Weligama Stilt Fishing, idyllic fishing village -Admiring an ancient craft

You might have seen fishing in various forms, but stilt fishing in Sri Lanka is a technique that would leave you gasping in awe. Stilt fishing an ancient tradition of fishing in the shallower waters, that is practised in several areas of the country, prominent among them being Weligama. According to State records, this has been in practice since the Second World War. Whenever it may have started, the skill of stilt fishing seems to be something that has been perfected by the villagers.
A long vertical rod is placed on the seabed, and a cross bar is attached to it at the height of about 2m from the surface of the water. This cross bar is called “petta”, and is where the fishermen perch. If you visit Weligama at sunrise, around noon, and towards late evening, you would see the men of the village perched on the crossbar, one hand holding the vertical rod while the other hand holds onto the fishing line. They stay in this posture for hours at an end until they get a catch. As per the tradition, no bait is used on the hook and is a simple battle of patience.
While walking to the coast of Weligama can give you a clear view of the stilt fishermen, the most amazing view is from air, from an air taxi. Sri Lanka is a small island, and as such do not have domestic flights for commercial purpose. However, certain companies like Cinnamon Air does flights for tourists that target on flying over more beautiful areas of the country. Thus, if you are able to take in the aerial view of the fishermen of Weligama, it is going to be one image you are unlikely to forget for the rest of your life.

Auburn Silver is a travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world. Google+

Surf Trip to Arugam Bay

Surf's Up In Arugam Bay
Surf’s Up In Arugam Bay | Image Source : Penthouse Travel

Sri Lanka’s east coast delivers up a perfect blend of sand, sun and waves, with no place better for surfing than the fishing village of Arugam Bay. World famous as a top surfing destination, Arugam Bay attracts surfers from around the world with its various surf breaks and isolated beaches. Located 320km from Colombo, a surf trip to Arugam Bay, or A-Bay as the locals call it, takes more than a little bit of planning; the fastest and easiest way to get there is by booking an Air Taxi. Sri Lanka has quite a few air taxi operators and the most popular tour operators like Cinnamon Air, have several ongoing offers for travel to the East Coast.

Once you have arrive and settled down in one of the many guesthouses and hotels along the coast, there are several surf points to choose from Main point, considered to be the best surf spot by many, to Whiskey Point located further north which is ideal for beginners as well. Elephant Rock and Peanut Farm are two other well-known spots near isolated beaches south of the Bay and if you head further south you’ll see Okanda, a surf spot surrounded by the dense jungle of the Kumana National Park.

While Arugam bay is more commonly known now for its surf culture and laid back hippie vibes, there is a wide range of activates to try besides surfing. There are several lagoons and beaches around Arugam bay if you just want to relax as well as cultural attractions such as historic temples and ancient ruins of Buddhist monasteries. If you’re a wildlife enthusiast the Kumana National Park is perfect for bird-watching and elephants. A trip to Arugam Bay with its natural break points and sunny beaches is the ideal vacation for anyone looking for Sri Lanka’s best surfing spot.

Catalina Forbes is a travel writer who bases her content on many thrilling escapades experienced across the world. Google+|Follow my blog with Bloglovin

Wild life at Bundala National Park

 

Bunadala National Park
Bunadala National Park | Image Courtesy : Deep South

Sri Lanka is a small island in the Indian Ocean, known for its beautiful beaches, but do take a closer look to discover some of its other wonders. Sri Lanka, despite its size, is one of the best countries in South Asia to watch animals in the wild. And with the recently introduced air taxi, Sri Lanka is even easier to explore. The various different habitats have been converted into national parks to protect the species that they support. Visit the wilds of Sri Lanka to observe large herds of elephants, solitary leopards, shimmering peacock and more.
Bundala National Park is located in the Hambantota District; two hundred and fifty kilometres from the capital city of Colombo. The quickest way to travel the distance is by taking a flight with an airline such as Cinnamon Air to Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport. The park spans over six thousand hectares but is smaller and less popular than the neighbouring Yala National Park. The region is hot, dusty and dry. You will notice the surrounding areas are mostly flat with thorny scrubs for vegetation but the lagoons and interwoven waterways make for a picturesque view.
Bundala National Park is of international significance because the park plays host to several species of migratory birds. Over two hundred species of bird have been recorded inside the park some travelling from as far as Siberia. It is best known for playing host to flamingoes who make it their winter home; as many as two thousand have been sighted at one time. Other types of fauna include the timid spotted deer, the spirited grey langur monkey and the pangolin, which is a rare sight. The park also has twenty kilometres of beachfront that stretches from Kirinda to Hambantota, where sea turtles sometimes come to nest.

Fritzjames Stephen is a travel writer, who writes content based on the myriad of experiences and indulgences that the world has to offer travellers across all walks of life. Google+