Surathalee Alla- Belihuloya !

Was lucky to get an opportunity to visit the Surathalee Ella in Belihuloya during a quick official visit I had to make. Indeed was gorgeous and a rare sight. This Sri Lankan Waterfall is quite narrow at the top and spreads after it reaches it's second layer. The walk from Main road is a mere 50 meters through lush forest cover which is gorgeous.

Hence, recommend you hoping off the vehicle (after say 10 km after passing Belihuloya rest house - 3 km from Uni of Sabaragamuwa Junc) and have a look - This was during the dry season, so guess there will be more volume of water during rainy season.

Sri Lankan Garden Squirrel

Over the weekend managed to capture these cute set of squirrels playing around in our garden. As I thought I was done, got another visitor too - check out. I have larger pics if anyone require. So please feel free to inquire.

High-Rise Gardening

Those who live in high-rise buildings in and around Colombo or anywhere in the world for that matter, does your Apartment have a rooftop garden? Trust me, a properly maintained garden adds a lot of beauty and eye candy for those living in concrete jungles. If not, do try it out ! if the structure does not allow to plant directly, you can always use a few flower pots.

Following are some pics I got at one of the highrises in Colombo - Could have done better if I had a wee bit of more time - May be next time - so stay tuned.

Bible Rock or Batalegala Hike !

Over the weekend, a few of us managed to reach the top of the famous Bible Rock of Sri Lanka. Locally called Bathalegala (Bathalagala), is visible when driving along the common Kandy - Colombo road, Kadugannawa pass.

Click here for a picture of the view when traveling on Kandy Colombo Road !

The location is off Mawanalla, a city around 70 km away from Colombo.

The drive to the base of the rock is quite peaceful and serene. You pass the beautiful country side full of paddy field and natural scenery. (Please do click on images for a larger view)

The prominent landmark is visible from most areas along the road leading to it's base. 

 Though the immediate access is via a paved road, the trail becomes tougher as you begin the climb.

Following pic is not when we climbed half way through. 

The further you climb, the more difficult it becomes for a normal person. However, most areas do have stares made off rock.

and some areas, no stares. 

Still more to go.... But, the view is gorgeous. 

Climb - tougher !

Almost there !

North end from Top of the rock - the rock in front apparently is slipping away from the main rock !

Living on the edge !

Gorgeous views !

An idiot has made his mark !!

View of a temple from Way up above !

The entrance to the temple at the top of the rock !

Asu Pini Alla - a waterfall visible from the top of the rock - Apparently, the track to this waterfall is also quite a joy for hikers. 

The top of the rock is not quite as flat as it is seen from a distance. 

Glad that the forests are still preserved to a great extent in this area. 

The one and only shop for quite a distance during the climb 

Have a few more pics which I will post over time. Overall, it is a joyful hike filled with gorgeous scenery and wildlife (confined to birds, numerous varieties of butterflies and smaller - none harmful creatures. 

One needs to take a lot of water - 1 liter per head is  not enough as we found out. I recommend a minimum 2 ltrs. 

Please do not liter the area if you ever visit - it is very clean as of now and I sincerely hope it would remain so for our future generations.

The climb took us around 3 hours, mainly due to us not being the fittest of people and many stops for a few photo shoots. But, the 2.5 km hike is covered in 1 1/2 hours by pros and 30 mins by villagers :( !

When an Air Craft Cross a Rainbow !

One off rare sight where I was lucky to be playing around with my Camera. A trainee Pilot was circling around in his light weight air craft when a Rainbow Suddenly appeared. Only issue was a distance between me and the Air Craft, (and of course the fact I am still learning the settings) however,         The Rainbow did not seem to be too far away !


Enjoy !

Toying Around with Panasonic Lumix DMC LZ20

Not the best of shots as I am still getting used to adjusting the camera to get the best out of it. Hence, the white balance, ISO etc.. is a bit off - but, what is important is the zoom, Macro effects and the clarity of focus that you get off the camera. Fully recommended.

More Macro stuff

Panoramic view - click on image for the larger version / view - pretty awesome coverage - covers almost 180 degrees and super easy to focus and manage the shot.