My OperaSri Lanka, featured in the CNN 15 of the world's best eco lodges
Saturday, May 5, 2012 7:20:41 PM
The Mudhouse
The Mudhouse, Sri Lanka, around a two-hour drive north of Colombo, hidden away in a forest, The Mudhouse sounds simple and basic, but feels like the height of luxury: huts are made from mud and coconut leaves, and there are also tree houses.
The Mudhouse, Sri Lanka, around a two-hour drive north of Colombo, hidden away in a forest, The Mudhouse sounds simple and basic, but feels like the height of luxury: huts are made from mud and coconut leaves, and there are also tree houses.
There’s no electricity or hot water, and at night lanterns and candles lend a romantic vibe. On-site is a lush organic garden, brimming with produce that ends up on guests’ plates and it’s enthusiastically staffed by locals.
The area is a haven for birds, there are lakes to swim in, bikes to borrow and villages to explore. Organic architecture fuses with organic food in a forest setting teeming with birdlife.
A genuine eco lodge will show a commitment to several of the following key factors: energy and water conservation, recycling and reducing the amount of waste sent to landfill, the use of natural, sustainable materials and bio-diversity conservation. They’ll offer guests local, organic, seasonal produce, low-impact, nature-based activities and in many cases, the local community will benefit from –- or have a stake in –- the development of the venture.
The green experts ensure that a stay in one of these innovative eco lodges will guarantee you peace of mind, as well as the ultimate escape.
Heritage Sri Lanka
A land of ancient cities and kingdoms dating back over 2500 yrs.
Anuradhapura
Mihintale
Isurumuniya Lovers
IsurumuniyaTwo new Lichens from Horton Plains
Considered one of the oldest organisms on earth, there are some 600 species of lichen in Sri Lanka. Two new lichen species have been discovered at Horton Plains by botanists. Scientifically named Anzia mahaeliyensis and Anzia flavotenuis, these will upgrade the endemic checklist of Sri Lankan Lichens.
Anzia flavotenuis
Anzia mahaeliyensisLichens are believed to be one of the oldest organisms colonized on earth. But presently they are threatened due to many factors including pollution and habitat loss.
Lichen is not a single organism the way most other living things are, but rather a combination of two organisms which live together intimately. Lichens are good environmental indicators since they are sensitive to pollutants. Horton Plains is very rich in lichens.
There are many dyes, medicines and important chemicals extracted from lichens. Litmus, the colour-changing dye used to make pH indicator paper, is in fact a compound extracted from lichens. Many creatures including squirrels and birds use lichens for cushioning and patching their nests to camouflage them. Moths and butterflies also feed on lichens.
You may also find some more information on Shri Lanka by visiting our site over here: http://infinityindiatravels.com/nepal_maldives_srilanka.html
