Bambarakanda Beauty
The mist lifting from the mountains
Photograph © by Ruwan Rajapakse
The morning we left Belihuloya to reach Bambarakanda, this beauteous sight awaited us. At the breaking light of day the mist covered the mountains like a wale, giving a glow of purity that took our breath away. It is at these special moments that yMother Nature speaks to your inner core.
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 companion saw something dart across the road. We stopped 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 it was!
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 is cold and chilly. The owner of the rest-house, a retired planter shared with us interesting some accounts of his past over tea. We felt quite at home…
Bambarakanda Waterfalls
Photograph © by Ruwan Rajapakse
Ruwan a great lover of waterfalls always manages to take beautiful shots.
Wildflowers at the top of the hill that faces Bambarakanda.
Photograph © by Nilu Rajapakse
Wild Orchid
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/
Avifauna, Contributors, Culture, Explorer, Flora, History, Icons, Nature, Nilu Rajapakse, Places, Wildlife
