sure be a part of it but feeding wild animals is a bad habit, it upsets its natural behavior and makes the creature dependent and vulnerable to predators.
Endless grass lands in Horton plains Path ways at Horton plains nature park
Rolling hills and endless grass lands with a touch of sun light
]]> http://www.lakdasun.org/attractions/attraction-07-horton-plains-national-park.htm/feed 0 Explore Sinharaja from Kudawa Conservation Centre http://www.lakdasun.org/attractions/attraction-03-explore-sinharaja-from-kudawa.htm http://www.lakdasun.org/attractions/attraction-03-explore-sinharaja-from-kudawa.htm#comments Fri, 23 Jan 2009 17:13:08 +0000 lakdasun http://www.lakdasun.com/wp/?p=292
Directions to Horton Plains Activities possible at Horton Plains Accommodation close to Horton Plains Horton Plains Weather Pictures of Horton Plains Tips, Notes and Special Remarks
Sinharaja rainforest is one of the most important natural wonders of the world. It’s one of the few sites in Sri lanka to get international recognition as a world heritage site.Sinharaja is a place steaming with life. Every where you look, its living and breathing! Plants, butterflies, bugs, birds, snakes, lizard, mammals, fish, frogs, mushroom and many other forms of life occupy every inch of this amazing rain forest. Forest covered mountains, flowing streams and fountains, green landscapes and cool and clean breath are simply unforgettable.

The easiest way to explore this wonderful place is to visit Kudawa Conservation Centre (KCC) managed by the department of forest conservation.

Getting There
It’s just 125km from Colombo (Route: Colombo-> Kalutara -> Nagoda -> Mathugama -> Agalawatta -> Baduraliya -> Kalwana(Manana) -> Weddagala(South) -> KCC ). You do not need a four-wheel drive to go there. It takes approximately 3.5 hours to KCC from Colombo.From KCC, there are two jeep track to the protected area of the forest. Distance from KCC to the entrance of the protected area is 2.5 km on one of the tracks and 3.2km on the other. You can chose to walk this trail or you can hire a 4WD from KCC.

View Google Earth Trail Map

Weather and Season
The possibility of rain is quite high through out the year. From December to April and July to August, the chances of rain will be lesser compared to the rest of the year. Particularly December through April is considered the best time to visit this area because of the presence of migrating birds.

Attractions and activities

  1. Hiking – There are several exciting nature trails starting from KCC. If you are looking for a brief walk in the forest, attempt the “Giant Navada Tree Trail”. Mulawella NatureTrail will be little more difficult but will definitely be more rewarding. If you are ready for an adventure hike and want to venture deep in to the forest you can attempt the Sinhagala Nature Trail
  2. Birds watching – KCC is one of the best areas to watch colorful rain forest birds. Sinharaja is home to many species of birds including more than 20 species endemic to Sri Lanka. This area is best known amongst birdwatcher for what they call “mixed species feeding bird flocks”. As the name implies, these are large flocks of birds, belonging to many different species, traveling through the forest looking for food. Sometimes there can be as many as 150 individuals in a single flock. An encounter with a large feeding flock will sure become an unforgettable moment in your life.
  3. River Bath – You can take a dip in the clear waters of “Koskulana” river flowing beside KCC

View Google Earth Trail Map

If you plan to hike, any time during the day would be ok. KCC is open from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. and 12 hours is enough for you to complete any of the nature trails. If you are specifically behind birds, the best time to be in the forest is 7 to 9 in the morning and 4 to 6 in the evening. A forest department’s guide / Naturalist will accompany you.

Accommodation Options
  1. Cabins/dormitory managed by the department of forest conservation, located near KCC
  2. Famous “Martin’s Lodge” located at a unique place at the edge of the forest

Look for more accommodation options in the area at Lakdasun forum accommodation options board

Notes, Tips and Special Remarks
1. Please do not talk loudly while on a nature trail. Nature is peaceful and quiet. Do not disturb the rhythm of Mother Nature and its silent observers. Unless you maintain silence you will not be able to see the birds and other wonderful creature that inhabit this mighty forest.

Image Gallery
Trekking through the rain forest on Mulawella nature trail. If you start your hike early enough, you can witness the beauty of the evergreen forest in early morning light.Photos: Dinusha (left) | Sanjaka (right)
A tree fern bud glistening in light (left) and a pitcher plant (right)
Sinharaja is one of the hot spots in Sri Lanka to observe butterflies. Not only butterflies, there are many colorful creatures hiding in the forest, like the colorful grass-hopper pictured here (second from Left)
Colorful Giant wood spiders (right), one of the largest spider species found in Sri Lanka, can grow up to 6-8 inches. Their giant webs add to the beauty of the landscape even after they are abandoned (left). If you visit KCC you are almost guaranteed to see these giant spiders
No need to say, a rain forest is full of plants and trees. Interestingly some of them create eye catching frames in the forest. Above is a selection of few such moments captured on camera when right light falls on the right object (from left: a “Benduru” leaf, moss in light, a hanging dead leaf and a Bovitiya flower)
A rain forest is a place full of small wonders, like these tiny mushrooms found on a dead tree bark
Sinharaja is world famous for its bird life. The four pictured here (from left: spot-winged thrush, yellow fronted barbet, Sri lanka flower pecker, Asian brown fly-catcher) are just a tiny sub-set of the colorful bird-life of Sinharaja
View of forest covered mountains of Sinharaja. This view from the Mulawella peak is arguably the best view from any of the mountain peaks in Sinharaja. Trail to Mulawella peak is not-too-hard which a 2.4 km climb from the Sinharaja entrance(Photo: Sanjaka )
Exciting lizards of Sinharaja. Colorful forest lizard (left) and an endemic Kangaroo Lizard (Right)
Martin’s lodge is my favorite accommodation option at KCC. View from the dining area over looking Sinharaja (right) is so relaxing. Who knows? You may be lucky enough to be there when a flock of endemic blue magpies (left) occasionally decide to invade the lodge looking for some variety in what they eat.Photo: Mithila (left) | Nalaka (right)
]]> http://www.lakdasun.org/attractions/attraction-03-explore-sinharaja-from-kudawa.htm/feed 0 Minneriya National Park http://www.lakdasun.org/attractions/attraction-01-minneriya-national-park.htm http://www.lakdasun.org/attractions/attraction-01-minneriya-national-park.htm#comments Sun, 08 Jun 2008 03:32:16 +0000 lakdasun http://www.lakdasun.com/wp/?p=138
Directions to Horton Plains Activities possible at Horton Plains Accommodation close to Horton Plains Horton Plains Weather Pictures of Horton Plains Tips, Notes and Special Remarks
Minneriya National Park is situated in the north-central plains of Sri Lanka, 20 kilometers from Polonnaruwa. Even though it is one of the smallest national parks in the country, covering just 8,889 hectares, it’s a paradise with many natural wonders. The park encompasses the beautiful Minneriya tank, built by King Mahasena (in 3rd century AD). This tank is an incredible place to observe the elephants that come to bathe and graze on the grasses as well as the huge flocks of birds (cormorants, painted storks, open-bills, Pelicans and many other species of waders) that come to fish in the shallow waters.

Getting There
Main entrance of Minneriya National park is located facing Habarana – Polonnaruwa road (A11). From Colombo reach Habarana junction via Kurunegala, Dambulla (A1, A6), and take the right turn from Habarana towards Polonnaruwa. Drive 10 km towards Polonnaruwa to reach Minneriya National Park. Distance from Colombo is around 182km and total driving time will be around 4-5 hours.

Weather and Season
Best months to visit Minneriya are the dry months from June to September. Hundreds of elephants from the surrounding area are attracted to the drying Minneriya lake bed, which turns in to a lush green grass land, for food and water. Generally you can observe around five to ten herds of elephants, each with anything from twenty to fifty individuals of all age groups.

Attractions and activities

  1. Elephants, elephants and a lot of them !. You can witness how dominant female guide and protect the family, young calves playing and exploring the surrounding under the close supervision of adults, young males fighting for dominance and if you are lucky, you may be able to see one or more majestic tuskers
  2. Birds watching – A large number of birds gather in the park to feed on the fish that get trapped in drying water holes in the lake bed. Huge flocks of birds like cormorants, painted storks, open-bills, Pelicans can be seen.
  3. Beautiful Landscape – The lake, lush green lake bed and the surrounding mountains create memorable landscapes enhanced by warm light during the late afternoons

Accommodation Options
There are many accommodation options in the area from star class hotels to basic eco lodges. There are NO camp sites or bungalows located inside Minneriya National Park

Search accommodation options in the area at Lakdasun forum accommodation options board

Notes, Tips and Special Remarks
  1. Plan to spend at least 2-3 hours in the park. it’s better if you get a four-wheel drive to drive around. In dry season, a van will also be able to take you there. You can also hire a safari jeep from Habarana without much of a problem.
  2. It’s best to start your safari around 3.30 p.m. Plan to be at the park entrance around 3.00 p.m. since it will take some time to buy tickets and get a tracker to guide your vehicle in side the park. You have to drive few kilometers from the park entrance to reach the lake bed where you can drive around to observe elephants and birds.

Image Gallery
Open bills in flight at Minneriya National Park Bull elephants fighting at Minneria National Park
Open bills in flight. Open bills can be seen in flocks of hundreds, searching for oysters in shallow waters of Minneriya lake. Two bull elephants fighting for dominance. This fairly slow motion wrestling session can go for many minutes before one of the fighter’s give-up.
Safari jeeps watching elephants at Minneriya National Park Elephants chasing safari jeep at Minneriya National Park
During the dry season, safari jeeps surrounded by elephants is a common sight at Minneriya Even though elephants generally do not mind the safari action going around them, they sometimes can get a little angry and may chase vehicles away from them
Herd of elephants at Minneriya National Park Breathtaking view of Minneriya Lake
As sun goes down, herds head towards water for a cool evening bath. Breathtaking view of the Minneriya Lake, green lake bed and the blue sky
Elephant family with a calf at Minneriya National Park Colorful bird, Indian Roller at Minnieria National Park
A family of elephants peacefully grazing. Calf here is about a year old and will always stay close to its mother Indian Roller a colorful bird, which is a common sight at Minneriya
Flock of open bills flying over the Minneriya Lake when sunset Elephant calf at Minneriya National Park
A flock of open bills flying from the lake to the nesting trees as sun goes down over Minneriya Lake The young ones are playful and always want to explore the surrounding, but adults will make sure that they are kept in the centre of the herd as much as possible.
Tusker at Minneriya National Park A Land Monitor at Minneriya National Park
Tuskers are quite rare among Asian Elephants. Even though you can easily count hundreds of elephants in Minneriya, you will be very lucky if you see a tusker. A land monitor looking for dung beetles under elephant dropping.
]]> http://www.lakdasun.org/attractions/attraction-01-minneriya-national-park.htm/feed 0 Talangama Lake – Experience Nature without Leaving the City http://www.lakdasun.org/attractions/attraction-04-talangama-lake-experience-nature-in-city.htm http://www.lakdasun.org/attractions/attraction-04-talangama-lake-experience-nature-in-city.htm#comments Sun, 06 Apr 2008 01:06:14 +0000 lakdasun http://www.lakdasun.com/wp/?p=303
Directions to Horton Plains Activities possible at Horton Plains Accommodation close to Horton Plains Horton Plains Weather Pictures of Horton Plains Tips, Notes and Special Remarks
Talangama lake is a small, man built irrigation tank located at Talangama, Baththaramulla, close to the administrative capital of Sri Jayewardenepura. While the reservoir is still used to provide water for cultivation of paddy for a limited extent, a unique wet land, mangrove eco-system has emerged around the tank making it a refuge for a large number of birds and other species of animal.

Getting There
From Colombo reach Parliament junction on New Kandy road & proceed towards parliament entrance. Passing the parliament entrance drive straight to Palawatta junction. From Palawatta, drive 1.5 km along the D P Wijesinghe road and take the right turn to Lake road and drive ½ km along the lake road. Talangama Lake can be reached in less than an hour from Colombo.

View Google Earth Trail Map

Weather and Season
Best months to visit Talangama lake is from November to April when winter migrating birds arrive in Sri Lanka. Even outside this period there are many resident species in the lake.

Attractions and activities

  1. Birds watching – Talangama lake is one of the best locations close to Colombo where you can see a wide variety of colorful birds. These includes herons, bitterns, strokes, egrets, swallows, gulls, kingfishers, water hens & swamp hens, cormorants, teals, bulbuls and many other species birds. If you spend few hours in a peaceful afternoon walking around the lake you will be amazed by the number of different bird species you can observe.
  2. Butterflies and Dragonflies – Not only birds, Talangama lake is a good place to observe butterflies and dragonflies as well.
  3. Paddling – You can also hire a paddling boat and paddle on the clam waters of the lake. Paddling is a good way to explore the lake and to get close to birds without disturbing them. Paddling boat service is available from about 3.00 p.m. until the Sun goes down. In Summery Talangama lake is an ideal location for a nature lover to spend few hours close to nature without traveling out side the city

Accommodation Options
It’s proximity to Colombo makes it easy to find a place to spend a night. If you are traveling from outstations.

Notes, Tips and Special Remarks
  1. At present the area has been declared as a protected area by the department of wildlife conservations. The number of people visiting the place seems to be going up but unfortunately some crowd with no intention of enjoying nature too seem to get attracted to the area. Relevant local authorities should take an initiative to develop this place as a nature attraction in the city.
  2. If you are not sensitive to nature and looking for a place to meet up with your friends and have a drink. Please don’t come to Talangama. Its not comfortable enough for that purpose and the nature will not feel comfortable with you.
  3. Best time for bird watching will be from about 7.00 a.m. to 10.00 a.m in the morning and from 4.00 p.m. to 6.30 p.m. in the afternoon.

Image Gallery
Interesting moments captured at Talangama Lake. From left: an Egret Taking-off, a Pied Kingfisher emerging from water, Reflection of A dragonfly on keketiya and an egret sun bathing
A pair of Babblers captured in warm evening light. Looks like they just had a fight! Walking on water” – A Peasant Tailed Water Jacana
Paddling is a good way to explore the lake. It is relaxing; it can be exciting as well. If you keep your eyes and eras open while you paddle and manage to maintain silence you will be able to observe a lot of birds at very close range
Not only can water birds, many other species of bird also be seen at Talangama. Pictured here is a white browed bul-bul Leaf and water droplet enhanced by evening light
All colors, all shapes. Few species of water birds commonly found at Talangama. Pictures here from Left are: Common Coot (moorhen), Pond Heron, Purple Coot (swamp hen) and a Little Greb
Water buffalos have become an integral part of the lake’s eco-system and the cattle egrets are always behind them Portrait of a water-buffalo
In the water as well as out side water, many different kinds of plants and flowers can be seen. They come in all sort of shapes and colors
Golden rays of the setting sun turn the entire lake bed in to a gold carpet On a beautiful afternoon, a spot-built pelican floats on calm waters of the lake
Insect Life of Talangama Lake – Many different kinds of Butterflies and Dragonflies can be seen at Talangama
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