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Panama, Sri Lanka |
Panama, Sri Lanka |
<ul>Panama,13 km from Arugam bay is the unique village and the last populated settlement in the southernmost part of Sri Lanka. The huge sand dunes loom on the sides of the village, felt you that you have been transported to another realm.<br>
<br>The villagers in Panama are predominantly Sinhala but speak Tamil and the names of the villages mixed with Sinhala and Tamil. This epitomizes the rich cultural diversity of the area.
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Muhudu maha viharaya |
Muhudu maha viharaya |
<ul>Muhudu maha viharaya just 5 km from Arugam bay near the Pottuvil town is an ancient Buddhist temple built by King Kavantissa in the 2nd century BC. It has the Avlokitheshvara Bodhisattwa statue, which belongs to the Mahayana Buddhist tradition. </ul> |
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Pottuvil lagoon, Boat safari |
Pottuvil lagoon, Boat safari |
<ul>Pottuvil lagoon with a fringing mangrove forest is roughly about 200 acres. It is full of a variety of wildlife with endemic birds, elephants, and crocodiles. Boat safari in pristine Pottuvil coastal lagoon on a slender canoe is a fascinating eco-tour experience. |
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Wildlife safari, Lahugala national park |
Wildlife safari, Lahugala national park |
<ul>Lahugala national park is full of wild elephants and birds. Due to bordering Kumana national park, this is an interesting park for bird watching enthusiasts. It is located 19 km west of Arugam Bay.
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Dambulla cave temple, World heritage site |
Dambulla cave temple, World heritage site |
<ul>Dambulla cave temple, a world heritage site, (also known as the Golden Temple of Dambulla) is the largest and best-preserved cave temple complex in Sri Lanka. Dambulla cave temple is on a vast isolated rock mass towering 160 m. It was built by King Valagambahu in the 1st century BC and renovated in the 12th and 18th centuries AD by King Nissankamalla and King Kirti Sri Rajasinha.<br>
<br>There are about 80 documented caves around the temple area. The cave temple is spread over 5 caves. The ceiling of those caves decorated with colourful paintings. Dambulla cave temple has the largest collection of over 150 Buddha statues within one place.<br>
<br>The first cave is highlighted with a 14 m Buddha statue. The second cave, the largest contains 40 seated and 16 standing Buddha statues, statues of gods Saman and Vishnu, statues of Bodhisattvas Avalokiteshvara and Maitreya, and a dagoba. The ceiling of the cave is decorated with one large sweep of colourful paintings depicted scenes of Buddha’s life.<br>
<br>The third cave contains masterpieces of the Kandy style ceiling and wall paintings depicted Buddhist traditions and tales of the Buddha’s previous birth. There are 50 Buddha statues and 4 statues of the Sri Lankan King in this cave. The fourth and fifth caves are small.
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Okanda Devalaya, Kataragama Padayathra |
Okanda Devalaya, Kataragama Padayathra |
<ul>Okanda Devalaya on a rocky outcrop near the Okanda beach close to the entrance of the Kumana national park is dedicated to Kataragama deity and his wife Valli Amma.<br>
<br>For the devotees from the Northern and Eastern coasts of the country traveling on the annual Kataragama Pada Yathra, Okanda is the last gathering point before entering the unforgiving jungles of Kumana and then Yala where they would continue their weeks-long walk towards the Kataragama Devalaya. This festival lies in the months of June and July. </ul> |
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Wildlife & Bird watching safari, Kumana national park |
Wildlife & Bird watching safari, Kumana national park |
<ul>Kumana national park is famous among bird watching enthusiasts. But it is full of other animals especially elephants and leopards. It is located 391 km southeast of Colombo and 37 km from Arugam Bay. Due to its contiguous with Yala national park, Kumana national park was formally known as Yala east national park. The Park is bordered by River Kumubukkan Oya on the south and the south-eastern coast on the east.<br>
<br>A 200 hectares mangrove swamp called “Kumana Villu” within the park is subject to occasional inundation with seawater is heaven for bird nesting and breeding. There are about 255 bird species recorded in Kumana. Tens of thousands of migratory birds migrate to the Kumana Villu area annually from April to July.<br>
<br>Among those recorded species Lesser whistling teal, Spot-billed pelican, Openbill, purple coot, Pheasant-tailed jacana, Common coot, Grey heron, Purple heron, Black-winged stilt, Yellow-wattled lapwing, Green shank, Jungle owlet, Black-necked & White-necked painted storks, Common & Green sandpipers, Pintail, Garganey, Common red shan, are common in the national park. </ul> |
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Magul Maha Viharaya, Lahugala |
Magul Maha Viharaya, Lahugala |
<ul>Magul Maha Viharaya in Lahugala has been identified as a Ruhunu Maha Viharaya mentioned in the inscription at the site. It is an ancient Buddhist temple constructed by King Kawantissa, ruler of Ruhunu kingdom in the 2nd century BC.</br>
<br>According to the legend it was built at the exact place where King Kawantissa's marriage ceremony with queen Viharamahadevi was held. The moonstone in this temple belongs to the 6th and 7th century AD is remarkable. Magul Maha Viharaya is located 19 km south of Arugam Bay. |
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Kudumbigala monastery |
Kudumbigala monastery |
<ul>Kudumbigala is an ancient cave monastery complex with more than 200 caves built by King Devanampiyatissa in the 2nd century BC. The hermit monks who engaged in deep meditation are characteristic of this monastery today. As a result of that Kudumbigala has a very calm and quiet spiritual atmosphere.<br>
Hike to the top of the Kudumbigala is an interesting nature walk with lots of wildlife. It is about a 2 hours hike. The view from the top is amazing. It is located inside the Kumana national park, 26 km south of Arugam Bay. </ul> |
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Sigiriya Museum |
Sigiriya Museum |
<ul>Sigiriya museum, one of its kind in Sri Lanka is an exciting, stimulating, and intellectual place to visit. There are 3 levels in the museum, to parallel the climb to the summit of the Rock. Level one is the Proto-historic gallery. The artifacts belong to that period exhibits there. The second gallery represents the Buddhist monastic period with artifacts of that time. Story of King Kasyapa exhibits in the third level. </ul> |
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Pidurangala rock |
Pidurangala rock |
<ul>Pidurangala rock is the best viewing spot of Sigiriya located adjacent to the Sigiriya rock. During the sunrise or sunset, a panoramic 360-degree view of valleys around Pidurangala rock including Sigiriya would be an absorbing scenery.<br>
<br>It is said that Pidurangala was a cave monastery during king Kasyapa’s period where he has transferred the monks in the Sigiriya monastery to Pidutangala monastery to build his citadel in Sigiriya.<br>
<br>Halfway through the hike to Pidurangala rock, you will find the Pidurangala temple where a huge reclining Buddha, lays inside.
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Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara, Kushtarajagala, Weligama |
Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara, Kushtarajagala, Weligama |
<ul>Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara statue at Kushtarajagala has belonged to the 6th or 7th century AD. At that period Mahayana Buddhism prevailed in Sri Lanka. It is located in Weligama 9 km west of Mirissa. |
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Lacemaking |
Lacemaking |
<ul>Lace was Introduced to Sri Lanka by the Portuguese. It has now become an indigenous craft and developed into a reputed household industry, mostly around the southwestern coast. Lacemaking households can be seen in Weligama, Galle, Matara, and Hambantota.<br>
<br>The way, the hands dexterously handle the tools to create intricate patterns is fascinating to witness. A skill that is almost exclusively found amongst women, these lacemaking techniques are found as trimmings on dresses, curtains, table spreads, garments, and covers for pillows, cushions, and chairs. </ul> |
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Vishnu devalaya, Dondra, Ramayana site |
Vishnu devalaya, Dondra, Ramayana site |
<ul>Devinuwara virtually means that “Gods’ town” noted as Dondra in English was aforesaid to be a flourishing city beneath the rank of King Ravana. The 15th-century poetical work “Paravi Sandeshaya” describes the deity at Devinuwara as a destroyer of Asura. Therefore it's believed that this same deity noted as King Rama of the Indian Epic “Ramayana”. “ Devinuwara Vishnu Devalaya” has dedicated to this deity. it had been one in every of the foremost honored temples since ancient times. It had been situated eighteen kilometers south of Mirissa. |
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Hummanaya, the natural blowhole |
Hummanaya, the natural blowhole |
<ul><p>The natural blowhole in Kudawella is locally known as “Hummanaya”, located 11 km away from Tangalle. Hummanaya has considered the second largest blowhole in the world. The water ejection scene is created by the upward ejection of a jet of seawater spray into the air through a crevice in the rock.<br>The spray is reaching 25 to 30 m in height.</p><p><br></p><p>Read more on Hummanaya Blowhole:</p><p><a href="https://www.fantasiatours.com/blogs/view-blog/hummanaya-the-second-largest-blowhole-in-the-world" target="_blank">https://www.fantasiatours.com/blogs/view-blog/hummanaya-the-second-largest-blowhole-in-the-world</a></p><p> </p></ul> |
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Ussangoda, Ramayana site |
Ussangoda, Ramayana site |
<ul>Ussangoda is a pre-historic archaeological site as well as a National Park located 28 km from Tangalle. The earth of the Ussangoda area is dark red. It is due to the high concentration of Ferric oxide on the earth in that area. The vegetation comprises moss, short grass, and bush. At the coast, cliffs are hangover a sandy beach.</br>
<br>Ussangoda has a connection with the Indian Epic “Ramayana”. According to that Ussangoda was one airport used by King Ravana to land his peacock chariot. The legend monkey God “Hanuman” decided to test the strength of King Ravana’s Army. In the event, Hanuman was unfolded and the tail of hanuman was set on fire by King Ravana’s army. Then he managed to touch some parts of King Ravana’s empire which get fired. Ussangoda is a part of King Ravan’s empire and that’s how the soil of the area gets red in colour according to the legend. |
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Buddha statue, Wewrukannala temple |
Buddha statue, Wewrukannala temple |
<ul>The largest seated Buddha image in Sri Lanka is situated at Wewrukannala Buduraja Maha Viharaya near Dickwella. It is about 17 km away from Tangalle. The 18th-century image house with sculptures and paintings, demonstration of "Hell", and the gigantic seated Buddha statue are the highlights of this temple. </ul> |
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Colombo lighthouse |
Colombo lighthouses |
<p>Colombo Lighthouse (Galbokka point), Old Colombo lighthouse (Lighthouse with clock tower) are the famous lighthouses in Colombo. </p> |
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Stilt fishermen |
Stilt fishermen |
<ul>"Stilt Fishermen” who erect a single-pole just a few meters off-shore, beyond the surf break to catch small fish is an attractive sight from Koggala to Mirissa. Stilt fishing is a unique method of fishing in Sri Lanka.<br>
<br>You also can try to sit on a crossbar called ‘Petta’ and waits until a fish comes. It would be an amazing experience.</ul> |
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Sacred city of Anuradhapura, World heritage site |
Sacred city of Anuradhapura, World heritage site |
<ul><p>The sacred city of Anuradhapura is a UNESCO World Heritage site containing hundreds of ruins dated back to the 4th century BC to the 11th century AD. These ruins are one of the most evocative sights in the world. It has contained well-preserved brick pools and crumbling temples that are truly a collection of archaeological and architectural wonders. Among them the main sights are:<br>
<br><b>The brazen palace</b><br>
“Lovamahapaya” or the brazen palace was an ancient chapter house first built by King Devanampiyatissa and later modified by King Dutugamunu in 2ndcentury BC. After the modification, it has 9 graded stories and is said to have been 100 cubits square at ground level and 100 cubits higher levels. Its roof was covered with copper-bronze plates and walls were decorated with corals and precious stones. The monks it housed were graded also! The “simple folk” on the ground floor, doctors of the teaching on the second, likewise up to the saintliest arahants on the highest of all.<br>
<br><b>The Ruvanweliseya Stupa</b><br>
Ruvanweliseya, historically known as “Mahathupa” was built originally by King Dutugamunu and many kings and Queens had renovated it. Originally it was 55 m in height with the shape of a bubble floating on water.<br>
<br><b>The Thuparama Stupa</b><br>
This most ancient of Sri Lanka dagobas was built by King Devanampiyatissa to enshrine the Buddha”s Collarbone relic. The graceful monolithic pillars surrounding it once supported a circular roof making the shrine a Vatadage (Circular relic house) a characteristically Sri Lankan architectural feature.<br>
<br><b>Jetavanarama Stupa</b><br>
The massive brick Jetavanarama stupa is an impressive sight. It is said that there are enough bricks in it, to build a three-meter high wall, running all the way from Edinburgh to London. This was originally 122 m in height. It was built by King Mahasena (277 to 304 AD) and considered as the third tallest structure after Khufru & Khafra at Gizeh, Egypt, and the tallest stupa in the world. The doorposts of the attached image house still stand.<br>
<br><b>Abhayagiri Stupa</b><br>
It was built originally by King Valagamba (89–77 BC) and then by King Gajabāhu I (113–135 AD) Abhayagiri Stupa was considered to be the fourth tallest structure in the world with a height of 115 m.<br>
<br>The emerging of this stupa has an interesting story according to the chronicles. During King Valagamba's first ascended to the throne, the South Indian invasion took place in 104 BC. King withdrew from the capital. During his withdrawal King gone through the area where a Jain monk named “Giri” was residing. When this Jain monk saw the king is withdrawn he cried out: "The great black Sinhala is fleeing." King ignored that comment but resolved to build a stupa where the Jain monk residing.<br>
<br>After 14 years King Valagamba able to defeat invaders and ascended to the throne. He built a stupa where the Jain monk residing and named it “Abhayagiri” using part of his name and rivals named “Giri”.<br>
<br><b>The Kuttam Pokuna</b><br>
Translated: the 'Twin Ponds'. The most beautiful ancient pools of Anuradhapura, and possibly in the country.<br>
<br><b>The Samadhi Buddha</b><br>
It is the best executed Buddha statue in the country, dating back to the 4th Century AD. The attention-grabbing detail of this statue is that once checked out from the left, Lord Buddha seems to be smiling, however, from the right, it seems a slight sadness.<br>
<br><b>The Ratna Prasada</b><br>
There's not much left of this old monastery, but if you want to see some more excellent guard stones, check it out.<br>
<br><b>Mahasen's Palace</b><br>
Here's to be found the best Moonstone in the entire country. Moonstone is the semicircular stone that is placed on the ground at the entrance of a temple.<br>
<br><b>Isurumuniya</b><br>
This rock temple is famous due to the great bas-reliefs “Isurumuniya lovers” that has been displayed in the adjacent museum. The other interesting sculpture is “King’s Family” which can also be seen in the Isurumuniya museum. The stone carving on the living rock depicting the horse head and the man in a royal pose is interesting to witness.<br>
<br><b>Mirisawati Stupa</b><br>
Mirisawati Dagoba built by King Dutugamunu was the first monument built by the king following his consecration.</p><p><br></p><p>Read more:</p><p>Vessagiriya forgotten murals </p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:0in;text-align:justify;text-indent:0in"><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="https://www.fantasiatours.com/blogs/view-blog/vessagiriya-forgotten-murals-anuradhapura-unesco-world-heritage-site">https://www.fantasiatours.com/blogs/view-blog/vessagiriya-forgotten-murals-anuradhapura-unesco-world-heritage-site</a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p>
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Anuradhapura Museums |
Anuradhapura Museums |
<ul>There are five museums in Anuradhapura secret city:
<br>1. Archaeological Museum on the Ruwanweliseya Road.
<br>2. Jethawana Museum – in the Jetawana Monastery Complex
<br>3. Abayagiriya Mahatissa Fahien Museum – in the Abhayagiri Monastery Complex
<br>4. Isurumuniya Museum
<br>5. Anuradhapura Folk Museum
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Museum of wall painting |
Museum of wall painting |
<ul>The museum of wall painting is located within the premises of Dambulla cave temple. This is only one such kind of museum in Sri Lanka that displayed how the Sri Lankan cave and wall painting tradition evolved.</ul>.
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Ibbankatuwa, megalithic tombs |
Ibbankatuwa, megalithic tombs |
<ul>The Ibbankatuwa tombs belong to the megalithic period is located 5 km south of Dambulla. This ground was used between 750 BC – 400 BC for funeral purposes. <br>
<br>Tombs were fenced by 4 stone slabs and the top was covered by another slab. The large Terra-cotta urns and cists were found in the tombs and goods and tools such as clay pots, iron, copper, and gold artifacts, beads, necklaces used by the deceased have been found inside them.
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The sacred city of Kandy, World heritage site |
The sacred city of Kandy, World heritage site |
<ul>The sacred city of Kandy, a cultural world heritage site was the last capital of the Sri Lankan Sinhalese kingdom. Sri Dalada Maligawa, the temple of the tooth relic of Lord Buddha is the icon of the sacred city of Kandy.<br>
<br>The relics of Lord Buddha were distributed among various kingdoms in India after his cremation. The tooth relic of the left canine of Lord Buddha was given to the Kingdom of Kalinga in Eastern India. During the period of King Guhasiva in the 4th century AD, the Kalinga kingdom has encountered a war with the neighbouring kingdom to get hold of the Tooth relic. King Guhasiva has decided to send all important tooth relics to his friend in Sri Lanka King Kirthi Sri Meghavarna for its safety.<br>
<br>King Kirthi Sri Meghavarna has built a special shrine called “Dalada Maligawa” to kept the Tooth Relic at the Abhayagiri Vihara complex in Anuradhapura. It Kept there from the 4th-century to the 10th century AD until the capital was shifted to Polonnaruwa.<br>
<br>As and when the capital was shifted from Polonnaruwa, Yapahuwa, Dambadeniya, Kurunegala, Gampola, Kotte, Sitawaka, and Kandy, “Dalada Maligawa” has built to kept tooth relic.<br>
<br>In the Kandyan Kingdom, Dalada Maligawa was first built by King Vimaladharmasuriya in the 16th century AD. However, it was no longer exists today. The present Dalada Maligawa with three-story was built by King Weera Parakrama Narendrasinghe during the 18 century.<br>
<br>Sri Dalada Maligawa temple complex consists of the main building that contains the first chamber called “Palle Male” and an upper chamber called “Uda Male” where the tooth relic kept and Pattirippuwa (Octagonal pavilion) and Magulmaduwa (Audience Hall).<br>
<br>Sri Dalada Museum, Archaeological museum located in the old royal palace, World Buddhist museum, and Tusker “Raja” museum also located in the temple complex. Natha Devale, Visnu Devale, Pattini Devale, and Kataragama Devale are located in front of the Dalada Maligawa within the temple complex.</ul> |
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Galle Face Green |
Galle Face Green |
<ul>Galle Face Green is an urban park that stretches for a half kilometer along the coast at heart of the Colombo city. It was used for horse racing, golfing, cricket and polo when it established in 1859. Galle Face Green is a magnificent place to witness a marvelous sunset over the west coast in the afternoon. </ul> |
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Gangarama temple, Seema Malaka |
Gangarama temple, Seema Malaka |
<ul>Gangarama temple is one of the most venerated temples in Colombo. The Gangarama Seema Malaka, a meditation house was built in the Beira Lake used for meditation by the Buddhist monk. It was designed by the renowned architect Geoffrey Bawa.
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Colombo Museum |
Colombo Museum |
<ul>Colombo National Museum, Colombo Dutch Museum, Colombo Maritime Museum, Independence Memorial Museum, Currency Museum Colombo are the main museums in the Colombo city. Other than those, Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art Sri Lanka in Colombo 4, National Postal Museum in Colombo 8, National Railway Museum in Colombo Fort, Sri Lanka Air Force Museum in Ratmalana are also interesting museums in Colombo to visit.</br>
<br><b>Colombo National Museum</b></br>
The largest museum in Sri Lanka. It has the largest museum collecting evolve from prehistory. It exhibits Sri Lankan culture, nature, arts and most importantly the regalia of the country.</br>
<br><b>Colombo Dutch Museum</b></br>
It is located at Prince Street, Pettah. The museum building was the former residence of the Governor of Dutch Ceylon Thomas van Rhee during his term of office from 1692 to 1697. The unique architectural features of a colonial Dutch townhouse has exemplified this building. Various Dutch artifacts including coins, ceramics, furniture, weaponry and the lifestyle of Dutch in Sri Lanka displayed in this museum.</br>
<br><b>Colombo Maritime Museum</b></br>
It is located at Chaithya Road adjacent to the Colombo Port. The museum is housed in only surviving Dutch period buildings in the Colombo Port area. That is the former Dutch prison building. It was built in 1676</br>
<br><b>Independence Memorial Museum</b></br>
It is located at Independence Square in Colombo 7.</br>
<br><b>Currency Museum Colombo</b></br>
It is located at Central Bank headquarters Colombo 1. This museum has a collection of currency from the 3rd century BC to up to present including the colonial era. |
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Kelaniya Temple, Soliyas Mendis, Duruthu Perahera |
Kelaniya Temple, Soliyas Mendis, Duruthu Perahera |
<ul><p> Kelaniya temple is one of the most venerated temples in Sri Lanka. It was visited by Lord Buddha during his 3rd visit to Sri Lanka. According to the chronicles, Kelaniya Stupa was built enshrined in a gem-studded throne on which the Buddha sat and preached. <br>
<br>Soliyas Mendis, an artist with extraordinary talent in the modern era, has decorated the ceiling of the Kelaniya temple. It has depicted important events of the Buddha's life, stories of previous lives of Lord Buddha, and Sri Lankan Buddhist history. These temple paintings are considered to be the best temple paintings after the Kandyan era.
</p><p><br>Kelaniya temple Duruthu Maha Perahera, a glorious cultural procession celebrates during the month of January is a unique experience that you can have in Sri Lanka.
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Colonial Buildings, Colombo |
Colonial Buildings, Colombo |
<ul><p>Few Dutch architecture and British architecture style buildings remain in Colombo. </p><p><br></p><p>Among them, Wolvendaal Church built-in 1749, St. Lucia's Cathedral Kotahena built-in 1782, Old Colombo Dutch hospital built-in 1681, and Colombo Dutch Museum (Dutch Governors' office built-in 1656) are the remaining Dutch architecture style buildings in Colombo.</p><p><br>
Galle Face Hotel, GOH hotel, Townhall Colombo, General Post Office Colombo, Colombo National Museum, Old Parliament building are some of the iconic British architecture style buildings in Colombo. </p></ul> |
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Situlpawwa temple |
Situlpawwa temple |
<ul>Situlpawwa temple is located inside the Yala National Park, 28 km north of Tissamaharama. This was a cave monastery in the 2nd century BC. According to the chronicles, there had been about 12,000 monks were practicing high ordinance in and around the Situlpawwa cave monastery.<br>
The main cave temple walls consist of few parts of the wall paintings belonging to the Anuradhapura era. </ul> |
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Polonnaruwa Museum |
Polonnaruwa Museum |
<ul>Polonnaruwa Museum is the place you should visit before entering the ancient city of Polonnaruwa. Because it is the place where you get a holistic view of the Polonnaruwa era and details of what in front of you to see. |
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Ancient City of Sigiriya, World heritage site |
Ancient City of Sigiriya, World heritage site |
<ul>Sigiriya was no mere fortress, gloomy and forbidding, as others are. It is one of the best-preserved ancient cities where the layout of the buildings, gardens, and pathways are still clearly evident. It displayed the collective effect of the science of town planning and water management, architecture, construction and landscaping, and arts in the 5th century AD in Sri Lanka.<br>
<br>The name “Sigiriya” literally means “Lion Rock” has a history far beyond the 5th century. Some caves in the base of the rock contained drip-edged inscriptions belongs to the 2nd century BC to 1st century AD describing the donation of those caves to Buddhist monks. History from the 1st to 4th century not clearly mentioned in the ancient chronicles.<br>
<br>However, from 477 to 495 BC, Sigiriya was in its zenith under the kingship of Kashyapa who built it as a well-planned glorious city and citadel and the political hub of Sri Lanka.<br>
<br>If you can imagine the stupendous sight of the rock that was crowned with the palaces, the marble white walls and brazen roofs and jewelled finials reflecting the blinding light of the sun, and the great mural emblazoned on the rock-face carried the maidens it depicts halfway to the clouds as though they were in truth “apsaras”, heavenly damsels, inhabitants of the sky region where the gods dwell in radiant light.<br>
<br>Since King Kashyapa’s reign was ended in 495, Sigiriya becomes a monastery and lasting until the 12th century. From the 13th century capital of the country shifted towards the southwest of the country allowing the whole Rajarata region including Sigiriya become abandoned and swallowed by the forest. Since 16th-century colonial power start arising over the country nobody interested in the Sigiriya.<br>
<br>During the colonial period in 1831, Jonathan Forbes, a Scottish officer heard about Sigiriya and decided to search it with the help of locals. After several attempts, he was able to find the surrounding gardens and the moat at the base of the rock. Finally, two British civil servants A. Y. Adams and J. Bailey were able to reach the top of the Sigiriya rock in 1853.<br>
<br>Under the leadership of H.C.P.Bell, the first Archaeological Commissioner in Ceylon, Systematic archaeological excavations have begun in 1895.<br>
<br><b>The Site</b><br>
<br>Sigiriya city and citadel has a very complex rampart system. The city was laid out in a large square area, walled with a moat in the west and a walled rectangle in the east. At the centre stood the great rock - the citadel. Within the fortifications, terrace upon terrace from wall to citadel’s foot clustered and climbed the dwelling places and ancillary buildings of a city fair as peace. To the south lay further fortified outworks.<br>
<br>At the top of the flat rock upper palace was located. At the middle-level terrace Lion gate, the mirror wall and frescoes located. Lower palaces were located behind the lower gardens, moats, and ramparts at the ground level. At the entrances, there were five gates were placed.<br>
<br>The main areas to explore at present are:<br>
<br><b>The Gardens</b><br>
<br>The Gardens of Sigiriya can be rank among the ancient gardens of the Romans such as the gardens of Pompeii and Herculaneum. The three distinct gardens of water gardens, cave and boulder gardens, and terraced gardens were linked together to form such a unique landscaped gardens in the world. Those are well preserved and can be seen as it is, even today. The most sophisticated hydraulic technologies used in the water garden were unique and most importantly some of them are still working today.<br>
<br>The Macrosystem of the water garden consists of Sigiri Maha Wewa, the man-made lake starting south of the rock, and a series of moats fed from the lake. The microsystem consists of the water control and retaining systems at the summit and horizontal and vertical drains cut into the rock and underground conduits made of cylindrical terracotta pipes at various levels.
The higher level from the water garden is Boulder Garden. Every rock and boulder had buildings of brick and timber. The pathways are winding through natural boulders. This boulder garden has interesting places to explore. Those are;<br>
<br><i><b>Cistern Rock:</b></i> that has a large cistern made of huge slabs of granite.<br>
<i><b>Audience Hall Rock:</b></i> that has a 5 m long throne carved out of the rock.<br>
<i><b>Cobra Hood Cave:</b></i> It is named due to the shape of this boulder and used by the Buddhist monks.<br>
<i><b>Preaching Rock:</b></i> The tiered platforms of this boulder are believed to be used by orating monks.<br>
<br>The Terrace Garden at the base of the rock is fashioned out of the natural hill, made with rubble retaining walls, each terrace running in a concentric circle around the rock, each rising above the other.<br>
<br><b>The Mirror Wall</b><br>
<br>On the way to Lion's Platform, a highly polished plaster wall called Mirror wall can be seen. It is believed that the wall was coated with polished lime, egg white, and honey. It still has a reflective sheen. There are nearly about 1500 items of graffiti on this mirror wall composed by the monks and pilgrims who flocked to Sigiriya from around the country during the 7th to 12th centuries. Those prose or poetry were written on varying subjects such as love, irony, and experiences, and most of them written in Sinhalese, but some are written in Sanskrit and Tamil.<br>
<br><b>Frescos</b><br>
<br>During King Kasyapa’s period, Sigiriya was decorated with hundreds of pictures of graceful female figures and appears to be a gigantic picture gallery. After King Kasyapa’s demise Sigiriya has converted into a monastery again. As a result, most of the paintings were wiped out in order to minimize the distraction for the meditation. However, a total of 21 surviving frescoes are still intact just above the mirror wall, on the way to Lion's Platform.<br>
<br>Though those are classified as the Anuradhapura era paintings, the painting style in Sigiriya is unique. It is closely resembling with Ajanta Cave paintings in India. There are two broad opinions about the identity of graceful female figures in the frescoes among the archaeologist. The first opinion is they portray human beings either queens, princesses, and maids of the court of King Kasyapa in a secular or religious ambiance. The second opinion is they portray celestial beings as either semi-divine nymphs called “apsaras” or a class of divine beings like goddesses.<br>
<br>Whatever the opinion would be, the Sigiriya frescoes, the most remarkable objects of Sri Lankan artistic heritage provide glimpses of how impressive Sigiriya at its zenith.<br>
<br><b>Lion’s Paws</b><br>
<br>While you are climbing Sigiriya you will pass the water garden, boulder garden, mirror wall, and frescoes and emerge to a platform at the northern end of the rock. At this platform, two huge paws of a lion towering against the rock can be seen. It is the only remains of the opened mouth giant brick lion where the staircase leading to the palace garden. The steps leading between the paws of the lion into his mouth. It is believed that the name Sigiriya for this rock has derived due to this gigantic figure.<br>
<br><b>Upper Palace on the Summit</b><br>
<br>The flat summit of the rock covering an area of around 1.2 hectares would have been completely covered with buildings and gardens. The remains of the foundations have confirmed that. The multi-story palace with a bathing pool on the top of a rock with the comprehensive view of reservoirs, mountains, and forests around would suggest that Sigirita was not a fortress and would have been a royal palace of pleasure. It is remembering that the modern-day rooftop pool when you see the pond scooped out of solid rock measuring 27m x 21m in size.<br>
<br>According to the foundation, the layout of the ground plan has clearly visible. The palace occupies the lower eastern sections where the palace gardens at the south. There was a large rock-cut pool covering both the palace and the garden. At the palace, there was a granite throne, dancing terraces, a small pool, drinking water tanks, rooms for concubines, a small flower garden, and precariously positioned platforms for guards, the king's audience chamber, and his anteroom. Also, there is a huge throne in a semicircle where his advisors would sit.</ul> |
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Ancient City of Polonnaruwa, World heritage site |
Ancient City of Polonnaruwa, World heritage site |
<ul>The World Heritage site, the ancient city of Polonnaruwa is the must-visit place on your journey in Sri Lanka. The most number of buildings in the ancient city of Polonnaruwa has built by King Parakramabahu the Great. He designed Polonnaruwa as a complete city by constructing the king’s palace and administration building with an auditorium, the various religious buildings centered on Alahana Pirivena (a medieval centre of learning for monks), and the unique irrigation complex based on Parakrama Samudraya (sea of Parakrama) that waters the city as well as the surrounding plains.<br>
<br>This cultural treasure Polonnaruwa is a part of the “Cultural Triangle” in Sri Lanka. It shows the interesting blend of the influence of south Indian Hindu culture on the Sinhala Buddhist art and architecture in the scattered shrines and monuments still venerated daily by devotees. The top sites you not to miss in your journey in Polonnaruwa are:<br>
<br><b>Northern Monuments</b><br>
<br><i><b>Gal Viharaya</b></i><br>
A magnificent group of colossal statues of Lord Buddha was cut in a row from streaked granite rock originally known as Uttararama. This was the masterpiece of Sinhalese artistic achievement. The expressions of peace, serenity on the statues, and the consummate skills shown by the craftsmen will linger most of the visitors.
<br><i><b>Rankot Vehera</b></i><br>
The name “Rankot” means goldern-pinnacled. It was the largest stupa in Polonnaruwa with a height of 55 m. This stupa was founded by one of the queens of King Parakramabahu the great and completed by King Nissankamalla.
<br><i><b>Alahana Pirivena complex</b></i><br>
Alahana Pirivena was the centre of learning for monks. This complex consists of Badda Seema Prasada, Lankatilaka Pilimage, and Kiri Vehera
<br><i><b>Badda Seema Prasada</b></i><br>
Badda Seema Prasada was an assembly hall said to be 12 storied building used for reciting the common rules of discipline of the Vinaya ancient Bhikku hospital on the right side of this building. and Kirivehera Stupa parts
<br><i><b>Lankathilaka Pilimage (image house)</b></i><br>
This image house was completely made out of bricks and the outside of the wall decorated with carvings. A headless monolithic Buddha image of 12.49 m in height is inside this image house
<br><i><b>Kiri Vehera</b></i><br>
The most preserved and unrestored stupa in Sri Lanka. The stupa has unspoiled white plaster and that’s’ why it was named as Kiri (Milk) Vehera.<br>
<br><b>Ancient City</b><br>
<br><i><b>Sacred Quadrangle</b></i><br>
The main focus of the ancient city area is Sacred Quadrangle (In Sinhala “Dala Maluwa”). It is the terrace of the tooth relic temples built by various kings ruled from Polonnaruwa. The sacred quadrangle is on a raised up platform bounded by a wall. It has contained 12 ancient buildings.
<br><i><b>Atadage</b></i><br>
The first tooth relic temple built by King Vijayabahu – I. It is said that this was built on 54 stone pillars and the relic was kept on the second floor. A few steps of the staircase to the second floor still can be seen. This is the only surviving building in Polonnaruwa built by King Vijayabahu – I.
<br><i><b>Hatadage</b></i><br>
The tooth relic temple said to be built by King Nissankamalla.
<br><i><b>Polonnaruwa - Vatadage</b></i><br>
A circular building with a diameter of 18 m. The uppermost platform containing a small stupa on the centre and 4 seated Buddha statues around it. The lower platform has a single entrance. The middle platform has four entrances facing the four cardinal points. The Buddha statues in the uppermost platform directly facing the four entrances. The moonstone and the guard stone at the entrance of the Vatadage have considered the best of their kind in Sri Lanka and masterpiece of Singhalese art tradition.
<br><i><b>Nissanka Latha-Mandapaya</b></i><br>
This beautiful architectural edifice has built by king Nissankamalla to listen to the religious texts being chanted. It is a stone-built structure only its foundation platform and highly ornate stone columns remain.
<br><i><b>Thuparamaya</b></i><br>
The well-preserved image house was built for the worship of the Buddha. This is a different architectural manifestation in comparison with the other image houses in Sri Lanka. It is considered as a stylistic derivation of the ancient architectural form called “Gnijakavsatha” described in Pali literature.
<br><i><b>Gal Pota</b></i><br>
The "stone book" is an enormous stone slab that has glowing inscriptions praising the work of King Nissankamalla. This 8 m long, 4 m wide 25 tonnes weighed stone slab dragged from Mihintale to Polonnaruwa
<br><i><b>Sathmahal Pasada</b></i><br>
This "Seven Storey Edifice" was a Buddhist stupa that perhaps reflects a rare architectural form that prevailing in the wider Asian region including the southeast during the late historic period that is exemplified by the Wat Phra That Hariphunchai in Lamphun, Thailand.
<br><i><b>Shiva Devale No. 1</b></i><br>
It is believed that this was built in the 13th century AD by south Indian invaders. This was constructed according to the south Indian architectural style with excellent stone carving.<br>
<br><b>Royal citadel Monuments</b><br>
<br><i><b>Vejayanta Pasada</b></i><br>
This the King Parakramabahu’s administrative centre including his palace. According to the chronicle, it is a seven-story building and contained 1000 rooms. The gigantic brick walls of the auditorium and 40 intercommunicating rooms can still be seen.
<br><i><b>Audience Hall</b></i><br>
King Parakramabahu’s audience hall is located east of the royal palace that has gorgeous stone carvings. The perfectly engraved bas-relief friezes of elephants and majestically seated lions are on the stone base of this building.
<br><i><b>Kumara Pokuna</b></i><br>
The royal bathing pool and the remains of the water gardens of the royal palace beautiful places to watch.<br>
<br><b>Southern Monuments</b><br>
<br><i><b>Pothgul Vihara Statue</b></i><br>
The statue carved on a large rock boulder near the Pothgul Viharaya. The majestic figure depicted on the statue is commonly known as a figure of King Parakramabahu the great but still not confirmed by the archaeologist.
<br><i><b>Pothgul Vihara</b></i><br>
This is the ancient library complex. It is Gedige type structure and consists of four small stupas surrounding a circular brick building on the central platform.
<br><i><b>King Nissankamalla’s Council chamber</b></i><br>
It is located close to the bund of the Parakrama Samudraya, the largest man-made ancient reservoir in Sri Lanka. Each pillar of this council chamber has an inscription indicating the seating arrangement of the respective ministers and state officials and their statues.<br>
<br>The ancient city of Polonnaruwa much of the same as the ancient city of Angkor in Cambodia that also belonged to the same period. Both being able to walk relatively freely through the temples, shrines, and ruins</ul>
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Buddha statue, Maligawila |
Buddha statue, Maligawila |
<ul>The Maligawila Buddha statue, the tallest ancient free-standing Buddha image in Sri Lanka is located in a monastic complex in Maligawila near Okkampitiya, 18 km from Buttala. This Buddha statue with a height of 11.53 m has carved out of a large limestone rock depicting Samabhanga posture and Abhaya Mudra belongs to the 7th – 8th century AD. It closely resembles with Avukana Buddha statue. Ruins around the statue provide the evidence that there was an image house around the statue.<br>
<br>This statue was found in 1951. It was broken into several pieces by the time it was found. After the unsuccessful attempt in the 1970s under the guidance of President Ranasinghe Premadasa Maligawila statue was reconstructed and raised in 1991 successfully.<br>
<br>The archaeologist believes that this site would be the ancient Ariyakara Vihara mentioned in the chronicles. According to the Culavamsa chronicle, there was a hospital for the blind and the sick in this site in the 7th century AD. That was built by King Aggabodhi.</ul>
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Buduruwagala |
Buduruwagala |
<ul>The Buduruwagala rock carvings are a masterpiece of Sri Lankan artistic tradition in 9th – 10th century AD There are seven statues sculptured on a single rock face. The centre sculpture of Lord Buddha in the Samabhanga posture and right hand gesturing the Abhaya Mudra is 15.5m in height.<br>
<br>The Avalokiteshvara Bodhisatva, Goddess Tara, and Prince Sudhana on the right-hand side of Buddha image. The Maitree Bodhisatva, Vajrapani Bodhisatva, and an unidentifiable figure on the left-hand side of Buddha image. All the other figures except the Buddha image belong to the Mahayana Buddhist tradition.</ul> |
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Avalokiteshvara statue, Dambegoda |
Avalokiteshvara statue, Dambegoda |
<ul>Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva Image at Dambegoda is located in a monastic complex in Maligawila near Okkampitiya, 18 km from Buttala. The statue was sculptured of the “Samabhanga” posture depicting strength, vitality, royalty, and displaying the Katakahasta Mudra. This image belongs to the Mahayana Buddhist tradition. The history of this statue is not clear. It is believed that the 15 cubits high Maitreya Boodhisatva statue built in Ruhuna by the king Dappula – I, would be this statue.</br>
<br>This 10 m height, 40-ton weighted stature was damaged into small pieces by vandalizers. However, archaeologist in the Archaeological Department in Sri Lanka has painstakingly restored it in 1990.</ul> |
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