Wednesday, September 28, 2011

Kabiliththa Devalaya,Sri Lanka




Kebaliththa (Kebiliththa) Devalaya

The story is that the God Kataragama had met his future wife Walli amma on a rainy day near a tamarind tree at this place which is also called Siyambalawa devalaya.(Kebaliththa).People at Kotiyagala respect this place very strongly and they are even scared to deal with this place.Everyone must be refrained from consuming all kinds of meat and alcohol for one week before the date of visit.This place is considered very sacred by devotees of God Katharagama .They believe that the God’s present staying place is the ‘Maha Siyambalawa Devalaya’.


Routes to Kebaliththa Devalaya

Route1 Kumana-> Kuda Kabaliththa->Ada Kumbuka->Gal amuna->Maha siyabalawa devalaya(Kebaliththa)


Route2   Yala->Block 2-> cross Kumbukkan Oya->Kuda Kabaliththa->Ada Kumbuka->Gal amuna ->Maha siyabalawa devalaya


Route3  Monaragala->Kodayana->5 Kanuwa(5th Post)->Kotiyagala->Bogas hanidiya road or Kammal yaya road->Maha siyabalawa devalaya (31Km from Kotiyagala to devalaya)

Route Condition

These routes are very difficult for traveling and at least two 4x4 vehicles are advisable.And 4X4 recovery accessories are needed(reliable winch+snatch belt+Hi-lift Jacks+Extra fuel+) with 4x4 driving skills.There are big tractors you can hire from Kotiyagala (for a tour about 12,000 LKR)    


Precaution
before you visit the place you need the faith of Katharagama God and need to prevent from "Kili" (meat ,alcohol etc) at least for 7 days. 


Photo Story (Reaching Kebaliththa Via Route-3)




















Things needed for Muluthan Poojawa for 10 Persons(in Sinhala) 

  1. Suwadal Hal (rice) -2Kg
  2. Mutti-1 (A Pot to 3 kg of rice)
  3. Mee Pani-1/2 bottle (honey)
  4. Kitul Pani-1/2 bottle
  5. Mun ata-500g
  6. Rata indi-500g
  7. Muddaraffalam-250g
  8. kitul hakuru-500g
  9. Gas kaju Mada-250g
  10. Mati Paththara-10(for 10 Persons)
  11. Polkatu Handi-2
  12. Koraha-1
  13. Nabiliya-1
  14. Sini-1Kg(sugar)
  15. Pol Gedi-3
  16. Lunu Kudu Packet-1
  17. plastic Besama-2
  18. Hiramana-1
  19. Sudu redi -yara 5
  20. Kahakudu packet-1
  21. Sadun dara/kurudu dara
  22. Loku Pihiya-1
For Bodi poojawa
  1. tray-1
  2. stainless steel cups-3
  3. Bulath,Puwak,Hunu
And for accommodation

  1. tents
  2. lanterns/portable generator with CFL bulbs
  3. Candles(large size)

Things needed for Palathuru(fruits) Poojawa for 1 Person (in Sinhala) 
  1. Annasi(pineapple)-1
  2. Apple-1
  3. Naran-3
  4. Dodam(Orange)-3
  5. Delum(Pomegranate)-3
  6. Midi(grapes)-250g
  7. Ammba(Mango)-3
  8. Diwul(Wood apple)-3
  9. Beli(bael)-3
  10. Ukgas Kali(sugarcane)-1
  11. Kesel gedi(Banana-Rath,Suwadel,Kolikuttu)-11
  12. Ratu Redi Yara-1
  13. Nil Redi Yara-2
  14. Indian Hadun Kuru Packet(incense sticks)-3
  15. Kapuru Packet (Loku)-1
  16. Polthel Bothal(Coconut Oil)-1
  17. Pahanthira Packet(100)-2
  18. Bulath Kola(betel leaves)-11
  19. Sambrani packet-1
  20. Pooja watti (Loku)-1
  21. Pihiya(knife)-1
  22. Kahakudu Packet(turmeric)-1
  23. Thabili Gedi(king Coconut)-1
  24. Pol Gedi(Coconut)-1
  25. Gini Petti(Box of Matches)-1


If you have any information, please share as a comment so that more and more people will come to know the importance of this place.


 


Friday, September 23, 2011

Sri Dalada Maligawa (Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic), Kandy, Sri Lanka



Sri Dalada Maligawa (Sinhala: ශ්‍රී දළදා මාළිගාව   http://www.sridaladamaligawa.com/) or The Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic is a Buddhist temple in the city of Kandy, Sri Lanka. It is located in the royal palace complex which houses the Relic of the tooth of Buddha. Since ancient times, the relic has played an important role in local politics because it is believed that whoever holds the relic holds the governance of the country. Kandy was the last capital of the Sinhalese kings and is a UNESCO world heritage site partly due to the temple.
Monks of the two chapters of Malwatte and Asgiriya conduct daily worship in the inner chamber of the temple. Rituals are performed three times daily: at dawn, at noon and in the evening. On Wednesdays there is a symbolic bathing of the Sacred Relic with an herbal preparation made from scented water and fragrant flowers, called Nanumura Mangallaya. This holy water is believed to contain healing powers and is distributed among those present.

History
Princess Hemamali and Prince Dantha 
After the parinirvana of Gautama Buddha, the tooth relic was preserved in Kalinga and smuggled to the island by Princess Hemamali and her husband, Prince Dantha on the instructions of her father King Guhasiva.They landed in the island in Lankapattana during the reign of King Kirthi Sri Meghavarna (301-328) and handed over the tooth relic. The king enshrined it Meghagiri Vihara (present day Isurumuniya) in Anuradhapura. Safeguard of the relic was a responsibility of the monarch, therefore over the years the custodianship of relic became to symbolize the right to rule. Therefore reigning monarchs built the tooth relic temples quite close to their royal residences, as was the case during the times of Anuradhapura,Polonnaruwa, Dambadeniya, Yapahuwa and Kurunegala kingdoms. During the era of Kingdom of Gampola the relic was housed in Niyamgampaya Vihara. It is reported in the messenger poems such as Hamsa, Gira, and Selalihini that the temple of tooth relic was situated within the city of Kotte when the kingdom was established there.

During the reign of King Dharmapala, the relic kept hidden in Delgamuwa Vihara, Ratnapura in a grinding stone.It was brought to Kandy by Hiripitiye Diyawadana Rala and Devanagala Rathnalankara Thera. King Vimaladharmasuriya I built a two storey building to deposit the tooth relic and the building is now gone.In 1603 when the Portuguese invaded Kandy, it was carried to Meda Mahanuwara in Dumbara. It was recovered in the time of Râjasimha II and it has been reported that he reinstate the original building or has built a new temple.The present day temple of the tooth was built by Vira Narendra Sinha.The octagonal Patthirippuwa and moat was added during the reign of Sri Vikrama Rajasinha. Famous Kandyan architect Devandra Mulacharin is credited with building the Patthirippuwa. Originally it was used by the kings for recreational activities and later it was offered to the tooth relic. Now it is an oriental library. Although it was heavily damaged in the 1998 terrorist attack it has restored to its previous state.

Esala Perahera (the festival of the tooth)
Esala Perahera (the festival of the tooth) is the grand festival of Esala held in Sri Lanka. It is very grand with elegant costumes. Happening in July or August in Kandy, it has become a unique symbol of Sri Lanka. It is a Buddhist festival consisting of dances and nicely decorated elephants. There are fire-dances, whip-dances, Kandian dances and various other cultural dances. The elephants are usually adorned with lavish garments. The festival ends with the traditional 'diya-kepeema'.












   Temple of the Tooth building complex



1)      Temple of the Tooth building complex
2)      Mahawahalkada (The main entrance)
3)      Moat
4)      Pattirippuwa (Octagon)
5)      Handun kunama
6)      Golden canopy
7)      New Palace
8)      Royal Palace of Kandy
9)      National Museum of Kandy
10)   Old courts building
11)   Kandy Lake
12)   Biso ulpen ge (Queens bath)
13)   Diyathilaka mandapaya
14)   Udawatta Kele Sanctuary     




                  







Sunday, September 18, 2011

Hikkaduwa Beach Hotels


Hikkaduwa
Cruising further south, your next port of call is Hikkaduwa. Sri Lanka’s beach party capital is only 60 miles south of Colombo. Hikkaduwa is famous for its crystalline waters and golden sand beaches, magnificent coral reefs with an abundance of tropical fish and for doing all the water sports you can imagine. Here is actually on of the most popular beach venues of Sri Lanka, and the opportunities for water sports are probably unrivalled in the island. There’s great surf in the area for board or body-surfing. The Hikkaduwa Coral Sanctuary is a shallow protected reef carpeted with brilliant hues of coral and inhabited by a myriad of colourful tropical fish. The reef, which runs parallel to the shore, can be investigated by snorkeling or in a glass-bottomed boat. While snorkeling, remember to keep an eye out for the manta rays, sea turtles and an abundance of multi-colored fish. If you’re the kind of person who would like to stay dry while exploring the corals, then our glass-bottomed boats will be ideal. Passing over the top of beautiful coral reefs you are sure to love the intoxicating beauty of Sri Lanka’s underwater world.

Hikkaduwa’s gorgeous beaches combined with the many water sport activities, great restaurants and pubs, and the happening nightlife make this vibrant town the ideal place to suite every budget for almost everybody; be it the youthful surfer, families looking for fun and excitement on their holiday, or the older more mature traveler seeking a more relaxed holiday.
A few places we would recommend are;
Source: http://www.beachholidaysinsrilanka.com

Coral Sands (3 star)
Ideal for budget travelers.
 
   Facilities
 Total no: of rooms - 75
 Air-conditioned rooms
 Private balcony / terrace
 Mini-bar
 Television
 Telephone facility in the room
 Safety lockers
 Outdoor pool
 Beach barbeque
 Theme nights

Trincomalee Beach Hotels


Trincomalee
Trincomalee is the largest city in the Eastern Province and is famous for many things… the trademark Nilaveli beach, its magnificent deep natural harbor and the numerous historical sites of religious significance to the Hindu and Buddhist people.

The famous white sand beaches of Uppaveli and especially Nilaveli immediately calls to mind island clichés…tall swaying palm trees fading away into sparkling blue waters, glorious white sandy beaches and lazing in the sun in a tropical island… Probably the best time to soak up the sun is from April to October, as this is when the ocean is at its calmest. The beach is also ideal for bathing, as knee deep waters seem to go on for many meters into the sea. and Snorkeling around the famed Pigeon Island, just off the Nilaveli Beach is also a must.

The Tirukoneswaram Temple is a popular Hindu place of worship and is definitely worth a visit. There are quite a few Buddhist temples in the area as well, some dating back to even the 2nd century BC. The other attractions in and around Trincomalee include the Trincomalee harbour which is the among the largest natural harbors in the world, whale watching in the deep sea, the seven hot springs of Kanniya found on the way to Trincomalee and the Dutch Fort.

A few places we would recommend are;
Source: http://www.beachholidaysinsrilanka.com


Nilaveli Beach Hotel


   Facilities
 Total no. of rooms – 80
 Type of accommodation - standard air-conditioned, non-air conditioned sea view rooms with ceiling fans, deluxe rooms & luxury suites
 Air-conditioned
 Swimming pool
 TV lounge
 Gift boutique
 Outdoor activities



Saturday, September 17, 2011

Tangalle Beach Hotels



Tangalle
This seaside town in Sri Lanka’s Deep South is 127 miles from Colombo. Celebrated for its pristine and secluded bays, the beautiful sandy beaches and some of the most idyllic coves in the whole south coast, Tangalle is a must-explore beach destination for any traveler to Sri Lanka. It’s no wonder then that it has been rated as owning some of the best beaches in the island. Tangalle is also well known for being one of the best bathing places in Sri Lanka. Snorkeling and diving off the coast are also very popular.

Tangalle is a great place from which to visit the surrounding attractions. The Rekawa Turtle Sanctuary is only 7km east of Tangalle and provides visitors a brilliant opportunity to watch the marine turtles nest. Sri Lanka is home to 5 of the 7 marine turtles of the world, all of which are endangered species.

Mulgirigala is a famous rock temple close to Tangalle that’s definitely worth a visit. This ancient Buddhist monastery dating back to the 2nd century B.C holds many Buddha statues, and depicts glorious paintings that are unique to Mulgirigala. Rumored to have special powers in making wishes come true, Mulgirigala draws devotees in droves.

A few places we would recommend are;
Source: http://www.beachholidaysinsrilanka.com

Amanwella
Amanwella is a luxurious beach resort idyllically situated close to Tangalle in the midst of a coconut grove.
   Facilities
 Total no. of suites – 30
 Type of accommodation - Pool suites & pool ocean suites
 Infinity swimming pool
 Extensive library
 Gift shop
 Massage and beauty treatments
 Complimentary babysitting service
Mandara Resort
   Facilities
 Total no. of suites – 30
 Type of accommodation - standard room, superior with plunge pool, deluxe room with jacuzzi & penthouse rooms
 Air-conditioned
 TV in rooms
 In-room DVD and home-theatre systems
 In-room safety lockers
 State-of-the-art gymnasium
Palm Paradise Cabanas
   Facilities
 Total no. of cabanas – 22
 Attached bathroom
 Hot/cold water
 Fan
 Veranda with sea view
 Library
 Television
 Internet facility
 Indoor activities
 Outdoor activities
Manahara Beach Cottage & Cabanas
   Facilities
 Individual cabañas on stilts
 Air-conditioned
 24-hour reception
 Telephone, fax and IDD facilities
 Internet access
 Laundry service
 Fresh water swimming pool
 Doctor on call
The Palace – Mirissa
   Facilities
 Air-conditioned rooms
 Hot/cold water
 Telephone
 Cable TV
 In-room mini bar
 24-hour room service
 Fresh water swimming pool and kid’s pool
Insight Hotel – Ahangama
   Facilities
 Total no. of rooms – 29
 Air conditioned / fans
 Attached bathroom
 Attached balcony
 Hot/cold water
 Swimming pool
 Ayurvedic massage centre
Dickwella Village Resort
   Facilities
 Total no. of deluxe rooms – 28
 Type of accommodation – deluxe rooms, duplex rooms & suites
 Air-conditioned / fan
 Balcony or veranda
 IDD phone
 Mini bar
 Fresh water swimming pool with adjoining Jacuzzi
 Spa
Claughton House
  
   Facilities
 Total no. of rooms – 3
 Type of accommodation - master double room & 2 twin rooms
 Fresh water swimming pool