#Paddy Field Tour in Sri Lanka

[amithafz]

Paddy Field Tour in Sri Lanka: An Unforgettable Experience : Ampara

Sri Lanka is a beautiful country with a rich history and culture. One of the best ways to experience Sri Lanka is by taking a paddy field tour. Paddy fields are the rice fields that are found all over Sri Lanka. They are a beautiful sight to behold, and they offer a glimpse into the traditional way of life in Sri Lanka. There are many different paddy field tours available in Sri Lanka. You can…

[vimunksl]

Mangrove Conservation and Rural Community-Economy Improvement Project by University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Sri Lanka.

Horawala Mangrove Ecosystem is an important ecosystem that provides habitats for a number of rare mangrove species as well as many non-mangrove specific species of animals. This vital natural resource is currently facing multiple threats that require immediate action, so, the Center For Sustainability (CFS), of the Department of Forest and Environmental Sciences, University of Sri Jayewardenepura (USJ) is carrying out a unique project led by Prof. Priyan Perera. The overall aim being the restoration and conservation of this vital ecosystem, furthermore, it is an initiative by USJ to uplift the economy of the surrounding rural community, teach residents about sustainable resource extraction, and responsible custodianship of a nationally important habitat.

Itthapana Horawala is an enthralling area, extending across approximately 500ha on the banks of the Benthara River, close to the Benthara Tourist Zone. 20-25 years ago, life was simple and sustainable for the local population, who relied predominantly on agriculture to maintain their lifestyle. Saline water intrusion from the nearby Benthara river estuary rarely affected their farming activities and farmers in the area were able to consistently reap plentiful paddy harvests due to the fact that the unique traditional rice varieties used had a higher tolerance level to increased salinity and water levels. According to the villagers, the “Karijja Wella” also provided effective support to mitigate saltwater intrusion up to a point. A small canal with elevated banks the “Karijja Wella” would flow parallel to the main river, in between the river and the paddy fields with gates at different locations. This traditional system functioned through an ingenious mechanism to reduce the salinity of water used in paddy lands from the river at the high tide. In addition to paddy cultivation, women of the household frequently engaged in weaving mats, hats, bags, and different types of handicrafts using reeds grown in the nearby swamps, which generated good supplementary income at the time. Accounts from elderly women in the village reveal that the reed-based weaving industry was lucrative enough to fulfil the financial requirements of both education for children, and most household expenses. The handicrafts were sold in areas like Paravigama, Miigama, Aluthgama and Mathugama and offered a creative and financially sound outlet for local women. The villages of the area remained self-sufficient in other ways too, with several families dedicating time to fishing which would provide an additional source of protein at the dinner table. Some families carved out a living from trading mangrove-related vegetables such as Karan-Koku, Kekatiya, Lotus-roots, etc. providing a varied diet and extra income from selling Lotus and Watakeyya flowers at the closely located and famous Buddhist temple, Kandewihara. Another feature of life included small home vegetable gardens and cattle farms which made life easier in the villages despite a lack of money. Overall, the villagers had something special; a sustainable existence and a deep-seated love and respect for the natural world around them. Even today, from recently conducted interviews, we learn that locals in the area still have a strong passion and desire for this traditional way of life.

However, over time, multiple forces adversely affected the delicate existence enjoyed by residents of the area. Saltwater intrusion gradually began to increase and reduce the productivity of the paddy fields, rendering large areas no longer capable for arable farming. Farmers didn’t receive any financial compensation or higher prices for the unique rice varieties they grew in these harsh habitats using more sustainable agriculture practices, so ultimately the practices and rice varieties dwindled. Further exacerbating the increasing economic strife endured by locals was the introduction of cheaper plastic mats and mass-produced products which substantially reduced demand for reed-based handicrafts. Unable to keep pace with the collapse of local industry and agriculture these mangrove communities were forced to turn to alternative sources of income. Paddy cultivation completely halted and approximately 300 acres of paddy lands were subsequently abandoned then quickly overtaken by alien invasive species (AIS) such as Dillenia suffruticosa, and Annona glabra. As the environmental issues grew and communities drifted into poverty, outside investors started to invade the mangrove forest around the river to exploit the area for financial gain. Taking advantage of the close proximity to the Benthara tourism area, wealthier businesspersons and companies opened non-environmentally friendly tourist destinations, and unregulated boat services appeared along the riverbank which was rapidly being cleared of the once lush mangrove forest. As a result of both large- and small-scale tourism developments in the area, the Benthara River mangrove environment has become one of the most endangered mangrove systems in Sri Lanka. Seemingly very few people could see the social, economic and environmental benefits of mangrove conservation and sustainable resource extraction, and the entire area appeared to be on the brink of collapse.

However, in 2004, environmental economics specialist Dr. Suren Batagoda an alumnus of Faculty of Applied Sciences, USJ, learned of the past and present situation of the stricken Horawala-Ittapana mangrove community. With a desire to help this rural community and the unique ecosystem, he embarked on a comprehensive study of the sustainable economic potential of this mangrove ecosystem.

Surprised by initial results, he took immediate actions. Identifying the need of the community to earn money through eco-friendly businesses, he constructed a small building in the area with the necessary facilities for a beverage manufacturing factory. The surprising venture aimed at using un-utilized Mangrove Apple fruit (Sonneratia caseolaris) for beverage manufacturing and sale. The business quickly drew attention from local villagers and in the pilot project phase produced 30,000-35,000 bottles of Mangrove Apple per month. With low overheads, production and sales of this magnitude ensured the business was a success. A resulting side effect from the success of this sustainable business was a resurgence in reed-based handicraft manufacturing. The area appeared to be on the upswing with locals now viewing the mangrove as a necessary resource that should be preserved for future prosperity but unfortunately due to the ill health of Dr. Batagoda he was unable to maintain these operations of which he had dedicated so much of his life. Once again, the fate of the mangroves slipped into uncertainty.

Fast forward to 2019 and the time when Dr. Batagoda discovered the Center for Sustainability (CFS), at USJ. He was impressed with the many successful projects conducted by the CFS in the areas of environmental conservation, habitat restoration, eco-tourism and eco-businesses. In a great act of generosity and altruism, he decided to donate the land he had bought at Ittapana-horawala with the beverage processing factory building to the university. New life will once again be breathed into the factory building by converting it to a mangrove research facility for researchers, students and the wider academic community.

After 18 months of hard work by the CFS team under the guidance and supervision of the CFS director and senior lecturer in DFES, Prof.Priyan Perera, baseline data was collected on ecology, sociology, economy of the Ittapana Horawala area. The data was subsequently used to create a masterplan with the objectives of uplifting the economic status of this rural community while simultaneously conserving the Horawala mangrove ecosystem. This masterplan aims to cover three main aspects, protecting the mangrove ecosystem, enhancing local and nationwide knowledge, and improving the economic status of the community.

The masterplan highlights the importance of the following key areas of focus:

1. Establishing a field research center for national and international researchers, university students and school students to study the mangrove ecosystem and spread awareness on the importance of mangrove biodiversity.

2. Restoration and rehabilitation of destroyed or degraded areas through clearing invasive plant species and planting mangrove and Mangrove Apple plants.

3. Creating a mangrove arboretum with Sri Lankan mangrove and mangrove associate plants which can maintain and enhance the mangrove gene pool.

4. Establishing and maintaining native fish aquarium and endangered fish species breeding center.

5. Re-starting the Mangrove Apple beverage processing factory, empowering local women and introducing an improved product to the market with the support of the Department of Food Science and Technology, USJ.

6. Restoration of previous reed lands and restarting the reed-based handicraft production industry, in collaboration with the relevant stakeholders and government authorities. Furthermore, a separate center will be established for reed product marketing, promotion, new business development and innovation.

7. Re-farming abandoned paddy lands by providing sustainable farming knowledge, improved/traditional salt tolerance rice varieties, proper technology and guidance. The harvest will be promoted separately with restructured pricing which takes into consideration environmental best practices and quality certification.

8. Maintaining a traditional food and beverage restaurant targeting local and foreign tourists using the labour and products of the local people.

9. Maintaining 3 ecolodges for tourists utilizing expert management practices from a collaborative effort with the Forest department and Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority any other government organizations (Including Eco Trails, Eco and Animal Exploration Tours)

10. Enhancing geographical location and ancient value of places such as Pahurakanda temple to the economy by organising bicycle trips between Ittapana-Horawala Mangrove Resource Center and Yagirala forest research center in collaboration with relevant government organizations and authorities.

11. Introducing the concept and practical know how of carbon trading to the community and getting them involved in mangrove conservation through mangrove maintenance.

12. Development of additional businesses including mangrove-related local industries and innovations.

As a university we have an academic team with excellent technical knowledge and experienced, dedicated, staff to carry out all these activities, our financial capabilities are very limited. In spite of these challenges, we at the USJ are ready to do what is necessary to enhance our small but precious Island through these new avenues of environmental conservation. Working with other parties across all sectors will inevitably lead to greater success for the aforementioned mangrove projects and ultimately the protection of one of the country’s most important habitats and natural resources.

If you are inspired by the story of the Horawala people, understand the environmental and economic importance of this mangrove ecosystem or have a general interest in protecting Sri Lankan biodiversity, then please join us on our journey. Whether it be as an individual or an organization any kind of contribution you can make is of vital importance to protecting this area and the local community. Do your bit to help make the Sri Lankan mangrove ecosystems the best they can be.

Contact.

Prof.Priyan Perera

Phone (mobile): (+94) 718656457 / (+94) 777258272

Phone (office): (+94) 112758411 Fax: (+94) 112802937

E-mail: priyan@sjp.ac.lk

Center For Sustainability

sustainability@sjp.ac.lk

(+94) 112758414

[cheetavel]

Travel to Sri Lanka and Explore Meemure with Hashan as Your Tour Guide 🇱🇰

Meemure is a village located near the border between Kandy District and Matale District in the Knuckles Mountain Range, said Hashan. Meemure is one of the most remote villages in Sri Lanka with the only access via a 14-kilometer trail from the town of Loolwatte. Residents of Meemure village rely on several staple crops including ginger, pepper, cardamom, and beautiful paddy fields. These beautiful paddy fields are all over Meemure village and it illuminates the entire village. There are two seasons for the paddy field watching. The first season starts from February to April and the second season starts from September to November. Eli Hatha means seven waterfalls. 

Eight kilometers before to the center of Meemure, this magnificent waterfall could be seen and literally, it has seven mini waterfalls. This water flows all the way to the village and tourists enjoy the natural POOL of it. DIYAKERALLA ELLA, also known as "DIYAKARA ELLA". It flows through the jungle and cascades down a 45-meter-high rock formation. The noise made is incredible. As the water hits the bottom, another fall is created. Though only the upper section is visible through the dense foliage.

[cyclingholidaystours]

Tips to Plan Best Cycling Trip in Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka is one of the most popular trekking destinations in the world. Most of the people prefer Sri Lanka to trek on their vacation. There is a huge range of opportunity for hiking in Sri Lanka. In the hiking tour, the travelers can explore the forest, river, temple, village, and others. It allows the hiker to enjoy the vacation with the family. The hiking in Sri Lanka creates unforgettable memories to the travelers.

They Horton plain national park provides great hikes in the exclusive environment by the grassland, high-altitude vegetation, large trees, and others. Bandarawela is an attractive area in Sri Lanka that has a lake, river, and others in the region. If anyone visiting the Kandy Vicinity then you never misses exploring the amazing knuckles mountain range. It comes with the major forest and breathtaking mountain and forest scenery.

Top place for cycling in Sri Lanka

If you need to enjoy the cycling in Sri Lanka with the loved one then you can choose the best place. There are large ranges of places for cycling in the country such as Kandy, Ella, Sigiriya, Polonnaruwa, Sigiriya, Tissamaharama and much more. You can select the right place for cycling in Sri Lanka according to your needs and budget. In the hiking and cycling tour, you can pass through the waterfalls, tea plantation, paddy field, and others.

Ella is a small town in Sri Lanka that is located 1040 meters above sea level. In the cycling tour, you can enjoy the natural scene and wonderful climates. You can stay at the affordable hotel on the trip. The hiker should eat the local food during the hiking or cycling. Ella village offers a beautiful view of the sunset and mountain peaks. If you are cycling in Kandy you can visit the famous temples in the region.

Guide for planning a cycling tour

The cycling and hiking are the best adventure activities that create fun moments in your life. The hiking in Sri Lanka offers an exclusive view of the mountain peak, small village, and others. You can use a bike to explore the city of the Polonnaruwa. The biker can visit various place in the Polonnaruwa without any hassle. Here you can get simple tips to plan for the cycling trip.

It is important that you should choose the best season for cycling in Sri Lanka. The months of June to August are right season for cycling or hiking in Kerala & Sri Lanka.

For cycling in the mountain, the travelers should have the cycling experience.

The travelers should choose the right cycle store to rend the cycle or bike. They offer high-quality bikes to travelers with good condition.

The travelers should bring the necessary items to the trip such as a jacket, shoe, gloves, wet clothing, first-aid kit, water bottle, torch, camera with batteries, and others.

You should select the affordable hotel to stay during the cycling in Kerala & Sir Lanka.

[duoescapes]

Spend an inclusive holiday in Sri Lanka

Buddhism, along with other minority cultures, is the dominant culture in Sri Lanka. Escape from the tropical heat by visiting Sri Lanka in the winter and plan your stay in Hotel Offers in Sri Lanka. Local cuisine prepared with tropical spices is delectable and a must-try. Hot-air Balloon Festivals, Beach Festivals and Navam Perehara, are festivals to enjoy while in Sri Lanka. Colombo, the capital city, has a complete sophisticated feel to it, with iconic attractions such as the Gangaramaya Buddhist Temple, the Dutch Museum, and Galle Face Green. 

Even the most cash-strapped Western backpacker is extremely wealthy where you can get Sri Lanka Hotels Offers. In Sri Lankan terms, as their mere presence in the country demonstrates. And, no matter how tight one's budget, it's important to remember how much a few rupees can mean to a guesthouse owner who is barely scraping by on a few dollars a day. On the other hand, it's also crucial to avoid being overcharged. Visitors who have no idea of local pricing and pay whatever they're asked add to local inflation, raising prices for other visitors and (more importantly) residents.

Why should you stay in Hotels during a Sri Lanka trip?

Many hotels and restaurants add a ten percent service charge to the bill, but it's worth noting that the people who served you are unlikely to see any of this money. If there hasn't been a service charge added, a tip isn't always required, but it is always appreciated. You can select the best Hotel Offers in Sri Lanka as per your budget.

The tiny teardrop-shaped island of Sri Lanka lies beneath India, surrounded by natural beauty, sacred Buddhist temples, friendly people, and emerald green paddy fields on a stunning coconut-fringed coastline lapped by the Indian Ocean.

When you travel to Sri Lanka you should consider going all-inclusive and the Hotel Offer in Sri Lanka. Many of the hotels are set inside pretty but tiny villages, beachfront, tea plantations, or in verdant forest, and sometimes, there are not too many places to eat and drink outside of your hotel. If you travel to Sri Lanka you should get out and explore the lush rainforests, golden beaches, and national parks that make this island the "pearl of the Indian Ocean," so you are all fulfilled with an all-inclusive package.

Conclusion

When visiting temples in Sri Lanka, you'll almost certainly be shown around by a resident monk or priest; it's customary to give them something at the end of the tour; some will accept it even though Buddhist monks aren't supposed to handle money; others will prefer you to put it in a donation box. Whatever happens, a buck or two should be enough.

Unofficial "guides," usually bored teens or other local hangers-on, will sometimes appear to show you around temples and will, of course, demand a tip in exchange. Again, a dollar or two should be more than enough, and you can also look for Hotel Offer Sri Lanka. Anyone else who assists you would generally welcome some gratuity, but of course, it's hard to generalize, and guests will have to make sometimes difficult choices on whether to give money or not.

[odesagems]

Throughout history, Sri Lanka had garnered quite a bit of reputation for its gems from the likes of King Solomon, Marco Polo and Princess Diana herself. But did you know that there’s a town in Sri Lanka which is renowned for its contribution to the gem industry?

Situated in the South-western Sri Lanka, Ratnapura is also known as the “City of Gems”. Since it’s situated right in the centre of it all, it’s blessed with gorgeous scenic beauty, from paddy fields to rubber plantations to tea estates and even to a busy town full of amazing human beings. However the main attraction in Ratnapura is the culture built around the gem industry. Gem mines, lapidaries, market places where gem enthusiasts meet each other and purchase gems can all be found in this little town called Ratnapura. So if you are a gem enthusiast and ever in Sri Lanka, don’t forget to visit Ratnapura, have a cup of warm Ceylon tea and take a tour around some of our famous gem mines.

#gemstone #gems #jewelry #gemstones #gemstonejewelry #crystals #handmade #jewellery #gem #handmadejewelry #fashion #crystal #ring #stone #batuakik #accessories #love #batuakikindonesia #crystalhealing #minerals #jewels #cabochon #instajewelry #sapphire #necklace #bracelet #gemstoneindonesia #pendant #jewelrydesign

[visit-srilanka]

Hot Air Balloon Tours in Sri Lanka🇱🇰⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ Float over with a bird’s eye view of srilankas dramatic landscape, the world heritage sites, lakes and rivers, wild life parks, cultural sites and the breath taking scenery of this wonder of the world.⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ Flying over the jungle you may see elephants roaming freely🐘, water buffaloes🐃 standing in the paddy fields and monkeys🐒 swinging from the trees. View of Sigiriya standing majestically in the distance is very visible with the rising of the sun and you can -propose to your fiancée in a hot air balloon, celebrate your birthday in a hot air balloon, exchange vows and get married in the air in a hot air balloon! Functioning from Dambulla, the service is mainly available From December to March.⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ 📸 ⁣Beautiful photo by @esjestraveltips ⁣⁣ Follow us to explore Sri Lanka more; 👇⁣⁣ 🔶️Instagram @visit_.srilanka⁣⁣ ⏺ Facebook-www.facebook.com/melankatours/⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ ✅ Direct Massage /Email- visitlanka20@gmail.com for Tour Arrangement⁣ ⁣⁣ #dambulla #srilanka #visitsrilanka #airbalooning #hotairballon #wildlife #animallover #couplegoal #travelcouple #instamorning #instadaily #instatravel #travelsrilanka #bucketlist #srilankatrip #srilankadaily #travelwithme #traveldeeper #darlingescapes #travelmore #takemethere #letsgosomewhere #shetravel #travelgirl #wanderlust #lovepropose # bestofasia (at Dambulla, Sri Lanka) https://www.instagram.com/p/CBsL0Z9FUGd/?igshid=ej3fkiokogdh

[rtlmsl]

Located approximately 30 km from the Matale town, when travelling on Matale – Girandurukotte road, rather windy with quite a few hairpins turns but in good condition, offers great views all around with a mini worlds end, lot less travelled by main stream tourists. Climatic conditions here are very similar to Horton plains with the addition of having two great waterfalls “Sera Ella” and “Bambarakiri Ella”, both of which are a site for sore eyes, don’t forget to relax on the rock seats of “Sera Ella” relishing the cold misty spray of water on your face and Thelgamu Oya offers a great site for a dip in crystal clear but chilly water.

Travelling further upstream on this very scenic stream will no doubt will make you feel refreshed and rejuvenated. We recommend that you plan a trekking trip (02.5km) to the mist clad Riverston peak via pittawala pathana, as it offers some of the greatest views of the central hills across the mini worlds end which ends in a sheer drop of 300 meters offering a great vista especially of the “Knuckles range”, and the thelgamu valley below with its terraced paddy field method unique to the central hills of Sri Lanka.

[theturban]

This Village Tour in Dambulla gives you a chance to experience traditional Sri Lankan village life with all its authenticity. You will enjoy the sightseeing of paddy fields, bullock cart ride, Traditional catamaran ride in a lake, visit to a chena cultivation, traditional cooking demonstration in a rural village house and authentic Sri Lankan lunch. Write us for this unique experience in Sri Lanka. As experienced by our guest Meera and her family. #turbanadventures #luxurylifestyle #authentic #curator #travelexperts #discover (at Dambulla, Sri Lanka) https://www.instagram.com/p/B6fo3xNpVCK/?igshid=1uplm5g6iuj35

[thilanka-tours]

Thilanka Tours & Signature by Thilanka - Srilanka. Email : thilankathamel@gmail.com / sbtvacation@gmail.com Contact No : +94 773 75 75 92 ( whats app & Viber ) Web : www.thilankatours.weebly.com

#AmbalangodaMasks 👺👹💀 Ambalangoda is a big town. It's located in Galle District, Southern Province, Sri Lanka, governed by an Urban Council. The town is famous for masks & puppets. The traditional masks are carved from light Balsa like Kaduru wood (Nux vomica). Kaduru trees grow in the marshy lands bordering paddy fields. #thilankatours #srilanka

[trulysrilanka]

Tropical bliss at your fingertips

Explore Sri Lanka – the tropical paradise island and view gorgeous paddy fields such as this – on your tour with SoulTrek Sri Lanka

[accommodation-guide]

5 Star Hotels In Kandy For A Great Staycation In Sri Lanka

With Sri Lanka becoming one of the most popular holiday destinations in Asia, Kandy, a large city in the island nation has many established hotels located within its boundaries. Kanty city is located on a plateau which is surrounded by mountains. The mountains are covered with tea plantations and biodiverse rainforest. Kandy is famous for the beautiful Kandy Lake also known as Bogambara Lake. The city is also popular for its Buddhist sites, including the Temple of the Tooth (Sri Dalada Maligawa) shrine. Here are some of the best 5 star hotels in Kandy:

1. The Golden Crown Hotel

The Golden Crown Hotel located in Ampitya is one of the best 5 star hotels Kandy, Srilanka. Surrounded by lush greens paddy fields, the hotel is just 10 minutes away from the famous Temple of the Tooth Relic. Each room is air-conditioned and features a flat-screen television and a minibar. Each room has a private bathroom and some rooms also have a seating area. The Golden Crown Hotel also features a swimming pool and an INFINITY pool bar on the 2nd floor. The property offers three restaurants: Brix - a contemporary Irish type restaurant; The Long Bar - a bar with an Irish Pub type of ambiance; and Treats - a restaurant for breakfast, lunch or late night snack. The hotel also has an upscale night club called LAVO, which is situated on the top floor.  You can also access the fitness centre, the spa and on-site complimentary parking.

Address: 322, Udagama Ampitiya, 20000 Kandy, Sri Lanka

Cost Per Night: INR 9,300

Ratings on Bookings.com: 8.6 / 10

2. Sevana City Hotel

Located just 1.3 km from the Kandy Railway Station, Sevana City Hotel is one of the best 5 star hotels in Kandy. The rooms feature free WiFi, a desk and a hairdryer. Each room also has a private bathroom fitted with a shower. The guests at Sevana City Hotel also gives access to the terrace and snack bar. Other facilities offered at the property include a shared lounge, a tour desk and luggage storage. You can also enjoy free parking and good meals at the in-house restaurant.

Address: 84, Peradeniya Road, Kandy, 20000 Kandy, Sri Lanka

Cost Per Night: 2,600

Ratings on Bookings.com: 8.7 / 10

3. The Grand Kandyan

The Grand Kandyan Hotel in Kandy is located just 1.2 km from Sri Dalada Maligawa. It features a spacious outdoor pool and provides complimentary WiFi to its guests. The rooms are air-conditioned and elegantly furnished with fully carpeted flooring, a minibar, tea and coffee maker and a sofa seating area. The rooms also have large windows and a private balcony. The bathrooms are equipped with a bathtub too. You can also avail services including free parking, bar, fitness centre, swimming pool and spa treatments and traditional massages.

Address: 89/10, Lady Gordon`s Drive, Kandy, 20000 Kandy, Sri Lanka

Cost Per Night: 9,700

Ratings on Bookings.com: 8.3 / 10

From the above-given list of the top 5 star hotels in Kandy, select the one that best suits your needs. Enjoy a happy city holiday in this exotic island nation of Sri Lanka.

[wokingtheworld]

India to Sri Lanka

We finished off our trip to India by dipping our feet in the Arabian Sea, visiting the church that was built by the Portuguese in the early 1500's, visiting a Jewish synagogue, and shopping in the spice and sari market.  I purchased a traditional handwoven sari, bordered in gold.  

Vasco de Gama actually discovered India, and the abundant and wealth producing spice plantations way back in 1498, just after Columbus inadvertently discovered America.  The Portuguese built a church shortly after his arrival and he was eventually buried there. It's fascinating learning about the early spice trade and the earliest countries to participate--China, the middle east, and then Europe.

We took photos of the Arabian Sea on our overcast morning.  Nice to dip our toes in such an exotic body of water. Next, we visited a Jewish synagogue adjacent to the spice market.  There are only six remaining Jewish people in this area of India.  Most apparently left for Israel when it opened up for settlement.

We shopped for spices and saris and books, enjoying our last day in India.  We ended the day with another cooking class, and, after an abundant lunch, were not able to eat much.  It was delightful to get to know the Indian family who hosted us in their home.  They were wealthy by Indian standards with a five bedroom home, air-conditioning and a flush toilet.  They had a separate bedroom for the wife's 89 year old mom.  "She is almost 90," she said.  "We need to take good care of her."  The wife works two jobs--teaching 3 and 4 year olds in a "kindergarten" private school and then coming home to prepare and serve her cooking classes and care for her mother.

We were sad to say goodbye to Biju who was a wonderful guide, knowledgable and always willing to answer our questions and assist us to find and do what we desired. On Wednesday, we rose at 4:00 a.m. to get ready and be driven to the airport.  We had several hours to relax before boarding the plane for Sri Lanka.  Sri Lankan airlines had some fun new features on the plane.  On the screen in front of you, you could watch the scenery go by below the plane and the scenery in front of the plane--I guess on something similar to GoPro cameras.  We saw the water below us and then the lush greenery which is Sri Lanka.  

Upon arrival, we greeted our bus driver Andrew, cheerful and friendly.  We drove on narrow side roads through gorgeous scenery, mile after mile of bright green rice paddies, surrounded by coconut palms and jungle growth and, in the distance on both sides of the road, mountains rising above the jungle floor.  The peaks of these mountains rise 8-9,000 feet.  Men were working out in the rice paddies, manual labor accomplished with a simple hoe.  The fields were dotted with white egrets. 

We arrived in Pinnawalla just in time to see the elephants crossing the road. These are "orphanage elephants," rescued when they are lost.  They are fed and cared for and twice a day, they walk through the streets and are taken down to the river to bathe, splash and be splashed by a big stream of water arching over the river.  They are led down to the water and taken back across the road by men with long sticks who make sure they don't bother the tourists and don't stray from the water.  These elephants were having the time of their lives!  There were a couple of baby elephants guided by the adults, playing in the water.  What a unique experience.  

After driving again for a couple hours, we arrived at our beautiful resort hotel, complete with a pool, walkways to separate "villas" and an abundant buffet for dinner.

Today we will climb a large rock called Sigiriya, an iconic landmark.  This was a 5th century AD fortress where the ancient king ruled, complete with a lion's paws entrance and beautifully painted murals, still intact.  On the top of this massive rock fortress, terraced gardens are still grown, watered by some of the original cisterns.

Next, we will enjoy the ancient caves of the Golden Temple of Dambulla, the walls covered with murals depicting the life of Buddha. And, to end the day, we will go on a guided tour of another spice and herbal garden where will  witness a cooking demonstration and eat lunch there.  Then, we will drive back to Colombo-a 4.5 to 5 hour drive.

- Susan Manser

[alotoftrips]

Hotel with transparent walls

Everyone wishes a hotel with a view, but an Icelandic entrepreneur has led his tourism business to a totally different level: he accommodates tourists in completely transparent, round and individual rooms. He did this to give customers the opportunity to admire the boreal aurora or just the starry sky from the comfort of the bed. A revolutionary idea for the field, which attracted public attention spectacularly, receiving countless praise from those who stayed there.

51 best transparent walls images on Pinterest | Partition walls ...

Explore Anna Castells's board "transparent walls" on Pinterest. | See more ideas about Partition walls, Architecture and Deco.

Five completely transparent spheres are the newest attraction in tourism. These unusual rooms accommodate tourists eager to see the boreal aurora without the Nordic cold. The five bubbles are located at a distance, each of them surrounded by a dense forest, so that the privacy of the tourists is assured. Also for this purpose, those staying there do not find the exact address until shortly before staying. Each room has everything needed for a bedroom, but the bathroom and the kitchen are common. Customers have to bring their food as well as sanitary items or towels. The entire structure is inflated through a silent ventilation system that freshens the air in the room about five times per hour so that no moisture is created. The system is also equipped with a thermostat, so that the indoor temperature is always at a comfortable level no matter how cold it is out. But interested visitors do not come just for boreal aurora, or to sleep under the stars. During the long Nordic summer days, they have the opportunity to sleep under ... the sun in the middle of the night. During this period, the bubbles are surrounded by countless species of birds and butterflies, which compensates for the lack of stars.

Customers who are keen on such an adventure have to pay about 135 pounds a night. and it seems that there are many interested customers, because the owners have announced the intention to expand to keep up with the demand. At the same time, they have expanded their services by organizing walking tours through the most popular tour of Istalnde - the Golden Circle.

Why hotels have glass wall bathrooms? - Quora

Glass wall bathrooms are a stylistic element that hotels add to their rooms. The walls can be opaque, translucent or even transparent. Some even have open ...

Travel guide on the most spectacular hotels of the world

Be it swimming pool suspended among the greenery of trees of a forest in Thailand, view horizon largest reserves in Africa or the beautiful landscapes of Indonesia's rice fields, attractions most luxurious new hotels in the world,  guide travel "Conde Nest Traveller" I think about the holiday.

 The publication "Conde Nest Traveller" has made a list of the newest hotels in the world that offers truly spectacular attractions. We present five of the most interesting choices made by famous travel guide.Keemala, Phuket, Thailanda (foto sus) Keema, Phuket, Thailand (above)

The World's Most Spectacular Hotels

The World's Most Spectacular Hotels. Travel to these destinations for a once-in-a- lifetime experience. By Rebecca Cope. 9 March 2015. Share · Tweet · Pin.

"Keema" is an exclusive place to relax, located in a forest on the island of Puket.  The strength of the tourist attraction is the outdoor pool, which is high amongst the greenery of trees. The property features a restaurant, spa and wellness. Clients are offered holistic therapies, yoga, Pilates and meditation, all in an area full of positive energy and green. Prices for rooms start at 550 euros per night. JW Marriott Resort & Spa, Veneţia, Italia JW Marriott Resort & Spa, Venice, Italy Just 20 minutes from San Marco Square, on a private island is the luxurious "JW Marriott Resort & Spa". If you are looking for a place to escape the crowds in Venice but want one of the best things the city has to offer, "Conde Nast Traveller" recommended to visit "Jw Marriott Resort & Spa". Location with an area of 16 hectares, offers its clients 4 restaurants amenjat land for exploration and a huge swimming pool. The price of a room starts at 350 euros. Angama Mara, Masai Mara, Kenya Angamos Mara, Masai Mara, Kenya The sight of the horizon of the largest reserves in Africa offered "Mara Angamos" can not be replaced.  Just a few minutes' Mara Triangle ", visitors can admire both the room and the huge terrace of the hotel, a variety of wildlife. The price of a room starts at 1,400 euros per night.

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Feb 24, 2017 ... There's an impressive lobby, bar and 16 rooms with private ... Read more: Inside ICEHOTEL 365, the world's first year-round hotel made of ice.

Shangri-La's Le Touessrok, Mauritius Shangri-La's Le Touessrok, Mauritius After a renovation of 21 million dollars, which lasted six months, "Shangri-La's Le Touessrok" interior benefits from ecological accessorized with mango wood, coir, seagrass or hand dyed linens. The hotel guests have at their disposal a huge swimming pool for adults only, fitness center and spa for couples. The price of a room starts at 287 euros. Mandapa, Bali, Indonezia Mandapa, Bali, Indonesia A night in the beautiful location can offer superb landscapes Indonesian of paddy rice fields. The resort of Bali are 60 Apartement located in a semicircle along its strength, infinity pool. The price of a room starts at 440 euros.

Hotel where you can stay for free if you are completely naked

It may be risky to send nude photos with you to your partner or partner. You never know when his or her intentions may change or when other people accidentally discover the pictures with you on his / her phone. That being said, would you be willing to go naked for a free stay in a hotel?

This is exactly what the staff of the Seven Art network in Melbourne, Bendigo, Adelaide and Brisbane (Australia) are asking you to make your selfishies completely naked or naked.

What to do about the vlogger asking for a free hotel stay | The ...

Jan 19, 2018 ... Mr Stenson declined Ms Darby's request for four free hotel nights: “The answer is no.” But that was just the last line in a Facebook post that included the original request and presented an alternative perspective on the proposition. “If I let you stay here in return for a feature in your video, who is going to pay ...

These hotels are involved in an artistic program between May 1 and June 15, which gives customers the opportunity to choose to be different, as the Daily Star says . All you have to do is spend a night in a room, you are offered a device to take a picture, and you just have to surprise yourself in pictures as your mother gave you.

You are the one who chooses which of the photos to be distributed and will then be sent to artists via an encrypted link. They will create an artistic work from your naked picture, which they will send you back in a few weeks, the source quoted. The artists promise they will erase the naked picture once and for all. The purpose of the artistic program is to make people dare to be and feel different (and naked) to "celebrate individualism and feel free." Of course, those who do not trust enough and do not want to send their naked picture, can publish it to Instagram and have the chance to win a free stay in the hotel.

Six amazing places to stay for free around the world – if you volunteer

Jun 6, 2017 ... At Helga's Folly, a boutique hotel in historic Kandy, central Sri Lanka, amateur artists add to the distinctive murals – and get free bed and board ...

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Reasons to Choose Trekking Company for Sri Lankan Trekking Holidays

Do you desire to indulge in adventure activities? Are you a keen trekker and wishing to trek in different destinations on the planet? If yes, then Sri Lanka is the best destination for your next trekking trip. This island has plenty of opportunities to trek in the diverse and beautiful hill destination. In fact, it offers the widest collection of trekking and hiking holidays/tours via jungle, paddy fields, and mountains as well. Another key attraction is that the country has many waterfalls and rivers. It makes the trekkers enjoy a refreshing and unforgettable dip en-route.

Choose the best trekking operator

Before booking Trekking Holidays in Sri Lanka, you have to decide whether you wish to trek with the tour operator or independently. Even though hiring the tour operator costs more, it comes with several benefits that you would not enjoy when trek individually. Find the established trekking company will help right from picking the best trekking destination to completing your trip with unlimited memorable things.

The trustworthy company offers excellent service quality and plethora range of holiday choices at an affordable price. Additionally, they have outstanding customer feedback. Most importantly, understand whether they provide an experienced local guide who knows the destination greatly so that you will see everything without any miss. Additionally, they offer porters to carry your gear and bags.

In case, if anything goes wrong, then the company will help at hand. No matter, whether it is your first Trekking & Cycling Holidays in Sri Lanka or has experience in traveling to many remote areas, it is recommended to go with the trusted and reputable operator. Going with trekking company will offer you several benefits.

Tips to choose the trekking holiday package

After finding the best trekking company, you need to choose the best Sri Lankan trekking holiday package based on the following aspects.

Length of the trek

Length of walking day

Trail conditions

Average altitude

Level of backpacking

Remoteness to services

Level of humidity

Since the weather condition in the Sri Lanka is tropical, tourists can visit the country throughout the year without any hesitation. The country has categorized trekking routes into four such as easy, moderate, strenuous, and tough. Based on your skills, trekking experience, and physical strength, you can go with the specific trekking package. Next, fix the budget in which you wish to trek in the Sri Lanka. This will assist you to explore and find the perfect trekking holiday package according to your preferences and needs.

Benefits of taking Sri Lankan trekking holiday

Nothing more refreshing and satisfying than spending some time in the backwoods with nothing but your backpack. Right from excellent sights and challenging yourself in the nature, trekking offers several benefits both physically and mentally. Here are the benefits of taking part in trekking in Sri Lanka.

Overall enhanced fitness

Reduced stress

Improves cardiovascular strength

Cultural understandings

Builds strong bones

Excellent focus and cool mind

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There is more to the traditional Sri Lankan paddy field than meets the eye. Make a stop at the next one you see and discover an extraordinary heritage of sustainable agriculture. #paddyfield #pinnawala #paddy #ceylon #srilanka #breathtakingviews #thingstodoinsrilanka #srilankatourism #travelsrilanka #srilankatours #travelagentsrilanka #travel #tour #travelworld #amazingdestinations #beautifuldestinations #srilankatourpackages #attractive #srilankaholidaypackages #picoftheday #mountains #wind #nature #wind #amazing #green #beauty #photooftheday #instapics (at Pinnawala, Sri Lanka)