Polonnaruwa is a district in the North Central Province of Sri Lanka.
Polonnaruwa is also known as the second kingdom in Sri Lanka. The kings of Sri Lanka, who named Polonnaruwa or the Pulathisipura after the kingdom of Anuradhapura have built most of the venerated monasteries, palaces and tanks in Sri Lanka.

We’re talking about one of the most important tank. It’s the Parakrama
Samudraya. When we see the blue water that spreads over a large area, we
think it is a sea. This lake with a lot of water has a very nice view.

Bluish tackling waves

You can easily reach the Parakrama Samudra from the old town of
Polonnaruwa. The bluish watercourse extending to the extremity and the cold winds of the blue streams will evade the tiredness of your face and your heart. And when you see the tackling waves, you will probably think that you are near a sea in the ​land. We are confident that the fascinating
scenery and cold waves will take you to a beautiful world.

One of the best irrigation work in Sri Lanka

Parakrama Samudra is one of the best irrigation works in Sri Lanka. The
Parakrama Samudra is a good example of how surprising the ancient
irrigation industry in Sri Lanka is.

In the past, the rulers who ruled in Ceylon showed keen interest in the
irrigation system. This was due to the fact that it was essential to keep
the water required for agricultural activities in the North Central
Province. The kings that were not interested in sending a drop of water
from the sky, without getting used to the sea, created huge tanks in the
dry zone of Sri Lanka.

King Parakramabahu the Great

This tank was built by King Parakramabahu who was a great ruler in the
Polonnaruwa kingdom. This Parakrama Samudraya also provides water for
agricultural purposes, and the city of Polonnaruaru is quite cool.

Tanks, Thopa, Eramudu and Dumutulu have been collected to build this
reservoir. The water is brought to the Parakrama Samudra by the Akasa
River. This has been built by constructing a dam across Amban Ganga and
Angamadilla river which is a tributary of the Mahaweli River. Similarly,
the waters of Girithale, Thambalawewa and Kadawalawewa feed the Parakrama Samudra.

The current reservoir is 12.38 miles [12.38 km] long. And the height is
9.45 meters. The catchment area of ​​the reservoir is 71.71 square
kilometers and its spread is 2539.5 hectares. The water capacity of the
reservoir is 134.07 cubic meters. There is a small canal seen in the
reservoir. The islands which include the ancient ruins can be seen in the
middle of Parakrama Samudra.

Statue of king Parakramabahu the Great

Near the Parakrama Samudra, there is a statue that belongs to King
Parakramabahu VI who was the founder of this tank. Many people believe that
this statue is situated in the garden near the Parakrama Samudra, although
it contains many legends. In addition, several ruins connected to the lake
are now visible in that aisle. Deepa Park, Spring Palace and the Cold
Palace are the main ones.

Visit Parakrama Samudraya

If you are willing to travel to Polonnaruwa, you will get lucky to see the
ruins, temples and many amazing irrigation works in Sri Lanka. A little
moment close to the Parakrama Samudra will be a very beautiful memory in
your memory book. If you can walk to the Parakrama Samudraya in the
evening, we can be sure that you will be able to see a very nice, beautiful
senery. In the evening without rain, the breeze on the dam will be a
journey to nature. Your eyes will be painted in front of your eyes with a
sprawling paddy field, sunny summers of the sky, and an invisible blue
water stream. You have the opportunity to see and enjoy the beauty with
your eyes. Visit Parakrama Samudraya.

We know that the sunset and the sunrise are beautiful scenery. It’s true.
But most countries around the world can not see this view in a correct way.
In some countries no one can see that. Also, some countries can not see the
sun rising although they can see the sun disappearing. In some countries,
the sun sets, but the sun can not be seen .The countries that observe both
the sunrise and the sunset are very few. One of these is our little island.
Sri Lanka.

Eastern Coast

We invite someone to the eastern coast  of Sri Lanka, whenever you visit
our country. The eastern coast of Sri Lanka is very long. And this is not
as complex as other coastal areas. It’s still just to the eastern coast. It
started from the coast Ampara and ended in Trincomalee. There are a bit of
tourists in Arugambay, Passikudah, Nilaveli and Marble beach. But that does
not make you despair. In this way, observing the sunrise from the Eastern
shore and the sunset from the Western coast, may be a life-long experience.

“
*For the morning one mood and for the evening another mood”*
You can observe how it is and you can take photos of the sunset at the end
of the day.

Even a Selfy

Yes, if you need, that will be a fresh new experience for you. If you see
yourself with this senery, you will feel the people around the world should
come to see this wonderful event.You can choose Galface to see the sunset.  On the other side, you can go to Arugambay and Okanda.
Within 7.30 am to 4.00 pm, you can travel the  across the country via
Ratnapura. Come to Colombo via Ratnapura.

Make a trend

Here we give a new plan. Make a trend to take a selfy with the Aurora and
the Twilight in the same day.

As the pearl of the Indian Ocean, the glamor of our little island, which is
home to the finest beaches of the world, attracts the tourists all over the
world. We know that travelers are more attracted to the sun and sunshine on a beach with blueness. It’s the best place to enjoy the beauty of a
beautiful beach, the Nilaveli Beach.

The Trincomalee District of the Eastern Province is said to be a district
with many amusing places of interest and natural beauty. So when you come
to Sri Lanka, do not forget to visit Trincomalee.

We meet the Nilaveli coast from Trincomalee town, about 18 km away from
Trincomalee – Pulmudai road. This beach is famous for its natural beauty.
This beach is home to many local and international travellers. You can see
a beautiful picture with a dye-colored brilliant dye on a brownish-brown
wet scarf when you go to the Nilaveli coast. It’s a very nice, beautiful
coastline to describe.

The spectacular view of the Nilaveli coastline can be seen from May to
September. During this period, the eastern coast of Sri Lanka is considered
to be one of the most beautiful beaches in the world.

Similarly, when you go to the sea, you feel like you are in a tank. Because
we can stand for 100 to 200 feet. As well, the Nilwala river is also the
most suitable coastal area. Nilaveli is also the perfect place for you to
diving. It is very desirable for water sports as well as a beautifully
preserved life on the coast of Nilaveli. Also this provides accommodation
for colorful tropical fish.

Pigeon Island is another place you can visit just off the coast of
Nilaveli. There you can add many wonderful memories.

So, if you come to Sri Lanka, you can enjoy this beautiful beach. We are
confident that this will an unforgettable experience

The blue coastal belt of Sri Lanka has always been a favorite of local and
foreign tourists. We love to drift over the beach and drift from the sky,
or form the heavens, and let the sun go down to the beach.

The east coast of Sri Lanka is a very beautiful beach and picturesque
scenery. Trincomalee is also considered to be one of the most beautiful
beaches in the Trincomalee district. Trincomalee is a very old natural
harbor. This is also known as Gokanna in the past. The Trincomalee harbour
is also the only natural harbour in the Indian Ocean and the second-best
natural port in the world, as well as in any situation under any weather
condition.

Nivalvali and Uppuweli are two popular coastlines in Trincomalee. Marble
beach on the Trincomalee harbor is also a popular coastal belt between both local and foreign tourists. Because of the most beautiful, blue, tranquil
seawater and delicate sand beach, the Marble beach is popular among the
people.

This beach is located in the Kanniya Bridge starting point from
Trincomalee.  About a kilometer and a half from there. If you are from
Trincomalee, you should travel about 18 kilometers along the
Trincomalee-Kanniya road. This Marble Beach is one of the coastal seas of
the Trincomalee harbor. This place is not so deep. Like a water pool. The
sunlight flows into this water, creating beautiful patterns and painting of
the sun. The patterns are like Marble. So lovely. The name Marble Beach
comes from the sunlight that sets the style like Marble.

Marble Beach is ideal for swimming in the sea. Also, Marble Beach is a good
place to visit birds, dive and take a boat trip. If you visit Marble Beach,
the best time is between April and September.

It has facilities such as toilets, porches, shelters for rest, safe
drinking water, parking space, and beach facilities.

And the Trincomalee harbor can be seen from here. The Elephant island and the Elephant point can be seen very clearly from here. So we invite you to come to experience this beautiful sea coast. This clear blue waters will
lead you to a different world and will leave you with many memorable
memories.

This story is written so far in Colombo. That distance is more than 300 kilometers. We came to Pottuvil via Ratnapura, Monaragala and Panama. The last settlement we had in this journey was Panama. We passed Panama and came forward. From Panama, on the muddy clay road, over 20 kilometers from Panama, Okanda is found. On one side, it boarders to the shoreline and from the other side to the Kumana national park.
If you are staying the night, there is only one place suitable for that. That’s Okanda kovil. We stayed there for the night. That means in the Okanda kovil ground. When we arrived at the Okanda, it is evening. We were welcomed by a herd of wild pigs. The herd of 10-15 pigs, they perambulated in the kovil ground during the whole night. Only during a special ceremony, Okanda became a haven for a large crowd. Therefore, the animals perambulate in the surrounding of the Okanda frequently. Also we said early, that Okanda is bordered to Kumana National park. So how do the animals know the boundaries?
When we came to the temple,  firstly we received a scary advice.

“There is not only an elephant but also a Tiger near the kovil,” he said. “That’s why you should have a fire burning at night.” So, we were ready to spend the most dreadful night in our life.

The only way to get water to Okanda kovil is the jack Well. It is not easy to draw water from the well. Earlier days, people had drawn water using a bucket made of palm leaf. But now there is a metal bucket for it. Pulling a couple of water with difficulty and treading it down, you’ll end up feeling exhausted. But this is not like campingping elsewhere, because we are in a kovil ground. This is a strange experience.

We started to sleep in the night watching the stars of the sky and watching for a long time in the deep sea. But once in a while we were awaken by the wild elephant who walked around us, they did not allow us to sleep a lot on the ground of the kovil. But we did not have any trouble for the gods sake.

We’re in the East. That is the area that shakes hands with the sun before everyone. By the time 5 am, we were awaken to look beautiful of the first dawn. But we were unlucky. Because of the heavy rainfall, the sky was battered by the heavily black clouds. Okanda beach is one of the most beautiful beaches in Sri Lanka. The main reason for it is that it has been alienated from people. In the early morning, we were very touched by the Okanda beach and we went to Okanda kovil, which is a sacred place for the Lord Kataragama.

Story behind Okanda Kovil

Now the story of Okanda kovil is being discussed. The Prince who came from India comes to Sri Lanka from the coast. Prince Skanda came to Okanda on the shoreline. The ship which he came said to be the rock on the Okanda beach called Orugala. However, the legends have been pushing the devotees from all over Sri Lanka to prove their vows. There are many Sinhalese devotees among them

Sri Lanka is a country that has a large number of hot water springs. However, all the hot water springs are spread out in a small section from Trincomalee to Hambantota.

Hot water springs in Kanniya are one of the main places among these hot water springs. It is located in the Trincomalee district. Kanniya hot water springs have been developed as seven wells now.

The largest spring water wells in Trincomalee district are here. This is hot because the water in spring come from limestone and sulfur.

The hot water varies between the seven wells in the well. Some of them are heat-thin. Some others are even more hot. Because this hot water has mineral properties, this water can cure diseases. Hot water is a good medicine especially for skin diseases.

Kanniya hot water wells are now controlled under the Department of Archaeological Research. The reason for this is the ruins of a Raja Vihara built during the reign of Bhathika Tissa. The building of this Rajamaha Vihara can be seen close to the hot water wells.

In order to view these hot water wells, you can see a wonderful tree near the ticket issuing window. The five types of sycamore, malabsorum, breeding, foliage and Nuga trees have been grown in the same tree as one tree. So this is a wonderful tree which has been created by the nature.

Wonderful stories

There are some wonderful stories about how these wells were developed. The main reason for this is that these hot water wells were created by King Ravana. He says that he created these wells to treat his mother who was sick.

Similarly, when this temple was erected, it was said that these hot water wells were created to supply water to the monks who had been living there.

The Kinniaya also has a wonderful legend about the hot water wells written by the Municipal Council of Trincomalee. As such, King Ravana intended to carry off the image of the god Shiva which was there in the Koveshwaram kovil to offer his mother. He has meditated for that purpose. The king of Ravana who got angry at the point where he had not been granted permission from the god had been cut the kovil by his sword and tried to take the entire kovil. When he tried to undo the kovil, the Koneshwaram mountain  was shaken. God saw what was happening, and when he saw King Ravana’s action, he pressed his tomb on the peak of this mountain. It is stated that King Rawana was sticked under the mountain. When this was done, the mother of Rawana died after suspicion that his son died. At this point, the vision of Shiva was given to King Rawana, and the Lord of the whole world extended his long life and a gave a heroic sword to the king. When the king tried to get water for the funeral with the sword, the water from a sacred site emerged from the jungle and became seven wells. It is said that this water is heated and this wells have become hot water wells in
Kanniya .

The hot water wells in other places are also being destroyed by human activities. When bathing from the hot springs, some of them use soap and shampoo, and these springs are mixed with this detergents. In this way, the natural mineral and lycanic properties are being destroyed. So it’s better if you think more about the conversation of this springs when you visit them.

If you come to Sri Lanka, do not forget to visit this Kanniya hot water springs

‘Kumana..’
You think that we are going to tell you about birds. Actually it is not , there are birds in Kumana, but there we can find many things than birds.

In Kumana, you can find a sightseen spot. We need to tell you a separate story on that. But before you stop here, you can see some coconut palms through the forest.

‘Where are the coconut palms come from?’

This may be a question for anyone. For us, the same. The answer is,

‘In the past there was a village here’

A village in a reserve? Yes, there was a village. There were more than 20 houses, a school and a small shopping complex in this village. But, all of these have been ruined. It has been forgotten with the time by the scum of the jungle. But, we walked through the Kumana forest and found this village.

” How the villagers came here? “

Is the next important thing that I have to say. As we found, their history runs back to 1818. These people had joined the rebellion of 1818, and later they had falled back along the Kumbukkan Oya. Then, this is the village which they had settled down after the declaration. They had been living here freely, for more than 150 years.

But, with the time, that freedom went to pieces. We found several reasons to explain this. One reason is the war. Usually, we had the war with North but the people in East had burnt by the war. There were terrorism in these villages.

And with the claim that Kumana is a reserve, a village cannot be a there. As such, the reserve was created and the village was destroyed. These people received land from elsewhere. Some of them agreed, but some did not like it. Anyhow, the villagers had to handover their settlement to the wild lives. But, the coconut palms still remain as a memory. This is how the story of the village where there is no one ended

(Some instructions to those who visit)

Pigeon island is a popular place that we all know. We means here the
travelers in Sri Lanka. This is the only national park situated  in a
island in Sri Lanka. This is located off the east coast of Sri Lanka. In
fact, 1.2 navel miles away from Trincomalee. In the old days , the Pigeon
island has been used as a messaging center. Today, as a matter of fact,
thousands of pigeon are living in this island. These pigeons are called
‘Nil Gal’ pigeons.

However, you can visit this special island. But, that cannot be done
easily. Don’t misunderstand, they are not asking money from you. You must
follow the given instructions. So, before everything you have to read the
following instructions carefully.

(1) Maximum 8 passengers can travel in a boat at once and infants and
elderly people should not be involved in the journey.

(2) Wear the life jackets properly.

(3) All in the boat should sit in a balanced manner. No one should stand
for any reason while sailing and everyone should hold the boat tightly.

(4) Behave as a team. Do not be afraid im an emergency because you have
life jackets with you and they will float you on the water. Help rescue
teams get to know your position.

(5) Be careful not to jump over the stones when walking in the island.

(6) Use only the roots that are made in there to walk.

(7) Do not try to touch coral reefs or pick them and walk on them.

(8) Try to see the spectacular coral reefs and its living organisms from
the surface of the water. Do not bully them. Get the help of an educated
person.

(9) If you are experienced in diving along the coral reefs, use the
instructions belonhs to them. If you do not have an experience, get the
advices.

Keep in your minds that a simple mistake is a cause of life threatening

As far as Kumana is concerned, all of us remember the birds. This is called the paradise of bird in Sri Lanka as there are more bird in Kumana than any other in national park. There are two reasons for the increase of birds in Kumana. One reason is the fact that the impact of electric waves on it is minimize. Also, there are many species of butterflies, roam freely in here. The other reason is its location. If you look at the world map, you can realize this story. From here, on the map, there is no other land until the birds meet Australian continent. So, this is the land where the migrant birds who come from the Australian continent find from the first time. This is why Kumana which is a place full of birds every day. In April and July the density of birds in Kumana increases.

Isn’t there anything else to see, rather than birds in Kumana? To find the answer for that, we tried to look around in Kumana. This national park belongs to the Ampara district. The main entrance to this is Panama. If you come to Panama from Colombo, You have to travel through Ratnapura, Monaragala, Siyabalanduwa and Pottuvil. If not, you can come to Panama after reaching Pottuvil passing by Ampara, Akkareipattu or passing by Batticaloa and Kalmune.

All right, let’s start the journey. We went these by a safari jeep. We entered from the main gate after buying tickets at about 2.00 pm. This was the best time to watch the animals. Throughout the park there are villus. The safari jeeps go through the villus. As the result of the heavy rainfall the trees had been restored and the path had become mud. So, we had to travel carefully.

Kumana has been a national park in December 1969. This was enlarged for several times and it is done in 2006, for the last time. It has a land area of 35,664 hectares. But, due to terrorism, Kuman was a restricted area for the tourist, from 1985 to 2003.

Everywhere there were birds and some were playing in the villus. In this bitrd paradise everywhere we could find herd of deers. Also we found some herd of bulls and herd of wild pigs. We found the best scenery of our journey after that. Two mother elephants, eating grass with their infants in the villu. We didn’t get tired though we watched it for a long time. We continued as we had to travel a long journey.

When traveling, watching all these, we found the ‘giant hearth’. Three natural stones are placed as a hearth. In Kumana, there is a bastion build for bird watching. We started the journey again after been there for a while. Next we stopped at the Kebilitta area. We found a shrining room of Lord Buddha and a kovil which is built for God Kataragama. The bears who have a habit to drink the oil these lamps can find in this area.

We said good bye to the Kebilitta area and reached to the Kumana tank. Kumana was a well-developed settlement for a long time ago. Not only the tank in the forest, but also the archeological evidence found in there, prove that it was a settlement in the past. 

A kovil seen above the palm leaves which raise their hands to the empty sky. A dark golden sand trail towards the kovil. 
Without any sign of people are duns.  There are bushes not so tall but two or three feets tall. The whole area is silent. 
We are walking slowly along that wonderful road. We are now travelling upon the kalladi bridge where singing fish was there. Not much Sinhala and Tamil but Muslims. A traveller doesn’t want the nationality, religion or the cast.  So don’t think twice, just come to this junction. 
That junction is so lovely. It will welcome you without any hesitation. Here you will find the humanity which you won’t find in any shop in Sri Lanka. No need of asking for tasty food. For non vegetarians there are variety of food here. Beet,  Mutton with hot bread. 
Enough of food now. Thid is Pulmudei junction where money is drawn from sand. Though the sand is ours, the money is not. We are not here to find those. So let’s get into our task.  We are here to invite you to a beach which cannot be seen any where in Sri Lanka. That Beach is  ” Arasimale… “
There are various reasons for Arasimale to be unique. But the best reason is land. 

” Lands….? “

One may ask like that. But really,  it is true. This name is given like that. Arasi in Tamil is for “Rice”. You may sometimes laugh at what I’m saying.  But that is the truth.  
This sand seriously looks like rice.  Have a visit to this lovely Arasimale beach when you get some time. Explore the beauty you will be amazed, Definitely. 
We know sunrise and sunset as stunning scenes. It is true. But people in some countries aren’t having the chance to see this view at its best. Some countries they don’t even see any glimpse of it. 
And also some countries are lucky to see the sunrise,  but they don’t have the opportunity to explore the sunset. And some countries are lucky to see the sunset, but not the sunrise.Numerically a few countries are having the chance to see both sunrise and sunset. One of that few is our little island. 
So it is a way more different experience to be there in Arisimale Beach, when the sun rises. 
Also there is a river branch like thing which drops down to the Arisimale sea. Beside of that there is an island. When you reach that island you will be able to see amazing shrines. The bikkhus are meditating there. They go far alms collecting on this golden beach every morning. 
There is a canoe to pass this narrow river. That you will have to ride by yourself. But I can promise you that this golden rice sand beach will tell your life a way more different story. It is as beautiful as that. Every where is an atmosphere of romance. Thr breezing wind which touches without any barriers is so sweet. 
The sea sings a lovely song every time it hits the beach of Arasimale. 
Come. Visit the Arasimale.