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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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Govinda hela |
Govinda hela |
<ul>Govinda hela or Westminister Abbey is a rocky mountain. The forest around the mountain is a protected forest. Govinda hela hike is one of the best hiking trails in Sri Lanka. It is about 55 km away from Arugam Bay.</ul> |
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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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Wildlife safari, Yala national park |
Wildlife safari, Yala national park |
<ul>Wildlife safari at Yala national park would be the most famous activity done by the most foreign travelers to Sri Lanka. Yala national park is located 310 km from Colombo in Hambantota and Monaragala district.<br>
<br>Yala national park comprises five blocks of which block 1 has been the most frequented due to its accessibility and the terrain of open glades. Due to its high population of wild aminals, Yala national park block 1 is the most frequented area of travelers. The small and large herds of elephants and leopards are roaming often around this area. That provides the best chance to take photographs of them in your interesting pose. The Sloth bear, Spotted Deer, Wild Boar, Sandbur and saltwater crocodile, and birds and turtles are frequent in Yala national park.<br>
<br>You have a 99% chance to witness those wild animals during your Yala safari.<br>
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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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Veddas at Nilgala |
Veddas at Nilgala |
<ul>One of the Vedda clans lives in Nilgala area near Gal Oya national park. There are about 80 Vedda families living in Nilgala. You would be able to explore and understand how hunter dwellers in Sri Lanka transform into the modern world. The Henebedde cave at the Danigala area located near Nilgala was the home for the early Henebadde Veddas clan has now been extinct. </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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"Nittaewo", the lost race |
"Nittaewo", the lost race |
<ul> Cave Mahalenama was inhibited by “Nittaewo” the strange lost race in Sri Lanka. They were nearly one meter in height, hairy bodied, short, and dagger claws with great length and strength. They were reported to resemble orangutans or gorillas and were expert climbers and said to be had the ability to walk upright on the trees and caves. Cave Mahalenama is located inside the Kumana national park.
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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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Rumassala, Ramayana |
Rumassala, Ramayana |
<ul>Rumassala, also known as “Buono Vista” lies on a rocky outcrop between the Galle harbour and Unawatuna beach. Rumassala forest patch is a wildlife sanctuary and approximately 150 species of medicinal herbs can be found. At the top of the Rumassala hillock, you will be able to witness panoramic views of Galle Fort and the surrounding landscapes that you should never miss.</br>
<br>Legendary Rumassala was in the epic Indian poem, Ramayana. During the battle between the Indian king Rama and Sri Lanka King Ravana, Rama’s brother, Lakshman was wounded. The monkey god “Hanuman”, was sent to the Himalayas to find some special medicinal herbs. But Hanuman forgot which herbs he needed and in desperation, he took a chunk of the mountains and twisted in his tail come back. On his way back he dropped a piece of it at Unawatuna forming this hillock. It is believed, that this is how the great variety of unusual vegetation and medicinal herbs can be found in the Rumassala. |
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Galle lighthouse |
Galle lighthouse |
<p>Galle lighthouse was first built in 1848 however it was destroyed by a fire in 1936. The present lighthouse was built in 1939. </p> |
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Uppuveli beach |
Uppuveli beach |
<ul>Uppuveli beach located 4 km from Trincomalee town is the beginning of the fascinating beaches north of Trincomalee. It is a fairly safe beach and the ambiance is mellow. |
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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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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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Snorkeling and Scuba diving, Pigeon Island, Coral Island |
Snorkeling and Scuba diving, Pigeon Island , Coral Island |
<ul>Pigeon Island marine national park contains one of the best remaining coral reefs of Sri Lanka. Reef's environment undersea in the area is an amazing natural and charming treasure. It is home to dozens of beautiful corals and hundreds of exotic marine species. Thus, it is a stunning place for scuba diving and snorkeling.</br>
<br>A few kilometers north of Nilaveli, there is another island called Coral Island which unlike Pigeon Island cannot be landed on, but which has a well-preserved reef containing the beautiful cabbage coral and a marvelous variety of dazzling tropical fish. Coral Island has considered the best snorkeling site in Sri Lanka by many snorkeling enthusiasts.
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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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Unawatuna beach |
Unawatuna beach |
<ul>Unawatuna beach locates 7 km south of Galle was endorsed by the Discovery Channel, as the best beach in Sri Lanka and among the ten best beaches in the world. <br>
<br>A beautiful wide curving sandy bay protected by a double reef creates a natural pool with golden sand and turquoise water and surrounded by fringed palm trees is a haven for safe swimming. During the offseason, from May to October a lot of the sand gets washed away from the beach but still good for swimming. It is a great place for surfing, diving, and snorkeling.
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Jungle beach, Unawatuna |
Jungle beach, Unawatuna |
<ul>Jungle beach is a small stretch of isolated beach with forest right behind it. It is located between Galle and Unawatuna and adjacent to Rumassala hillock. Jungle beach is a very good place for swimming and snorkeling. It can be reached by boat or by snorkeling from Unawatuna. |
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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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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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Hantana |
Hantana |
<ul>Hantana mountain range is a famous hiking trail in Kandy. There are 2 main trailheads to the Hantana range. One is from the famous Peradeniya University and another one from “Hanthana 4th milepost”. There are several peaks to hike in this range. The surrounding view is panoramic. |
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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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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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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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Kirinda temple, Archaeological ruins |
Kirinda temple, Archaeological ruins |
<ul>Kirinda temple and many archaeological ruins have situated around a 10 km radius of Tissamaharama. Kirinda is an ancient temple located atop a rocky outcrop adjoining the Kirinda beach. The surrounding view of an isolated long stretch of sandy beach and the ocean beyond is amazing at the top of the rock. Kirinda temple is dedicated to Queen Viharamahadevi who lived in the 2nd century BC, the mother of great Sri Lankan King Dutugemunu.<br>
<br>There are many archaeological ruins to be explored around Tissamaharama. Sandagiriya stupa & ruins, Ruins of Silapassa Pirivena, Yatala Viharaya, Galkanumandiya Ruins, Ethabendigala & Debarawewa Menik Vehera are a few of them.
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Ritigala, Mountain hike |
Ritigala, Mountain hike |
<ul>Ritigala is famous due to Ritigala Mountain, Ritigala forest, Ritigala forest monastery, and Ritigala Jayasena. It is located 43 km north of Sigiriya.<br>
<br>Ritigala Mountain is remarkable for its history, legends, and nature. It is a steep jungle-clad mountain with a height of 764.25 m. The summit of the mountain is a mini plateau on which the vegetation is different from the surrounding area. Hence the summit has a cool and wet micro-climate. This mountain is a herbal medical garden also where many rare herbal medical plants are to be found.<br>
<br>According to the Mahavamsa, this mountain is referred to as “Arittha Pabbata”, where the king’s army was raised. During the reign of King Surathissa (177-187 BC), a temple called “Sankha Viharaya” was built. Several following kings also reconstructed the temple and added more Viharas and Stupas. The remains of this monastery complex can still be found today.<br>
<br>There are well-known legends related to Ritigala. One is related to Ramayana and the other one regarding Ritigala Jayasena. Ritigala Jayasena is being a good Angampora warrior, he challenged Gotaimbara, one of the King’s army commander. During the battle, Jayasena’s head was removed by Gotaimbara. After his death, Ritigala Jayasena became the much-feared demon “Mahasona”.<br>
<br>According to the Ramayana, Rama’s brother, Lakshman was wounded during the battle between King Ravana. The monkey god “Hanuman”, was sent to the Himalayas to find some special medicinal herbs. But Hanuman forgot which herbs he needed. In desperation, he took a chunk of the mountains and twisted in his tail, and came back. On his way back he dropped a piece of it at Ritigala mountain. It is believed, that is how the great variety of medicinal herbs can be found in the Ritigala Mountain.
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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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11/23/19, 1:29 AM |
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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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Off-road adventure, Yala block – II |
Off-road adventure, Yala block – II |
<ul>Block – II of the Yala national park is located between Yala block – I and Kumana national park, boarding by Menik Ganga and Kumbukkan Oya and the south-eastern coast. The landscape of this area is large open plains with lagoons and gently scattered bushes. The wildlife is less frequent compared to block – I. The area called “Miniha Gal Kanda” on the south-eastern coast has fascinating geological formations. The landmass of the area is in the shape of an “Amphitheatre” with multicoloured. This area looks like the “GRAND CANYON” of Arizona, in the USA.<br>
<br>Yala block - II is a highly remote area. If you are looking for fantastic adventure activity this would be ideal and once in a lifetime. The terrain in the area is one of the toughest on the Island. When you are driving you should get ready to get muddy. Due to the remoteness of the area and for safety reasons 2 4WD vehicle convoy must require for this tour.</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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Danigala, Alien Mountain |
Danigala, Alien Mountain |
<ul>Danigala or the Alien Mountain is located at Aralaganwila, 44km away from Polonnaruwa. In recent years there has been some news about UFO sighting in this area. If you climb up to the top of Danigala you may be brought up some favourable question mark regarding UFO sighting. That is due to the circular shape at the top and its’ vegetation. Hike to the top of the mountain would be a fascinating experience. Danigala temple at the bottom of the mountain. It has a lot of ruins and 70 odd caves. Partly destroyed reclined Buddha statue looks similar to the Pidurangala Buddha statue can be seen in one of these caves.</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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Wildlife, Knuckles Mountain Range |
Wildlife, Knuckles Mountain Range |
<ul>Knuckles mountain range covering 18,512 ha. of central high lands in Sri Lanka has an amazing diversity of fauna and flora. Despite its size, it has a higher percentage of the island’s biodiversity. Due to its own climatic microcosm, five types of vegetation can be found at Knuckles. They are semi-evergreen forest, sub-montane forest, montane forest, riverine forests, and the pathana and savannah grasslands.<br>
<br>There are 31 species including four endemics and nine nationally endangered mammals are found in the Knuckles wilderness. The toque monkey and the purple-faced leaf monkey, Wild Buffalo, Wild boar, Black-Naped Hare, Jackal are common in Knuckles.<br>
<br>A high composition of birdlife can be found in the Knuckles range. Over 130 bird species are recorded in Knuckles and 17 of them are endemic. There are 20 amphibians including 12 endemic and 53 reptiles including 23 endemic recorded in Knuckles. The endemic Leaf-nosed Lizard has found only in the Knuckles region whereas half of the Agamid lizard species in Sri Lanka are found in the Knuckles. The water streams in Knuckles has recorded 25 species of freshwater fish. Among them, 8 are endemic.</ul>
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