07) Photographs description

 

As my next blog post, I will show you some photos that I took with my phone📷 🤳. So I would like to share with you the images I took👀 .When you see them, you will definitely want to visit them too😁😜.  I like to travel a lot.  That's why I can say that I am easily addicted to beautiful places.  One of the things I realized the most in the places I went and saw was how beautiful my country is.  There is actually a little pride when you see them.  As a habit, I take a photo of the beautiful things I see, because I definitely want to keep them as a memory.   These are some of them,

you are welcome to see my photographs🥰

    01)  kelaniya raja maha viharaya

This is a photo taken when I went to the Kelani temple   with my family members

  kelaniya rajamaha wiharaya is a famous buddhist temple in sri lanka.  it is located about 10 kilometers from colombo, neaar the kelani river.

When speak about this Historical Significance,   The temple is over 2,500 years old and is very important in Sri Lankan history. It is believed that Lord Buddha visited the temple during his third visit to the island. This makes the temple a sacred place for Buddhists. The temple was also rebuilt many times, especially after it was destroyed by invaders like the Portuguese.

Today, Kelaniya Rajamaha Vihara is known for its beautiful wall paintings, large reclining Buddha statue, and religious events. The temple hosts the "Duruthu Perahera," a grand procession, every January. Many people visit the temple for blessings and to see its artistic beauty.

It remains a significant cultural and religious site for Buddhists in Sri lanka.

02) kaluthara bodhiya 

This is also a photo taken when I went on a trip with my family.

Kalutara Bodhi is a famous Buddhist temple in Sri Lanka located in the town of Kalutara, about 40 kilometers south of Colombo.   It is located near the main road near Kalu Ganga.

                          This temple is famous for having a sacred bodhi which is considered to be one of the 32 buds of Anuradhapura Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi.   This makes it a very important place for Buddhists.   The original temple and the area have a long history of being sacred places.

 Today,  Kalutara Bodhi is one of the most visited temples in Sri Lanka.   Especially when traveling, many people stop here to perform pujas and receive blessings.   The temple has a large stupa (dome-shaped structure).   We went into it.  It was the first time I went inside a pagoda.  When you talk from inside it, it sounds like it is echoing. On this right side is the small chaittya inside the Kalutara Bodhi. Also, you can visit the Bodhi by going through a tunnel.   It is located close to the main road and the railway line so visitors can park easily.

  It remains an important religious and cultural site for Buddhists across the country.

03) kande wiharaya

There is also a song about the mountain temple, right?👀  So this is another photo I took😎

Kande Viharaya is a famous Buddhist temple in Sri Lanka. It is located in Aluthgama, near Bentota, in the Southern Province. The temple is built on a small hill, which is why it’s called “Kande Viharaya,” meaning "Temple on the Hill."

             The temple was founded in 1734 and has been an important religious site for Buddhists ever since. Over the centuries, it has gained respect for its religious significance and historical value.

                    Kande Viharaya is also famous for its beautiful wall paintings, or murals. These murals show stories from the life of the Buddha and other important events in Buddhist history. They are colorful and well-preserved, adding to the temple’s artistic and cultural value.

                       One of the main attractions today is the giant seated Buddha statue, which is one of the tallest in Sri Lanka. This statue draws many visitors from both Sri Lanka and abroad. The temple continues to be a place for worship and regular religious ceremonies, making it an active religious and cultural center.
Kande Viharaya remains a key site for Sri Lankan Buddhists and a popular spot for tourists.                                                                    

04) madu river

               My favorite thing is to go on a boat safari.  This is a photo I took when Madu went on safari.  Look, how beautiful it is, isn't it?😍  I love and love this green environment.😇🥬

                The Madu River is a beautiful river in Sri Lanka, located near the town of Balapitiya, in the Southern Province. It is about 80 kilometers from Colombo and flows into the Indian Ocean.

                   The people living near the Madu River depend a lot on the river for their daily lives. Many of them fish or grow cinnamon in the surrounding areas. They also use small boats to travel along the river for fishing, transportation, and collecting water plants. The river plays a big role in their simple and nature-based lifestyle.

                        Madu River is a popular tourist destination. Many tourists come to enjoy boat rides and see the river's beautiful surroundings, like the mangrove forests, small islands, and wildlife. Visitors often see birds, monkeys, and even water monitors during these boat trips. The locals also offer special tours where visitors can learn about their way of life, like how they make cinnamon.

                         The Madu River is very important for the environment. It is surrounded by mangrove forests, which help protect the land from erosion and provide a home for many animals and plants. These mangroves also help keep the water clean and support the local fish population. Protecting this river is important for both the people who live nearby and the natural world around it.

 We had our lunch by the Madu river before going on the Madu river boat ride.  It was a great experience for me.  That's why I went on the Madu river boat ride with great enthusiasm. After we went there, a guide who was there gave us details about it.  We boarded the boat wearing safety jackets.  So, we started this ride with a lot of excitement and fear.  While going, our boat driver told us many valuable details about this river.  Also, I saw a lot of tourists riding the Madugaga like us.  As the boat driver said, this river has many islands.  Yes, it can be true.  That's why we said that while we were riding this boat for almost two hours, we saw that there are small islands and big islands here and there.                     

                                      Among the islands mentioned by the driver, there are two islands that I remember very much.  I didn't forget to take a photo because I want to show them to you too 😁.    This is the smallest island in this river.  The driver said that this is the island of Satapaha.  Look, this is really like five cents, isn't it?  ?

Maduwa Island is another unique island in this area.     The boat driver said that only 300 people live on this island.    And there is a school here with classes 1-5.    How beautiful, isn't it?  I never thought that such places exist in my country.   I saw that there is a bridge from land to come to this island.   On the left side is a photo of that island.

I saw a lot of people around this island fishing because they depend on this river.  There were also shrimp boxes.   Below is a photo I took.

This island is rich in ecological diversity.   I saw that there are different types of mangroves.  Very beautiful.  These are some photos I took in those mangroves.

                                                                                        Another valuable fact that I heard from Madu river is that there is a special rare species of mangrove called Ratmal.    So is the red flower in this picture.  I've circled it so it's easy for you to identify.               

Here are the photos taken by an uncle on one of Madu's islands when he informed us about his cinnamon cultivation.  They also let us taste some cinnamon tea there.

The Madu River is not only a source of livelihood for its people but also a beautiful and valuable natural area for Sri Lanka and the world.

 05) sinigama

It was evening when we went to Senigama.    So I took this photo on a sunless evening under a rainy sky  .Sinigama is a small village in Sri Lanka, located along the southern coast near Hikkaduwa, about 100 kilometers from Colombo. Sinigama is known for the famous temple called "Sinigama Devol Devalaya," dedicated to Devol, a local deity. People visit this temple to ask for protection and blessings, especially for justice and good fortune. There is also a small shrine on a tiny island near the shore. Many visitors take boats to this shrine to make special offerings. 

 The temple is a popular spot for both locals and tourists, who come to experience the traditional rituals and religious practices.Sinigama remains an important religious and cultural site for many people in Sri Lanka.

This is a photo of the sea that I took from the beach near Senigama temple.

06) Pigeon Island

                    We visited Pigeon Island in the mornings.  So there was more   sun.  And all the sea urchins.   I had never been there before.  So I went to     Pigeon Island with my family and had fun. Pigeon Island in Matara is a small island located near the coast of Matara, a city in the Southern Province of Sri Lanka. It is situated close to the famous Matara Fort and the beachfront.

Why It Is Important,

         The island has historical value due to its location near Matara Fort, which was built during the colonial era by the Portuguese and later used by the Dutch. Pigeon Island served as a lookout point during those times.

             Pigeon Island is a popular spot for both locals and tourists. Visitors come to enjoy the scenic views of the sea and the surrounding coastline. It offers a peaceful getaway from the busy city life.

                                              Visitors can take boat rides to the island, which is a fun and short trip from the Matara shore.

Though small, Pigeon Island in Matara is a nice place to visit for its historical background and beautiful views. this is the old bridge.  It is now broken.

07 ) weherahena temple

Weherahena Temple is a well-known Buddhist temple in Sri Lanka. It is located near the town of Matara, in the Southern Province.

Why It Is Important, 

Giant Buddha Statue - The temple is famous for its large seated Buddha statue, which is one of the biggest in Sri Lanka. This statue attracts many visitors.

Underground Temple -  Weherahena is also unique because it has an underground temple with beautiful murals that show the life of the Buddha. These murals are colorful and tell important Buddhist stories.

                     

             Many Buddhists visit Weherahena Temple for religious purposes, prayers, and blessings, making it an important spiritual place.

        Weherahena Temple is important for its religious significance, giant Buddha statue, and unique underground temple, making it a popular destination for both worshippers and tourists.

08) yala national park

         I went to Yala National Park for the first time.  These are some photos taken there.  We went on a safari there to see the animals.  But we could not take care of the animals as much as we expected.  We went on safari at around 3.30 pm.   We were afraid that the animals would come out at that time.

            It is  one of the largest and most famous wildlife parks in Sri Lanka. It is located in the southeast part of the country, near the towns of Tissamaharama and Kataragama.

Wildlife: Yala is known for its rich wildlife. It is home to many animals, including elephants, leopards, crocodiles, deer, and a wide variety of birds. The park is especially famous for having one of the highest leopard populations in the world.

Tourist Attraction: Many tourists visit Yala to go on safaris and see the animals in their natural habitat. It is one of the best places in Sri Lanka for wildlife photography and nature watching.

Environmental Importance: Yala helps protect important ecosystems like forests, wetlands, and coastal areas. It is a protected area where animals can live safely.

Yala National Park is important for both wildlife conservation and tourism, making it a key natural and cultural asset for Sri Lanka.

09) kiriwehera

After I went to Kataragama when I was a child, I never went back.  So this time I went to Kataragama with my family to visit Kiriwehera and took this photo.

           Kataragama Kiri Vehera is a famous Buddhist stupa located in the town of Kataragama, in the Southern Province of Sri Lanka.

When talking about Kiri Vehera, we cannot forget the girls who sell flowers.   So I wanted to take this photo while I was going 😌

        there were a lot of people that day.

And I saw many people crawling under the belly of the elephant.  They believe that by doing so, the evil will be removed.  I was scared.  But my brother went under the belly of the elephant.   Also, on the way to Kiriwehera, we came across a lot of rice cakes.  The people said that there are such dansals almost every day.   At that time, I thought how blessed those people are.

                    Kiri Vehera is an important pilgrimage site for Buddhists. It is believed to have been built during the time of King Mahasena in the 6th century BCE, marking a sacred place where Lord Buddha meditated during his visit to Sri Lanka.

                   People from all over Sri Lanka and other religions, like Hindus, visit Kiri Vehera as part of their pilgrimage to Kataragama. It is a peaceful and holy place where many come to pray and seek blessings.

             The stupa is large and white, standing out as a beautiful structure in the area. It symbolizes purity and spiritual peace.

Kiri Vehera is important for its deep religious meaning and is a key part of the cultural and spiritual heritage of Sri Lanka.

                                                           10)Hummanaya

Even if we hear the name Hummana, it is a place that we all want to go to.  This photo was taken when I visited Hummana.

              Hummanaya is a natural blowhole located near the town of Dikwella, in the Southern Province of Sri Lanka, about 20 kilometers from Matara.

            Hummanaya is the only known blowhole in Sri Lanka and one of the largest in the world. When the ocean waves hit the rocks, water shoots up through a narrow hole, creating a fountain that can reach heights of up to 25–30 meters.

             Many tourists visit Hummanaya to see this unique and exciting natural phenomenon. The blowhole is especially active during the monsoon season when the waves are strong.

                            when speak about this Cultural Significance, For locals, Hummanaya is a part of the natural beauty of the area, and they take pride in this rare feature of their coastline.

                            When they hear people's voices, people believe that the waves are rising here.  On the road leading to this hummana, I saw that the people around are making a living by selling dried fruit.  Also, they make different kinds of food from the fish and sell them.

                         Hummanaya is important as a natural landmark and a popular tourist spot, showing the power and beauty of nature in Sri Lanka.

            11) koneshwaram fedric port

            Frederick Fort (also known as Fort Fredrick) is a historic fort located in Trincomalee, on the east coast of Sri Lanka. It is built on Swami Rock, near the famous Koneswaram Temple.

             Frederick Fort is situated in Trincomalee, a town known for its natural harbor. The fort overlooks the beautiful Indian Ocean and provides scenic views of the coastline.

            The fort was originally built by the Portuguese in 1623 and was later taken over by the Dutch and British. It played a key role during colonial times, protecting the strategic Trincomalee harbor.

           The fort is located near the ancient Koneswaram Temple, a famous Hindu shrine. Visitors often explore both the temple and the fort when they visit Trincomalee.

Frederick Fort is significant for its colonial history and strategic location, making it a popular site for both history enthusiasts and tourists.

                   12) Angulimala seya

              Angulimala Saya can be identified as an important sacred place located close to my village.  We always go there and worship.                                       Angulimala is an important figure in Buddhist teachings. The place you mention, Bowaththa, in Sri Lanka, is linked to his story and has spiritual significance

            Angulimala was once a feared bandit who killed many people. However, after meeting the Buddha, he changed his ways and became a disciple. His story shows how even the worst person can find peace and goodness through the Buddha’s teachings.

         Angulimala’s transformation is a powerful lesson about forgiveness, redemption, and the ability to change. His life is an example of how anyone can follow a better path, no matter their past.

            In places like Bowaththa, where his story is remembered, Buddhists go to meditate, pray, and seek inspiration from Angulimala's life and the Buddha's teachings.

Angulimala’s story is significant because.

                                                     13)koneshwaram kovil

This is a photo taken when I went to temples with my friends on holiday.

                Koneswaram Kovil is a famous Hindu temple located in Trincomalee, on the east coast of Sri Lanka. It sits on top of Swami Rock, overlooking the beautiful Indian Ocean.

               Koneswaram Kovil is dedicated to Lord Shiva, one of the main gods in Hinduism. It is an important place of worship for Hindus, who visit the temple to offer prayers and seek blessings.

                  The temple has a long history, dating back over 2,000 years. It is considered one of the oldest and most sacred temples in Sri Lanka. Though it was destroyed by the Portuguese in the 17th century, it was later rebuilt.

                 Koneswaram is not only a religious site but also a place of cultural importance. The temple's location on Swami Rock adds to its beauty, and visitors come to admire both its religious significance and stunning views.

Koneswaram Kovil is important for its deep religious significance, ancient history, and breathtaking location, making it a key cultural and spiritual site in Sri Lanka.

So thank you for looking at all my photos.     Don't forget to take a photo to keep the precious things as a memory 😇🥰  Stay with me.