Sri Lanka is a small island almost like a tiny tear drop that lies in the Indian Ocean which is sometimes known by other names such as " The Lost Paradise ", " The Land Of Serendipity ", " The Resplendent Land " and " The Pearl Of The Indian Ocean " among others by non-natives . Sri Lanka lies to the southwest of the Bay of Bengal and to the southeast of the Arabian Sea. The island seperates itself from the Indian subcontinent by the Gulf of Mannar and the Palk Strait (named after James Palk ). According to the Indian epic poem Ramayana, written thousands of years ago in Sanskrit and an important Hindu text, states how Rama, with the help of an army of vanaras, built a bridge of stones across the sea to Lanka to rescue his wife Sita from the Asura king Ravana.
The name Adam's Bridge is a later play than Rama's bridge and derives from the story that South India or Sri Lanka was the site of the biblical earthly paradise ( and hence the lost paradise ), and that Adam's Bridge was created when Adam was expelled from paradise. However the Rama's/Adam's bridge is now only a chain of limestone shoals above the sea level. According to colonial British reports, this is a natural causeway which was formerly complete, but was breached by a violent storm in 1480. The width of the Palk Strait is small enough for the coast of Sri Lanka to be visible from the furthest point near the Indian town of Rameswaram but is not big enough for large ships to pass through so these ships have to make a detour around Sri Lanka to reach the East Asian countries. The island consists mostly of flat-to-rolling coastal plains, with mountains rising only in the south-central part.
The climate of Sri Lanka can be described as tropical and warm which is an excellent condition to house one of the world's largest biodiversities.
Sri lanka is known for its splendour and new life experiences ranging from mouth-watering delicacies to its extraordinary culture and glamourous festivals. Long before civilisation took place in the west Sri Lanka was already full of vitality , beauty and a well-civilised culture providing a home for many ethnic groups. The cities, palaces, reservoirs, parks, temples, monasteries, monuments and works of art bore testament to the character, imagination, culture, philosophy and faith of the people of Sri Lanka.
It is indeed a land like no other ..... the sheer beauty of it can leave you breathless gasping for more . The Sri Lankans themselves are very hospitable as far as hospitality can get . The calm and quiet serenity of the country will undoubtedly leave anyone calm and content . But however your senses will always be unappeasable because in Sri Lanka everyday is a new day and full of tranquil beauty that can never be put out in words . Simply breath-taking.
So now let's have a sneak peak about the places that you should visit in Sri Lanka.
Colombo
The largest city and commercial capital of Sri Lanka is Colombo which is located in the western province adjacent to Sri Jayewardenepura Kotte (the capital city of Sri Lanka ) Colombo is a vibrant city with a mixture of modern life , colonial buildings and ruins.
Due to its very large harbor and its position along the East-West sea trade routes Colombo was very popular among ancient traders 2000 years ago.
Colombo houses a majority of the Sri Lanka's corporate offices, restaurants and entertainment venues. Famous land marks in Colombo include the National Museum, World Trade Center , Vihara Maha Devi Park and the Galle Face Green.
The name "Colombo", first introduced by the Portuguese in 1505, is believed to be derived from the classical Sinhalese name Kolon thota, meaning "port on the river Kelani". It has also been suggested that the name may be derived from the Sinhalese name Kola-amba-thota which means "Harbor with leafy mango trees". However, it is also possible that the Portuguese named the city after Christopher Columbus.
KANDY
Kandy is one of the most scenic cities in Sri Lanka and lies in the midst of hills. It is the Capital of the Central Province. It is both an administrative ad religious city. Kandy is the second largest city in the country and is frequently visited by Buddhists especially of the Theravada School.
Kandy is very famous among tourist for three main reasons: It is home to the sacred tooth relic of the Buddha (Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic ; Dalada Maligawa ), The Botanical Gardens ( Located in Peradeniya) and it always has a special place when it comes to festivities such as the Esala Perahara.
Tooth Relic
The Temple of the Tooth relic is the place that houses the Relic of the tooth of the Buddha. Originally part of the Royal Palace complex of the Kandyan Kingdom, it is one of the holiest places of worship and pilgrimage for Buddhist around the world. The Palace of the Tooth relic, the palace complex and the holy city of Kandy are associated with the history of the dissemination of Buddhism. The temple is the product of the last peregrination of the relic of the tooth of Buddha and the testimony of a religion which continues to be practiced today.
Parks and Gardens
The Royal Botanical Garden is the largest botanical garden in the whole island providing residence to over a large variety of plants, some even hundreds of years old.
Festivals (annual pageant)
Kandy as stated earlier is also very popular due to the annual pageant known as the Esala Perahera, in which one of the inner caskets used for covering the tooth relic of Buddha is taken in a grand procession through the streets of the city. This casket is taken on a royal tusker. The procession includes traditional dancers and drummers, flag bearers of the provinces of the old Kandyan kingdom, the Nilames wearing their traditional dresses, torch bearers and also the grandly attired elephant. This ceremony which is annually held in the months of July or August attracts large crowds from all parts of the country and also many foreign tourists.
Kandy is must for anyone's itinerary when visiting Sri Lanka. It is considered one of the most beautiful places in Sri Lanka which at the same time show cases the Sri Lankan Culture at its highest level.
KATARAGAMA
Kataragama is place of pilgrimage for a variety of religions such as Hinduism, Buddhism and Islam and is located in south-east corner of Sri Lanka. Therefore is a multi-religious sacred city.
History
The deity at Kataragama is indigenous and long-celebrated in Sri Lankan lore and legend, and originally resides on the top of mountain called Wædahiti Kanda just outside of the Kataragama town. Since ancient times an inseparable connection between the God and his domain has existed. At one time the local deity was identified with God Saman, a deity that was important to the Sinhalese people before their conversion to Buddhism.
Kataragama Shrine
Kataragama is a holy shrine and a popular pilgrim center for Buddhists and Hindus. In fact Kataragama is one of the 16 principal places of Buddhist pilgrimage. Tamil Hindus of Sri Lanka and South India refer to the place as Katirkamam and it has a famous Hindu shrine dedicated to Lord Katirkaman.
Kiri Vehera
The Buddhist Kiri Vehera Dagoba is located close to the Hindu Temple and is built by King Mahasena. Sinhala Buddhists believe that Kataragama was sanctified by the Lord Buddha. The Dagoba is said to be built right where the King listened to the Buddha's discourse.
Manik Ganga (River of Gems)
The local river namely Manik Ganga has a similar function as that of the River Ganges in India as place of absolution where a bath taken from this river purifies and individual. Local residents declare that one can be healed of ailments by bathing in it not only from its high gem content but also the medicinal properties of the roots of various trees that line the river through the jungle.
Festivals
Kataragama is famous for fire walking rituals and the annual perahera (procession) in July/Augusta
ANURADHAPURA
Anuradhapura is one of the ancient cities in Sri Lanka, well known for its ruins depicting early Sri Lankan civilization. It is very famous among Buddhists pilgrims. Anuradhapura was earlier the capital of the Island (in ancient times) and most of the Kings who ruled Sri Lanka resided in this vast city. The city is now named as a world heritage site by UNESCO.
History Anuradhapura
On the contrary to the historical data that indicates that the city is founded in the 5 century BC archeological data puts that date back to far as the 10 century BC. However it was King Pandukabhaya who planned the layout of the city and made it his capital in the 4th century BC. He constructed many reservoirs and shrines. The city reached its highest magnificence by the beginning of the Christian era. The city boasted some of the most complex irrigation systems in the ancient world.
The ruins in Anuradhapura
Ruins are the only remains of what Anuradhapura used to be. Ruins generally have three classes of buildings:
1.Dagobas ( bell-shaped masses of masonry)
2.Monastic Buildings
3.Pokunas ( bathing tanks/ tanks that supply water for drinking)
Major Tourist Attractions at Anuradhapura
The Eight Great Places For Veneration.
1. Sri Maha Bodhi – It is the sacred Bodhi Tree ( Fig Tree ) which is believed to be a direct descendant from the original Bo tree under which The Lord Buddha reached his enlightenment.
2. Ruwanwelisaya – It is the stupa built by King Dutugamunu. The stupa is considered as one of the world's tallest monuments.
3. Thuparamaya – It is another dagaba in Anuradhapura. Following the introduction of Buddhism to Sri Lanka it was the first dagaba to be built in Sri Lanka which also enshrines the collarbone of the Buddha.
4. Lovamahapaya – Also known as the Brazen Palace or Lohaprasadaya. This building was also built by King Dutugamunu.
5. Jetavanaramaya – The Jetavanaramaya is yet another stupa which was initiated by King Mahasena. A part of a sash or belt which was used by the Buddha himself is believed to be enshrined here.
6. Abhayagiri Dagaba - This ruin is considered one of the most extensive ruins in the world and has a roof made of gilt bronze or tiles of burnt clay. The Abhayagiri Dagaba attracted scholars in the ancient times from all over the world.
7. Mirisaveti Stupa– Another masterpiece built by King Dutugamunu.
8. Lankarama – This stupa was built by King Valagamba.
Other Famous Structures in Anuradhapura Sri Lanka
Isurumuniya
Vessagiri
Toluwila Statue
Magul Uyana
Kuttam Pokuna
Samadhi Statue
Rathna Prasadaya
Kiribath Vehera
Naka Viharaya
Sela Cetiya
Dakkhina Stupa
Queen's Palace
Ritigala
POLONNARUWA
Polonnaruwa is the Island's 2nd largest kingdom. Today the ancient city of Polonnaruwa remains one of the best planned Archeological relic sites in the country, standing testimony to the discipline and greatness of the Kingdom's first rulers. Its beauty and serenity was captured in the Duran Duran music video Save a Prayer in 1982. The ancient city of Polonnaruwa has been declared a World Heritage site by UNESCO. The Lankathilaka temple and a colossal statue of the Buddha made from stone is located here.
Ancient city of Polonnaruwa
Polonnaruwa is the 2nd largest city in north central province. But it is known as one of the cleaner and more beautiful cities in the country. The greeny environment houses amazing ancient constructions, Parakrama Samudraya (a huge lake built in 1200 A.C) and above all nice hospitable people. Scientific observation has been made about its climate changes it has been noted that the temperature of the later part in the year drops significantly low. Nevertheless leaving the country without even stepping on to the fertile land would be a huge waste, make sure that Polonnaruwa is a part in the itinerary.
Religious Significance of Polonnaruwa
Buddhist pilgrimages are organised among people to visit ancient ruins of temples, stupas and even hindu temples. Rankot Vihara, the largest stupa in the city is about 180 ft high. Lankathilaka Gedige, buil during the rule of Parakramabahu, however the roof of it is missing but still is worth a visit to view the temple's magnificence. Kiri Vihara another stupa redicovered during the 19th century, it was surrounded by the dense forest and thereby wasn't known to man for long periods of time. Shiva Dewale, a hindu temple that was built during the 13th century, is also one of the famous attractions in Polonnaruwa.
SIGIRIYA
Sigiriya also known as the Lion's Rock is a rock fortress and a palace located in the Matale district of Sri Lanka. This ruin is surrounded by gardens, ponds and other structures. Sigiriya was built by King Kassapa and it is included as a World Heritage site. Sigiriya is the best preserved city centre in Asia.
History
Earlier is was a rock-shelter mountain monastery which was donated by Buddhist devotees. Later King Kassapa renovated it by building gardens and palace. After his death it was again used as a monastery.
Human habilitation in Sigiriya at its earliest was found to be nearly five thousand years during the Mesothilic period.
Rock inscriptions are carved near the drip ledges on many of the shelters, recording the donation of the shelters to the Buddhist monastic order as residences. These have been made within the period between the third century B.C and the first century A.D.
In 1831 Major Jonathan Forbes of the 78th Highlanders of the British army while returning on horseback from a trip to Polonnaruwa came across the "bush covered summit of Sigiriya". Sigiriya came to the attention of antiquarians and later archaeologists.
The Sigiriya complex itself consists of the central rock and two rectangular precincts which are surrounded by two moats and three ramparts. The city is based on a square module.
Structure of The Lion Rock
The Sigiriya Rock is actually a hardened magma plug from an extinct volcano. The most significant feature of the rock would be the Lion staircase leading to the palace garden. The Lion could be visualized as a huge figure towering against the granite cliff. The opened mouth of the Lion leads to the staircase built of bricks and timber. However the only remains of this majestic structure are the two paws and the masonry walls surrounding it. Nevertheless the cuts and groves in the rock face give an impression of a lion figure.
Frescos
There are only two pockets of paintings covering most of the western face of the rock. The ladies depicted in the paintings have been identified as Apsaras. However a lot of these ladies have been wiped out when the palace was again converted into a monastery so as to not to disturb meditation.
The Gardens
The gardens are amongst the oldest landscaped gardens in the world. The gardens are divided into three distinct but linked forms; water gardens, Cave and boulder gardens, and terraced gardens.
The Mirror Wall
Originally this wall was so well polished that the king could see himself whilst he walked alongside it. Made of a kind of porcelain, the wall is now partially covered with verses scribbled by visitors to the rock. Well preserved, the mirror wall has verses dating from the 8th century. People of all types wrote on the wall, on varying subjects such as love, irony, and experiences of all sorts. Further writing on the mirror wall has now been banned.
DAMBULLA
Sri Lanka is rich and overflowing when it comes to colourful history, many came and went, the essence of the dominance still lingers about in the cities and buildings. From Portuguese to Dutch, Sri Lanka has suffered and bloomed through many events.
Damulla is a large town situated in the Matale district, pretty near to Colombo. It is also given the title of a World Heritage Site. The town's most fascinated fact seems to be the time period of it's construction, it was built in just 167 days. Bursting with beautiful sites like the ironwood forest, rose quartz mountain, Rangiri Stadium and Na Uyana Aranya, one can't exactly pinpoint what this town is most known for.
Dambulla Cave Temple
It's glory is recognised and that is why it holds the title of a world heritage site, Dambulla Cave Temple lies in the central part of the country and is also known as the Golden Temple. People from faraway places come to see the cultural beauty with their own eyes.
Inside the caves around the golden temple there are paintings and statues strewn all over, all related to the life of Gautama Buddha, his life and the events that took place in it. Vishnu, Ganesha and Demon—Mara are historic gods and goddesses that also have some paintings and structures sculpted for them, situated in the caves.
It's predicted that the site has 2700 human skeletons buried underneath it.
History of Dambulla
This historic temple dates way back to first century BCE. The structure can be explained as a overhanging rock looming over five enormous caves.
When it was made, it was considered as one of the largest and most essential monasteries. The hands of many Kings and rulers have interfered with the temple, but it still stands and screams the history embedded deep inside every crack of it's walls.
ELLA
Ella, often described as ‘’lonely planet’’ and ‘’waterfall’’ is a congested town located in Sri Lanka. Ella is pure natural beauty, with its waterfalls, greenery, and hills it is just jaw-dropping. It has views that one hasn’t witnessed before, scenes one hasn't seen before and nature one hasn't felt before. Ella is the perfect place to go to if one wants to refresh the brain. It has many famous places and has been under the attention of tourist for a decent amount of time now.
Ella Rock
One of Ella’s wonders is the Ella Rock. Ella rock might be a long way up but it’s worth all the struggle. Every day, tons and tons of people go and climb the Ella Rock. This is because of the special view it provides to its climber. The view from the top of the Ella Rock is difficult to put in such simple words.
Nature
Ella is filled with nature; everywhere one sees he gets to know why people want to visit Ella so much. The greenery, flowers, gardens all of them shape the beauty of Ella, a shape that is difficult to resist. The environment is fresh and clean.
Waterfalls
Another wonder of Ella is its waterfalls. Ravana falls is a very popular waterfall. The refreshing and clean water that slide down on earth. It is one of the most popular sites in Sri Lanka. However, this panorama is just so attractive.
People from all around the world come to visit this place because of its natural beauty and its beautiful outlook.
The name Adam's Bridge is a later play than Rama's bridge and derives from the story that South India or Sri Lanka was the site of the biblical earthly paradise ( and hence the lost paradise ), and that Adam's Bridge was created when Adam was expelled from paradise. However the Rama's/Adam's bridge is now only a chain of limestone shoals above the sea level. According to colonial British reports, this is a natural causeway which was formerly complete, but was breached by a violent storm in 1480. The width of the Palk Strait is small enough for the coast of Sri Lanka to be visible from the furthest point near the Indian town of Rameswaram but is not big enough for large ships to pass through so these ships have to make a detour around Sri Lanka to reach the East Asian countries. The island consists mostly of flat-to-rolling coastal plains, with mountains rising only in the south-central part.
The climate of Sri Lanka can be described as tropical and warm which is an excellent condition to house one of the world's largest biodiversities.
Sri lanka is known for its splendour and new life experiences ranging from mouth-watering delicacies to its extraordinary culture and glamourous festivals. Long before civilisation took place in the west Sri Lanka was already full of vitality , beauty and a well-civilised culture providing a home for many ethnic groups. The cities, palaces, reservoirs, parks, temples, monasteries, monuments and works of art bore testament to the character, imagination, culture, philosophy and faith of the people of Sri Lanka.
It is indeed a land like no other ..... the sheer beauty of it can leave you breathless gasping for more . The Sri Lankans themselves are very hospitable as far as hospitality can get . The calm and quiet serenity of the country will undoubtedly leave anyone calm and content . But however your senses will always be unappeasable because in Sri Lanka everyday is a new day and full of tranquil beauty that can never be put out in words . Simply breath-taking.
So now let's have a sneak peak about the places that you should visit in Sri Lanka.
Colombo
The largest city and commercial capital of Sri Lanka is Colombo which is located in the western province adjacent to Sri Jayewardenepura Kotte (the capital city of Sri Lanka ) Colombo is a vibrant city with a mixture of modern life , colonial buildings and ruins.
Due to its very large harbor and its position along the East-West sea trade routes Colombo was very popular among ancient traders 2000 years ago.
Colombo houses a majority of the Sri Lanka's corporate offices, restaurants and entertainment venues. Famous land marks in Colombo include the National Museum, World Trade Center , Vihara Maha Devi Park and the Galle Face Green.
The name "Colombo", first introduced by the Portuguese in 1505, is believed to be derived from the classical Sinhalese name Kolon thota, meaning "port on the river Kelani". It has also been suggested that the name may be derived from the Sinhalese name Kola-amba-thota which means "Harbor with leafy mango trees". However, it is also possible that the Portuguese named the city after Christopher Columbus.
KANDY
Kandy is one of the most scenic cities in Sri Lanka and lies in the midst of hills. It is the Capital of the Central Province. It is both an administrative ad religious city. Kandy is the second largest city in the country and is frequently visited by Buddhists especially of the Theravada School.
Kandy is very famous among tourist for three main reasons: It is home to the sacred tooth relic of the Buddha (Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic ; Dalada Maligawa ), The Botanical Gardens ( Located in Peradeniya) and it always has a special place when it comes to festivities such as the Esala Perahara.
Tooth Relic
The Temple of the Tooth relic is the place that houses the Relic of the tooth of the Buddha. Originally part of the Royal Palace complex of the Kandyan Kingdom, it is one of the holiest places of worship and pilgrimage for Buddhist around the world. The Palace of the Tooth relic, the palace complex and the holy city of Kandy are associated with the history of the dissemination of Buddhism. The temple is the product of the last peregrination of the relic of the tooth of Buddha and the testimony of a religion which continues to be practiced today.
Parks and Gardens
The Royal Botanical Garden is the largest botanical garden in the whole island providing residence to over a large variety of plants, some even hundreds of years old.
Festivals (annual pageant)
Kandy as stated earlier is also very popular due to the annual pageant known as the Esala Perahera, in which one of the inner caskets used for covering the tooth relic of Buddha is taken in a grand procession through the streets of the city. This casket is taken on a royal tusker. The procession includes traditional dancers and drummers, flag bearers of the provinces of the old Kandyan kingdom, the Nilames wearing their traditional dresses, torch bearers and also the grandly attired elephant. This ceremony which is annually held in the months of July or August attracts large crowds from all parts of the country and also many foreign tourists.
Kandy is must for anyone's itinerary when visiting Sri Lanka. It is considered one of the most beautiful places in Sri Lanka which at the same time show cases the Sri Lankan Culture at its highest level.
KATARAGAMA
Kataragama is place of pilgrimage for a variety of religions such as Hinduism, Buddhism and Islam and is located in south-east corner of Sri Lanka. Therefore is a multi-religious sacred city.
History
The deity at Kataragama is indigenous and long-celebrated in Sri Lankan lore and legend, and originally resides on the top of mountain called Wædahiti Kanda just outside of the Kataragama town. Since ancient times an inseparable connection between the God and his domain has existed. At one time the local deity was identified with God Saman, a deity that was important to the Sinhalese people before their conversion to Buddhism.
Kataragama Shrine
Kataragama is a holy shrine and a popular pilgrim center for Buddhists and Hindus. In fact Kataragama is one of the 16 principal places of Buddhist pilgrimage. Tamil Hindus of Sri Lanka and South India refer to the place as Katirkamam and it has a famous Hindu shrine dedicated to Lord Katirkaman.
Kiri Vehera
The Buddhist Kiri Vehera Dagoba is located close to the Hindu Temple and is built by King Mahasena. Sinhala Buddhists believe that Kataragama was sanctified by the Lord Buddha. The Dagoba is said to be built right where the King listened to the Buddha's discourse.
Manik Ganga (River of Gems)
The local river namely Manik Ganga has a similar function as that of the River Ganges in India as place of absolution where a bath taken from this river purifies and individual. Local residents declare that one can be healed of ailments by bathing in it not only from its high gem content but also the medicinal properties of the roots of various trees that line the river through the jungle.
Festivals
Kataragama is famous for fire walking rituals and the annual perahera (procession) in July/Augusta
ANURADHAPURA
Anuradhapura is one of the ancient cities in Sri Lanka, well known for its ruins depicting early Sri Lankan civilization. It is very famous among Buddhists pilgrims. Anuradhapura was earlier the capital of the Island (in ancient times) and most of the Kings who ruled Sri Lanka resided in this vast city. The city is now named as a world heritage site by UNESCO.
History Anuradhapura
On the contrary to the historical data that indicates that the city is founded in the 5 century BC archeological data puts that date back to far as the 10 century BC. However it was King Pandukabhaya who planned the layout of the city and made it his capital in the 4th century BC. He constructed many reservoirs and shrines. The city reached its highest magnificence by the beginning of the Christian era. The city boasted some of the most complex irrigation systems in the ancient world.
The ruins in Anuradhapura
Ruins are the only remains of what Anuradhapura used to be. Ruins generally have three classes of buildings:
1.Dagobas ( bell-shaped masses of masonry)
2.Monastic Buildings
3.Pokunas ( bathing tanks/ tanks that supply water for drinking)
Major Tourist Attractions at Anuradhapura
The Eight Great Places For Veneration.
1. Sri Maha Bodhi – It is the sacred Bodhi Tree ( Fig Tree ) which is believed to be a direct descendant from the original Bo tree under which The Lord Buddha reached his enlightenment.
2. Ruwanwelisaya – It is the stupa built by King Dutugamunu. The stupa is considered as one of the world's tallest monuments.
3. Thuparamaya – It is another dagaba in Anuradhapura. Following the introduction of Buddhism to Sri Lanka it was the first dagaba to be built in Sri Lanka which also enshrines the collarbone of the Buddha.
4. Lovamahapaya – Also known as the Brazen Palace or Lohaprasadaya. This building was also built by King Dutugamunu.
5. Jetavanaramaya – The Jetavanaramaya is yet another stupa which was initiated by King Mahasena. A part of a sash or belt which was used by the Buddha himself is believed to be enshrined here.
6. Abhayagiri Dagaba - This ruin is considered one of the most extensive ruins in the world and has a roof made of gilt bronze or tiles of burnt clay. The Abhayagiri Dagaba attracted scholars in the ancient times from all over the world.
7. Mirisaveti Stupa– Another masterpiece built by King Dutugamunu.
8. Lankarama – This stupa was built by King Valagamba.
Other Famous Structures in Anuradhapura Sri Lanka
Isurumuniya
Vessagiri
Toluwila Statue
Magul Uyana
Kuttam Pokuna
Samadhi Statue
Rathna Prasadaya
Kiribath Vehera
Naka Viharaya
Sela Cetiya
Dakkhina Stupa
Queen's Palace
Ritigala
POLONNARUWA
Polonnaruwa is the Island's 2nd largest kingdom. Today the ancient city of Polonnaruwa remains one of the best planned Archeological relic sites in the country, standing testimony to the discipline and greatness of the Kingdom's first rulers. Its beauty and serenity was captured in the Duran Duran music video Save a Prayer in 1982. The ancient city of Polonnaruwa has been declared a World Heritage site by UNESCO. The Lankathilaka temple and a colossal statue of the Buddha made from stone is located here.
Ancient city of Polonnaruwa
Polonnaruwa is the 2nd largest city in north central province. But it is known as one of the cleaner and more beautiful cities in the country. The greeny environment houses amazing ancient constructions, Parakrama Samudraya (a huge lake built in 1200 A.C) and above all nice hospitable people. Scientific observation has been made about its climate changes it has been noted that the temperature of the later part in the year drops significantly low. Nevertheless leaving the country without even stepping on to the fertile land would be a huge waste, make sure that Polonnaruwa is a part in the itinerary.
Religious Significance of Polonnaruwa
Buddhist pilgrimages are organised among people to visit ancient ruins of temples, stupas and even hindu temples. Rankot Vihara, the largest stupa in the city is about 180 ft high. Lankathilaka Gedige, buil during the rule of Parakramabahu, however the roof of it is missing but still is worth a visit to view the temple's magnificence. Kiri Vihara another stupa redicovered during the 19th century, it was surrounded by the dense forest and thereby wasn't known to man for long periods of time. Shiva Dewale, a hindu temple that was built during the 13th century, is also one of the famous attractions in Polonnaruwa.
SIGIRIYA
Sigiriya also known as the Lion's Rock is a rock fortress and a palace located in the Matale district of Sri Lanka. This ruin is surrounded by gardens, ponds and other structures. Sigiriya was built by King Kassapa and it is included as a World Heritage site. Sigiriya is the best preserved city centre in Asia.
History
Earlier is was a rock-shelter mountain monastery which was donated by Buddhist devotees. Later King Kassapa renovated it by building gardens and palace. After his death it was again used as a monastery.
Human habilitation in Sigiriya at its earliest was found to be nearly five thousand years during the Mesothilic period.
Rock inscriptions are carved near the drip ledges on many of the shelters, recording the donation of the shelters to the Buddhist monastic order as residences. These have been made within the period between the third century B.C and the first century A.D.
In 1831 Major Jonathan Forbes of the 78th Highlanders of the British army while returning on horseback from a trip to Polonnaruwa came across the "bush covered summit of Sigiriya". Sigiriya came to the attention of antiquarians and later archaeologists.
The Sigiriya complex itself consists of the central rock and two rectangular precincts which are surrounded by two moats and three ramparts. The city is based on a square module.
Structure of The Lion Rock
The Sigiriya Rock is actually a hardened magma plug from an extinct volcano. The most significant feature of the rock would be the Lion staircase leading to the palace garden. The Lion could be visualized as a huge figure towering against the granite cliff. The opened mouth of the Lion leads to the staircase built of bricks and timber. However the only remains of this majestic structure are the two paws and the masonry walls surrounding it. Nevertheless the cuts and groves in the rock face give an impression of a lion figure.
Frescos
There are only two pockets of paintings covering most of the western face of the rock. The ladies depicted in the paintings have been identified as Apsaras. However a lot of these ladies have been wiped out when the palace was again converted into a monastery so as to not to disturb meditation.
The Gardens
The gardens are amongst the oldest landscaped gardens in the world. The gardens are divided into three distinct but linked forms; water gardens, Cave and boulder gardens, and terraced gardens.
The Mirror Wall
Originally this wall was so well polished that the king could see himself whilst he walked alongside it. Made of a kind of porcelain, the wall is now partially covered with verses scribbled by visitors to the rock. Well preserved, the mirror wall has verses dating from the 8th century. People of all types wrote on the wall, on varying subjects such as love, irony, and experiences of all sorts. Further writing on the mirror wall has now been banned.
DAMBULLA
Sri Lanka is rich and overflowing when it comes to colourful history, many came and went, the essence of the dominance still lingers about in the cities and buildings. From Portuguese to Dutch, Sri Lanka has suffered and bloomed through many events.
Damulla is a large town situated in the Matale district, pretty near to Colombo. It is also given the title of a World Heritage Site. The town's most fascinated fact seems to be the time period of it's construction, it was built in just 167 days. Bursting with beautiful sites like the ironwood forest, rose quartz mountain, Rangiri Stadium and Na Uyana Aranya, one can't exactly pinpoint what this town is most known for.
Dambulla Cave Temple
It's glory is recognised and that is why it holds the title of a world heritage site, Dambulla Cave Temple lies in the central part of the country and is also known as the Golden Temple. People from faraway places come to see the cultural beauty with their own eyes.
Inside the caves around the golden temple there are paintings and statues strewn all over, all related to the life of Gautama Buddha, his life and the events that took place in it. Vishnu, Ganesha and Demon—Mara are historic gods and goddesses that also have some paintings and structures sculpted for them, situated in the caves.
It's predicted that the site has 2700 human skeletons buried underneath it.
History of Dambulla
This historic temple dates way back to first century BCE. The structure can be explained as a overhanging rock looming over five enormous caves.
When it was made, it was considered as one of the largest and most essential monasteries. The hands of many Kings and rulers have interfered with the temple, but it still stands and screams the history embedded deep inside every crack of it's walls.
ELLA
Ella, often described as ‘’lonely planet’’ and ‘’waterfall’’ is a congested town located in Sri Lanka. Ella is pure natural beauty, with its waterfalls, greenery, and hills it is just jaw-dropping. It has views that one hasn’t witnessed before, scenes one hasn't seen before and nature one hasn't felt before. Ella is the perfect place to go to if one wants to refresh the brain. It has many famous places and has been under the attention of tourist for a decent amount of time now.
Ella Rock
One of Ella’s wonders is the Ella Rock. Ella rock might be a long way up but it’s worth all the struggle. Every day, tons and tons of people go and climb the Ella Rock. This is because of the special view it provides to its climber. The view from the top of the Ella Rock is difficult to put in such simple words.
Nature
Ella is filled with nature; everywhere one sees he gets to know why people want to visit Ella so much. The greenery, flowers, gardens all of them shape the beauty of Ella, a shape that is difficult to resist. The environment is fresh and clean.
Waterfalls
Another wonder of Ella is its waterfalls. Ravana falls is a very popular waterfall. The refreshing and clean water that slide down on earth. It is one of the most popular sites in Sri Lanka. However, this panorama is just so attractive.
People from all around the world come to visit this place because of its natural beauty and its beautiful outlook.
and i'm sure after reading this article, Sri Lanka will be a *must visit country* in your bucket list! 