We took detour; this was our second detour for the day. Trekked for 10 minutes and came to a rocky cliff. There were not many around. Came across a rusted and peeled off small board about blowhole.
Even as we walked we could hear the sound of water. Period of silence and then the rumbles. Waited on the rocky cliff; just waited for it to happen. And then it did. The pressure builds up and after a while the water just spews up like a fountain with a huge 'whooshing' sound. A small fissure among the rocks which was a long narrow crack like a chimney through which the water came shooting up like a tall fountain about 70 feet in height. During high tides; they reach upto 120 feet is what I heard. Seeing it was an exhilarating experience; one must see it to believe it. This is the second time I could not believe when I read water spewing out like a fountain from below the earth (The first time was watching The Old Faithful of California)
It happens once in every 15 minutes; I witnessed it twice and as it grew dark; waited and waited. It did not happen the third time. The sun was down and we turned away to go; and then heard it again and I missed the third time which was more taller than previous two. I didnt attempt to capture it on camera because its momentary and then I would miss seeing it live. Those interested can see it on Youtube - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NO0dAplClkU
The sun went down. I thought we should have arrived a bit early. Nevertheless the scene was spectacular.
The fissure from where the water spouts out
We walked down and chose one of the many home cum tea shop to have tea. As we sat in the makeshift shop waiting for tea; we couldn't help notice the damages on the ceilings and walls. We recognized what it was. The coastal areas of Lanka were affected by 2004 Tsunami. All through the 3 days stay in Galle/Hikkaduwa, saw many seaside buildings destroyed and now standing among weeds and shrubs as mute witnesses to nature's fury.
Lovely pics...very informative too.
ReplyDeleteThanks Alka.
DeleteTHe question that I have to ask is WHEN ARE YOU GOING OT TAKE ME TO ALL THESE PLACES :)
ReplyDeletebeautiful pics.. thank you for sharing
Bikram's
Whenever you are ready Bik :-) Thanks
DeleteWow ,70 -120 ft is really high ,it must have been a sight to remember.Hope to see it live someday .
ReplyDeleteKavita,
DeleteYeah it would have been more nicer if it were daylight. Anyway I saw them :) All the best.
Hello....
ReplyDeleteWatching that natural fountain must have been a breath taking experience. Lovely narration too.
Chitra ma'am,
DeleteHow have you been? It was :)
B, I think the hood on your lens is casting shadows on the edges of the pictures - there is a particular word for it, I forgot. Is it 'vignetting'? Frankly, how long were you in Sri Lanka? Reading you, I feel that you've been there since a year! :-)
ReplyDeleteYour photos - there is something that disturbs me - the results are not up to the standards of a D7000. Do check the settings. And change the hood.
Sri Lanka has come out as a fascinating, must-see place so close to India, thanks to your posts. Gotta visit there, soon.
Balan,
DeleteYou are right. The aperture unit gave way and it broke. The darkness around the corners are because of that. I did struggle a lot while clicking so that the bit of part that broke didnt come in the way while clicking but that was the best I could do then. I dont know how it happened; gave it to a friend for one his trek. Anyway got it fixed but the autofocus feature doesnt work nw :( Will have to get a better lens
It was 10 days Balan :) Saw half of Lanka :D
DeleteThat is a lesson you would have learnt. Never lend to any one your camera or books - or the better half! ;-D
DeleteI know a lesson definitely learnt. But I was just being good :(
DeleteA very well recounted description and an enjoyable read! Always love reading travelogues!
ReplyDeleteRahul,
DeleteThanks. Travels/reading about new places always lifts the spirits up, isnt it?
yes cannot help wondering if you live in Srilanka and work in Bangalore.
ReplyDeletePersonally, I feel that the wonders of nature are exceptional when compared with the monstrous nonsenses in concrete man create. The sky scrapers of New-York for instance !
Anil,
DeleteHahaha I second every word. Nature always is mystic and it has so much to offer. The sky scrapers of NYC will surely leave you in awe but wouldnt linger in your dreams like the Old Faithful of CA or the Blowhole.
When I read about the fountain, my very first thought was - why didn't you click it? Yeah, a selfish remark you see. Some things are better enjoyed than being clicked. At times behind clicking snaps, we forget to stay there for a few minutes just to enjoy the place.
ReplyDeleteAwesome pictures.
Neha,
DeleteI could still have waited for 10-15 more minutes and clicked if not for my camera. You know the aperture unit conked right? There was no use. As the lights were fading it was getting tougher :)
But yeah I didnt want to miss those moments of witnessing it live
Lovely the description of the fountain. 70 feet is damn bit freaky.. And 120 feet.. I would love to see it. I guess the 10 day trip got you lots of joy.
ReplyDeleteAshwini,
DeleteYeah it was. And I want more!! :)
Very informative and must've been an amazing thing to see the spring whooping up to 10ft high!ooohh! Like the twilight pictures! It's so sad to see and reminisce about the 2004 tsunami!
ReplyDeleteThanks Vaish. The time of the evening added to the mystery. Yeah all along the coast are the brutal truths of 2004 tsunami
DeleteWow, that's quite an experience! Absolutely informative. Wish I too can visit someday.
ReplyDeleteRuprekha,
DeleteYes it was. I wished went a bit early. But better late than never.
The first and second pictures are so good! I've been to the Old Faithful in California. It is awesome isn't it? And so must be this one too.
ReplyDeletehttp://rachnaparmar.com
Rachna,
DeleteThanks. Old Faithful is a legend in itself. That was a geothermal activity while this was due to a rock fissure. Both gifts of nature :)
Wow! Whatte awesome experience you have had!! 70 Feet high fountain!! Amazing!!
ReplyDeleteShilpa,
DeleteYeah lucky to have :) Thanks
I wont be surprised if they were to appoint you as the brand Ambassador.Ala,Bachachan for Gujrat.
ReplyDeleteChowla sir,
DeleteIf I can make some bucks out of it; why not :) I have true passion :)