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Bambarakanda Beauty
The mist lifting from the mountains
Photograph © by Ruwan Rajapakse
The morning we left Belihuloya to reach Bambarakanda, this beauteous sight seen above awaited us. At the breaking light of day the mist covered the mountains like a veil, giving a glow that takes one’s breath away. It is at these special moments that Mother Nature speaks to your very soul.
Sri Lanka Hanging Parrot
Sri Lanka Hanging Parrot (Loriculus beryllinus)
Bambarakanda, Close to Belihuloya, Sri Lanka.
Photograph © by Nilu Rajapakse
This beautiful little parakeet (*vulnerable, endemic) is found in the central montane vegetation of Sri Lanka. It is named after its habit of hanging onto branches upside down when feeding. We came across this rare opportunity in May 2006 on our way to the Bambarakanda waterfall, the tallest waterfall in Sri Lanka.
As we drove up the mountain path that leads to the famous waterfall, a friend saw something dart across the road. We stopped the vehicle and stepped out slowly to see what it was. Lo and behold.. the most adorable little parakeet was there just a few yards away. What a treat for us thirsting souls!
The turn off to bambarakanda is close to Belihulouya. Its a long and winding road, but the destination is worth it.
At the top there is a small rest-house, a homely place where you can have a warm cuppa tea watching the waterfall and listening to its thunderous roar. We had lunch there that day with the rather alarming sound of beautiful Bambarakanda falling to her destination. It was like the sound of a stormy sea.. The air there was very cold and chilly for us Colombo-dwellers. The owner of the rest-house, a retired planter shared with us interesting some accounts of his past over steaming cups of tea and rolls. We felt quite at home…
Bambarakanda Waterfalls
Photograph © by Ruwan Rajapakse
Ruwan a great lover of waterfalls always manages to take beautiful shots. Somehow I just cant get it right!
Wildflowers at the top of the hill that faces Bambarakanda.
Photograph © by Nilu Rajapakse
An Orchid blooms on the wayside.
Photograph © by Nilu Rajapakse
A beautiful wild orchid that caught my eye on the roadside near the guest house. Orchids are common in that part of the country. They thrive at higher elevations with the cool mountain air.
References
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bambarakanda_Falls
http://zeylanica.com/blog/2009/02/10/bambarakanda-waterfalls/
Zeylanica 