excursion booklet

Jetwing Lighthouse,
Dadalla,
Galle,
Sri Lanka.
Tel: +94-91-2223744
Fax: +94-91-2224021
Email: [email protected]
Web: www.jetwinghotels.com
EXCURSION BOOKLET
EXCURSION BOOKLET
© 2011, Jetwing Lighthouse
Trail research by Anoma Alagiawadu
Text by Janek Seevaratnam and James McAdam
Initial editing by Gehan de Silva Wijeyeratne and Chamin Wickremasinge
Text added and edited by Sriyanie Miththapala
www.jetwinghotels.com
Printed with VOC free, non toxic vegetable oil-based environmentally-friendly ink,
on FSC certified paper from well-managed forests and other controlled sources.
Printed by Karunaratne & Sons (Pvt) Ltd. (www.karusons.com).
ii
CONTENTS
Introduction vii
Welcome to Jetwing Lighthouse
ix
Jetwing Lighthouse Seashore Trail 1
Udawalawe National Park
3
Kanneliya Forest Reserve
7
Paddy field tour
9
Galle Fort - a journey to the past
11
Hiyare Rainforest 13
Boat safari down the Mahamodara River
15
Yala National Park
19
Places of Worship
23
Rumassala formerly Buona Vista
25
Whale and Dolphin Watching
27
A Taste of Sri Lanka
31
Jetwing Kurulubedda
33
Galle Market Tour and Sri Lankan Cookery Demonstration
35
Kottawa Forest Reserve (Arboretum) 37
Contact 39
Responsible Tourism 41
Photocredits42
iii
vi
We are delighted to welcome you to a Jetwing Hotel with a resident naturalist. We
hope you will find something of interest in the enclosed programme of excursions ranging from cultural visits and walks, to natural history tours. Some of our excursions
are designed to involve the local community as much as possible for two reasons. Firstly,
because we recognise them as important stakeholders who should share in the financial
benefits of tourism. Secondly, we believe it is important that the local community play a
lead role in the conservation of our cultural and natural heritage.
Resident naturalists are employed at Jetwing Hotels with several objectives in mind.
The first is that they are available to educate the guests of the hotel about the natural
environment and the culture found in and around the hotel.
The second is that they are a part of a wider strategy to demonstrate that Jetwing Hotels
are committed to practising responsible tourism, minimising the impact of its activities
on the environment.
Sri Lanka offers a visitor a range of destinations from golden beaches, majestic mountains,
dense rainforests, mysterious mangroves and stunning vistas, to ancient ruins and a
diversity of religions and cultures. Yet, a thrust for economic development, including in
the tourism sector, is destroying the very golden goose that lays the egg: the natural
environment. Sri Lanka may be blessed with a great diversity of species and ecosystems
but it is also besieged with a range of human-induced threats that affect their survival.
Tourism can place heavy, additional stresses on an environment already seriously
overused and overstretched.
Jetwing Hotels integrate best practices for environmental management and play a
significant role in creating environmental awareness, facilitating valuable research
and conservation. Jetwing is committed to sustainable tourism. Each Jetwing Hotel has
a ‘Green Directory’ listing the activities it undertakes in order to be an environmentally
responsible hotel. Upon request, the naturalist or General Manager can e-mail a copy to
you.
Jetwing Hotels, together with Jetwing Eco Holidays (the wildlife and luxury travel
subsidiary), are also engaged in a campaign to impart information about the island’s
fauna and flora to the local communities - especially to our school children. To this end,
we have published a number of low-cost leaflets, booklets and posters. In order to make
this information freely available, these publications have also been serialised in local
newspapers. The Jetwing naturalists also encourage school groups to join them on field
trips and in classroom activities to stimulate further interest in conservation amongst
school children.
We hope you will enjoy your stay with us and carry the message of sustainable tourism
to others.
vii
Welcome to Jetwing Lighthouse
‘A haven of tranquil luxury nestled by the ocean.’
Jetwing Lighthouse distinguishes itself as one of the works of the eminent architect,
Geoffrey Bawa - often referred to as ‘the genius of the place’. Designing the hotel between
1995 and 1997, Bawa both confronted the relentless waves and provided contrasting
areas of shade and tranquility.
In his book ‘Bawa - the complete works’, Dave Robson noted the following for Bawa’s
architecture for Jetwing Lighthouse ‘. . . no single space in the hotel is self contained or
complete: each is, in part, the consequence of a previous space and the anticipation of a
subsequent one; each retains links with its neighbours and with the outside so that the
eye is continually invited to explore. The architecture itself is muted, but offers subtle
memories of Moorish palaces, ocean liners, ancient manor houses and colonial villas.’
The hotel itself contains thematic historical pieces - the main being a spectacular and
unique staircase, sculpted in beaten and welded copper and bronze. In this sculpture, Laki
Senanayake - an old friend of Bawa - depicts the arrival of the Portuguese invaders being
repulsed by the Sinhala king and his army. Laki achieves a visual sense of drama and
motion rather than historical accuracy, mixing fact with fiction.
The stunningly simple architecture, the jade green sea and the excellent service combine
to produce a luxurious and peaceful atmosphere.
ix
Every perfect
traveller always
creates the country
where he travels.
Nikos Kazantzakis
Jetwing Lighthouse Seashore Trail
An easy excursion just a few metres away from the hotel . . .
Sri Lanka is blessed with more than 1,700 km of beautiful coastline. There are classic
scenes of swaying palms and tranquil beaches.
However, for the adventurous, there is far more to see. Just off shore lies an abundance
of reefs, which are home to a dazzling array of colourful fish. Sri Lankans have, of course,
been aware of these maritime riches since ancient times. Indeed, fish-like symbols appear
in Buddhist carvings dating back 1,000 years and more. Foreign visitors too have long
been fascinated by the great diversity of the Sri Lankan seashore and coral reefs.
A vast number of animal and plant species are found on this easily-accessible, ribbon-like
strip, only a few hundred metres wide. On this strip are thousands of animals and plants.
Jetwing Lighthouse is situated in an area where the diversity of coral reef and marine life
is very high.
You will be able to explore the sandstone reefs and rock pools situated along the seashore
trail of the Hotel beach.
What can be seen
Marine algae (green, red and brown algae) and sea grasses; Fauna:
Hermit crabs, mud skippers, seashells, sea urchins, sea cucumbers, sea
stars (starfish) and reef fish.
Time and duration
Dependent on the low tide; approximately one hour.
Distance from Hotel
On the hotel premises, starting from the veranda and returning via
the Spa.
What to bring/wear
Comfortable clothes, cap/hat, rubber/plastic slippers or sandals (to
walk on rocks and sandstone), binoculars, camera (if necessary),
sunblock.
1
Udawalawe National Park
See elephants galore . . .
Udawalawe National Park is world famous for its Asian elephants. The park is one of
the best places in Sri Lanka to see wild elephants in all their glory. Whole herds, adults
(including magnificent male tuskers) and calves can be seen bathing, playing in the water
or feeding. Observing the herds is made easier by the fact that the main habitat in the
area is grassland.
Two of the most striking features of the Park (which falls within the Sabaragamuwa
and Uva Provinces) are the Udawalawe Reservoir and the Walawe River. The Balangoda,
Kaltota and Haputale mountain ranges that surround the Park offer a breathtaking view
of beauty.
This 30,821 hectare dry zone area was declared as a National Park in 1972. The area has
an annual rainfall of 1,524 mm and an average temperature of 29 C° – 40 C°.
What can be seen
Elephants.
Resident birds, including Serpent Eagles, White-bellied Sea Eagles, Black
Eagles, Racket-tailed Drongos, Malabar Pied Hornbills, Woolly-necked
Storks, Open Bills, Ibis, Shama, Stork-billed Kingfishers and Peacocks.
Migrant birds, including Forest Wagtails, Indian Pittas, Terns, Whiskered
Terns, Osprey and Sand Pipers.
Other animals such as Spotted Deer, Sambur, Barking Deer, Grey
Langur, Crocodiles, Wild Boar, Wild Buffalo, Jackal and Leopard.
Daminiya and Mandoran - two endemic species of forest trees that are
not found in any other park.
Time and duration
Depart from hotel at 8.00 am and return between 9.30-10.00 pm.
Return and hour later if you visit the Elephant Orphanage.
Distance from Hotel
130 km, 3-3.5-hour drive.
What is included
Transport to and from the site; 4-wheel jeep for transport within the
park; entrance tickets.
What is not included Lunch, tips.
What to wear/bring
Comfortable earth-coloured clothes; snacks; insect repellent, sun block;
caps/ hats; binoculars; camera.
3
The question is, are we happy to suppose that our
grandchildren may never be able to see an elephant
except in a picture book?
David Attenborough
5
Kanneliya Forest Reserve
Experience the feeling of walking in a tropical rain forest . . .
The KDN Forest Reserve (Kanneliya-Dediyagama-Nakiyadeniya) is the second largest
primary forest area in Sri Lanka and is renowned for its watershed value. The forest
occupies the area between two rivers - the Gin Ganga and the Nilwala Ganga. The natural
vegetation of the KDN complex is lowland wet evergreen forest, which is a climax forest
formation dominated by an association of Shorea, Dipterocarpus and Mesua.
Over 17% of the wet zone flora is confined to this area where the KDN forest is the
most prominent. This region has been identified as one of the floristically richest areas
in South Asia. The endemic flora and fauna of the southwestern wet zone, including the
KDN, forms a relic of the biota of the Indian Plate with Gondwanaic ancestry. Therefore,
the biota of southwest Sri Lanka, including the KDN forest complex, is of considerable
scientific interest with respect to biogeography. There is a high proportion of endemism
amongst the identified woody plants, with 150 species being endemic to Sri Lanka.
There are 78 villages surrounding the KDN forest complex. There are small-scale cottage
industries based on Fish-tail palm (Kitul), and many local people are involved in the
collection of medicinal plants and plant products, as well as rattan, to produce handicrafts
and furniture.
What can be seen
Over 100 bird species, 16 of which are endemic to Sri Lanka (such as
the Green-billed Coucal, Blue Magpie and Spot-winged Thrush).
Over 15 species of endemic fresh-water fish.
Many other endemic reptiles, amphibians and butterflies can also be
seen in the area.
Time and duration
Depart from Hotel at 7.00 am, return at 3.00 pm if following the
Anagimala Ella trail.
Return at 4.00 pm if following the Narangas Ella trail.
Return at 6.00 pm if trekking to Kabbale Mount.
Distance from Hotel
46.5 km, a 90-minute drive.
What is included
Transport to and from the site, entrance tickets.
What is not included
Picnic lunch, tips.
What to wear/bring
Comfortable earth-coloured clothes, walking shoes, bathing costumes
(if necessary), insect repellent, sun block, rain caps or umbrella,
binoculars. camera.
7
Paddy Field Tour
See a verdant green field of paddy . . .
Rice (Oryza sativa) is the staple food of nearly all Sri Lankans. Traditionally, it signifies
prosperity and abundance, and in some form, is eaten on almost all auspicious occasions.
Rice – the starchy kernel found within the rough, gold husk and bran of the paddy seed is obtained by grinding or pounding these seeds. Grains of rice are then either cooked in
water or milk and eaten or powdered to make flour, which forms the base for a variety
of traditional foods.
Paddy is cultivated throughout the country - in both the wet and dry zones. During each
year, traditionally, there are two major seasons in which paddy is cultivated: the ‘Maha’
season ranging from October to March and the ‘Yala’ season spanning April to September.
Rice is the staple food of majority of Sri Lankans. Paddy cultivation provides livelihoods
to more than 1.8 million farmers. The total paddy area under cultivation is about 600,000
hectares in the Maha season and 400,000 hectares in the Yala season.
Although mechanisation is replacing traditional methods of cultivation, depending on
the time of year, you may be lucky enough to see fields being ploughed by buffalo or
seeds being sown or planted by rows of women. At Jetwing Kurulubedda, you are assured
of this. Here, paddy is grown organically, using traditional methods for ploughing, sowing
and harvesting.
Visit Jetwing Kurulubedda and experience first-hand any of the above activities. Jetwing
Kurulubedda is also a good place for spotting birds, butterflies and dragonflies.
What can be seen
Depending on the time of year, ploughing of the field, sowing,
harvesting and threshing.
Time and duration
After breakfast, half a day.
Distance from Hotel
750 m and 10-minute walk from the Hotel.
What is included
Lunch.
What to wear/bring
Comfortable clothes, hats/caps, camera, insect repellent, sun block.
9
Galle Fort: a journey to the past
See the remnants of a Dutch past at a World Heritage Site. . . .
Galle has been the emporium of foreign trade since the dawn of commerce. The Dutch
Fort, which has been declared a World Heritage Site, surrounds the older part of the town
and is situated on a headland of which three sides overlook the sea. The ramparts of the
Fort are over 2.5 km in circumference and provide a pleasant and interesting walk.
The historian Sir Emerson Tennant claimed that Galle was the ancient biblical city
of Tarshish. This city is said to have traded with King Solomon, the Persians and the
Egyptians. In 1505 a Portuguese fleet led by Lorenzo de Almeida heading for the Maldives
drifted accidentally into Galle. It is said that on hearing a cock crowing (cock means
”Galo” in Portuguese) they gave the town its name. Another explanation for the name
is from the Sinhala name for rock ‘Gala’, plenty of which are found in the harbour area.
When the Portuguese arrived the town was already a thriving trader’s port and an
entrenched settlement in the lowland territory of the Kandyan Kings. It was however
not until 1587 when the Portuguese were able to control Galle. The Dutch then arrived,
overthrew the Portuguese and took control of Sri Lanka in 1640.
It was the Dutch who had a major impact on Galle and the town still retains its
characteristic Dutch architecture, the streets differing little from the times of Dutch
occupation. There is Leyn Baan Street (Lijnbaan meaning rope walk in Dutch), Lighthouse
Street (previously known as Zeeburg Street) and Great and Small Modarabaay Streets
(Modderbaai meaning mud bay).
The Galle Fort built by the Dutch in 1663 was handed over to the British in 1796 ‘in
a state of complete repair’ as certified by the officer taking charge. The British did not
alter Galle as they concentrated their efforts on Colombo. Therefore the Fort remains a
significant monument from the Dutch era.
What can be seen
Time and duration
Distance from Hotel
What is included
What is not included
What to wear/bring
The Ramparts; National Museum of Galle and the National Maritime
Museum; All Saints’ Church; the Dutch Reformed Church; Galle Natural
Harbour; Old Lighthouse; the English gate built by the British in 1873;
the Dutch gate where the British Court of Arms is seen carved on the
outer side and the VOC monogram on the inside of the stonework; the
Dutch prison; Dutch houses; the Dutch ‘factory’ and hospital that have
now been converted into government offices.
Option 1: After breakfast, depart from the Hotel at 9.00 am and return
around 12.30 pm.
Option 2: Depart from the Hotel at 3.00 pm and return to the Hotel
after sunset, around 6.30 pm.
A 2 km, 10-minute drive from the Hotel.
Transport to and from the site.
Entrance tickets, tips.
Comfortable clothes, hats/caps, camera, insect repellent, sun block.
11
12
Hiyare Rainforest
A little gem a stone’s throw away from Galle town . . .
Hiyare is a reservoir bordered by 243 hectares of secondary lowland rainforest. The
reservoir was established in 1911 and covers 22 hectares. It is managed by the Galle
Municipality. The Forest Department also has jurisdiction as the reservoir adjoins the
Kottawa Kombala Forest Reserve.
Even though this is a small patch of forest, because it was once a part of the SinharajaKanneliya forest complex, it is home to a great many species – birds, butterflies, mammals,
fish and plants - and a remarkable number of endemics.
A volunteer organisation called the Wildlife Conservation Society of Galle has established
a unique biodiversity breeding centre for threatened species and an animal rescue
programme for injured wildlife. They also maintain a plant nursery, and conduct regular
conservation education programmes for students and laypeople.
This little gem of a forest is an excellent spot for watching birds, butterflies and dragonflies.
What can be seen
Over 80 species of birds, including the endemic Sri Lanka Spurfowl, ,
Brown-capped Babbler, Spot-winged Thrush, Black-capped Bulbul, Grey
Hornbill and Sri Lanka Hanging Parrot.
Mammals, including Giant Squirrels, Palm Squirrels, Toque Monkeys,
Purple-faced Leaf Monkey, Golden Palm Civets and Sambar
About 70 species of butterflies including the Blue Mormon, Common
Sailor, Crimson Rose, Bluebottle and Blue Oakleaf.
Many species of dragonflies.
Time and duration
Option 1: Depart from the Hotel at 7.30 am and return around 11.30 am.
Option 2: Depart from the Hotel at 3.00 pm and return to the Hotel
around 7.00 pm.
Distance from Hotel
18 km, 30-minute drive.
What is included
Transport to and from the site, packed breakfast or a snack.
What is not included Tips.
What to wear/bring
Earth-coloured clothes, hats/caps, camera, binoculars, insect repellent,
sun block.
13
Boat safari down the Mahamodara River
Glide down a scenic river and see scores of water birds . . .
Glide in a boat on a 12km journey along the Mahamodara river up to the Wakwella
bridge. The Mahamodara river is a major tributary of the mighty Gin Ganga, which
originates from the Rakwana hills and heads south via the Sinharaja World Heritage Site,
finally falling into the sea just outside the city of Galle. In fact, the Mahamodara tributary
falls into the sea almost at the doorstep of the hotel.
This safari, meandering through lush vegetation, will doubtless be a memorable and
rewarding experience for every nature lover. The placid waters of the river are home to
numerous species of water birds, butterflies and water monitors, as well as habitats of
mangroves and variously coloured lilies.
Sri Lanka is home to about 19 species of mangroves, and one could easily observe
about seven of these species during this excursion. These highly adapted, salt-tolerant
woody plants are found in saline areas such as mud flats of lagoons, estuaries and deltas.
Numerous water plants can be found in this area. Among these, Hairy Water Lilies
(Nymphaea pubescens) and Scared Lotuses (Nelumbo nucifera). Both these water plants
are valued in Ayurvedic medicine and some underground parts are also used for culinary
purposes.
Among the trees on the river banks is Sea Mango (Cerbera mangas). Soft wood from this
tree is used to carving masks - a traditional livelihood of the southern area.
Enjoy the serenity, tranquility, vegetation and the fauna of this wide, unspoiled river. After
the boat ride, take a gentle, nature walk at Jetwing Kurulubedda.
What can be seen
Many water birds including Purple and Grey Herons, Large and Little
Egrets, Indian Shags, Common Kingfishers and Indian Pied Kingfishers.
Forest birds including Spotted Doves, Pompadour Green Pigeons,
Bee-eaters, Parakeets, Coucals, and Barbets.
Birds of prey including Brahminy Kite and the White-bellied Sea Eagle.
Animals such as Purple-faced leaf Monkeys and Water Monitors.
Time and duration
Option 1: Depart from the Hotel at 6.30 am and return at 9.30 am for
a late breakfast.
Option 2: Depart form the Hotel at 3.30 pm, return to the Hotel at
7.00 pm.
Distance from Hotel
200 m, approximately 5-minute walk.
What is included
Boat and boat fee.
What is not included
Tips.
What to wear/bring
Comfortable earth-coloured clothes, hats/caps, insect repellent, sun
block, camera, binoculars.
15
One way to get the
most out of life is to
look upon it as an
adventure.
William Feather
16
17
Yala National Park
One of the best places in the world to see leopards . . .
Yala National Park (also known as Ruhunu National Park), is well recognised as one of
the best parks in the world to observe and photograph leopards, the dominant carnivore
in the park. The park is said to have one of the highest densities of leopards in the world.
Yala consists of scrub jungle, brackish lagoons and stunning rock monoliths scattered
throughout the park. The eastern boundary is the coastline.
It is now known that the Sri Lankan leopard is an unique subspecies, distinct from its
Indian relatives.
This area was declared as a protected area in 1938. The Park covers an area of over
100,000 hectares and is divided into five blocks. Block I and Block III are open to the
public.
Normally, the temperature ranges from a low of 26°C to a high of 45°C depending on
the time of year. The drier season falls between May and August. The Park is closed for a
short time during September and October.
What can be seen
Birds: The bird life of Yala comprises over 120 species and ranges
from Lesser Flamingos to Paradise Flycatchers, Crested Hawk-eagles,
Black-necked Storks and the endemic Sri Lankan Junglefowl.
Migrant birds include Garganey, Brown Shrike and various waders.
Animals: There is a substantial elephant population along with many
herds of Spotted Deer, Sambur, Wild Buffalo, Sloth Bear, Jackal,
Crocodiles and Monitor Lizards.
Trees: Among plants are species of dry zone trees such as Milla (Vitex
altissma), Palu (Manilkara hexandra), Weera (Dryptes sepiaria), Wood
apple (Limonia accidissima), and the Mustard Tree (Salvadora persica).
Time and duration
Departure from hotel at 7.00 am , return between 10.00 -10.30 pm.
Distance from Hotel
190 km, 4-4.5 hour drive.
What is included
Transport to and from the site; entrance tickets. 4-wheel drive jeep for
transport within the Park.
What is not included
Lunch and tips.
What to wear/bring
Earth-coloured, comfortable clothes, caps/ hats, binoculars, camera,
insect repellent, sun block, snacks (if needed).
19
In order to see birds it is necessary
to become part of the silence.
Robert Lynd
Need a better pi
icture
21
Places of Worship
Experience the religious diversity of Sri Lanka ...
Galle is a town of great religious diversity where the four major religions of Sri Lanka
- Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism and Islam - are all practised. This tour provides an
exclusive opportunity to visit several places of worship of all four religions.
The Wijayananda High Temple of Monk Education was founded in 1851 by Rev.
Akmeemana Sobitha Maha Thero. A famous American theosophist, Colonel Henry Steel
Olcott - a devotee of this temple - became a Buddhist in 1880 and was instrumental
in promoting Buddhist culture in a milieu of British colonialism. As well as being an
educational institution for about 1000 students, the temple is also a residential home
for about 30 priests who follow religious education. This temple has historical value, as
Colonel Olcott’s campaign for Buddhism originated here.
The Dutch Reformed Church was built by Casparus de Jong in 1952. It is said that the
church was built as an offering of thanks for the birth of his daughter as he had been
childless for several years. The architecture of the church is unique and boasts of the
first Dutch gables ever to be erected in any building in Sri Lanka. The church also has an
exquisitely carved wooden pulpit.
All Saints’ Church - for Anglican Christians - was built in 1871 where the town Court
House stood previously. Gothic in style, this is the only church in Sri Lanka which has
not been altered since it was first built in 1871. The structure remains in its original form,
built mainly of wood and granite, and decorated with wooden carvings. The granite altar
is believed to have been built over the gallows.
The Nattukkottai Nagarathar Sri Kathirean Kovil is dedicated to the Hindu God of war
Skanda, built in 1790. The temple walls are adorned with century-old paintings depicting
events from the lives of the Hindu Gods. The annual Vel Procession (Vel is the name
given to the trident of Skanda), which involves a great gilded cart drawn by hundreds of
devotees, is celebrated at this kovil.
The Meera Jumma Mosque was first established in Galle in 1505 during the Dutch period
because Muslims were not permitted to build mosques within the town during the
Portuguese Period. In 1904, the mosque was rebuilt by an Italian Christian architect.
Here on Friday, the Muslim Sabbath, the faithful assemble for prayers.
Time and duration
Distance from Hotel
Depart from Hotel at 9.00 am, after breakfast, return around 11.00 am.
1.5 km. 5-minute drive.
What is included
What is not included
What to wear/bring
Transport to and from the site.
Tips.
Clothes suitable for visiting religious places, headwear and footwear
must be removed before entrance to the buildings.
23
Rumassala formerly Buona Vista
Buona Vista - beautiful view . . . the name says it all.
Rumassala (formerly known as Buona Vista), the only mound-like region adjacent to the
sea in Galle, is an unique place. Not only does Rumassala provide an exceptional view, as
its former name implies, but also affords the traveller the opportunity to see wet zone
plants and animals in close proximity to coastal species.
The root of this diversity is entrenched in legend, which describes the era of King Rawana
of Sri Lanka and King Rama of India. The powerful kings are said to have entered into
battle regarding a dispute over a beautiful maiden, Sita. After Rama’s brother Lakshman
was wounded in battle, Rama dispatched the Monkey God Hanuman to retrieve from the
Himalayas a herb, which possessed healing powers. Hanuman, forgetting which herb he
needed, is said to have torn off a chunk of the mountain range and returned to Sri Lanka.
Once the herb was taken from the chunk, he flung away the rest of the mountain. Part of
this landed in Rumassala. It is believed that it is because of this that Rumassala has not
only such rich diversity but also so many medicinal species.
What can be seen
Birds such as Black-capped and White-browed Bulbuls, White-breasted
Kingfishers, Common Mynahs, Spotted Doves, Tailorbirds and Brahminy
Kites.
Butterflies such as the Blue Mormon, Glassy Tiger, Common Jezebel,
Tawny Coster and Crimson Rose.
Reptiles such as Land Monitors and Green Garden Lizards.
Animals of the seashore such as Sand Crabs, Mudskippers, Oysters,
and Mussels.
Time and duration
Option 1: Depart from the Hotel at 7.00 am and return around 11.00 am.
Option 2: Depart form the Hotel at 4.00 pm, return to the Hotel
around 7.00 pm.
Distance from Hotel
5 km from the Hotel, approximately 15-minute drive.
What is included
Transport to and from the site, picnic breakfast if Option 1.
What is not included Tips.
What to wear/bring
Comfortable earth-coloured clothes, walking shoes, hats/caps, insect
repellent, sun block, camera, binoculars.
25
Whale and Dolphin Watching
Sri Lanka - ‘Best for Blue’
Sri Lanka is probably the best place in the world to see Blue Whales. It is almost certainly
the best place in the world to see both Blue Whales and Sperm Whales together. Several
years ago, Dr. Charles Anderson, a British marine biologist, resident in the Maldives,
developed a theory that there was a migration of whales between the Bay of Bengal
and the Arabian Sea which took them near the shores of Sri Lanka. He believed that
whales, especially Blue Whales and Sperm Whales, would travel past the southern coast
of Sri Lanka in December-January from the Arabian Sea to the Bay of Bengal. In April, he
predicted that they would reverse this path on the return journey travelling West to the
Arabian Sea, passing Sri Lanka and the Maldives.
Observations, since 2001 have proven him right. As author Philip Hoare says ‘It is a
unique situation: nowhere else [in the world] do these whales come in so close to land, or
are so reliably seen.’ Gehan de Silva Wijeyeratne popularised whale-watching in Sri Lanka
and coined the phrase ‘Sri Lanka - Best for Blue’.
Blue Whales (Balenoptera musculus) are the largest living mammals and the largest
animals that ever lived. Growing to a length of 27 m and weighing 150 tonnes, a single
Blue Whale weighs the equivalent of 50 elephants or three of the largest dinosaurs. Blue
Whales are filter feeders, lacking teeth, but sporting enormous plates of thickened, horny
skin hanging from roofs of their mouths known as baleen plates. In a single mouthful,
they can sieve 40-60 tonnes of water!
Sperm Whales (Physeter macrocephalus) are ‘toothed whales’ and have teeth on its
lower jaw. They feed on fish and other animals such as squid. Sperm Whales are the
deepest diving whales reaching to depths of two kilometres or more. They can also hold
their breath for over an hour.
Spinner Dolphins (Stenella longirostris) are one of the commonest of the species of
dolphins found in Sri Lankan waters. They are undoubtedly the most spectacular, leaping
out of the water and spinning in the air – hence their common name.
Time and duration
Distance from Hotel
What is included
Depart at 5.30 am from the Hotel to Mirissa harbour.
The boat leaves at 7.00 am from the harbour, and the sightings of
whales and dolphins may occur after a one-hour ride in the boat.
Spend an hour at sea just watching whales and dolphins, and return
thereafter.
The total duration at sea is about 3-4 hours.
The total duration for the excursion is 5-6 hours.
This tour is seasonal, and operates only from October to April each year.
35 km from the Hotel to the harbour, 45-minute drive, distance travelled
at sea is around 7-10 nautical miles.
Transport to and from the site, boat fee, picnic breakfast and bottled water.
What is not included Tips.
What to wear/bring Comfortable clothes, hats/caps, sun block, camera, binoculars. If
equipment is brought on this trip, water-proof covers are essential.
27
We do not inherit the earth from our ancestors, we
borrow it from our children.
Native American Proverb
28
29
A Taste of Sri Lanka
A delicious culinary experience . . .
At Eco Village, experience a ‘Taste of Sri Lanka’ – a traditionally cooked Sri Lankan meal.
Sri Lanka has long been renowned for its spices and each curry may have as many as ten
different spices. Most Sri Lankan cooks do not follow a recipe so that each cook’s curries
are always different.
The main dish is always steamed rice served with many different curries, most of which
are cooked in coconut milk. Each of these curries have their own distinct taste: some
lack chillie but are cooked in a thick coconut gray (white curries); some are seriously
spicy and fiery with loads of chillie; some are fried. A particular Sri Lankan speciality is
the ‘sambol’, a spicy salad, not for the faint-hearted! The result is a feast for the eyes and
the taste buds.
This tour takes you meandering on a catamarang (a log boat, literally meaning a tied log)
through mysterious mangrove vegetation, past an ancient temple to reach Eco Village, on
the edge of Dodandoowa lagoon. Mangroves surround the lagoon, giving it a picturesque
setting.
The Eco Village has a beautiful conservatory with exotic plants and an aquarium,
exhibiting different breeding habits of fish.
What can be seen
Mangrove vegetation.
Water birds, forest birds, monkeys and reptiles such as Water Monitors.
An ancient temple with an imposing sculpture and a close up view of
an internationally famous island hermitage.
Time and duration
Option 1: Depart from the Hotel at 7.00 am after an early breakfast;
catch a train to Dodanduwa and then take a catamarang to Eco Village;
take a nature walk through mangroves, and settle down for a scrumptious lunch. Return around 1.30 pm by vehicle.
Option 2: Depart from the Hotel at 11.00 am, catch a train and a boat,
eat lunch and return after lunch by vehicle.
Option 3: Depart from the Hotel at 4.00 pm, catch a train and a boat,
eat an early dinner and return after dinner by vehicle.
Distance from Hotel
1 km and 5-minute drive to the Galle railway station, a 20-minute
train ride and a 60-minute boat ride.
What is included
Transport to and from the site, railway ticket, boat fee, selected meal.
What is not included
Tips.
What to wear/bring
Earth-coloured comfortable clothes, hats/caps, insect repellent, sun
block, camera, binoculars.
31
Jetwing Kurulubedda
A home away from home . . .
Just fifteen-minute gentle walk away from Jetwing Lighthouse is Jetwing Kurulubedda.
Jetwing Kurulubedda comprises two dwellings in a quiet little village near the river.
Here, there is a conscious effort to get-away from the hotel-holiday life style. Jetwing
Kurubedda has its own organic paddy field and vegetable plots from which the Chef
plucks ripe vegetables to cook for his small Jetwing family of guests. The rice is harvested
twice a year from the field.
Also part of the property, are marshes with mangroves trees, and a ramp leading to the
Kepu Ela (a short waterway of the Gin Ganga). Bordering the river banks are Sea Mango
(Cerbera mangas) used for making masks, Mangrove Apple (Sonneratia) from which the
Chef will make you a delicious drink, and Oriental Mangrove (Bruguiera gymnorhiza) with
stumpy breathing roots that stick out of the mud like knees.
This is an ideal walk for someone who is interested in people and nature, as you will see
a choir mill, temples, village life as well as a range of birds, butterflies and other animals.
What can be seen
Over 50 species of birds, including water birds such as Purple and Grey
Herons, Large and Little Egrets, White-breasted and Common Kingfishers.
Forest and home garden birds such as Spotted Doves, Pompadour Green
Pigeons, Drongos, Bee-eaters, Tailor Birds, Flowerpeckers, Coucals, Barbets,
Parakeets and Yellow Billed babblers.
Birds of prey such as Brahminy Kites, White-bellied Sea Eagles and
Tank Eagles.
About 12 species of mammals, including the endemic Purple-faced
Langur.
Also 20 species of butterflies, 6 species of dragonflies, 25 species of
fresh water and brackish water fish, 10 amphibian species, and 15 species
of reptiles.
Time and duration
Option 1: Depart from the Hotel at 06.30 am and return at 09.30 am for
a late breakfast, best for birders.
Option 2: Depart from the Hotel at 3.30 pm and return around 6.00 pm.
Option 3: Depart from Hotel at 11.00 am, lunch at Jetwing Kurulubedda
and return around 03.00 pm. Not for nature enthusiasts!
Option 4: Depart from Hotel at 3.00 pm return to the Hotel at 06.00 pm,
after an evening bird walk and tea at Jetwing Kurulubedda.
Distance from Hotel 1 km from the Hotel, 15-minute walk.
What is included
Meals according to the option chosen.
What is not included Tips.
What to wear/bring Earth-coloured clothes, walking shoes, hats/caps, sun block, insect
repellent, camera, binoculars.
33
Galle Market Tour and Sri Lankan Cookery Demonstration
Buy and cook your own food . . .
Experience the hustle and bustle of trading in Galle when you visit area where fish and
vegetables are sold. In the areas where fish are sold, you may actually see fishermen
casting their nets. See the selection of freshly caught marine fish and seafood, and select
what you would like to eat. The fish seller shows you how the fish is gutted, cleaned and
how seafood is cleaned.
The next stop is the vegetable market, with a wide range of vegetables and fruits.
Come back to the Hotel to join the Chef as he demonstrates how to chop and cook the
items that you bought, showing what spices he uses and why.
After the demonstration, just settle down and enjoy the food!
What can be seen
Various species of edible fish such as mullet, tuna, swordfish and seer
fish, and seafood such as shrimps, cuttlefish and crabs.
Local vegetables such as snake gourd, bitter gourd, loofah, ash plantains,
banana flowers.
Time and duration
Depart from the Hotel after breakfast at 9.30 am and return about
10.30 am.
The cooking demonstration begins thereafter and ends around 12.15 pm.
Distance from Hotel
1 km from the Hotel, 5-minute drive.
What is included
Transport to and from the site, cooked meal, apron and chef’s hats.
What is not included Tips.
What to wear/bring
Comfortable clothes, walking shoes, hats/caps, sun block, insect
repellent, camera.
35
36
Kottawa Forest Reserve (Arboretum)
Majestic trees everywhere . . .
The Kottawa Forest Reserve is found northeast of Galle along the main road to the
Udugama township. Although only about 15 hectares in size, this isolated patch lowland
rainforest is an ideal spot to observe the main characteristics of typical lowland rainforests.
The canopy of the forest is dense and little light penetrates to the forest floor. Therefore,
many trees grow tall as an adaptation to obtain the required sunlight. The bases of many
of these trees are buttressed. On the ground is a thick layer of leaf litter. Hitching a ride
on trees to find light are a range of ferns, orchids and mosses.
This is an ideal place to experience walking through a tropical rainforest. There is a wide
pathway that meanders through the middle of the forest, and the slope along this is very
gentle, making this an easy walk.
What can be seen
Trees: over 170 species of trees, of which 100 are endemic to Sri Lanka.
Many of these trees have been identified with name boards.
Birds: About 70 species, including 12 endemics such as the Spot-winged
Thrush, Sri Lanka Grey Hornbill, Yellow-fronted Barbet and Browncapped Babbler.
Mammals: Purple-faced leaf Monkey, Toque Monkey and Giant Squirrel
Butterflies: Sri Lanka Bird wing, Sri Lanka Tree Nymph, Clipper, Blue
Oak leaf.
Lizards: The endemic Rough-horned Lizard.
Fishes: Many endemic fishes.
Time and duration
Option 1: Depart from the Hotel after an early breakfast at 7.30 am
and return around 11.30 am.
Option 2: Stop to visit a tea estate and tea factory on the way back
and return to hotel at 12.30 pm.
Distance from Hotel
18.5 km, 30-minute drive.
What is included
Transport to and from the site.
What is not included
Entrance tickets and tips.
What to wear/bring
Earth-coloured, comfortable clothes, walking shoes, hats/caps, sun
block, insect repellent, camera.
37
For all tours contact
Anoma Alagiawadu - Resident Naturalist,
who has over 15 years of research experience of terrestrial and marine fauna.
Jetwing Lighthouse,
Dadalla,
Galle,
Sri Lanka.
tel: +94-91-2223744,
mobile: +94-773690171
email: [email protected] or [email protected]
•Guestscanbuyusefulfieldguides,books,leafletsandchecklistsfromtheHotel
shop , located on the ground floor.
•Allexcursionsmustbeconfirmed,by6.30pmthedaybefore.
•Formoreinformation,contacttheReception.
•EveryFridayattheCoatsofArmsBar(onthe2nd floor) Anoma gives
presentations about natural environment, excursions and the culture found in and
around Jetwing Lighthouse. These talks are free.
•AninformationcentreonwhalesanddolphinswillsoonbeopenedattheHotel.
39
Responsible Tourism
Jetwing Hotels in committed to practising responsible tourism. To this end, they have
established framework of environmental activities and audits to ensure that damage to
the environment is minimised.
Because unregulated visitation and inappropriate behaviour by tourists can cause serious
damage to habitats and species in natural habitats, we offer the following guidelines for
our guests.
• Please avid wearing bright colours on birds walks, as birds respond to colour and fly
away. Earth-coloured clothes - browns and dull greens - are the best colours.
• Make sure you wear comfortable clothes that will keep you cool.
• Hats or caps, and sun block are essential.
• The best way to observe animals is to be quiet and avoid sudden movements. Point,
rather than speak.
• Please obtain the services of an official tracker when entering a park and listen to his
instructions.
• Adhere to specify time limits when visiting national parks or reserves. Adhere also to
speed limits.
• Refrain from off-roading and drive along prescribed paths. Off-roading damages
habitats.
• You are entering the domain of wild animals. Please treat them with respect. Do not
crowd or annoy them to get the perfect photograph.
• Refrain from using headlights, flashlight, sounds or call lures to attract animals.
• Refrain from putting your head or limbs out of windows of the vehicle.
• Unless permitted, do not get down from the vehicle.
• Keep mobile phones on silent mode!
• Refrain from feeding wild animals.
• Do not pick or collect any specimens.
• Do not consume alcoholic beverages or travel under the influence of liquor in to the
national park or reserves..
• Refrain from smoking.
Take only photographs, steal only time, leave only footprints
Anon
41
Photocredits
1
3
2
4
Page
Front cover
Frontpiece
After
frontpiece
viii
x-xi
xii
Caption
Tail fluke of a Blue Whale (Balenoptera musculus)
Aerial view of Jetwing Lighthouse
View of Coat of Arms bar
Credit and copyright
Gehan de Silva Wijeyeratne
Jetwing Hotels
Jetwing Hotels
1: Staircase sculpture 2) and 3) Views of the Hotel
View of the Spa
1) Guests on seashore trail; 2) Fiddler crab;
3) Green algae; 4) Mudskipper
2
1) Elephants bathing, 2) A lone male elephant;
3) Crested Serpent Eagle (Spilornis cheela);
4) View of the tank, all in Udawalawe
A herd of elephants
1) Guests admiring the view in Kanneliya;
2) The endemic Hump-nosed Lizard (Lyriocephalus
scutatus); 3) Daffodil Orchid (Arundina
graminifolia); and 4) Red Helen
(Papilio helenus)
1) Guest harvesting paddy at Kurulubedda;
2) Threshing paddy; 3) Harvesting paddy and
4) Taking the harvested paddy back for threshing
1) Scenic view of the Galle Fort; 2) Galle
lighthouse; 3) The Dutch Gate to the Fort; and
4) The British Gate to the Fort
1) A scenic view of Hiyare rainforest;
2) Red Slender Loris (Loris tardigradus);
3) Giant Squirrel (Ratufa macroura);
4) Black-backed Kingfisher (Ceyx erithaca)
Jetwing Hotels
Jetwing Hotels
1) Anoma Alagiawadu;
2) ‘Ellangaawa’ – Unity Care
for Community and Nature
3) Nadeera Weerasinghe
4) Ellangaawa’ – Unity Care
for Community and Nature
Srilal Miththapala
4-5
6
8
10
12
42
Srilal Miththapala
1 & 4 Anoma Alagiawadu
2) ‘Ellangaawa’ – Unity Care
for Community and Nature
3) Nadeera Weerasinghe
Anoma Alagiawadu
Anoma Alagiawadu
1) Anoma Alagiawadu
2) K. Wewalwala;
3) Ellangaawa’ – Unity Care
for Community and Nature;
and 4) Wildlife Conservation
Society Galle.
Page
14
16-17
18
20-21
22
24
26
28-29
30
32
34
36
38
40
Caption
1) A scenic view of Mahamodara river; 2) Purple
Heron (Ardea purpurea); 3) Green Garden
Lizard (Calotes calotes) and 4) Mangrove Apple
(Sonneratia spp.)
Hairy Water Lilies (Nymphaea pubescens) on the
Mahamodara river
1) Leopard (Panthera pardus); 2) Malabar Pied
Hornbills (Anthracoceros coronatus); 3) Jungle
Fowl (Gallus lafayetti) and 4) Ruddy Mongoose
(Herpestes smithii).
A mixed flock of Painted Storks (Mycteria
leucocephala), Asian Openbills (Anastomus
oscitans), Grey Herons (Ardea cinerea), Great
Egrets (Casmerodius albus)and Eurasian Spoonbills
(Platalea leucorodia)
1) Wijeyananda temple; 2) Statue of God Skanda
in the Kathiresan temple; 3) Dutch Reformed
Church; and 4) Meera Jumma Mosque
1) A scenic view of Rumassala; 2) Glassy Tiger
(Parantica aglea); Spotted Dove (Stigmatopelia
chinensis) and 4) Hermit Crab
1) A Blue Whale (Balenoptera musculus) diving; 2)
A Sperm Whale (Physeter macrocephalus) tail fluke;
3) A pod of Spinner Dolphins (Stenella longirostris)
and 4) Guests checking out a nautical map
Sperm Whales off the coast of Mirissa
1) Guests eating a Sri Lankan meal;
2) Sunset on the Dodanduwa river;
3) Guests getting on to the boat; and
4) Mangroves
1) A view of Jetwing Kurulubedda;
2) ‘Bowitiya’ (Melastoma malabathricum);
3) Red-wattled Lapwing (Vanellus indicus); and
4) Common Garden Lizard (Calotes versicolor)
1) A cookery demonstration with the Chef;
2) the fruit market; 3) the fish market and
4) the vegetable market
1) A view of Kottawa Forest Reserve;
2) Frogmouth (Batrachostomus moniliger);
3) Beddomea albizonatus an endemic land snail;
and 4) Rough-horned Lizard (Ceratophota aspera)
A perspective view of a corridor
Ceylon Tree Nymph (Idea iasonia)- an endemic
butterfly, confined to lowland rainforests
Credit and copyright
1 -3) Anoma Alagiawadu
4) Harith Gunawardana
Anoma Alagiawadu
1,2 & 4) Niroshan Mirando
3) Ellangaawa’ – Unity Care
for Community and Nature
Anoma Alagiawadu
Anoma Alagiawadu
Anoma Alagiawadu
Anoma Alagiawadu
Anoma Alagiawadu
Anoma Alagiawadu
Anoma Alagiawadu
Anoma Alagiawadu
1) Anoma Alagiawadu
2) and 4) K. Wewalwala
3) ‘Ellangaawa’ – Unity Care
for Community and Nature
Jetwing Hotels
‘Ellangaawa’ – Unity Care for
Community and Nature
43
1
2
26
5
3
28
10 9
27
8 12
11 13
14 15
4
6
29
7
16
17
18
19
20
22
23
21
25
Map drawn by Dilhari Weragodatenna
24
Jetwing Lighthouse,
Dadalla,
Galle,
Sri Lanka.
Tel: +94-91-2223744
Fax: +94-91-2224021
Email: [email protected]
Web: www.jetwinghotels.com
EXCURSION BOOKLET