ST. ANDREW’S

NUWARA ELIYA

Nature, cultural and historical tours

© Jetwing Hotels, 2015 Cover photograph: Horton Plains, Nuwara Eliya © Ishanda Senevirathna

Contents Introduction Bird Watching Tour Frog Watching Tour Horton Plains National Park (Journey to the end of World)

1 2 3 4-5

Mini World’s End, World’s End & Baker’s Fall Circular Trail Totupala Kanda Kirigalpotta Kanda Tea Culture Tour Hakgala Botanical Gardens and Arboretum

6 7 8 9 10

Victoria Park Cloud Forest Trail Sri Pada (Adams Peak)

11 12 13

Waterfall Tour Waterfall Climbing Colonial Architectural Tour

14 15 16

Highest Location Tour Location Map Photo Credits

17 18 19

Responsible Tourism

21

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 – rangin We are delighted to welcome you to a to Jetwing with a resident We hope you willtofind something interest inas the enclosed programme from cultural and historical visits and walks, naturalHotel history tours. Some ofnaturalist. our excursions are designed involve the localofcommunity much as possible for two of reasons excursions ranging fromthem cultural and historical visits and walks to natural history Some of our of excursions designed involve the local community much Firstly, because–we recognise as important stakeholders who should share in thetours. financial benefits tourism. are Secondly, we to believe it is important that the as local commu possible two Firstly, because recognise them as important stakeholders who should share in the financial benefits of tourism and second, we believe nityasplay a leadfor role in reasons. the conservation of ourwe cultural anditnatural heritage. is important that the local community play a lead role in the conservation of our cultural and natural heritage.

Resident naturalists employed at Jetwing Hotels with several objectives in mind. is that they available educate guests the hotel aboutthe thenatura Resident naturalists are are employed at Jetwing Hotels with several objectives in mind. TheThe firstfirst is that they areare available to to educate thethe guests ofof the hotel about natural environment and the culture found in and environment and the culture found in and around thearound hotel. the hotel.

TheThe second is that they areare a part that Jetwing Hotels is committed to practicing responsible tourism andactivities minimising theenvironimpact of it second is that they a partofofa awider widerstrategy strategyto to demonstrate to illustrate the commitment to responsible tourism and minimising the impact of its on the activities ment. on the environment.

Sri Lanka offers a visitor a range destinationsfrom fromgolden goldenbeaches, beaches,majestic majesticmountains, mountains, dense dense rainforests, mysterious mangroves Sri Lanka offers a visitor a range ofofdestinations mangroves and andstunning stunningvistas, vistas,totoancient ancientruins ruins an a diversity of religions and cultures. Yet, a thrust for economic development, including in of thespecies tourism sector, is destroying goldenwith goose that of lays the egg: the natura and a diversity of religions and cultures. Sri Lanka may be blessed with a great diversity and ecosystems but it isthe alsovery besieged a range human-induced environment. Sriaffect Lankathe may be blessed withspecies a great and diversity of species and ecosystems but it isadditional also besieged withon a range of human-induced that affect the surviva threats that survival of these ecosystems. Tourism can place heavy, stresses an environment already threats seriously over-used and of these species and ecosystems. Tourism can place heavy, additional stresses on an environment already seriously over-used and over-stretched. over-stretched.

Jetwing Hotels integrate bestbest practices for environmental management and play significant role inrole creating environmental awareness, facilitating researchresearch and conservation Jetwing Hotels integrate practices for environmental management andaplay a significant in creating environmental awareness, facilitating and Jetwing is committed to sustainable tourism. Each Jetwing Hotel haseach a ‘Green Directory’ listing the activities it undertakes, in order to be an conservation. Jetwing is committed to sustainable tourism with Jetwing hotel having a ‘Green Directory’ listing the activities it undertakes, in order to be an environmentally responsible hotel. These are are available on on thethe Jetwing website, on on each hotel’s home page. environmentally responsible hotel. These available Jetwing website, each hotel’s home page.

Jetwing Hotels, together withwith Jetwing EcoEco Holidays (the wildlife and luxury travel subsidiary), are inina acampaign Jetwing Hotels, together Jetwing Holidays (the wildlife and luxury travel subsidiary), arealso alsoengaged engaged campaigntotoimpart impartinformation informationabout aboutthe theisland’s island’s faun andfauna flora to the local – especially to our school To this end, we end, havewe published a number of low-cost leaflets,leaflets, booklets and posters. In orderIntoorder make thi and flora to communities the local communities – especially to ourchildren. school children. To this have published a number of low-cost booklets and posters. information freely available, these havepublications also been serialised localserialised newspapers. Jetwing naturalists also encourage groups to join them on field trips and to make this information freely publications available, these have alsoinbeen in local newspapers. Jetwing naturalistsschool also encourage school groups to join in classroom activities to stimulate further interest in conservation amongst school children. them on field trips and in classroom activities to stimulate further interest in conservation amongst school children. We We hope youyou willwill enjoy your stay with usus and carry the hope enjoy your stay with and carry themessage messageofofsustainable sustainabletourism tourismtotoothers. others.

1

Bird Watching Tour The avifauna of Sri Lanka is rich in diversity. There are records to date of 237 breeding resident species and 216 purely migrant species of birds in the country. The latter includes 72 species that are rare and considered vagrant. For a small island, Sri Lanka has a wide range of bird fauna and many passionate bird lovers rank Sri Lanka among their favorite destinations. No less than 426 bird species have been discovered, out of which 33 are endemic to the island. Enjoy and observe a plethora of native birds; from the Sri Lankan White Eye identifiable through its striking, dusky lore and broad white eye-ring to the sweet-toned, Yellow-Eared Bulbul perched peacefully on a branch. Take a walk alongside the border of thick woodland, creating the perfect back drop of flourishing green forests, against the sapphire blue sky providing a brilliant view for the avid birdwatcher or those who simply want to spend some time appreciating the Sri Lankan landscape.

Time of departure

- 0700 hrs from the hotel

Duration

- 02 hours

Walking Distance

- 03 km

What to bring / What to wear - Comfortable Clothes, Caps or Hats, Cameras, Binoculars, Spotting Scopes, Field Guides

2

Frog Watching Tour Although it is one of the major cities in the central hills, many wetlands and montane forestpatches which are ideal habitats for amphibians, can still be found in Nuwara Eliya. Many vertebrate species including amphibian species are recorded frequently in this area. Perhaps because they live “on the edge” between water and land, and have semipermeable skin, frogs and toads are very sensitive to pollution and other environmental changes. Worldwide, many species are declining in numbers or have recently become extinct. Amphibians are considered as environmental indicator species since they are very susceptible to slight changes and monitoring frog and toad populations is one way to check the health of wetland areas. Almost any time of day is a good time to find frogs, but sighting them is often easier during early dawn hours and at dusk when the temperature decreases. Led by the resident naturalist, Jetwing St. Andrew’s conducts night tours for frog enthusiasts, who may sight an array of night creatures inhabiting the area including endemic frog species such as, Montane hour-glass tree-frog (Taruga eques), Half-webbed pug-snout frog (Ramanella palmata) and Montane frog (Zakerana greenii).

Time of departure

- 1900 hrs from the hotel

Duration

- 02 hours

Walking Distance

- 03 km

What to bring / What to wear - Comfortable Clothes, Caps or Hats, Rain Coat, Warm Jackets , Walking Shoes

3

4

Horton Plains National Park (Journey to the end of World) Horton Plains National Park is a protected area in the central highlands of Sri Lanka and is covered by montane grassland, aquatic & wetland habitat and cloud forest. This plateau at an altitude of 2,100–2,300 meters (6,900–7,500 ft) is rich in biodiversity. Historically known as Maha Eliya Thenna or Gona Thenna, stone tools dating back to before 1000BC (Balangoda culture) have been found here. The second & third highest mountains of the country namely Kirigalpotta & Thotupola respectively are found within the borders of the park. Park receives rainfall from both northeast & southwest monsoons as well as inter-monsoonal rains with annual precipitation of about 5000mm. The area is headwaters of three rivers, the Kelani, Walawe & the Mahaweli. Due to altitude the area is comparatively cold. Mean annual temperature is around 15 0C and during colder months it will go down further. The plains vegetation is grasslands interspersed with montane forest, and includes many endemic woody plants. Most of the fauna and flora found in the park are endemic and furthermore some of them are confined to highlands of the island. Though this was one of the best elephant habitats in the country they are locally extinct due to sports hunting occurred during the British colonial era. Large heard of Sambhur & wild boar are the most common large mammals in Horton Plains. Endemic Bear Monkey, Rusty- Spotted and Fishing cats, Otter, Black napped hare and Giant Squirrel are among other mammals. The national park niches to the largest carnivore cat species of the island the Leopard. Many species of endemic & threatened rats & shrews are also found in the park. Diversity & endemicity of reptiles (Lizards) and amphibians are remarkably high. Though this is cold highland plateau the bird diversity is very high. More than 70% of Sri Lanka’s endemic birds are found here. The park is named after Sir Robert Wilmot Horton, the British governor of Ceylon from 1831 to 1837, who travelled to the area in 1836. Horton Plains was designated as a wildlife sanctuary on 5 December 1969 and because of its biodiversity value, was elevated to a National Park on 18 March 1988. The land area covered by Horton Plains is 3,160 hectares.

5

Mini World’s End, World’s End & Baker’s Fall Circular Trail - Horton Plains National Park MiniWorld’s End,World’s End & Baker’s Fall Circular trail is the most traveled trail in the Horton Plains National Park. The Baker’s Fall, a beautiful cascade of water formed by Belihul Oya, a tributary of the Walawe River is named after Sir Samuel Baker, a hunter and explorer who attempted to establish a European Agricultural Settlement at Nuwara Eliya. The falls are 20 meters (66 ft) high. Slab Rock Falls lies 1 kilometer (0.62 mi) to north of Baker’s Fall. The World’s End, a 2000 meters deep escarpment and is a sheer precipice with a 4,000 ft (1,219m) drop. It is situated at the southern boundary of the park. The Mini-World’s End which is a smaller drop compared to the main escarpment & it is located not far from World’s End. Tips, Notes & special remarks : • The weather can change quite fast, especially in the afternoon. It can get pretty cold and windy in the plains. Make sure that you are prepared with warm clothes. • Even though you pass several water sources up to the Baker’s falls, there are no water sources for about 5km from there. Therefore carry a small bottle of water.

6

Time of departure

- 0500 hrs from the hotel

Duration

- 06 hours

Distance from Hotel

- 32 Km

Walking distance

- Approximately 08km within the park

What is included

- Water Bottle, Transport, Entrance Ticket, Professional Guidance

What to wear / bring

- Comfortable Clothes, Caps or Hats, Cameras, Binoculars, Spotting Scopes, Field Guides, Sun Block, Walking Shoes.

Totupala Kanda The trail to Thotupola Kanda will let you experience the unique montane forest ecosystem of Horton Plains National Park with minimum difficulty. Even though Thotupola kanda is the third highest peak in Sri Lanka, this trail is easy to tackle since the elevation gain from trail head to the peak is quite small. On a clear day, you will be able to enjoy the breath-taking view of the surrounding wet grassland and forest patches of Horton Plains from the summit & the trail goes through a fairly dense forest with thick under growth. Tips, Notes & special remarks : • No water sources are available once you are on the trail. Make sure that you carry enough water with you. • Fairly strong winds may be experienced at the summit as well as in the sections of the trail which is open without forest cover. • Some sections of the trail go through thick undergrowth and therefore wearing shorts may not be a very good idea.

Time of departure

- 0500 hrs from the hotel

Duration

- 06 hours

Distance from Hotel

- 32 Km

Walking distance

- Approximately 07km within the park

What is included

- Water Bottle, Transport, Entrance Ticket, Professional Guidance

What to wear / bring

- Comfortable Clothes, Caps or Hats, Cameras, Binoculars, Spotting Scopes, Field Guides, Sun Block, Walking Shoes.

7

Kirigalpotta Kanda Kirigalpotta is the second highest peak in Sri Lanka. Trail to summit of Kirigalpotta is arguably the best nature trail in Horton Plains. It is not too tough (but not easy either) and will let you experience all aspects of the unique and fragile eco-system of Horton Plains National Park. The trail goes through areas of wet grass land, cloud forests and scrubs at the summit. A wide variety of beautiful wild flowers can also be seen during the hike. To reach the summit point, you have to climb along the edge of the wet, moss covered slab-rock which lay at a 30-degree angle dropping into a bottomless chasm & have to cross a small forest patch at the very top. During September to November strong winds will also be experienced which adds to the risk of this final climb. Tips, Notes & special remarks : • Make sure that you carry small water bottle with you and keep it filled. • Fairly strong winds may be experienced at the summit and temperatures may get somewhat cold, therefore make sure that you carry a light sweater and a rain coat. • Some sections of the trail go through thick undergrowth / bamboo which may scratch your skin. It is recommended to wear something which covers most of your body. • Take special care to protect your eyes when walking through thick undergrowth as most of the undergrowth will very well be taller than you.

8

Time of departure

- 0500 hrs from the hotel

Duration

- 08 hours

Distance from Hotel

- 32 Km

Walking distance

- Approximately 15Km within the park

What is included

- Transport, Entrance Ticket, Professional Guidance, Water Bottle

What to wear / bring

- Comfortable Clothes, Caps or Hats, Cameras, Binoculars, Spotting Scopes, Field Guides, Sun Block, Walking Shoes

Tea Culture Tour Tea cultivation began on the island in 1867 with the commercial introduction by the Englishman James Taylor and he planted 17 acres of tea in 1866 at Loolecondera. Ceylon tea is a world recognized product, with some of the most sought after fragrant and delicious tea in the whole world being produced in Sri Lanka. Nuwara Eliya in the central hills of Sri Lanka is an area which produces some of the finest tea of Ceylon. First we visit tea pluckers’ homes and observe their life styles. You will also have the opportunity to observe first hand, Tea cultivation practices such as fertilizing, pruning and plucking. Tea pluckers in Sri Lanka are usually women and watching them pluck tea, dressed in their colourful Sarees against the verdant green of tea bushes is a sight not to be missed. Manufacture of tea, the best known and most familiar of Ceylon black tea requires withering, rolling, fermentation, drying and grading. You will see all these processes. Also easily visible are panoramic views of natural and man-made contours, beautiful vistas and landscapes rising out of the mist laden sky. Finally you can quench your thirst with a cup of typical top quality Ceylon Tea.

Time of departure

- Morning (Leaving after Breakfast) Afternoon (Leaving after Lunch)

Duration

- 03 hours

Distance from Hotel

- 25 km

Walking distance

- 300 m

What is included

- Transport to and from the site, Tickets, Professional Guidance

What to bring / what to wear - Comfortable Clothes, Caps or Hats, Cameras. Transport provided

9

Hakgala Botanical Gardens and Arboretum The Botanical Gardens at Hakgala is the second largest garden in Sri Lanka situated in salubrious environment near the capital city of the hill country. It provides charm and a cool atmosphere with picturesque beauty by its own landscape and many blooms seen in various sections in garden. It is recorded Sri Lankan legend that, many thousands of years ago, a famous king of Ceylon, Ravana whose name is remembered in connection with the epic love story with Sita, a beautiful queen of India, made a pleasure garden in the region where the Hakgala garden spreads today. The king Ravana brought queen Sita, a famous female character described in eastern mythology here and kept hidden in the area vicinity to the gardens. The main reason to establish the garden at Hakgala was cultivation and promotion of Cinchona, a tree of commerce in colonial Ceylon. The garden was established in 1861 with the auspices of Mr. G. H. W. Thawaites then director of Royal Botanic Gardens at Peradeniya and M. R. W. MacNichholl was the pioneer curator of the gardens. The garden was later used for experimentation of tea cultivation in up country and finally developed in a botanical direction since Mr. William Nock was appointed as a curator in 1884. Many sub tropical and some temperate plants were introduced and planted in the gardens.

Time of departure Duration Distance from Hotel Walking distance What is included

- Morning (Leaving after Breakfast) /Afternoon (Leaving after Lunch) - 06 hours - 15 km - Approximately 02km within the park - Transport to and from the site, Entrance ticket, Water bottle, Professional Guidance What to bring / what to wear - Comfortable clothes, Caps or Hats, Sun-block, Binoculars , Cameras, Field guides

10

Victoria Park The Victoria Park of Nuwara Eliya is said to be named to commemorate the 60th Jubilee Coronation of Queen Victoria in the year 1897. Originally the park was used as the research field of Hakgala Botanical Garden which is located about 10 km away from the city centre. It is known that this park was established by planting an Oak tree by a German Princess who visited Nuwara Eliya at the latter part of the 19th Century. The park is 27 acres in extent and about 90% of the tree species available are those of foreign plants. Nanu Oya which flows through the park and a number of lakes within it enhances its beauty. A large number of rare bird species can be found in the park and is quite popular among birdwatchers. The Indian Blue Robin (Luscinia brunnea), Pled Ground Thrush (Zoothera wardii), Scaly Thrush (Zoothera imbricata) and Kashmir Flycatcher (Ficedula subrubra) are among the many bird species found in the park.

Time of departure - Morning (Leaving after Breakfast) /Afternoon (Leaving after Lunch) Duration - 03 hours Distance from Hotel - 01 km Walking distance - Approximately 02km What is included - Entrance ticket, Water bottle, Professional Guidance What to bring / what to wear - Comfortable clothes, caps or hats, sun-block, binoculars , cameras, field guides

11

Cloud Forest Trail Cloud Forests of Sri Lanka are one of the most endangered habitats, occupying less than 2% of the total land area. Due to deforestation in the past, for cultivation of coffee and then tea, they have been decimated, leaving only, small but precious fragments of bio-diversity. It is host to some of Sri Lanka’s most unusual flora & fauna. Cloud Forest Trail is designed for you to see typical Cloud Forest patches in just 300m above the hotel. The Cloud Forest Trail is up a fairly steep slope, which can be difficult in places. Much of the fauna and flora can be seen in just a few hundred meters of the trail. Therefore, you need not be in good shape to be able to follow the trail up to the water catchment. If you wish to go beyond this, then it would help if you are sure footed and reasonably fit.

Time of departure - 0700 hrs & 1400 hrs Duration - 01 hour Distance from Hotel - 01 km Walking distance - Approximately 02 km What is included - Professional Guidance What to bring / what to wear - Comfortable Clothes, Binoculars, Caps or Hats, Cameras, Field Guides

12

Sri Pada (Adams Peak) Adam’s Peak (also Adam’s Mount) is a 2,243 meters (7,359 ft) tall conical mountain located in central Sri Lanka. It is well-known for the Sri Pada “sacred footprint”, a 1.8 m rock formation near the summit, in Buddhist tradition held to be the footprint of Buddha, in Hindu tradition that of Shiva and in Muslim tradition that of Adam. The mountain is located in the southern reaches of the Central Highlands, in the Ratnapura district of the Sabaragamuwa Province - lying about 20 km northeast of the city of Ratnapura. The surrounding region is largely forested hills, with no mountain of comparable size nearby. Climbing at night can be a remarkable experience, with the lights of the path leading up and into the stars overhead. There are rest stops along the way. Leave hotel after dinner for Adam’s peak via Nanu Oya, Hatton and Maskeliya up to Nallatanniya. Cross the river and start to climb the summit in the night. Rest on the way and walk to the summit to be there early morning. See the beautiful sunrise, the shadow of the mountain of the surrounding area. Return for lunch to the hotel.

Time of departure - 2230 hrs from the hotel (after Dinner) Duration - 12 hours Distance from Hotel - 72 km Walking distance - Approximately 07 km What is included - Packed breakfast, water bottle, transport to and from the site What to bring / what to wear - Comfortable clothes, Caps or Hats, Binoculars, Cameras, Field guides, Walking shoes

13

Waterfall Tour The mountains of Sri Lanka are embellished with a slew of picturesque waterfalls. Many of these splendid waterfalls lie unknown in the forests and remote tea plantation tracks. The numerous rivers of the island fed adequately by two yearly monsoons, the topography of high and steeply scarped pen plains and river beds of hard metamorphic rock, all set an ideal ground for the formation of waterfalls. The island has103 river basins and many numbers of streams radiating from the central hills, rushing down rocky precipices forming a number of roaring waterfalls of various shapes and height, all ending up loosing the momentum at the Indian Ocean. Among those waterfalls Devon Fall, St. Clair Fall, Dansinan Fall, Saheen Fall and Sheen Fall are famous water falls in the country.

Time of departure - 0700 hrs Duration - 06 hours Distance from Hotel - 100 km Walking distance - Approximately 02 km What is included - Transport to and from the site, packed breakfast, Water Bottle What to bring / what to wear - Comfortable Clothes, Caps or Hats, Sun-block, Cameras

14

Waterfall Climbing Waterfall trekking up Lovers Leap, is a popular attraction famous for the legend behind the name of the waterfall. Legend has it, that a Prince who lived in Nuwara Eliya had met a beautiful girl in a nearby village and fell in love with her. But the king did not allow the Prince to carry on with his love affair. The Prince suffered a lot by his father’s ruling and later on one full moon day he had climbed up the top of the rock with his fiancée and jumped - leading to the waterfall being named aptly Lover’s Leap. Begin the journey walking up a stoned path flanked by beautiful tea plantations, amongst pristine greenery, you’ll arrive at the fountain of the Southern slope of Mount Pedro. Feel the slight spray of waterfall against your face as you step over the rocky landscape and learn about the significance of this site. The tours are conducted by the hotel’s in-house Naturalist, who will guide and keep you well-informed, pointing out any wildlife hiding from you.

Time of departure

- Morning (Leaving after Breakfast) / Afternoon (Leaving after Lunch) Duration - 03 hours Distance from Hotel - 10 km Walking distance - Approximately 03km to climb What is included - Water Bottle, Transport, Professional Guidance What to bring / what to wear - Comfortable Clothes, Caps or Hats, Hiking shoes, Cameras

15

Colonial Architectural Tour Situated 6200 feet above sea level, amid tea plantations in the cool, central highlands, Nuwara Eliya also known as ‘Little England’, is a charming hill station developed by British planters in the late 1800s who tried to create Nuwara Eliya into a typical English Village. Today, many of its buildings retain features from its colonial period. Testament to its past the town is home to many renowned landmarks of Sri Lanka’s colonial British era. Take a walk through the 18-hole Golf Course built by a Scottish solider of the Golan Highlanders in 1889 and discover the Tomb of Major Thomas William Rogers nestled right behind the golf course in an old colonial cemetery. You’ll visit the country house styled Hill Club, which originally served as a club house around the present billiard room. Take a tour through The Grand Hotel and explore the quaint Holy Trinity Church built in 1856 to resemble Canterbury Church of England. And finally you’ll see the old red brick town Post Office built in 1894. Visit these landmark buildings and be prepared to be immersed in its nostalgia reminiscent of a bygone era.

Time of departure - Afternoon (Leaving after Lunch) Duration - 02 hours Distance from Hotel - 03 km walk Walking distance - Approximately 03km to climb What to bring / what to wear - Comfortable clothes, Warm Jackets, Caps or Hats, Rain Coat, Walking Shoes

16

Highest Location Tour Discover the wonders of Nuwara Eliya, by touring the highest landmarks of the town. Shanthipura the country’s’ highest altitude village above sea level, a marvelous point to view the whole of Nuwara Eliya. Pidurutalagala or Mount Pedro, is an outstanding peak and the tallest Mountain in Sri Lanka. Covered by plantations of green tea, rhododendron bushes and is inhabited by wildlife. Rising 2524 meters above sea level, the site now functions as Sri Lanka’s municipal television transmitter. Gregory Lake, an ultra - prominent attraction, was built under the British Governor William Gregory in 1872 - 1877 period. The lake served as a place for water sports and recreational activities during the British era. Ascend the path amid the tea plantations at Shanthipura villiage, situated in the cool mountains between Nuwara Eliya town and Mount Pedro. The village boasts a spectacular panoramic view of the city including the Shanthipura temple, Adams peak, Mount Pedro, Kikiliyamana Mountain and Single tree hill. Take a leisurely stroll around the pictorial Gregory Lake, a short car journey to Mount Pedro, where your naturalist will point out Nuwara Eliya’s significant sites and your final destination will be to the Pattipola railway station.

Time of departure Duration Distance from Hotel Walking distance What is included

- Morning (Leaving after Breakfast) /Afternoon (Leaving after Lunch) - 03 hours - 80 km - Approximately 02km - Transport to and from the sites, Entrance ticket, Water bottle, Professional Guidance What to bring / what to wear - Comfortable clothes, Caps or Hats, Sun-block , Cameras, Walking shoes

17

Location Map

18

1 2

3

Page

Caption

Contents page

Left to right: Yellow-eared Bulbul (Pycnonotus penicillatus), Montane Hourglass Tree-frog (Taruga eques), Red-vented Darter (Sympetrum fonscolombii ), Highland taque macaque (Macaca sinica aurifrons), Black lip lizard (Calotes nigrilabris), Exacum trinervium, Eria bicolor

Front piece

Credit © Ishanda Senevirathna

Horton Plains

© Ishanda Senevirathna

2

Ceylon white-eye (Zosterops ceylonensis), Dark-fronted Babbler (Rhopocichla atriceps), Bar winged Flycatcher-shrike (Eumyias sordida)

1),2) & 3) © Ishanda Senevirathna

3

Pseudophiautus alto, Pseudophiautus microtympanum, Frog watching tour

1),2) © Ishanda Senevirathna 3) © Riaz Cader

4

Horton Plains

© Ishanda Senevirathna

5

Baker’s Falls, World’s End, Guests on tour

1),2) & 3) © Ishanda Senevirathna

6

Rhino Horned lizards (Ceratophora stoddartii), Rhododendron arboretum subsp. ( Zeylanicum), Totupala kanda sign board

1),2) & 3) © Ishanda Senevirathna

7

Kirigalpotta Kanda, Kirigalpotta Kanda nature trail, Black lip lizard (Calotes nigrilabris)

1),2) & 3) © Ishanda Senevirathna

8

Tea Culture tour

1),2) & 3) © Ishanda Senevirathna

9

Highland purple-faced leaf-monkey (Semonopithecus vetulus monticola), Hakgala Botanical Garden

1),2) & 3) © Ishanda Senevirathna

10

Victoria Park

1),2) & 3) © Ishanda Senevirathna

11

Cloud Forest Trail

1),2) & 3) © Ishanda Senevirathna

12

Sri Pada (Adams Peak)

1),2) & 3) © Ishanda Senevirathna

13

Waterfall Tour - Dansinan Falls, St Clairs Falls., Ramboda Falls

1),2) & 3) © Ishanda Senevirathna

14

Waterfall climbing

1) © Ishanda Senevirathna, (2 & 3) M. Fayim

15

Colonial Architecture

1),2) & 3) © Ishanda Senevirathna

16

Highest Location Tour

1),2) & 3) © Ishanda Senevirathna

19

20

Responsible Tourism Jetwing Hotels is committed to practising responsible tourism and have pledged to take forward the concept, focusing on local culture and environment. Because unregulated visitation and inappropriate behaviour by tourists can cause serious damage to ecologically and culturally sensitive areas - we offer the following guidelines to our guests. In Natural -Protected Areas: • Please obtain the services of an official tracker when entering a national park or reserve, and listen to his instructions. • You are entering the domain of wild animals. Please treat them with respect. Do not crowd or annoy them to get the perfect photograph. • The best way to observe animals is to be quiet and avoid sudden movements. Point, rather than speak. Keep mobile phones on silent mode! • Avoid wearing bright colours on bird walks, as birds respond to colour and fly away. Earth-coloured clothes - browns and dull greens - are the best colours. • Adhere to specified speed limits and time limits when visiting national parks or reserves. • Refrain from off-roading and drive along prescribed paths. Off-roading damages habitats. Unless permitted, do not get down from the vehicle. • Do not pick or collect any specimens. • Refrain from feeding wild animals and using headlights, flashlight, sounds or call lures to attract animals. • Refrain from smoking or travelling under the influence of liquor into the national park or reserves. At historically/ culturally important sites: • Archeological sites and historical places are unique and irreplaceable. Destruction of a site is permanent and irreversible. Never climb, sit or stand on archeological structures or remains. • Never remove anything from an archeological site. If you pick something up from the surface, return it to the same spot before you move on. It is best not to pick anything up. Also remember that removing objects from archeological sites is illegal. • At temples, dress modestly respectfully covering knees and shoulders; remove shoes and hats/caps. • At temples and religious sites, photography and filming are usually permitted. However, please note that persons should not be seen posing in front of any reli gious sites, statues or temples for the cameras as it is considered disrespectful. Entry fee you pay at the entrance to the historical/archeological sites you visit contribute to the maintainence and upkeep of the sites. Visitors should respect the feelings and beliefs of the local cultures and communities; and respect the letter and spirit of laws meant to ensure protection and conservation of both the natural and human heritage of all protected areas. Take only photographs, steal only time, leave only footprints - Anon

21

Contact the Resident Naturalist or Reception at Jetwing St. Andrew’s Nuwara Eliya, Sri Lanka.