Daily Mirror (Sri Lanka)

URBAN ADVENTURE TRAILS

Redefines Colombo adventure

- COMPILED BY SANATH WEERASURIY­A (Pix courtesy Cinnamon)

The serene hours in the boat trail o ers the company of about 100 plant species, 80 bird species, 20 species of sh, 10 mammal species and ve species of amphibians including endemic birds, crocs, monkeys etc.

Safaris and nature trails are mainly connected to wilderness. But if I say there are nature trails in the midst of traffic congestion of the city that will come as a surprise. It is happening by the water’s edge of the Diyawanna, close to Battaramul­la overlookin­g the major traffic flow from and to the Capital City. ‘Cinnamon Nature Trails’ is the latest city- based nature trails and trekking option for business travellers visiting Colombo.

Cinnamon Nature Trails, the wildlife and nature-based tourism arm of Cinnamon Hotels and Resorts, unveils its eco-excursion expertise in the heart of Colombo to introduce the true essence of the destinatio­n. A collection of five carefully crafted experience­s by in-house naturalist­s aims to unveil the city’s natural diversity and marvels while championin­g sustainabl­e tourism practices.

Cinnamon Nature Trails brings years of experience in the field, collaborat­ing with prestigiou­s production organisati­ons such as BBC Natural History Production­s, Nat Geo Wild, and most recently with BBC Studios for BBC Planet Earth 3 for wildlife documentar­ies. This expansion into Colombo signifies a milestone in redefining Colombo’s identity from a transit point to a vibrant exploratio­n hub.

The five urban ecotourism experience­s offered by Cinnamon Nature Trails include:

Birding in the Wetlands: Explore the rich avian diversity thriving in the nearby waterways and marshlands, just moments away from Colombo city’s hustle and bustle. Nature trail boat trip starts from Diyatha Uyana and covers Colombo’s natural jungle ecosystem up to Diyawanna Rowing Centre in Battaramul­la from one corner and up to Nawala from the other extreme. The serene hours in the boat trail offers the company of about 100 plant species, 80 bird species, 20 species of fish, 10 mammal species and five species of amphibians including endemic birds, crocs, monkeys etc.

Zookeeper for the Day: Delve deep into the inner workings of the zoo with an exclusive experience that transcends the ordinary visit. Engage closely with the zoo’s residents as a volunteer and gain invaluable insights into their daily lives.

Tree Walk in the Heart of the City: Uncover hidden gems within the gardens of a prominent cathedral, boasting a remarkable collection of rare and valuable trees. Embark on a tranquil stroll amidst nature’s abundance, a mere stone’s throw away from the urban milieu.

Spiritual Colombo: Immerse in the serenity of iconic religious sites nestled amidst Colombo city’s core, reflecting Sri Lanka’s diverse religious tapestry including Gangaramay­a Temple, Asokaramay­a, Seema Malakaya, St. Lucia’s Cathedral, Red Mosque etc.

Street Photograph­y: Step into the vibrant heart of a bustling Asian metropolis, where the symphony of street life orchestrat­es a captivatin­g cacophony. Witness the vibrant choreograp­hy of a million souls, each passionate­ly engaged in shaping their existence. Street photograph­y captures life’s essence in its rawest and most authentic form.

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 ?? ?? Birding in the Wetlands
Birding in the Wetlands
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Zookeeper for the Day
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Spiritual Colombo

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