கதிர்காமம் கோவில் பயணம் - வழியில் காட்டு யானைக்கு உணவு அளிதல் - Srilankan Series Part 5

#itaste #kathirgamamtemple #travelvlog கதிர்காமம் கோவில் பயணம் - வழியில் காட்டு யானைக்கு உணவு அளிதல் - Srilankan Series Part 5 Google Maps Location; https://www.google.com/maps/place/Ruhunu+Maha+Kataragama+Dewalaya/@6.4185124,81.3307028,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m6!3m5!1s0x3ae4260743d9eda7:0x2d26a7008f9f27a9!8m2!3d6.4185071!4d81.3332777!16zL20vMGNnMTJj?entry=ttu

As part of our planned journey, we embarked on a visit to the Kathirgamam Temple in the early hours, starting at 7 a.m. Along the way, we made a delightful stop at Ravana Falls, just past Ella town. The waterfall's grandeur was amplified by the ongoing rainy season.

As we approached Kathirgamam, we had to traverse a forested area, where elephants are known to stand on the road, awaiting travelers with the hope of being fed. What started as just one elephant soon turned into three, and at times, they even blocked the road, insisting on a treat. To be prepared, we stocked up on vegetables and sugarcane, just in case we encountered one of these gentle giants. Fortunately, we did encounter an elephant and had the opportunity to feed it.

Upon arriving at the Kathirgamam Temple, we located a barber to perform the 'tonsure' ritual on Keerthi's hair. Once the ritual was complete, we proceeded to bathe her in the river before making our way to meet Lord Murugan, the deity of the temple.

Despite being a Hindu temple, the Kathirgamam Temple attracts many Sinhala visitors who come here to offer their prayers. The temple's architecture and ambiance, quite different from the typical Hindu temples in Tamil Nadu, exude a more Buddhist aesthetic.

One unique aspect of this temple is the absence of a physical statue of the deity; instead, there is a sacred inscribed plate known as the 'enthiram,' placed inside a box. devotees are not permitted to view the box directly; it remains concealed behind a screen adorned with an image of Lord Muruga.

                                       

After completing our puja (worship) at Kathirgamam, we proceeded to Chella Kathirgamam, located a few kilometers away, where Lord Ganesha is venerated. Traditionally, visitors first offer their prayers to Lord Ganesha at Chella Kathirgamam before proceeding to Kathirgamam. However, due to our prior commitment to 'tonsure,' we reversed the order.

This journey was truly unforgettable and holds a special place in my heart. Stay tuned for more exciting adventures!

                       

Foodie's Paradise in Ella - Trying Out 360 Degree Burger, Roast Paan Wit...

#itaste #360degreeella #ella Foodie's Paradise in Ella - Trying Out 360 Degree Burger, Roast Paan With Pork Curry & Much More Google Maps Location; https://www.google.com/maps/place/360+Ella/@6.8733073,81.0466051,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m6!3m5!1s0x3ae465b6bfeea78b:0x1965d6dc18c4d61f!8m2!3d6.873302!4d81.04918!16s%2Fg%2F11c2l4qdk8?entry=ttu In my never-ending quest for a taste of nostalgia, I embarked on a culinary adventure to Ella, that quaint little town near Bandarawela. It's not just any town; it's a hotspot for European tourists who can't resist its budget-friendly charm and the abundant supply of oxygen (trust me, they're into that). Now, this place is basically a paradise for tourists, and where there are tourists, there are plenty of restaurants and pubs, and one gem among them is 360 Ella. With an ambiance that's cozier than your grandma's hand-knit sweater and more alcoholic refreshments than you can shake a cocktail umbrella at, it's the ultimate spot for kicking back and enjoying life.

Our orders read like a food lover's wildest dream: a passion fruit cocktail, a coffee latte to fuel our caffeine craze, buttered squid for that tantalizing crunch, cheese garlic bread oozing with flavor, a seafood pasta that sang of the ocean, and roast Paan with pork curry to make your taste buds dance like nobody's watching. Oh, and their 360 special burger? It's so good it should come with a warning label. Seriously, it's a flavor explosion like no other.

As for the price, it's not going to break the bank. The 360 special burger will set you back 1800 Sri Lankan rupees, which is roughly 480 Indian rupees. The pork curry with roast Paan is a steal at 2500 Sri Lankan rupees (about 675 Indian rupees), and the garlic bread, is a mere 2200 Sri Lankan rupees (approximately 590 Indian rupees). Even the squid, spaghetti, and coffee latte won't empty your pockets too much at 1800, 2500, and 1000 Sri Lankan rupees, respectively (around 480, 675, and 270 Indian rupees). In a nutshell, this lunch was so splendid that the taste still lingers on my tongue, like that catchy tune you just can't get out of your head. So, if you ever find yourself in Ella, 360 Ella is the place to be. Your taste buds will thank you, and your wallet might be a little mad at you!

                     

விஜயதசமி நாளில் ஏடு துவக்கம் - Srilankan Series Part 3

#itaste #vijayadasaru #srilanka விஜயதசமி நாளில் ஏடு துவக்கம் - Srilankan Series Part 3 Eadu Thodangal is a significant tradition observed during Vijaya Dasami, especially for children. It is only after this formal ceremony that one can guide a child in learning to write. Eadu Thodangal is typically conducted in temples or schools.

                                     

While we were in Bandarawela, we decided to partake in this ritual since many children initiate their Eadu Thodangal here. We were instructed to bring a new notebook, a pencil, a tray or thambalam filled with raw rice, and a children's study book. We purchased the archanai (pooja) ticket and patiently waited our turn in line.

                                   

                                   

                                   

The head priest, known as the Iyar, conducted the ceremony. He offered prayers and then dipped a pencil in honey, placing it in Keerthi's mouth. Subsequently, the Iyar held her hand and taught her a few Tamil alphabets, instructing her to recite them. Then, with her hand in his, he wrote Tamil letters in the raw rice. The same procedure was repeated with the new notebook and pencil. Following the ceremony, we offered prayers and performed archanai to Lord Murugan, the main deity

 

Authentic Sinhalese Food In Kattayar Kadai With Raw Red Rice ,Chicken&Po...

#itaste #srilankanlunch #travelvlog Authentic Sinhalese Food In Kattayar Kadai With Raw Red Rice, Chicken & Pork Curry - Srilankan Series 2 Google Maps Location; https://www.google.com/maps/place/Hotel+Shiroma/@6.7089924,80.7500435,15z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m6!3m5!1s0x3ae38babe041948d:0x1951f76475141187!8m2!3d6.7089712!4d80.7603433!16s%2Fg%2F11cn8sg8zl?entry=ttu Embarking on a journey from the scenic Rathnapura to the enchanting Bandarawela, the sun reached its zenith, casting its golden glow upon our path. It was the perfect moment to heed the call of our rumbling stomachs, prompting us to seek solace in a tranquil haven just beyond Balangoda. With every mile, anticipation grew, for I had a secret oasis in mind, a gem hidden in plain sight: Shiroma Hotel, affectionately known as 'Kattayar Kadai' to the locals.

                                        

Here, in this charming abode, we discovered the essence of Sri Lankan cuisine – a feast fit for kings and commoners alike. As we perused the menu, we were presented with a tantalizing choice: the option to indulge in the rich tapestry of flavors that is Sri Lankan rice and curry, available in both vegetarian and non-vegetarian renditions. For those seeking the carnivorous thrill, succulent chicken and tender pork awaited.

And it didn't stop there; the accompaniments were nothing short of a symphony of tastes. A luscious spread of coconut sambal, creamy dhal, aromatic raw jackfruit curry, and the intriguing bitterness of bitter gourd poriyal graced our table. As if that weren't enough, a radiant radish leaf salad added freshness to the ensemble.

                                        

As we savored this culinary masterpiece, there was an unexpected star of the show – raw red rice, a rarity in my culinary adventures. When harmoniously mixed with the vibrant array of vegetables and the robust pork curry, it was nothing short of an epicurean revelation. The flavors danced in unison on our taste buds, creating a symphony of delight that transcended the sum of its parts. In the end, this unassuming treasure by the road became more than just a meal; it transformed into an experience, a culinary journey through the heart of Sri Lanka. A must-visit, a must-savor – it's a place where every bite is an enjoyable Sri Lankan story waiting to be told.