Lakdasun - Images of Sri Lanka http://www.lakdasun.org Free Pictures, Wallpapers, Guides for Nature and Wildlife Enthusiasts Sun, 07 Apr 2013 15:02:06 +0000 en-US hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.5.1 Bathalegala http://www.lakdasun.org/attractions/bathalegala.htm http://www.lakdasun.org/attractions/bathalegala.htm#comments Tue, 31 Jul 2012 00:11:57 +0000 Srilanka Tourism Development Authority http://www.lakdasun.org/?p=945
Directions Activities possible at Location Accommodation close to Attraction Weather Pictures of Attraction Tips, Notes and Special Remarks

Significance: Scenic value with a special Shape of the rock (similar to Sigiriya)

Bathalegala rock, situated in Kandy, it is clearly visible when reach Kadugannawa (well famous place near to Kandy). Bathalegala is more than 1688 feet high and surrounded by its satellites such as Devanagala Kanda hallowed by the visit of legendary God Alutnuwara deiyo in the north east, Kaithankadagale and Urakanda hillocks and Montane rock, Wakirigala rock and Uthuwankanda from the north. Also it is well famous as Bible Rock because it resembles an open book.

Getting There

Bathalegala is situated at Aranayake in Aranayake D.S, Hathgampala GS division
Access By Road
Route1: Colombo –> Mawanella -> Gewilipitiya -> Hathgampala -> Bathalegala (2.5km)
Route2: 
Public Transport all the way up to Thalduwa is available

Weather and Season

December to February Low probability of rain.
March to April Inter-monsoon season. Higher probability of rain in the afternoons.
May to July Monsoon season. High probability of Rain when Monsoons are active.
August, September Can be quite dry.
October, November Inter-monsoon season with high probability of tropical depressions. High probability of rain.

Attractions and activities

  1. Actvities at Bathalegala: Rock Climbing , Nature Trails , Photography , Scenery , Camping
  2. Near by Attractions: Asupini Ella, Bo Ella

Accommodation Options

  1. Rangana Rest, Kandy Road, Warakapola. 035-2267432
  2. Hotel Randiv, Kandy Road, Meepitiya, Kegalle. 035-2223100
  3. Ambasewana Walauwa, Aranayake Road, Ussapitiya, Kegalle. 035-2247769

Look for more accommodation options in this area, search for keywords “Kegalle, Mawanella or Aranayeke” in Lakdasun forum accommodation options board

Notes, Tips and Special Remarks

  1. None

Image Gallery

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]]> http://www.lakdasun.org/attractions/bathalegala.htm/feed 0 Dorawaka Rock Caves – Ethubendi Lena http://www.lakdasun.org/attractions/dorawaka-rock-caves-ethubendi-lena.htm http://www.lakdasun.org/attractions/dorawaka-rock-caves-ethubendi-lena.htm#comments Tue, 31 Jul 2012 00:05:05 +0000 Srilanka Tourism Development Authority http://www.lakdasun.org/?p=1238
Directions Activities possible at Location Accommodation close to Attraction Weather Pictures of Attraction Tips, Notes and Special Remarks

Significance: Relevance to the Stone Age

Archaeologists firmly believe that excavation conducted at the Dorawaka Rock caves at Warakapola reveal information of the Mesolithic Era, the third phase of the Stone Age. Brahmi lettering is typically found in rock inscriptions in stone caves.

Getting There

Dorawaka Rock Caves  is situated at Udumulla, Dorawaka in Warakapola  D.S, Udabage GS division
Access By Road
Route1: Colombo –> (Kandy Road)-> Warakapola –> Anguruwella Road –> Halliyadda Bridge -> MaDeniya Road –> Udumulla Baker –> Turn Left

Weather and Season

December to February Low probability of rain.
March to April Inter-monsoon season. Higher probability of rain in the afternoons.
May to July Monsoon season. High probability of Rain when Monsoons are active.
August, September Can be quite dry.
October, November Inter-monsoon season with high probability of tropical depressions. High probability of rain.

Attractions and activities

  1. Activities at Dorawaka Rock Caves: Visiting Historic & Archeological Sites, Photography, Rock Climbing, Cave Tourism
  2. Near by  Attractions:  Salgala, Bogala Graphite Mines

Accommodation Options

  1. Rangana Rest, Kandy Road, Warakapola. 035-2267432
  2. Picturesque Mountain Inn, 503, Thembiliyana Estate, Dehiowita. 036-2230194
  3. Kurulu Kele Inn, No.17, Albert Senavirathne Mw, Kegalle. (035-2222596)

Look for more accommodation options in this area, search for keywords “Kegalle, Warakapola, Dehiowita” in Lakdasun forum accommodation options board

Notes, Tips and Special Remarks

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]]> http://www.lakdasun.org/attractions/dorawaka-rock-caves-ethubendi-lena.htm/feed 0 Salgala Monastery http://www.lakdasun.org/attractions/salgala-monastery.htm http://www.lakdasun.org/attractions/salgala-monastery.htm#comments Mon, 30 Jul 2012 23:56:33 +0000 Srilanka Tourism Development Authority http://www.lakdasun.org/?p=1229
Directions Activities possible at Location Accommodation close to Attraction Weather Pictures of Attraction Tips, Notes and Special Remarks

Significance: A forest monastery used by Buddhist monks

Only the soft calls of the birds, the rustling leaves and the gentle drizzle accompany us as we weave our way up the picturesque Salgala forest monastery. Salgala is a haven for monks who have renounced the worldly pleasures and lead a life of austerity and meditation.

Getting There

Salgala Monastery  is situated at Welhella, Galapitamada in Warakapola  D.S, Welhella GS division
Access By Road
Route1: Colombo –> Warakapola –> (Karawanella Road) –> Galapitamada (3km)

Weather and Season

December to February Low probability of rain.
March to April Inter-monsoon season. Higher probability of rain in the afternoons.
May to July Monsoon season. High probability of Rain when Monsoons are active.
August, September Can be quite dry.
October, November Inter-monsoon season with high probability of tropical depressions. High probability of rain.

Attractions and activities

  1. Activities at Salgala Monastery: Meditation, Nature Study
  2. Near by  Attractions:  Athu Bendi Lena, Bogala Graphite Mines

Accommodation Options

  1. Rangana Rest, Kandy Road, Warakapola. 035-2267432
  2. Hotel Randiv, Kandy Road, Meepitiya, Kegalle. 035-2223100
  3. Ambasewana Walauwa, Aranayake Road, Ussapitiya, Kegalle. 035-2247769

Look for more accommodation options in this area, search for keywords “Kegalle, Warakapola” in Lakdasun forum accommodation options board

Notes, Tips and Special Remarks

  1. None

Image Gallery

Salgala

From Trip Report “Salgala monastery, Manella & Theli Falls (Galapitamada)”

Salgala

From Trip Report “Salgala monastery, Manella & Theli Falls (Galapitamada)”

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Salgala

from Trip Report “Salgala monastery, Manella & Theli Falls (Galapitamada)”

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Salgala

From Trip Report “Salgala monastery, Manella & Theli Falls (Galapitamada)”
]]> http://www.lakdasun.org/attractions/salgala-monastery.htm/feed 0 Kurulu Kele http://www.lakdasun.org/attractions/kurulu-kele.htm http://www.lakdasun.org/attractions/kurulu-kele.htm#comments Mon, 30 Jul 2012 23:31:47 +0000 Srilanka Tourism Development Authority http://www.lakdasun.org/?p=1217
Directions Activities possible at Location Accommodation close to Attraction Weather Pictures of Attraction Tips, Notes and Special Remarks

Significance: A rich bird sanctuary both typical and migrants, located in close proximity to the Kegalle town

Widely popular not only in the region but island wide, it is a rich bird sanctuary of both typical and migrants. Located in the heart of the city Kegalle, accession is easy and many varieties of birds are flying here at any time of the year. The name of the location suggests exactly what it is. Kurulu means birds and Kele means forest.

Getting There

Kurulu Kele is situated at Bandaranayake Mawatha, Kegalle in Kegalle  D.S, Golahela GS division
Access By Road
Route1: Colombo –> Kegalle Town –> Bandaranayake Mawatha

Weather and Season

December to February Low probability of rain.
March to April Inter-monsoon season. Higher probability of rain in the afternoons.
May to July Monsoon season. High probability of Rain when Monsoons are active.
August, September Can be quite dry.
October, November Inter-monsoon season with high probability of tropical depressions. High probability of rain.

Attractions and activities

  1. Activities at Kurulu Kele: Birds Watching, Photography, Nature Study
  2. Near by  Attractions:  Dedigama Kota Vehera

Accommodation Options

  1. Kurulu Kele Inn, No.17, Albert Senavirathne Mw, Kegalle. (035-2222596)
  2. Earl’s Chateau, No.9, Winstom Wickramasinghe Mw, Kegalle. (035-2231860)
  3. Nipuna Rest, 821, Meepitiya, Kegalle. (035-2223067)

Look for more accommodation options in this area, search for keywords “Kegalle” in Lakdasun forum accommodation options board

Notes, Tips and Special Remarks

  1. None

Image Gallery

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]]> http://www.lakdasun.org/attractions/kurulu-kele.htm/feed 0 Makandawa Forest Reserve http://www.lakdasun.org/attractions/makandawa-forest-reserve.htm http://www.lakdasun.org/attractions/makandawa-forest-reserve.htm#comments Mon, 30 Jul 2012 23:07:23 +0000 Srilanka Tourism Development Authority http://www.lakdasun.org/?p=1117
Directions Activities possible at Location Accommodation close to Attraction Weather Pictures of Attraction Tips, Notes and Special Remarks

Significance: Rare and endemic bird watching spot

Bird watching can be specially rewarding if the opportunity is there to see rare and endemic birds such as the black eagle, the trogon, Sri Lanka Orange-billed babbler, Chestnut backed owlet, the blue magpie and the Red Faced Malkoha. This forest is such a place and many such species have been spotted

Getting There

Makandawa Forest Reserve is situated at Kithulgala in Yatiyantota D.S, Kithulgala South GS division
Access By Road
Route1: Colombo –> (Hatton Road) -> Kithulgala –> Kithulgala clock tower –> Pallabage Road (500m)

Weather and Season

December to February Low probability of rain.
March to April Inter-monsoon season. Higher probability of rain in the afternoons.
May to July Monsoon season. High probability of Rain when Monsoons are active.
August, September Can be quite dry.
October, November Inter-monsoon season with high probability of tropical depressions. High probability of rain.

Attractions and activities

  1. Activities at Makandawa Forest Reserve: Birds Watching , Photography , Nature Study
  2. Near by  Attractions:  Manna Kethi Ella, Handun Ella

Accommodation Options

  1. Picturesque Mountain Inn, 503, Thembiliyana Estate, Dehiowita. 036-2230194
  2. The Plantation Guest House, 250, Kalukohutenna, Kithulgala. (036-2287575)
  3. Famous Guest House, New Ratnapura Road, Avissawella. 036-2230360

Look for more accommodation options in this area, search for keywords “Kithulgala” in Lakdasun forum accommodation options board

Notes, Tips and Special Remarks

  1. None

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]]> http://www.lakdasun.org/attractions/makandawa-forest-reserve.htm/feed 0 Maahmpita Raja Maha Viharaya http://www.lakdasun.org/attractions/maahmpita-raja-maha-viharaya.htm http://www.lakdasun.org/attractions/maahmpita-raja-maha-viharaya.htm#comments Sun, 29 Jul 2012 16:27:10 +0000 Srilanka Tourism Development Authority http://www.lakdasun.org/?p=1106
Directions Activities possible at Location Accommodation close to Attraction Weather Pictures of Attraction Tips, Notes and Special Remarks

Significance: A stone inscription (12 x 14 feet) over 2,000 years old suggesting the use of money used for services rendered

This temple was originally a hiding place for King Valagambah. It is said that during his reign, King Valagambah had used many similar caves as hiding places which became a temples later on. Maahmpita is no exception. One of the highlights of this cave temple is the stone inscription measuring 12 by 14 feet. Being a little over 2000 years old, this stone inscription is one of the earliest records of money being used for services rendered. According to the inscription, a gem dealer by the name of Manikara had paid a village headman named Hudaka for some irrigation work. Unfortunately, more information on the stone inscription is not available due to the illegibility of the writing which has not been conserved and protected over time.

Getting There

Maahmpita Raja Maha Viharaya is situated at Maahmpita in Galigamuwa D.S, Yattogoda GS division
Access By Road
Route1: Colombo –> (Kandy Road) –> Yattogoda Junction –> Beligala Road (300m)-> Maahmpita Road

Weather and Season

December to February Low probability of rain.
March to April Inter-monsoon season. Higher probability of rain in the afternoons.
May to July Monsoon season. High probability of Rain when Monsoons are active.
August, September Can be quite dry.
October, November Inter-monsoon season with high probability of tropical depressions. High probability of rain.

Attractions and activities

  1. Activities at Maahmpita Raja Maha Viharaya & : Scenery , Photography , Cycling & Mountain Biking , Pilgrimage
  2. Near by  Attractions:  Dedigama Kota Vehera

Accommodation Options

  1. Ambepussa Rest House, Ambepussa. (035-2267299)
  2. Rangana Rest, Kandy Road, Warakapola. (035-2267432)
  3. New Grosvenor Hotel, Kandy Road, Halagala, Warakapola. (035-2267276)

Look for more accommodation options in this area, search for keywords “Ambepussa, Warakapola” in Lakdasun forum accommodation options board

Notes, Tips and Special Remarks

  1. None

Image Gallery

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අටවිසි බුදු කුටි

අටවිසි බුදු කුටි

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]]> http://www.lakdasun.org/attractions/maahmpita-raja-maha-viharaya.htm/feed 0 Suthigara Dagoba (Dedigama Kota Vehera) and Museum http://www.lakdasun.org/attractions/suthigara-dagoba-dedigama-kota-vehera-and-museum.htm http://www.lakdasun.org/attractions/suthigara-dagoba-dedigama-kota-vehera-and-museum.htm#comments Sun, 29 Jul 2012 14:43:40 +0000 Srilanka Tourism Development Authority http://www.lakdasun.org/?p=1099
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Significance: Beautiful and rare ‘Elephant lamp’

The Suthigara dagoba (a dome-shaped shrine that contains Buddhist relics) gets its name from the word suthikagaraya meaning place of birth. Queen Rathnavali gave birth to a baby boy in this exact location where the dagoba is located. This boy later became Parakramabahu the Great (1153-1186). Major renovations have not been carried out on this dagoba. However, weeds and damaged bricks are replaced whenever the necessity arise helping to maintain its ancient austere look. Over the years, excavations revealed that the dagoba is built on top of another smaller dagoba. The smaller dagoba found closer to the pesa walalu (concentric perimeter rings going around the dagoba) on the eastern side is 36 feet in diameter. The diameter of the bigger dagoba is 804 feet and 47 feet high.

Getting There

Dedigama Kota Vehera is situated at Nelumdeniya in Warakapola D.S, Dedigama GS division
Access By Road
Route1: Colombo –> (Kandy Road) –> Nelumdeniya Junction –> Turn Thunthota Road (2 miles)

Weather and Season

December to February Low probability of rain.
March to April Inter-monsoon season. Higher probability of rain in the afternoons.
May to July Monsoon season. High probability of Rain when Monsoons are active.
August, September Can be quite dry.
October, November Inter-monsoon season with high probability of tropical depressions. High probability of rain.

Attractions and activities

  1. Activities at Dedigama Kota Vehera: Education, Photography, Pilgrimage
  2. Near by  Attractions:  Maahmpita Raja Maha Viharaya

Accommodation Options

  1. Ambasewana Walauwa, Aranayake Road, Ussapitiya, Kegalle. 035-2247769
  2. Hotel Sadeepa, Ganetenna, Hingula. 035-2240760
  3. Kurulu Kele Inn, No.17, Albert Senavirathne Mw, Kegalle. (035-2222596)

Look for more accommodation options in this area, search for keywords “Kegalle, Aranyake” in Lakdasun forum accommodation options board

Notes, Tips and Special Remarks

  1. None

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]]> http://www.lakdasun.org/attractions/suthigara-dagoba-dedigama-kota-vehera-and-museum.htm/feed 0 Pethangoda Katu Una Pandura (bush of thorn bamboo) http://www.lakdasun.org/attractions/pethangoda-katu-una-pandura-bush-of-thorn-bamboo.htm http://www.lakdasun.org/attractions/pethangoda-katu-una-pandura-bush-of-thorn-bamboo.htm#comments Sun, 29 Jul 2012 12:48:01 +0000 Srilanka Tourism Development Authority http://www.lakdasun.org/?p=1090
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Significance: Unusual species of bamboo that cannot be seen anywhere else in Sri Lanka

It is said that this was a beautiful garden that was at the centre of the Seethawaka kingdom of King Rajasinghe the 1st. It is said that while relaxing in the garden, the king had been pricked by a thorn from this unusual bamboo tree, which had fatally wounded him and killed him while he was being hurriedly ferried across the river in a copper paruwa (type of boat). Some say that it was the poison of the thorn, while others say the King’s Vedha mahaththaya’s (doctors) had poisoned him on the pretext of treating him in the boat. There are others that say that he was bitten by a snake and that it was not a thorn that killed him. Some say that being bitten by a cobra was divine retribution for the patricide he had committed for having turned his back on Buddhism.

Getting There

Pethangoda Katu Una Pandura is situated at Anguruwella in Dehiowita D.S, Pethangoda GS division
Access By Road
Route1: Colombo –> Avissawella -> (Kegalle Road) -> Anguruwella Jucntion –> Turn Left –> Across Gurugoda Oya –> Turn Right (3km)

Weather and Season

December to February Low probability of rain.
March to April Inter-monsoon season. Higher probability of rain in the afternoons.
May to July Monsoon season. High probability of Rain when Monsoons are active.
August, September Can be quite dry.
October, November Inter-monsoon season with high probability of tropical depressions. High probability of rain.

Attractions and activities

  1. Activities at Pethangoda Katu Una Pandura: Photography, Visiting Historic & Archeological Sites
  2. Near by  Attractions:  Cemetery of King Seethawaka Rajasinghe, Museum of Seethawaka era

Accommodation Options

  1. Famous Guest House, New Ratnapura Road, Avissawella. 036-2230360
  2. Picturesque Mountain Inn, 503, Thembiliyana Estate, Dehiowita. 036-2230194
  3. Ceylan Hotel, Hatton Road, Yatiyantota. 036-2270387

Look for more accommodation options in this area, search for keywords “Dehiowita, Awissawella, Yatiyanthota” in Lakdasun forum accommodation options board

Notes, Tips and Special Remarks

  1. None

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]]> http://www.lakdasun.org/attractions/pethangoda-katu-una-pandura-bush-of-thorn-bamboo.htm/feed 0 Holombuwa Sthripura Gal Len Viharaya (Stone Cave Temple) http://www.lakdasun.org/attractions/holombuwa-sthripura-gal-len-viharaya-stone-cave-temple.htm http://www.lakdasun.org/attractions/holombuwa-sthripura-gal-len-viharaya-stone-cave-temple.htm#comments Sun, 29 Jul 2012 12:28:43 +0000 Srilanka Tourism Development Authority http://www.lakdasun.org/?p=1081
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Significance: Has a naturally built magnificent stone arch unlike any other cave system in Sri Lanka

According to folklore, when in hiding, King Valagamba had concealed 500 of his queens in this cave, which is how part of its name originated. Sthripura means a place full of women. Unlike any other cave in Sri Lanka, it has a magnificent natural stone arch at the entrance to the cave. About 250 years after the reign of king Valagamba, the cave was discovered by some Buddhist priest who converted it into a temple like in most cases in Sri Lanka. There are a network of tunnels inside the cave which was designed for the king to escape

Getting There

Holombuwa Sthripura Gal Len Viharaya is situated at Holombuwa Estate in Galigamuwa D.S, Holombuwa GS division
Access By Road
Route1: Colombo –> (Kandy Road) –> Nelumdeniya Junction –> Dedigama Road (5km) –> Thunthota Juction (Turn Left) –> Arandara Road (2km) –> Holombuwa Kada Mandiya (Turn Left) (300m)

Weather and Season

December to February Low probability of rain.
March to April Inter-monsoon season. Higher probability of rain in the afternoons.
May to July Monsoon season. High probability of Rain when Monsoons are active.
August, September Can be quite dry.
October, November Inter-monsoon season with high probability of tropical depressions. High probability of rain.

Attractions and activities

  1. Activities at Holombuwa Sthripura Gal Len Viharaya: Visiting Caves, Pilgrimage
  2. Near by  Attractions:  Dedigama Surathissa Dagoba, Beligala Raja Maha Viharaya, Salgala Arana

Accommodation Options

  1. Ambepussa Rest House, Ambepussa. 035-2267299
  2. Earl’s Chateau, 9, Winstom Wickramasinghe Mw, Kegalle. (035-2231860)
  3. Kurulu Kele Inn, No.17, Albert Senavirathne Mw, Kegalle. (035-2222596)

Look for more accommodation options in this area, search for keywords “Kegalle, Ambepussa” in Lakdasun forum accommodation options board

Notes, Tips and Special Remarks

  1. None

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]]> http://www.lakdasun.org/attractions/holombuwa-sthripura-gal-len-viharaya-stone-cave-temple.htm/feed 0 Hakurugala Raja Maha Viharaya http://www.lakdasun.org/attractions/hakurugala-raja-maha-viharaya.htm http://www.lakdasun.org/attractions/hakurugala-raja-maha-viharaya.htm#comments Sun, 29 Jul 2012 12:13:47 +0000 Srilanka Tourism Development Authority http://www.lakdasun.org/?p=1072
Directions Activities possible at Location Accommodation close to Attraction Weather Pictures of Attraction Tips, Notes and Special Remarks

Significance: Highest content of minerals in water(Heaviest) found in Sri Lanka

The history of this temple to this day is not written, but passed on from generation to generation as folklore. Situated in the village of Nikawalamulla and built in a rock cave. The reclining Buddha is under the rock and is said to be built sometime during the reign of King Valagumbah. An interesting highlight of this temple is, the natural spring that flows behind the temple, according to folklore, has the heaviest water in Sri Lanka. In other words, the water here has an extremely high content of minerals. It is also said that the fiercest of droughts have not been able to dry the stream.

Getting There

Hakurugala Raja Maha Viharaya is situated at Dehiowita, Magammana in Dehiowita D.S, Kurupeththa GS division
Access By Road
Route1: Colombo –> (Hatton Road) –> Dehiowita –> Magammana(Nugahamula) –> Turn Left (4km)

Weather and Season

December to February Low probability of rain.
March to April Inter-monsoon season. Higher probability of rain in the afternoons.
May to July Monsoon season. High probability of Rain when Monsoons are active.
August, September Can be quite dry.
October, November Inter-monsoon season with high probability of tropical depressions. High probability of rain.

Attractions and activities

  1. Activities at Hakurugala Raja Maha Viharaya: Scenery, Pilgrimage, Hiking, Photography
  2. Near by  Attractions:  Pethangoda Throne Bush, Barandy Kovil, Cemetery of King Seethawaka Rajasinghe

Accommodation Options

  1. Famous Guest House, New Ratnapura Road, Avissawella. 036-2230360
  2. Picturesque Mountain Inn, 503, Thembiliyana Estate, Dehiowita. 036-2230194
  3. Ceylan Hotel, Hatton Road, Yatiyantota. 036-2270387

Look for more accommodation options in this area, search for keywords “Awissawella, Dehiowita, Yatiyanthota” in Lakdasun forum accommodation options board

Notes, Tips and Special Remarks

  1. None

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