2026
DIMO Desk Calendar

Namal Oya Wewa is a serene reservoir located in the Ampara District, Eastern Province of Sri Lanka. Surrounded by lush forests and distant mountain ranges, it serves both as an important irrigation tank for local farming communities and a tranquil natural escape. The calm waters often reflect the blue skies and nearby hills, creating stunning scenery—especially at sunrise and sunset. It is also a place where visitors can experience the vibrant island life of Sri Lanka, as local fishermen in traditional boats are a common sight. Beyond its beauty, Namal Oya Wewa plays a vital role in sustaining agriculture and biodiversity in the region, making it both a cultural and ecological treasure.

Minneriya National Park, located in the North Central Province of Sri Lanka, is world-famous for its herds of wild elephants. Every year, during the dry season, hundreds of elephants gather around the Minneriya Tank in what is known as “The Gathering”, one of the largest seasonal assemblies of Asian elephants in the world. The sight of these gentle giants-families with calves walking across open grasslands—is a breathtaking wildlife experience that reflects the vibrant natural heritage of Sri Lanka. Apart from elephants, the park is also home to leopards, sambar deer, and a rich diversity of birdlife, making it a premier eco-tourism destination.

Mahagasthota, near Nuwara Eliya in Sri Lanka’s Central Highlands, is surrounded by endless green tea plantations spread across rolling hills. The landscape comes alive with tea pluckers, who play a vital role in the country’s tea industry by carefully harvesting the tender leaves that go on to be processed in nearby factories. On average, a plucker gathers 15–20 kilograms of leaves per day, a skillful task requiring patience and long hours of work. Their brightly colored attire and red leaf sacks create striking contrasts against the lush fields, adding a human rhythm to the scenery. Together, the tea culture and natural beauty here reflect the vibrant island life of Sri Lanka in the misty highlands.

Sri Pada, also known as Adam’s Peak or Samanala Kanda, is a sacred mountain in the Central Highlands of Sri Lanka, rising to 2,243 meters (7,359 ft). It is revered by Buddhists, Hindus, Muslims, and Christians alike, mainly for the sacred footprint (Sri Pada) at its summit, believed by Buddhists to be that of the Buddha, by Hindus to be of Lord Shiva, and by Christians and Muslims to be of Adam or St. Thomas. Beyond its religious significance, the climb offers breathtaking views of the island’s central hills, mist-covered forests, and the iconic sunrise casting a triangular shadow of the peak across the landscape. Sri Pada is also rich in biodiversity and is a UNESCO World Heritage area.

Parakramabahu Maligaya, also known as the Royal Palace of King Parakramabahu I, is an ancient ruin located in Polonnaruwa, Sri Lanka. According to the Mahawamsa, the palace was a massive structure that originally had seven stories and over 1,000 rooms, serving as the royal residence of the great king in the 12th century. Today, only the thick stone walls, foundations, and pillars remain, but they still reflect the grandeur of medieval Sri Lankan architecture. The site lies within the Polonnaruwa UNESCO World Heritage City, part of Sri Lanka’s Cultural Triangle.

Kayts (Urathota), an island in the Jaffna Peninsula, carries a rich blend of natural beauty and colonial history. Its name, “Kayts,” traces back to the Portuguese term “Caes dos Elefantes” or Elephant’s Quay, reflecting its role as a historic port where Sri Lankan elephants were shipped to India. The island once hosted the Kayts Fort, built by the Portuguese in the 17th century. Chroniclers described it as a stronghold with bastions, embrasures, and artillery, rivalling even Mannar Fort in size and design. Though later abandoned and reduced to ruins by the 19th century, its remnants tell the story of Sri Lanka’s colonial struggles and maritime trade. Today, Kayts is better known for its quiet fishing villages, serene lagoons, and scenic mangroves.

Horton Plains National Park is a scenic highland plateau in Sri Lanka’s Central Highlands, about 32 km from Nuwara Eliya. Rising over 2,100 meters, it is known for its misty grasslands, cloud forests, and rich wildlife. Key highlights include World’s End, a dramatic 870-meter cliff, and the beautiful Baker’s Falls. As the source of major rivers, Horton Plains is both an ecological treasure and a popular hiking destination. It is also recognized as part of the Central Highlands UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Tangalle Beach, located on the southern coast of Sri Lanka in the Hambantota District, is one of the island’s most tranquil and picturesque stretches of shoreline. Known for its golden sands, turquoise waters, and swaying palm trees, the beach is a perfect escape for those seeking peace away from the busier tourist hubs. The coastline offers both calm bays ideal for swimming and long open stretches where waves crash dramatically against the shore, making it a favorite spot for relaxation, photography, and nature walks. With nearby attractions such as the Rekawa Turtle Conservation Project and the Mulkirigala Rock Temple, Tangalle beautifully reflects the vibrant island life of Sri Lanka, blending coastal charm with cultural and natural wonders.

Nestled amidst the lush Dunumadalawa Forest Reserve in Kandy, this historic reservoir is a vital source of water and natural beauty. Originally built to support the city’s water needs, the tank is surrounded by rich biodiversity, serene walking trails, and panoramic views of the hill capital. A tranquil escape close to the bustling city, it stands as a symbol of harmony between nature and community.

Baker’s Falls is a stunning waterfall located within Horton Plains National Park in the Nuwara Eliya District of Sri Lanka’s Central Highlands. Cascading from a height of about 20 meters (66 ft), the falls are named after Sir Samuel Baker, a British explorer and hunter who explored the area in the 19th century. Surrounded by lush montane forest, rhododendron trees, and misty landscapes, Baker’s Falls is popular among hikers on the route to World’s End. As part of the Central Highlands UNESCO World Heritage Site, the waterfall is not only a natural attraction but also an ecological hotspot, supporting unique flora and fauna native to Sri Lanka’s highlands.

Kumana National Park, located on Sri Lanka’s southeastern coast in the Ampara District, spans an area of around 35,664 hectares and is celebrated for its rich biodiversity. While world-famous as a bird sanctuary that attracts over 200 species of resident and migratory birds, it is also home to elephants, sloth bears, crocodiles, and the elusive Sri Lankan leopard. The park’s landscape of lagoons, mangroves, and dry forests creates the perfect backdrop for wildlife encounters. A leopard sighting in Kumana is a rare and unforgettable experience, capturing the untamed spirit of the wild and the vibrant island life of Sri Lanka.

Hetadage is an ancient relic house located in the historic city of Polonnaruwa, Sri Lanka, built during the reign of King Nissanka Malla in the 12th century. The structure is believed to have originally been two stories high, with its lower stone chamber still surviving today. A testament to the architectural brilliance of the Polonnaruwa period, Hetadage features finely carved stone walls, moonstones, and guard stones, along with three seated Buddha statues inside. Situated within the Sacred Quadrangle (Dalada Maluwa) of Polonnaruwa, Hetadage forms an important part of the city’s archaeological treasures. As part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Polonnaruwa, it offers deep insight into Sri Lanka’s Buddhist heritage and royal devotion.