Things to do in Hikkaduwa | Hikkaduwa Corals and Reefs | Kayaking | Hummanaya Blowhole | Dikwella

Things to do in Hikkaduwa | Hikkaduwa Diving and Coral Reefs | Hikkaduwa Kayaking | Blow Hole Hummanaya

Hikkaduwa Marine National Park

There are just two Marine National Parks in Sri Lanka. The other one is in Nilaweli, on Parawi Island in Trincomalee. In particular, the Hikkaduwa Marine national park is ideal because it is conveniently accessible to everyone.

This is a sensible ecosystem with high biodiversity.

What are the things to do in Hikkaduwa?

1.     Explore the Corals and reefs

2.     Sunken Ships

3.     Varieties of Fishes

Hikkaduwa Corals

The area is covered in massive coral. Visitors can see corals from the glassed-bottom boat. All the guests must first purchase a ticket at the ticket counter. This area is home to variety of fishes, corals and even tortoises. The corals in the area have been decimated because of the effect of the hot waves occurred in 1998. Unfortunately the majority of corals in the southern sea area have been impacted. They are now growing spontaneously, but not as much as they were previously. 

Because of the boat’s glass, the corals are sometimes difficult to see. Also the boat can’t reach some areas due the corals are so closer to the water level. Sea waves are slower than usual due to the proliferation of the reefs and the corals in the surrounding area. This is a great spot for a sea bath. The area is shallow and the waves are moving at a slower pace. Tourist attractiveness is high due to its proximity to the Galle-Colombo route.

 

Hikkaduwa Diving

The turtles are not visible during the day time in Sri Lanka. They are, nevertheless, readily apparent here. They will be able to meet their demands in this environment. The tortoises can be seen even surrounding the people’s bathing areas. Hundreds of foreigners came here for diving during the tourism season as well as the locals. The area has all of the necessary amenities. The area is home to a wide variety of fish. Commonly the coral and reef areas are the most.

Silver Point Hikkaduwa

Fish population is high in this area.

Underwater cleaning station - The divers identify certain locations as under water cleaning stations. The sea prawns that live in the cleaning station help fish to clean their skin and mouth. The cleaning station is actually a ground level area covered by stones and marine leaves. On the other hand, the prawns are well-feds.

There are several diving stations around Hikkaduwa.

 

Kiralagala Diving Point Hikkaduwa

This is the deepest diving point around here. The depth is roughly 35-40 meters below sea level and the distance to the shore is 2.5 kilometers. In here, Divers will be able to see more fish and corals than at other dive locations.

When you are planning to dive multiple dive sites, there is a guideline that you should dive the deepest point first. In these types of environments, the number of fish born is high. These spots are primarily inhabited by little fish, with only a few large fish passing through to feed. Divers can also see the sunken ships in the vicinity.

Conch Ship Hikkaduwa

The location is 08 kilometers North of Hikkaduwa beach and 02 kilometers from the sea at Akurala point. The ship was built in the United Kingdom in 1892. Its weight is 3555 tons and the coal was used to power the engine. On 02^nd of June in 1903, while travelling to Madurai, the ship struck the coral by accident.

Divers can observe the propeller, engines, boilers, anchors and the cabin area of the ship.  This location is easily accessible to divers and all of the portions of the ship are clearly visible. These types of sunken ships created artificial corals during the ages. Sri Lanka is well-known among divers across the world due to the numerous ships that have sunk around the island. 

Hikkaduwa is also a nice spot to spend the night. There are number of things that need to be done in here. Visitors can have a good time dancing, singing and participating in other related activities. 

Hikkaduwa Lagoon Safari and Kayaking

This is also one of the best tourist attractive places around Hikkaduwa and surrounding area. Once you ride from Hikkaduwa to Galle, after passing the bridge in Rathgama, there is a lane to the left known as Sri Dhammissara Mawatha. Hikkaduwa lagoon safari point will be at the end of the lane. 

The safari contains some major attractive things to do for the foreigners and locals as well. 

• Adventure Kayaking
• Traditional Boat Tour
• Lagoon Camp
• Fishing Tour
• Watching Birds
• Boat Restaurant 

            The boat restaurant which is maintained by the people who owns the lagoon safari contains Sri Lankan homemade traditional fresh dishes for the breakfast, lunch and dinner with high quality Sri Lankan tea and coffee.

            Also this is an ideal place for adventure kayaking. The package contains 02-03 hours of lagoon safari with passenger boat or kayaks. Rescuers and safety kits are available. The best time for lagoon safari is evening from 3.00 pm and morning up to 9.00 am.

 

Hummanaya Blowhole

What is this?

In fact, nature has left us with an incredible gift. The elevation of this location is almost 150 feet above sea level. There is a huge natural rock in the area, as well as a hole beneath the ground that is the same height as the sea level. When the sea waves came, which poured through the hole and emerged on the surface. Then it rises to a height of 40 to 50 feet above the ground.

Sea waves with high pressure assist in the uplift of water. This is amazing.   

During the Southwest Monsoon, it can reach a height of 40 to 50 feet above ground level. However, it is currently eroding due to natural factors.

Surroundings of Hummanaya

It is known as Hummanaya in Sinhala and Blowhole in English. This is situated in Southern Province in Sri Lanka 05 kilometers from Kudawella junction in Dickwella on the Colombo-Hambantota-Wellawaya main road. This is the world’s second largest blowhole. Aside from that, blowholes can be found in Japan, Thailand, Hawaii and the United States of America. Direction signs are available from the beginning of the way. The visitors must go about 500 metres on foot which is particularly hard. Cars, vans and three wheelers among other vehicles can be parked in designated areas. Riding a bicycle is very difficult up to the closest area of the blowhole because the stairs are in the way.  

Tickets are available at the entrance and all the locals and the foreigners have to pay money for it.

The other pleasing thing is sea vessels. The sea vessels are frequently shifting because the Kudawella fisheries fort lies near Hummanaya. The tourists can enjoy a wonderful vista. Restaurants, Rest houses and Hotels are available in the area for the visitors.

Galle Fort Sri Lanka | Tour Guide | Portuguese, Dutch and the British

The Beauty of Galle Fort - A UNESCO Heritage Gem | Colonial Architecture | Portuguese Dutch and British

On the 5^th of November 1505 Lorenzo de Almeida leading the Portuguese landed to the Galle fort.        

On the 13^th of March in 1640, the Dutch arrived at the Galle fort. 

On the 23^rd of February 1796, British took over the fort.

The Galle fort is spread up over 96 acres. Because of its historical significance, UNESCO designated this as a world heritage site in 1988.

During medieval times, Sri Lanka was an important meeting and trading site, particularly for merchants from China, Morocco, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom and even South India.

Immigration of the Nations as below

1)      Portuguese arrived 1505

2)      Dutch arrived 1640

3)      British arrived 1795

 

Arrival of the Portuguese

The Portuguese were initially drawn to Galle because of its naturally formed harbor. They were more concerned with the landside than the seaside. This is due to the valiant kings of Sri Lanka, Seethawaka Mayadunna and Seethawaka Rajasinghe, who would launch occasional attacks from this point forward.

Despite the Dutch and the British invasions, the Portuguese landed in Sri Lanka in 1505 and were a part of the country’s history. Portuguese were exported high quality products from the island. Cinnamon, pepper, jewels and ivory were among them.

Portuguese chose to construct a massive foreland and three bastions to secure Galle. Especially to the attacks from the land side. The construction of the Bastions was completed in 1620.

 

Arrival of the Dutch

When the Dutch landed in Sri Lanka to the east of the port in 1640, they realized that this is a citadel. William Jacob Costa, the admiral of the Dutch army, captured it.

The bastions were rebuilt by the Dutch in 1667 after the Portuguese medieval period. Sun, Moon and Star were the names given by the Dutch to the three bastions built by Portuguese. Before being dubbed as the Sun bastion by the Dutch, it was called St. James bastion by the Portuguese. The Dutch reconstructed St. James bastion, which was built in 1620. Ms. Hester de Solemn, the future wife of the governor at that time, gave it the name as Sun Bastion. According to the land side, Sun bastion was once one of the main defenses lines.

Commander Adrian Ruth’s wife gave the Star Bastion its name in 1667, and his daughter was the one who fired the first cannon to commemorate the event. This was severely damaged during the war with the Portuguese, but after the reconstruction, the Dutch were able to hoist 19 cannons below and above along the walls. Cannons were positioned at the bottom of the Bastion, facing North-western, and the upper levels of the eastern flanks, facing Eastern.

The Dutch had a firm grip on the Galle fort. Therefore, it prevented anyone, including indigenous forces from capturing it. The control of the Dutch was only modified when it was handed over to the British in 1795. 

 

Arrival of the British

In 1796, the 70^th regiment of the British army passed through here.

The edifice, which is near Queens Street, served as the centre of British in Galle fort. This building served as a link between the Sun bastion and the Black fort. This served as a secondary rampart as well.

 

Black Fort - Galle fort

Fortaleza, commonly known as Black fort, was a notable creation by Portuguese. The Black fort was used to combat people who came by the seaside. The Portuguese referred to it as Fortaleza while the Dutch referred to it as Black fort. During the Portuguese time, they built their weaponry here.

The Galle fort also functioned as a Dockyard. From here, luxury commodities such as cinnamon and pepper were sent out to the rest of the globe. This has been used as a marine archaeological museum since the 4^th of March 2010.

The Portuguese built the Sun, Moon and the Star bastions. On the other hand, Dutch are the ones who reinforce the fortifications. And there is not much for the British to do.

 

Sun Bastion in Galle Fort

Built by Portuguese and the construction was completed in 1620. The Portuguese named it St. James bastion. The reconstruction was completed in 1667. The Dutch renamed it Sun Bastion after the rebuilding.

 

Moon Bastion in Galle Fort

Built by Portuguese and the construction was completed in 1620. The Moon bastion which houses the clock tower, is also recognized as the strongest bastion on the landside. We could observe not only the events in Galle, but also the movements of the Sun and Star bastions on each side, from the Moon bastion.

The reconstruction was completed in 1667. The Moon bastion secured the landside. This fortress was equipped with five cannon positions. As a result, 109 cannons were used at the time, with 19 men operating them.

 

Star Bastion in Galle Fort

Star Bastion is the bastion on the right side of the clock tower in the picture. Built by Portuguese and the construction was completed in 1620. The Star bastion secured both the landside as well as the seaside. The largest cannon power magazine at Galle fort was at Start bastion also known as St. Anthony’s bastion by the Portuguese.

In addition, there are 08 bastions guarded the fort from the sea side.

1.       Aelus Bastion

2.       Clippenberg Bastion

3.       Triton Bastion

4.       Flagrock Bastion

5.       Point Utrecht Bastion

6.       Aurora Bastion

7.       Akersloot Bastion

8.       Black fort (Zwart Bastion)

Architectural Design of Galle fort

According to the historical evidence, the warriors had utilized an underground passage that led all the way to the Sun bastion. The walls of the bastions are up to 100 feet of length.

However, one of the walls is 400 feet long and it is a wall of the Moon bastion. There was no way for outsiders to get in the fort because the city was well-defined with these high stone walls.

The city within the fort is bustling with activities throughout the day. The city inside the fort is almost entirely made up of Colonial architecture. The Maritime museum and the Dutch church, both built in 1752, display some of the best colonial architecture.

The construction of the buildings inside the fort, particularly the Buddhist temple, also followed colonial architecture. Even though Mira mosque was built in 1909, it also followed colonial architecture. Roofing tiles for the residences were introduced by the Portuguese in the 18^th century.

Here you will also find antique water springs. These magnificent structures were designed by James G Smither, one of the great architects of the 19^th century. There were no Muslims allowed to live within the fort during the period of Portuguese. But now, various ethnicities and religions reside in this area. There are around 400 buildings in the Galle fort at the moment.

The Central Cultural fund in Sri Lanka is in charge of preserving them. Visitors come from all over the world to visit its star quality hotels, restaurants, art galleries and various kinds of shops in the fort. Today, both foreign and the local visitors can be seen in this location.

Sri Sudharmalaya Viharaya | World's Buddhist Library | Temple of Galle Fort

Amazing Dishes

The best travelling spots around Sri Lanka. Tour Guide | Demodara | 09 Arch Bridge | Coconut tree hill Mirissa | Dutch Fort Katuwana etc.

The Dutch Fort Katuwana | Nine Arch Bridge | Coconut Tree Hill Mirissa

Demodara Railway Station

Demodara Railway Station, situated in Badulla District in Uva Province, a distance of 276 kilometres from Colombo along the railway track. The railway station consisting a weight bridge and a crane. The platform is 112 meters long.   

 

Demodara Railway Tunnel / Demodara Number 42 Tunnel

The length of the tunnel is 416 feet (127meters).

On the 21^st of March in 1921, the first train had been reached to the Demodara Railway Station from Colombo fort.

Thereafter, the railway track was extended to the Badulla and the first train was stationed to the Badulla railway station on the 05^th of February in 1924.   

 

Why Demodara is Special?

A train comes from Colombo, first stationed in Demodara Railway Station. Then it started to go around the unnamed mountain which is located in front of the railway station and then going over from the tunnel built in under the railway station. The whole journey will be end in Badulla Railway Station.

The reasons to build the railway track around the mountain are,

In this area, the railway direction should turn nearly 90 degrees to the right for the way to the Badulla.

The other reason is, there was a huge slope, nearly 70 – 80 feet, to the direction of Badulla in the railway track near Demodara Railway station, and to reduce the slope, train had to go around the mountain.

The construction of Demodara tunnel and the method was invented by a great inventor in Sri Lanka who known as Eng. D.J.Wimalasurendra.

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Nine Arch bridge - Ella

9 arch bridge also known as ‘Bridge in the Sky’ built by the British in 1921, situated in Badulla District in Uva province. This bridge connects two mountains in Colombo – Nanuoya - Badulla railway.

The bridge is located in between Ella and Demodara Railway stations closest to the Ella railway station. People going from Ella railway station to the 9 Arch Bridge by foot along the railway track.

Why people calling it as 09 arch bridge? Because it contains 09 bends aka arches in this simple beautiful architectural structure, which is made from stones with unknown mixture. The railway track is going on the bridge.  

Why this is so important? Thousands of locals and foreigners came here to watch the beauty of the scenery and feel it.

There are so many ways to the destination. I guess the easiest and the most beautiful path mentioned in below.

Continue Ella – Passara road nearly 01 kilometer towards Passara, you will meet the starting point of the foot path, for the 9 arch bridge view point, on your left hand side. The walk takes approximately 15-20 minutes to the view point which is going through the jungle.     

Hundreds of tourism villas, bungalows, hotels, motels and resorts available around the area.  

 

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Coconut Tree Hill Mirissa

One of the most famous and unique destinations in down south Sri Lanka. Thousands of locals and foreign people come here to photographic the scenery combining with the red floor, Mirissa blue beach and Mirissa whales watching.

It has nearly 35 kilometers from Galle town towards Matara.

People who are visiting the place must be careful because the red floor is slippery around the area.

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Thalpe Beach

Thalpe beach, one of the most attractive places around in down south Sri Lanka which is very closest to the city of Galle.

Why is this so attractive? Thalpe beach area consisting with number of natural pools that people can enjoy their sea bath. The beach area is very calm and unpopulated which makes your mind relax.

It has nearly 10 kilometers from the city of Galle towards Matara.  

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Surfing Point Weligama

Weligama is the ideal place for the beginners who willing to be learnt surfing. Hundreds of locals and foreigners are arriving here to experience the sport. Beach and the sea waves are small and continuously occurs which is perfectly fitted for your beginner surfing career. Weligama bay is the famous area for the surfing.

Several surfing points and the trained staffs available in there to give better experience for the surfers.  

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The Dutch Fort Katuwana

Dutch fort is located in the heart of the town in Katuwana in Hambantota District. In 1645, the Dutch East India Company, popularly known as VOC built the fort. This was the most heavily guarded countryside fort in Dutch history. They primarily considered two factors in order to construct it in this location.   

·       To protect the land between the southern sea area and the reign of Kandy. Commercially beneficial site for their work. Surrounding area of the fort is usually higher. The Eastern flank of the fort has a flat area that belongs to the sea.

This fort is significant in terms of the land’s geography. The Dutch fort of Katuwana and its environs are depicted on this old map.

According to the topography, the fort’s surrounding site area is crucial for establishing a security centre. The Dutch were well aware of this. However, Sinhalese were aware of this before the Dutch.         

According to the Mahavamsa, Katuwana was a gathering point for Sinhalese warriors. Queen Sugala’s castle was also established in this area during the reign of King Maha Parakramabahu (1153-1186). Queen Sugala was the one who gathered the troops to oppose the King. This historical and geographical importance may have led to the establishment of a fort in Katuwana.

Architectural Design of the Dutch fort Katuwana

The fort is square in design, measuring 150 feet long and 150 feet wide. From the exterior, the fort’s boundary wall rises to a height of 20 feet, while the interior wall rises to a height of 8 to 12 feet. 

The wall is made from stone with a mixture of lime. Johann Wolfgang, a German chemist, arrived in 1834 and launched an investigation of the fort. He determined that there were two bastions with a total of 12 cannons, which the maximum allowed.

There is only one entrance to the fort. Storehouse, official buildings, gun room, two story houses, complete surgery room for medical purposes, a well and a lift were there with a large compound.

The walls of the fort rise to a height of two floors. Stairs climb up to the ramparts from both the left and right sides of the entrance. The entire structure of the fort is set up in this way.

Attacks to the fort

Attacks by the Sinhalese army were the main reason for the destruction of the fort. The attacks took place on 6^th, 7^th and 8^th of February in 1761. The entrance of the fort was totally destroyed and the buildings were also damaged. The attacks were carried out with cannons. After the attacks, the fort was degenerated day by day and was abandoned for more than 250 years. The detailed evidence given by the three persons, Dr. S.P. Joseph in 1933, Raimers E in 1925 and Kirielle Gnanavimala thero in 1966 were subjected to setup the history of the fort from the beginning to the end.

Since the decade of 1980, the Department of Archaeology in Sri Lanka has been in-charge of this property.  This was then published as a monument by the department. The conservation work done by the department of archaeology and the government of the Netherlands in 2007 was the most comprehensive one in history. All unrelated buildings around the fort were demolished and the entrance was reconstructed in its original form. Conserved the ruins in the inner ground and placed an information center beside the entrance.

The concepts behind the erection of the Katuwana Fort.

·         Strengthening and demarcation of the Dutch territory which was established along the coastal zone.

·         Functioning as a regional purchasing center especially for citrus and cinnamon.

·         The locational importance in defense activities as Katuwana is at the end of the low terrain from the coast and at the bottom of central hills.

Visitors can easily access the destination by exiting the Southern Expressway at the Beliatta interchange. The distance from the interchange to the Fort is around 25 kilometers and it takes nearly 40 minutes to get there. This is one of the attractive tourism destinations in the southern region of Sri Lanka.