Moves to upgrade eco-tourism

By Amal Hewavissenti

Balangoda qualifies itself for an ideal place for eco-tourism because it is a region of massive contrasts. It is a terrain with mysterious beauty in every corner, rich in history, filled with exotic charm and is an unforgettable escape.

The cultural and ecological diversity of Balangoda makes it a region like no other with no end to the nature and adventure related activities that are possible. The vast variety of pristine rain forests, virgin jungles, highland grasslands, precipices and waterfalls of breathtaking beauty are endlessly enchanting attractions for the tourist who likes nature and adventure.

Lot of state and private holiday resorts situated in Balangoda provide the tourist excellent accommodation and blissful experiences of being close to nature. Belihuloya Rest House which is maintained by the state is a holiday resort highly popular among tourists. The hotel is located on the Colombo - Badulla main road some 10 kilometres from the city of Balangoda. It is located on the Belihuloya, a river which flows from the Horton Plains and the giant trees and the cool breeze give if the appearance of a fully fledged hotel in a jungle.

The Ministry of Defence has recently built a tourist inn on the way to famous World's End - some 1 1/2 km from the Nonpareil Junction on the Balangoda - Badulla highway. The place is of extreme scenic beauty and the mist swirling around dark mountain tops and dangerously beautiful precipices make the traveller feel that he is on the fabulous mountains of Switzerland.

The Mount Field Cottage located at Halpe on the Colombo - Badulla highway occupies a prominent place among the colonial bungalows for tourists to spend their holiday. While being based at Mount Field Cottage, the traveller could easily get to other popular travel destinations such as Belihuloya (15 minutes), Bandarawela (45 minutes), Nuwaraeliya (2 hrs), Haputale (30 minutes), Badulla (1.5 hrs) etc.

The visitor could have easy access to nearby attractions such as World's End, Lipton's Seat, Horton Plains National Park and Adisham Bungalow. Apart from that, the resort provides easy access to Bambarakanda (the highest waterfall in Sri Lanka) Diyaluma, Ravana and Surathali waterfalls. While enjoying the nature in its freshest, the visitor can indulge himself in other exhilarating activities such as bird watching, mountain hiking and cycling. It is a perfect environment for Yoga and meditation.

Heritage camps

The "Pearl Tourist Inn" which is located close to Belihuloya river and Belihuloya Rest House merits special notice because it provides much more for a tourist than any luxury holiday resort does. In promotion of tourism in Sri Lanka, the management of this holiday resort has established camps and lodges at Samanalawewa about five km from the main hotel.

Lot of interesting projects are being launched in these camps and lodges situated in several separate places in the jungle and most activities focus on adventure and enjoyment of nature. The management has inaugurated Leadership Training Camps in these lodges and camps and they have become so popular that foreign tourists and persons from varied institutions visit these camps for training. These camps are equipped with a qualified training staff and the hotel provides food and accommodation for the visitors who come for leadership training and adventure activities.

A jungle camp established by the hotel management in a rural place called "Kinchigune" has an exclusive heritage camp where lot of exciting activities and adventure can be enjoyed. The most outstanding feature of this hotel is the establishment of lodges and camps with full facilities in the heart of jungle on the banks banks of river Belihuloya.

This has become the very centre for eco-tourism in Balangoda. The tourists staying in these camps and lodges could take part in Canoeing, rock hiking, nature trail, mountain cycling, high roof activities and night safari etc.

However, these activities and programs have been immensely popular with the visitors foreign and local. The hotel management has planned exclusive activities along the river Belihuloya for tourists.

Tericho Rest and Jungle Rest are other holiday resorts meant to promote eco tourism in Balangoda.

Entertainment in jungle

These two hotels are situated at Ihala Galagama about 2km from Belihuloya Rest.

These idyllic cocoons are built in the heart of jungle areas so as to facilitate the nature loving tourists and to enable them to appreciate and enjoy a tranquil atmosphere and natural beauty.

Apart from that, "Hirikatu Oya Rest" and "Water Garden", hotels which primarily aim to promote eco-tourism in Sri Lanka. Hirikatuoya Rest stands on Hirikatuoya, an extremely beautiful river which flows parallel to Belihuloya and springs from Horton Plains. Visitors have all facilities to bathe in natural pools among rocks on the river and to stroll into the jungle under full protection.

Plans are underway to popularise among the tourists the proposed adventure site and nature trail along "Nagrak" tourist village (at the base of the World's End).

Facilities and necessary infrastructure are being developed to create a special adventure park and tourist villages whereby a tourist can hike World's End range and enjoy cool water of Belihuloya flowing from Horton Plains.

Temporary rest houses (buildings erected out of jungle material) have been built along charming places of river Belihuloya. These are called "Diya Pahasa" (soft touch of water).