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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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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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Spice gardens, Matale |
Spice gardens, Matale |
<ul>Sri Lankan spices are world-famous. Most of them are grown and produced around the Matale area. If you visit spice gardens in Matale you will be able to see various spices and herbs in Sri Lanka. How they have grown and the production process behind them. You can also learn the best use of them to get the maximum effect.
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Elephants watching, Minneriya national park |
Elephants watching, Minneriya national park |
<ul>Minneriya national park is located 195 km northeast of Colombo and 30 Km from Polonnaruwa. It is the best place in the world to see a large herd of Asian elephants. It was a Wildlife Sanctuary since 1938 and designated as a national park in 1997. </ul> |
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Jaffna Fort |
Jaffna Fort |
<ul>Jaffna Fort built by the Portuguese in 1618 and expanded by the Dutch in 1658 and was taken over by the British and remained as garrison till 1948. Fort included Governor's residence (King's House), Queen’s house, Kruys Church, the Garrison parade ground, and several other buildings from the Portuguese era. </ul> |
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Sand dunes, Limestone caves, Keerimalai pond |
Sand dunes, Limestone caves, Keerimalai pond |
<ul>Keerimalai Pond, located near Naguleswaram temple is a mineral water spring believed to be having healing properties located in Keerimalai town 21 km from Jaffna.<br>
<br>Another significant place in Jaffna not to be missed is the sand dunes of Manalkadu, a minuscule desert, which makes your heart miss a beat. It is located 40 km northeast of Jaffna near Point Pedro. <br>
<br>The limestone cave complex of “Periya Mandapakadu” is located in Kerudavil village near Thondaimanaru, 25 km north of Jaffna, another amazing place to explore.
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Nilavarai well |
Nilavarai well |
<ul> Nilavarai well, natural underground water well is said to be bottomless which never gets depleted located at Nilavarai, 13 km away from Jaffna. There is a belief that this Nilavarai well was created by King Rama according to the Ramayana. |
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Buddhist stupas, Kantarodai |
Buddhist stupas, Kantarodai |
<ul>The stupas discovered at Kantarodai are a series of votive monuments. It is located 13 km away from Jaffna near Chunnakam railway station. According to the chronicles, this site could be identified as the ancient Kadurugoda Buddhist Temple situated in northern Sri Lanka. |
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Nagadeepa temple, Nagapooshani amman kovil |
Nagadeepa temple, Nagapooshani amman kovil |
<ul>Nagadeepa or Nainativu is one of the smallest inhabited islands in the country. Nainativu is the 4 island on the Palk Strait towards India. The first three, Kayts, Karaitivu, and Punkudutiv join up with the mainland by causeways. A ferry service started at the Kurikadduwan jetty on Punkudutivu Island for Nainativu every 30 minutes.<br>
<br>The Buddhist and the Hindu temples on the island venerated by Buddhists and Hindus, the most. Nagadeepa is the place where Lord Buddha came during his second visit to Sri Lanka. Therefore Nagadeepa temple is one holiest Buddhist sites in Sri Lanka. The Nagapooshani Amman kovil in Nainativu is one of 64 Shakthi Peethams, a shrine dedicated to Shakthi, the Hindu goddess of power.</ul> |
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Dutch canal, Boat ride |
Dutch canal, Boat ride |
<ul> Dutch Canal in Negombo offers you a fabulous boat ride to explore the activities of the life and culture of the fishing communities living on the banks of the canal and surrounding natural habitat.<br>
<br>Dutch Canal in Negombo also known as Hamilton Canal, a 14.5 km waterway was built by the Dutch and fortified by the British in 1802. However Adu Zayd al-Balkhi, the Persian geographer reported about this canal as early as the 8th century. </ul> |
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Munneswaram temple, Chilaw |
Munneswaram temple, Chilaw |
<ul>Chilaw, Munneswaram temple is a Hindu temple. The "Father of India", the Great Mahatma Gandhi, was visited this temple in November 1927. It is located 49 km north of Negombo, believed to have existed since 11th century BC.</br>
<br>This temple is one of the ancient “Pancha Ishwarams” dedicated to God Shiva and closely related to the popular Indian epic Ramayana. According to that legendary hero-king, Rama has visited this place. |
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Fresh seafood, Negambo |
Fresh seafood, Negambo |
<ul>Negambo, the lively fishing town famous for fresh seafood cooked in different incredible recipes. There are many seafood restaurants in Negombo. There is no other place better than Negombo to savoring fresh seafood at any time of the year. </ul> |
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Nilaveli beach |
Nilaveli beach |
<ul>Nilaveli beach is one of the best in Sri Lanka undoubtedly. It is a quiet and relaxed beach located 16 km north of Trincomalee. White sandy beach with gentle surf and plenty of bending palms swaying over is heaven for rest and relaxation. From the Nilaveli beach, about 2 km into the sea Pigeon Island is located. |
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Pigeon Island |
Pigeon Island |
<ul>Pigeon Island one of the highly diverse, ecologically important reef habitats in the country. It is located 15 km from Trincomalee and 10 minutes Boat ride. Pigeon Island consists of two islands with rock outcrops, colonized by the rock Pigeons. The islands and the surrounding reef area has given the status of Marine National Park due to their high biodiversity. </ul> |
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Lovers' leap, Swami rock |
Lovers' leap, Swami rock |
<ul>Lovers’ leap or Ravana’s cleft at Swami rock is a rock cleft approximately 106.68 m above sea level. It is a stunning place to be, at sunrise. You can spend hours looking at the lovely ocean ahead.<br>
<br>The colonial period story says that Francina van Reed, a daughter of a Dutch officer was thrown herself into the sea off from this cliff and prompted to suicide because her love affair was broken and the lover sails back to Europe. </ul> |
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Whales watching Trincomalee |
Whales watching Trincomalee |
<ul><p>Trincomalee is an internationally important whale-watching destination. Specially Blue whales and Spinner Dolphins but smaller numbers of sperm whales too. They can be seen regularly around 6 to 8 nautical miles, just 30 minutes boat ride to the east of Trincomalee from April to August. The base of the Kandasamy Kovil is considered to be the greatest vantage point for whale watching in the world.
</p><p><br></p></ul><table class="table table-bordered"><tbody><tr><td><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-size: 13px;"><b>Best Season</b></span><br></td><td><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-size: 13px;">March - April, and August - September</span><br></td></tr><tr><td><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-size: 13px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><b>Tour started at</b></span><br></td><td><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-size: 13px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">6.00 am from Nilaveli</span><br></td></tr><tr><td><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-size: 13px;"><b>Tour duration</b></span><br></td><td><p>3 hours<span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Lato, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; display: inline !important; float: none;">3 hours</span><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-size: 13px;"></span><br></p></td></tr></tbody></table> |
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Fort Frederick, Trincomalee |
Fort Frederick, Trincomalee |
<ul>Fort Frederick was first built by the Portuguese in 1624 and then by Dutch in 1665. It was built on Swami rock. Maritime & Naval History Museum is presently located within Fort Frederick. That is displaying Sri Lankan naval history back to Marco Polo's time and information about east coast flora and fauna. </ul> |
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Girihadu seya, Vatadage, Tiriyaya |
Girihadu seya, Vatadage, Tiriyaya |
<ul>Girihadu seya is an ancient Buddhist temple with a stupa. It is said that the stupa was built by 2 seafaring merchants called "Tapassu and Bhalluka" from India enshrining the hair relics of the Lord Buddha given by himself. The 2 names were inscribed in rock inscription at Vihara premises.</br>
<br>The original small stupa was enlarged and built Vatadage enclosing it in the 8th century AD. It is located 46 km north of Trincomalee. |
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Seruwawila temple |
Seruwawila temple |
<ul>Seruwawila temple, located 42 Km south of Trincomalee is an ancient temple built in the 2nd century BC by King Kavantissa. It has contained the Lalata Dhathuwa (sacred forehead bone) of Lord Buddha. </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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Arisimale beach |
Arisimale beach |
<ul>Arisimale beach is located in the Pulmoddai area, 54 km north of Trincomalee. This beach is famous due to its’ extremely large particles of sand that resemble in size and shape of a rice seed. In the Tamil language “Arisi” means rice and "male" means mountain.</br>
<br>It is said that the 2 seafaring merchants called "Tapassu and Bhalluka" from India carrying the hair relics given by Lord Buddha himself were landed on Arisimale beach. |
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Marble beach |
Marble beach |
<ul>Marble beach, located within the Trincomalee natural harbour area, 17 km south of Trincomalee is a wonderful cove bookended by living forest headlands. At the north end of the beach, Marble Beach Airforce Resort is located.</br>
<br>Imagine, other than Hawaii or Maldives, where you can experience crystal clear, emerald blue water with gentle waves rolling towards powder white sand that ended in lush scrub jungle stand up the adjacent hill. The Marble beach is the only place that you can experience such uniqueness in Sri Lanka.
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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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Haththikuchchi ruins |
Haththikuchchi ruins |
<ul>Hattikuchchi viharaya is an ancient Buddhist monastery located in Mahagalkadawala, Galgamuwa, 43 km south of Anuradhapura. The hermit monks who engaged in deep meditation were a characteristic feature of Buddhism in Sri Lanka. They were called "aranyavasikas". Hattikuchchi viharaya was a monastery where such hermit monks were lived. A few archaeological sites such as Ritigala, Arankele and Western monasteries in Anuradhapura have been identified as the places inhabited by those hermit monks in ancient times. |
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Avukana Buddha statue |
Avukana Buddha statue |
<ul>Avukana Buddha statue is situated in the village of Avukana near Kekirawa, 49 km south of Anuradhapura. It is located facing the Kala Wewa reservoir.<br>
<br>This standing Buddha statue was carved out of a large granite rock face but has not completely separated out. The height of the statue alone is 11.84 m and with the pedestal, it is 13 m in height. During ancient times, the statue had located within a large image house or a shrine. Wall parts of that can still be seen.<br>
<br>Avukana statue was built by King Dhatusena in the 5th century BC. There is another nearby standing statue of the Buddha, quite similar to the Avukana statue, at Sasseruwa (Resvehera). According to the legend, a competition between a stone sculpting Guru (master) and Gola (pupil) had resulted in the two statues. The master sculptured the Avukana statue, while the pupil at Sasseruwa. Those who finished the sculpting first need to inform other by ringing a bell. Finally, the master completed the first and won the competition. It is believed that that is why the Sasseruwa statue was unfinished. </ul> |
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Sasseruwa Buddha statue |
Sasseruwa Buddha statue |
<ul>Sasseruwa Buddha statue (also called Resvehera) is located in the village of Kudakatnoruwa at Meegalewa. According to the legend, a competition between a stone sculpting Guru (master) and Gola (pupil) had resulted in the two statues. The master sculptured the Avukana statue, while the pupil at Sasseruwa. Sasseruwa statue is carved into a rectangular frame in the rock boulder without the head decoration. It stands 11.14 m in height.
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Thanthirimale |
Thanthirimale |
<ul>Thanthirimale is an ancient Buddhist monastery sprawling extensive boulders spreading over a huge area in the midst of the thick forest that gives a panoramic view of surroundings. It is located 43 km north of Anuradhapura.<br>
<br>It is believed that while Sri Maha Bodhi sapling brought to Sri Lanka from India during the 3rd century BC, it was kept at Thanthirimale for one night before reach to the Anuradhapura. The branch of the Sri Maha Bodhi sapling separately grown on the pot was planted at Thanthirimale. Today Thanthirimale is a famous Buddhist pilgrimage cantre and main archeological site. At the northern slope of the rock reclining Buddha statue and sedentary Buddha statue were carved.<br>
<br>The caves at Thanthirimale had been inhabited by the Megalithic man in Sri Lanka. The Journal of the Royal Asiatic Society had published the discovery of Paleolithic cave paintings at Thanthirimale by John Still in 1910. Some of the primitive drawings done by Veddah people (Sri Lankan Aborigines) can also be found. </ul> |
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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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Bird watching, Udawatta Kele sanctuary |
Bird watching, Udawatta Kele sanctuary |
<ul>Udawatta Kele sanctuary is a wet evergreen forest that contains a great variety of plant species, especially lianas, shrubs, and small trees covering 104 hectares. Sri Dalada Maligawa has bordered on Udawatta Kele sanctuary. <br>
<br>During the Kandyan period, Udawatta Kele was used as a pleasure garden and the pond in the forest was used for bathing. It was restricted to the royal family only. At present, the pond attracts many species of birds.<br>
<br>Common Kingfisher, Indian three-toed kingfisher, Stork-billed kingfisher, Common hill myna, Brown fish owl, Forest eagle owl, Wood owl, Tickell’s blue flycatcher, Green leaf & large-billed leaf warblers, Brown-capped babbler, Layard’s flycatcher, Paradise flycatcher, Crimson-backed woodpecker, Indian pitta, Yellow-fronted barbet, Ceylon lorikeet are most common birds in the sanctuary. </ul> |
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Gadaladeniya, Lankathilaka, Embekke temples |
Gadaladeniya, Lankathilaka, Embekke temples |
<ul>Gadaladeniya, Lankathilaka, and Embekke tri temples are located about 8 km in proximity and 12 km south of Kandy. These tri temples belonged to Gampola Period (1341 – 1410 AD). Those temples are considered to be the masterpieces of Sri Lankan architecture and craftsmanship.
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Temple paintings, Hindagala temple |
Temple paintings, Hindagala temple |
<ul>Hindagala temple is located 9 km south of Kandy near Peradeniya University. This temple was built on a mighty rock boulder. Temple paintings that belonged to the 6th century AD can still be seen with the Kandyan period paintings at the temple.
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Temple paintings, Degaldoruwa temple |
Temple paintings, Degaldoruwa temple |
<ul><p>Degaldoruwa is a cave temple, located in Amunugama, 7 km from Kandy. Kandyan era frescoes are famous in this cave temple. The murals in the frescoes are unique. Only the front view of individual people was shown and the people, the trees, and the animals were shown in a uniform size. The trees are painted in a stylized form.</p><p>Read the full article on Degaldoruwa Temple:</p><p><a href="https://www.fantasiatours.com/blogs/view-blog/degaldoruwa-temple-one-site-in-kandy-you-should-not-miss" target="_blank">Degaldoruwa Temple, One site in Kandy you should not miss</a></p><p><br></p><p> </p></ul> |
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Galmaduwa temple |
Galmaduwa temple |
<ul>Galmaduwa temple is located in the Kundasale area, 9 km east of Kandy. It is a pavilion built using bricks and stone. The strange architecture that resembles the south Indian tradition is the unique feature of this building. Galmaduwa temple was built by King Keerthi Sri Rajasinghe during the second half of the 18th century. |
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Peradeniya botanical garden |
Peradeniya botanical garden |
<ul>Peradeniya botanical garden, the largest in Sri Lanka was established in 1843 and situated 6 km south of Kandy. There are about 4,000 plant species that can be seen at the garden where Giant Bamboo of Burma, century-old giant Javan fig tree, the Cannonball tree, Double coconut palm, and collection of orchids are most highlighted plants.<br>
<br>Most prominent persons who visited Sri Lanka have planted trees in the garden to mark their visit. Queen Elizabeth II, Marshal Tito, and Yuri Gagarin were among them. </ul> |
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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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Seetha Amman temple, Seetha Eliya |
Seetha Amman temple, Seetha Eliya |
<ul>Seetha Amman temple is located in front of the Hakgala Botanical Garden at Seetha Eliya area 5 km from Nuwara Eliya. It was considered as one of the places where Queen Seetha was held captive by King Ravana according to the Ramayana. The circular depression on rock faces across the stream which flows beneath the temple is construed as being akin to the footprint of Hanuman. |
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Galway's Land national park |
Galway's Land national park |
<ul>Galway's Land national park is located within the Nuwara Eliya city area. A well-preserved patch of montane forest which offers habitat for many species of hill birds. Many ornithologists consider that the Victoria Park of Nuwara Eliya and the Galway's Land as two of the most significant bird watching sites in Sri Lanka. Galway's Land harbours more than 30 species of native and migratory birds. Apart from the avifauna, hundreds of blooming trees and flowers are common in this park.<br>
<br>The most common birds are the Black bird, Ceylon warbler, Yellow-eared bulbul, Dusky blue flycatcher, Grey-headed Flycatcher, Ceylon hill white eye, Kashmir red-breasted flycatcher, Grey tit, and many more. </ul> |
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Moon Plain |
Moon Plain |
<ul>Moon Plain or "Sadathenna" is classified as an agriculture and environment tourism zone by the Municipal Council of Nuwara Eliya. It is located within the Nuwara Eliya town and covered with lush green grass and occasional pygmy trees. |
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Hakgala Botanical Garden, Ashok Vatika |
Hakgala Botanical Garden, Ashok Vatika |
<ul>Hakgala Botanical Garden area together with strict nature reserve above the garden was offered as a pleasure garden to Queen Seetha by King Ravana according to the Ramayana. It is believed that the place mentioned as “Ashok Vatika” was the present Hakgala Botanical Garden. Hakgala was converted into a botanical garden in 1884. Before that, it was used as an experimental cultivation of Cinchona and Tea. It is located 16 km from Nuwara Eliya.<br>
<br>There are over 10,000 floral plants in the garden. It has many sections naming Rose garden, Upper flower garden, Glasshouse, Fernery, rock garden, Arboretum, Central pond, Bulb garden, and many pathways in the garden. It is famous for roses and orchids specially from march to May. </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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Mahiyangana temple |
Mahiyangana temple |
<ul>Lord Buddha has visited Mahiyanganaya nine months after his Enlightenment on a Duruthu full moon poya day as the first visit to Sri Lanka. He visited the country to settle the dispute between Yakka and Naga tribes who inhabited this area. The Yakka leader of the area named Sumana Saman (later become the god Sumana Saman) and his followers listen to the preaching of the Buddha and become the follower of Buddhism.</br>
<br>As per the request of the people Buddha has given a handful of hair from his head to worship. Sumana Saman placed those in a golden casket and built the Mahiyangana stupa by deposited them. The original stupa was reconstructed over it 7 times.</ul> |
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Dambana, Vedda's native village |
Dambana, Vedda's native village |
<ul>Dambana a jungle area has located16 km east of Mahiyanganaya. The Sri Lankan native hunter-gathering people, the Veddas, are living there. However, they were unable to live with their traditional hunting life due to resettlement projects, development of the area, and civilization influences. More or less they were absorbed into mainstream society and mainly cultivating fields. But all of them are protecting their cultural identity, retained their own religion, a kind of spirit cult, wearing their traditional weapons of axe, bow, and arrow, and performing their traditional rituals.</ul>
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Sorabora Wewa |
Sorabora Wewa |
<ul>The ancient “sea of Bintenna” now known as Sorabora Wewa was a unique ancient reservoir built in the 1st century BC during King Dutugemunu’s period. It is said that this reservoir was built by the giant in the area called “Bulatha” and his men.
Sorabora Wewa containing a 485-meter embankment. But it does not have the structure called “Bisokotuwa’’ that all the other reservoirs have to protect the embankment from erosion and maintain the water pressure from inside the tank to the sluice gate (“Sorowwa”). The 2 gigantic natural rock closing each other was utilized as the structure of Bisokotuwa to control the outward water flow.</ul>
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Dimbulagala |
Dimbulagala |
<ul>Dimbulagala is a large isolated mountain situated 23 km away from Polonnaruwa. Dimbulagala was recorded several times in the history book as a monastic complex where a number of drip ledge caves with Brahmic inscriptions belongs to the 3rd and 2nd centuries BC were found.<br>
<br>There are 5 archaeological sites named Namal Pokuna ruins, Mara Vidiya, Pulligoda cave paintings, Molahetiwelagala, and Kosgaha Ulpatha can be found. Among them Pulligoda cave paintings, a large mural covering the entire rocky wall belongs to 4th century AD is an important place to visit.
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Somawathiya Chaitya, Somawathiya National Park |
Somawathiya Chaitya, Somawathiya National Park |
<ul>Somawathiya is famous for the Somawathiya Chaitya and Somawathiya national park. Somawathiya Chaitya is located within the Somawathiya national park on the left bank of Mahaweli River, 39 km from Polonnaruwa.<br>
<br>It is believed that Somawathiya chaitya was built by King Kavantissa in the 2nd century BC and named after his sister Princess Somawathi.
During the reconstruction of Somawathiya Chaitya in recent years keep a small strip of the original stupa that first done by princes Somawathi and secondly by king Kanittathissa in 164 AD without plastering. Chaitya is considered as a place that eminates Buddha rays.<br>
<br>The area around the junction where Mahaweli River is forked into two branches belongs to Somawathiya national park. The park contains around 20 “Villus” of water-filled basins around among the grassy plains.
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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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Medirigiriya Vatadage |
Medirigiriya Vatadage |
<ul>Medirigiriya Vatadage is a glorious architectural construction belongs to 7th century AD. It is located 34 km away from Polonnaruwa. The concept of Vatadage was the unique architecture of ancient Sri Lanka. Basically, Vatadage was built around the stupa to protect it. It was erected on an elevated circular dais, encircling the small stupa. Archeologists believed that there may be a wooden roof with the support of stone or wooden columns arranged in several concentric rows. </ul> |
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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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Yapahuwa, Rock fortress |
Yapahuwa, Rock fortress |
<ul>Yapahuwa was the short-lived capital of medieval Sri Lanka. It is located in the Maho area in between Anuradhapura – Padeniya, A 28 road, and 58 km west of Dambulla. The King Buwanekabahu – I have shifted from Polonnaruwa to Yapahuwa in 1272 due to the south Indian invasion. He has built his palace and the city in a 90 m high Yapahuwa rock boulder in a similar concept to Sigiriya. It was lasting as the capital of Sri Lanka until King Buwanekabahu – I death in 1284.<br>
<br>Yapahuwa rock fortress was built with strong battle defense by two ramparts and a moat. The remnants of those ramparts and moat can still be seen. The outer fortification is about 6 m in height and 800 m long and the inner fortification was about 3.6 m in height and 450 m long. The most sticking feature of Yapahuwa today is the steep ornamental staircase. Once it was led to the temple of tooth relic. The 2 lion statues on the staircase are high-quality craftsmanship. That has shown the connection with China in those days because that kind of lion figure was common in that period in China. The museum in the site has also displayed a number of Chinese coins and part of a beautifully decorated stone window of the porches on the staircase.</ul> |
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