| Id |
Location Id |
Thinkstodocategory Id |
Title |
Name |
Decsription |
Duration Hours |
Suitable Time |
Good For |
Difficulty |
Clothing |
Equipments |
Numberofparticipants |
Importanttoknow |
Approximatecost |
Remarks |
Showforpublic |
Image |
Created |
Actions |
| 26 |
15 |
1 |
Wildlife safari, Wilpattu national park |
Wildlife safari, Wilpattu national park |
<ul>Wilpattu national park, the largest national park in Sri Lanka is spreading across the northwest coastal lowland. It is located 188 km away from Colombo, 78 km from Kalpitiya, and 38 km from Anuradhapura. Wilpattu was declared a wildlife sanctuary in 1905 and upgraded as a national park in 1938 together with Yala.<br>
<br>Due to its varying biodiversity consist of dense forest, natural lakes, coastal belt, and open grasslands provide a natural habitat for various flora and fauna. The main attraction of Wilpattu is Leopards and Sloth bears. You have the best chance to spot and photograph Leopards near natural lakes in the park during your wildlife safari. </ul> |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1 |
B.jpg |
1/6/19, 2:05 AM |
View Edit Delete |
| 30 |
19 |
16 |
Bird watching, Wilpattu national park |
Bird watching, Wilpattu national park |
<ul>Bird watching in Wilpattu national parks is a unique experience because the villus, the natural sand-rimmed water basins in the park provides a haven for birds. Thus bird watchers can easily access the birds. They have the chance to study and take photographs of them easily.</br>
<br>The most common birds can be seen there are Black-backed yellow woodpecker, Golden-backed woodpecker, Rufus woodpecker, White-bellied sea eagle, Grey-headed fish eagle, Crested hawk eagle, Crested serpent eagle, Brown-capped babbler, Ceylon grey hornbill, Pintail snipe, Great stone plover, Little-ringed plover, Ceylon green pigeon, Orange-breasted green pigeon, Malabar pied hornbill, Racket-tailed drongo, Forest eagle owl, brown fish owl, Hoopoe, Common kestrel, Ceylon jungle fowl, Black-tailed godwit, Ceylon frog mouth and many more. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1 |
BIRD-WILPATTU---B.jpg |
2/3/19, 3:41 PM |
View Edit Delete |
| 31 |
19 |
7 |
Kudiramalai, Wilpattu national park |
Kudiramalai, Wilpattu national park |
<ul>At the western border of the Wilpattu national park, there is an area called “Kudiramalai”. It has a unique terrain with red-colour soil which is not found anywhere else on the island. This type of soil gives evidence to the belief of meteor falling, which has, though, not been proven.</br>
<br>The red soil and clay structures are made out of red and dark-brown earth. They are also made of rocky structures, with the blue-grey surface, studded with stunning vegetation of trees and shrubs. The vegetation holds onto their lives in the forceful wind and limestone reef on the beaches of the Kudiramalai area. The place will take you to a different world of wonder and awe.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1 |
KUDIRAMALE---B.jpg |
2/3/19, 3:45 PM |
View Edit Delete |
| 32 |
19 |
13 |
Pomparippu, Ancient burial ground |
Pomparippu, Ancient burial ground |
<ul> “Pomparippu” is a Mesolithic burial ground. It is located near the Kudiramalai point within the Wilpattu national park. The archeological evidence confirms that the Kudiramalai area had been populated from the Mesolithic period. Archeologists believe that the site may contain about 8,000 burial sites of remains of about 10,000-12,000 people. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1 |
POMPARIPPU---B.jpg |
2/3/19, 3:50 PM |
View Edit Delete |
| 36 |
8 |
1 |
Horton plains national park, World heritage site |
Horton plains national park, World heritage site |
<ul>Horton plains national park is situated 2,300 m above sea level, spreading across Badulla, Nuwara Eliya, and Ratnapura districts, and 190 km away from Colombo, 29 km away from Nuwara Eliya, and 50 km away from Ella.<br>
<br>Maha Eliya Thenna, literary meaning in Sinhala “the great open plain,” was the original name of the area and it was renamed after Sir Robert Wilmot-Horton, the British Governor of Ceylon from 1831 to 1837.<br>
<br>It was nominated as a wildlife sanctuary in 1969 and upgraded to a national park in 1988. Peak wilderness sanctuary adjoining the west with Horton plains national park together with Knuckles mountain range has called “the Central Highlands of Sri Lanka” is a World Heritage Site.
</ul> |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1 |
B.jpg |
2/4/19, 12:26 AM |
View Edit Delete |
| 37 |
20 |
16 |
Bird watching, Horton plains national park |
Bird watching, Horton plains national park |
<ul>Bird watching is very common in Horton plains national park because birds living freely everywhere in the park. The place called "Áranga pool" is the best place to spot endemic bird species of Yellow-eared Bulbul, Sri Lanka whistling thrush, Sri Lanka white-eye, Dull-blue flycatcher, and Sri Lanka bush warbler.</br>
<br>Most of the highland bird species such as Sri Lanka wood pigeon, Scaly Thrush, Spotted-winged Thrush, Sri Lanka rufous babbler, Ceylon blue magpie, Ceylon hill white-eye, Black-winged Kite, Yellow-eared Bulbul, Pied bush chat, Kashmir red-breasted flycatcher, Common buzzard, Brown baza, Black eagle, Mountain Hawk-eagle and many more can be seen in the Horton plains national park.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1 |
BIRD-HORTON---B.jpg |
2/4/19, 1:00 AM |
View Edit Delete |
| 38 |
8 |
4 |
Nature trail, Kirigalpotta |
Nature trail, Kirigalpotta |
<ul>Nature trails to Kirigalpotta (2,389 m), the second-highest mountains of Sri Lanka, located west of Horton plains national park is one of the best nature trails in Sri Lanka.</br>
<br>The hikers can experience all aspects of the unique and fragile eco-system of the Horton plains national park on the nature trail to Kirigalpoththa Mountain. The trail goes through areas of wet grassland, cloud forests, and scrubs at the summit. A wide variety of beautiful wildflowers and hundreds of birds can be seen during the hike. If you are lucky enough, you will be able to see wild boar, deer, and leopard.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1 |
Kirigalpotta_B[1].jpg |
2/4/19, 1:04 AM |
View Edit Delete |
| 316 |
8 |
4 |
Nature trail, Thotupola kanda |
Nature trail, Thotupola kanda |
<ul>Thotupola Kanda 3rd highest mountain in Sri Lanka with a height of 2,357 m has located north of Horton plains national park. Nature trail to Thotupola Kanda is a fairly easy trail comparing other nature trails in Sri Lanka. It is a 4 km trail and takes about 1 hour to reach the summit. You will be able to experience the montane forest ecosystem during your hike. The surrounding view is spectacular at the summit. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1 |
B.jpg |
1/15/20, 2:59 PM |
View Edit Delete |
| 272 |
27 |
16 |
Bird watching, Sigiriya jungle |
Bird watching, Sigiriya jungle |
<ul>Sigiriya jungle is a designated forest reserve that covers the surroundings of Sigiriya rock. Man-made water bodies and the thick canopied forest around the Sigiriya rock. It is heaven for birdlife. Some birds you can find there are Common emerald dove, Indian blue robin, Orange-breasted green pigeon, Blue-faced malkoha, Green imperial pigeon, Brown-breasted flycatcher, White-bellied sea eagle, and many more. </ul> |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1 |
B.jpg |
11/16/19, 1:39 AM |
View Edit Delete |
| 56 |
25 |
16 |
Bird watching, Bundala national park |
Wildlife safari, Bundala national park |
<ul>Bundala national park is heaven for bird watching enthusiasts during the months from September to March. It is consists of thorny scrub, sand dunes, and five shallow brackish lagoons. The park and the adjoining Bundala saltern is harbors 197 species of birds including thousands of migrant waders during the season.</br>
<br>Bundala national park was declared a wildlife sanctuary in 1969 and designated as a national park in 1993. It is located 246 km Southeast of Colombo and 16 km from Tissamaharama. Bundala national park was the first Ramsar Wetland and fourth Biosphere Reserve in Sri Lanka.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1 |
B.jpg |
2/11/19, 5:19 AM |
View Edit Delete |
| 57 |
27 |
1 |
Elephant watching, Kaudulla national park |
Elephant watching, Kaudulla national park |
<ul>Kaudulla national park is located 39 km north of Sigiriya. During the dry season, large herds of Sri Lankan elephants numbering around 150-350 are gathered to grass fields on the edges of the Kaudulla reservoir. You will be allowed to approach closer to animals at Kaudulla national park.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1 |
B.jpg |
2/11/19, 5:39 AM |
View Edit Delete |
| 287 |
32 |
16 |
Kanneliya rain forest, Bird watching |
Kanneliya rain forest, Bird watching |
<ul>Kanneliya rain forest, a UNESCO-listed biosphere reserve is home to a large number of fauna and flora species and several waterways and falls. The trekking at the Kanneliya rain forest is fairly easy due to the safe and flat terrain. It is located 43 km from Galle.<br>
<br>Kanneliya rain forest is the major catchment area of the Gin and Nilwala rivers. There are 26 endemic bird species that can be seen in this forest. Some of these are the Red-faced malkoha, Sri Lankan blue magpie, Orange-billed babbler, Sri Lankan grey hornbill, Sri Lankan spurfowl, and Sri Lankan jungle fowl. </ul> |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1 |
B.jpg |
11/23/19, 5:13 PM |
View Edit Delete |
| 67 |
32 |
16 |
Kottawa forest |
Kottawa forest |
<ul> Kottawa forest has a rainforest environment with about 170 flora species and 70 species of birds, including 12 endemics. It is located 20 km from Galle. Kottawa forest reserve is famous for bird watching. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1 |
B.jpg |
2/13/19, 5:49 AM |
View Edit Delete |
| 69 |
33 |
16 |
Bird watching, Adam's bridge marine national park |
Bird watching, Adam's bridge marine national park |
<ul>The sea of the Sri Lankan section of Adam’s Bridge is shallow. The maritime biodiversity is very high and marine mammals such as Dolphins, Whales, and Dugong can be seen. The diversity of fish is also very high. Therefore the area was declared as a Marine national park and is the only Trans Boundary national park in Sri Lanka.<br>
<br>Many migratory birds follow the route via Adam’s Bridge and Mannar Island when flying to and from Sri Lanka. This region is rich with sea grasslands and the eggs and chicks can be seen lying on some spots on the sand dunes when exploring this area. The migratory bird season from December to march plant of migratory birds can be seen at patch reefs of Adam's bridge. <br>
<br>The most common birds in the park are Caspian tern, Little tern, Large crested tern, Gull-billed tern, Whiskered and Common terns, and many more. </ul> |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1 |
B.jpg |
2/13/19, 6:15 AM |
View Edit Delete |
| 70 |
33 |
16 |
Bird watching, Vankalai sanctuary |
Bird watching, Vankalai sanctuary |
<p>Vankalai wildlife sanctuary, partly a wetland comprises the strips of land on either side of the causeway connecting the island of Mannar to the mainland, Pallimunai, Puliyantivu island, Tiruketiswaram, and Vankalai. It was the fourth Ramsar wetland in the country.</p><p><br></p><p>There are about 150 resident bird species and more than 1000 migratory bird species have been recorded in the sanctuary.</p><p><br></p><p>Most common birds are Indian spot-billed duck, Eurasian wigeon, Avocet, Common teal, Northern shoveller, Pintail, Gargany, Greater flamingo, Crab plover, Oystercatcher, Red knot, Great knot, Ruff, Lesser crested tern, Caspian tern, Little tern, Heuglin’s gull, and many more.</p> |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1 |
B.jpg |
2/13/19, 6:19 AM |
View Edit Delete |
| 71 |
33 |
22 |
Lighthouse, Talaimannar |
Lighthouse, Talaimannar |
<p>Old lighthouse in Thalaimannar known as the Urumalai lighthouse was located in the area called Urumalai and only the iron structure remains. The new Talaimannar lighthouse situated near the Talaimannar pier where an A 14 highway and railway line gets ends together.<br></p> |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1 |
B.jpg |
2/13/19, 6:29 AM |
View Edit Delete |
| 72 |
33 |
23 |
Mannar Fort |
Mannar Fort |
<ul>Mannar Fort was first built by the Portuguese in 1560 and rebuilt by the Dutch in 1658. It is a square-shaped fort with 4 bastions ringed by a moat and its ramparts. It is located side of the Mannar bridge. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1 |
B.jpg |
2/13/19, 6:31 AM |
View Edit Delete |
| 73 |
33 |
12 |
Madu Church |
Madu Church |
<ul>Madu church is home to the statue of Our Lady of Madu, located 50 km south-east of Mannar. It was built in 1876. The remote village of Madu has been sacred to Buddhists and Hindus also due to the Pattini Devale shrine. That was built in the period of 114 – 136 AD.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1 |
B.jpg |
2/13/19, 6:41 AM |
View Edit Delete |
| 74 |
33 |
12 |
Mannar, Ketheeswaram temple |
Mannar, Ketheeswaram temple |
<ul>Ketheeswaram temple or Thirukketeeswaram Kovil is located 10 km east of Mannar town. It is one of the five historical Sri Lankan Shiva temples. It is said that this temple was established to protect the island from a natural disaster in the post-classical period. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1 |
B.jpg |
2/13/19, 6:42 AM |
View Edit Delete |
| 75 |
33 |
7 |
Baobab tree, Mannar |
Baobab tree, Mannar |
<ul>An ancient Baobab tree believed to be planted by Arab traders who came for pearl trading over 700 years is still in live at Mannar.<br>
<br>The world's largest natural pearl bank was located in shallow seas around Mannar. It supplied massive amounts of natural pearls to the world over 2000 years. That was destroyed by the colonial rulers in the late 19th century due to over-harvesting. </ul> |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1 |
B.jpg |
2/13/19, 6:48 AM |
View Edit Delete |
| 76 |
33 |
33 |
Doric Bungalow, Arippu |
Doric Bungalow, Arippu |
<ul>Dorick bungalow was the residence of Frederick North, the first British Governor of Ceylon. He used to stay there on his visit to Mannar to supervise the pearl fishing. It is located in Arippu 38 km south of Mannar. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1 |
B.jpg |
2/13/19, 6:53 AM |
View Edit Delete |
| 77 |
16 |
16 |
Bird watching, Chundikulam national park |
Bird watching, Chundikulam national park |
<ul>The thin stem of land connecting the mainland and the northern peninsular, bordered by the Indian Ocean from the east and carving to create a lagoon from the west is a divine hotspot of wild creatures, the Chundikulam national park belongs to the above Lagoon and the surrounding area is 76 km east of Jaffna and approximately 12 km northeast of Kilinochchi.<br>
<br>During the migratory season, spanning from November to February the park becomes the major site for bird watching. Large flocks of birds, such as Terns and Gulls, and raptors such as Kites and Sea Eagles are common at that period.
</ul> |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1 |
B.jpg |
2/13/19, 7:53 AM |
View Edit Delete |
| 78 |
16 |
23 |
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> |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1 |
B.jpg |
2/13/19, 8:08 AM |
View Edit Delete |
| 79 |
16 |
7 |
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.
</ul> |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1 |
B.jpg |
2/13/19, 8:17 AM |
View Edit Delete |
| 80 |
16 |
25 |
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. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1 |
B.jpg |
2/13/19, 8:23 AM |
View Edit Delete |
| 81 |
16 |
13 |
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. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1 |
B.jpg |
2/13/19, 8:27 AM |
View Edit Delete |
| 83 |
16 |
13 |
Delft Island |
Delft Island |
<ul>Delft Island is about 35 km away from the Jaffna mainland. The whole island was based on coral and limestone. The roots of Portuguese and Dutch occupancy on the island are more prominent. The Delft Island Fort, Hospital, Castle, Horse breeding centre, and Pigeon houses with a stone cote are among the archaeological remains of the colonial period.<br>
<br>The ancient Buddhist ruins can also be seen on the island. Three inscriptions belong to the 1st and 2nd century and 14th and 15th century are being discovered recently.<br>
<br>Delft Island horses, believed to descend from horses kept on the island from the time of Portuguese occupancy are significant on the island. Part of Delft Island is nominated as Delft Island national park to provide sanctuary for those 450 odd Delft Island horses. </ul> |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1 |
B.jpg |
2/13/19, 8:53 AM |
View Edit Delete |
| 98 |
36 |
22 |
Beruwala lighthouse |
Beruwala lighthouse |
<ul>Beruwala lighthouse or Barberyn lighthouse is one of the 4 international lighthouses in Sri Lanka. It is located on Barberyn Island near Beruwala, 20 km south of Kalutara, and a ten-minute boat ride. <br>
<br>Established in 1890 and the structure is 33.53 m tall with round, yellow embossed stones. The grand yellow tower stands at the edge of a cliff on the small island, covered with a thick growth of coconut trees. The glass at the tower is the original glass installed by the British in 1928. There is a small stone house next to the tower built during the British period, and some of the equipment used by the British are still to be found in good condition. </ul> |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1 |
B.jpg |
2/14/19, 3:40 AM |
View Edit Delete |
| 99 |
38 |
12 |
Kande viharaya, Aluthgama |
Kande viharaya, Aluthgama |
<ul>Kande Viharaya was built in 1734 at the hilltop of Aluthgama. It is one of the famous Buddhist temples in Sri Lanka, located 6 km north of Bentota. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1 |
Kande Viharaya B.jpg |
2/14/19, 3:42 AM |
View Edit Delete |
| 100 |
38 |
36 |
Mind soul and body, Rejuvenation |
Mind soul and body, Rejuvenation |
<ul>Ayurveda, Yoga, and meditation are being best practices in Bentota. You can combine your holiday with an unforgettable wellness experience and completely rejuvenate your mind, soul, and body. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1 |
B.jpg |
2/14/19, 3:52 AM |
View Edit Delete |
| 101 |
38 |
3 |
Madu Ganga, Boat ride |
Madu Ganga, Boat ride |
<ul>Madu Ganga about 17 km from Bentota is famous for a boat safari. Madu Ganga flows into Madu Lake before unleashing into the sea at Balapitiya. Madu Lake is an estuary connected with adjoining Randombe Lake by two narrow channels, forming a coastal wetland ecosystem of 915 ha, of which 770 ha of open water and 145 ha of islands.</br>
<br>Madu Ganga wetland consists of 303 species of plants including 19 endemics and 248 species of the vertebrate fauna of which 20 species are endemic.</br>
<br>Amarapura Nikaya, one of the three Buddhist sectors in the country held their first higher ordination ceremony on a fleet of boats anchored upon Madu Ganga in 1803. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1 |
B.jpg |
2/14/19, 4:06 AM |
View Edit Delete |
| 102 |
38 |
18 |
Kosgoda turtle hatchery |
Kosgoda turtle hatchery |
<ul>Kosgoda turtle hatchery is a turtle conservation centre, sponsored by UNDP. You will be able to witness the turtles in their natural habitat at Kosgoda turtle hatchery. They collect the turtle eggs from the seashore at night. Then placed them on protected sand to hatch. After 3 days baby turtles released back to sea.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1 |
B.jpg |
2/14/19, 4:11 AM |
View Edit Delete |
| 103 |
38 |
30 |
Water sports in Bentota |
Water sports in Bentota |
<ul>Bentota beach and lagoon offers a wide range of water-sports such as windsurfing, surfing, water skiing, canoeing, banana boating, jets key, and deep-sea fishing. The tranquil waters of the Bentota River and lagoon are ideal for beginners of water sports. Canoe Rock, South Reef, and Hundirangala are the best places for diving and snorkeling to witness vibrant corals and large schools of fish.</ul> |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1 |
B.jpg |
2/14/19, 4:20 AM |
View Edit Delete |
| 104 |
38 |
3 |
Bentota river safari |
Bentota river safari |
<ul>Bentota river safari is provided an ideal opportunity to observe a variety of fauna and flora associated with a wetland environment. you will be able to see many birds, crocodiles, and a beautiful mangrove lagoon. Mangrove lagoon is a wonderful place to relax. </ul> |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1 |
BT-SAFARI--B.jpg |
2/14/19, 4:22 AM |
View Edit Delete |
| 105 |
38 |
35 |
Stone carvings, Bentota, Galapata temple |
Stone carvings, Bentota, Galapata temple |
<ul>Stone carving of the “Nari Latha” motif at Galapata temple is a masterpiece of Sri Lankan stonemasons. This temple <span style="font-size: 1rem;">was built in 12th Century AD locating near the </span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 1rem;">Bentota River. The stupa in this temple was built by burring canine tooth relic of the Maha Kasyapa thero, the 3rd disciple of Load Buddha.</span></ul><ul>
<br>The annual Dalada perahera held in the month of January to honour the tooth relic of Maha Kashyapa thero is one of the biggest perahera in Southern Sri Lanka.</ul> |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1 |
Galapata B.jpg |
2/14/19, 4:25 AM |
View Edit Delete |
| 106 |
38 |
33 |
Geoffrey Bawa house, Lunuganga |
Geoffrey Bawa house, Lunuganga |
<ul>Lunuganga is a country house at Lunuganga estate that belongs to Geoffrey Bawa, the late renowned architecture. It is a fascinating display of Geoffrey Bawa’s architectural vision that now maintained by the Geoffrey Bawa Trust. <br>
<br>The estate was a cinnamon garden during the Dutch period and a rubber plantation in the British period. Geoffrey Bawa brought this 15-acre land in 1949 and developed it as a tropical version of European renaissance gardens. Bawa was cremated and his ashes were buried there.
</ul> |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1 |
Lunuganga B.jpg |
2/14/19, 4:29 AM |
View Edit Delete |
| 291 |
38 |
33 |
Brief Garden, Bevis Bawa |
Brief Garden, Bevis Bawa |
<ul>Brief Garden is the home of Bevis Bawa, a well-known Sri Lankan artist and the older brother of renowned architect Geoffrey Bawa. The brief garden has included a profusion of tropical trees, structures, and homoerotic sculptures. Wonderful murals of Sri Lankan life in the style of Marc Chagall is fascinating to witness. The house also contains some beautiful other arts and furniture. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1 |
B.jpg |
11/26/19, 5:22 PM |
View Edit Delete |
| 107 |
39 |
15 |
Surfing, Hikkaduwa |
Surfing, Hikkaduwa |
<ul>Hikkaduwa is the next world-famous surfing site in Sri Lanka other than Arugam Bay. The season is from November to April. There are many surfing schools in Hikkaduwa to teach how to do this old art of wave riding.<br>
<br>The main surfing locations in Hikkaduwa are Benny’s, Main Reef, Beach Break, and North Jetty.<br>
<br>There is an uncrowded surfing site with three low power left reef break next to each other at Owakanda in Rathgama 8 km South of Hikkaduwa. </ul> |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1 |
B.jpg |
2/14/19, 4:37 AM |
View Edit Delete |
| 108 |
39 |
38 |
Ambalangoda Masks |
Ambalangoda Masks |
<ul>Sri Lankan Masks are ornamental facial decorative wear used in dancing. Ambalangoda, about 15 km north from Hikkaduwa is known to be the heart of mask carving with many shops around this coastal town.</br>
<br>Wood called “Diya Kaduru” (<i>Cerbera manghas</i>) is used to carve masks into various characters. These marks are used for Sanni Dance, Kolam Dance, and Raksha Dance. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1 |
B.jpg |
2/14/19, 4:44 AM |
View Edit Delete |
| 109 |
39 |
38 |
Moonstone Gem, Meetiyagoda |
Moonstone Gem, Meetiyagoda |
<ul>Moonstone gem is found in the village of Meetiyagoda about 10 km from Hikkaduwa. It is the only place in Sri Lanka where this gem is found. Moonstone carries a sheen, which can be seen on the surface of the stone from certain angles. At the Meetiyagoda gem mine, you can explore the narrow, deep shafts from which it is mined. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1 |
B.jpg |
2/14/19, 4:47 AM |
View Edit Delete |
| 110 |
39 |
38 |
"Rukada", Puppetry dance |
'Rukada', Puppetry dance |
<ul>‘’Rukada’’ a form of puppetry art in Sri Lanka is performed mainly on the southern coast. These miniature figures are operated by strings. Ambalangoda is famous for this marionette theater. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1 |
RUKADA---B.jpg |
2/14/19, 4:53 AM |
View Edit Delete |
| 111 |
39 |
35 |
Temple paintings, Gangarama temple, Hikkaduwa |
Temple paintings, Gangarama temple, Hikkaduwa |
<ul>Gangarama Maha Viharaya on the outskirts of Hikkaduwa is famous for its informative murals depicting the life of the Buddha. It is a lifetime work of one artist in the Kandyan era. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1 |
B.jpg |
2/14/19, 5:01 AM |
View Edit Delete |
| 112 |
39 |
12 |
Buddha statue, Galgoda Shailatalaramaya temple, Karandeniya |
Buddha statue, Galgoda Shailatalaramaya temple, Karandeniya |
<ul>The largest reclining Buddha statue in South Asia is housed at Galgoda Shailatalaramaya Maha Vihara in Karandeniya, 20 km north of Hikkaduwa. The temple is around 90 m above sea level which gives you a fantastic view of the surroundings. </ul> |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1 |
B.jpg |
2/14/19, 5:03 AM |
View Edit Delete |
| 113 |
39 |
12 |
Seenigama Devalaya |
Seenigama Devalaya |
<ul>Seenigama Devalaya (shrine)is located on a small island short way from the beach. It is just 2 km north of Hikkaduwa. Seenigama Devalaya is dedicated to the "Devol Deviyo" or God Devol. Fishermen believe that Devol Deviyo protects them and their boats. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1 |
B.jpg |
2/14/19, 5:07 AM |
View Edit Delete |
| 114 |
39 |
3 |
Catamaran ride, Dodanduwa Lagoon |
Catamaran ride, Dodanduwa Lagoon |
<ul>Dodanduwa lagoon safari by paddling traditional Catamarans is an amazing experience. The lagoon is located 6 km south of Hikkaduwa. During the safari, you can do fishing and bird watching. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1 |
Dodanduwa Lagoon B2.jpg |
2/14/19, 5:09 AM |
View Edit Delete |
| 115 |
39 |
16 |
Bird sanctuary, Telwatta |
Bird sanctuary, Telwatta |
<ul>Telwatta Bird Sanctuary is located just 2 km south of Hikkaduwa. It is a small lakeside rich in waterfowl and shore-birds. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1 |
B.jpg |
2/14/19, 5:11 AM |
View Edit Delete |
| 150 |
32 |
9 |
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.
</ul> |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1 |
B.jpg |
2/14/19, 10:40 AM |
View Edit Delete |
| 288 |
32 |
9 |
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. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1 |
B.jpg |
11/23/19, 5:33 PM |
View Edit Delete |
| 319 |
39 |
30 |
Snorkeling, Scuba diving, Glass bottom boat ride, Hikkaduwa marine national park |
Snorkeling, Scuba diving, Glass bottom boat ride, Hikkaduwa marine national park |
<ul>Hikkaduwa marine national parks contain a fringing coral reef with a high degree of biodiversity. The reef is just 200m offshore. The different species of hard corals and beautiful reef fish can be explored in shallow water not more than 4m deep. This brilliant and colorful underwater ecosystem offers you an excellent location for snorkeling, scuba diving, and a Glass-bottom boat ride.<br>
<br>The late morning between 9 a.m. and 11 a.m is the best time for snorkeling. At that period the sun is directly above and high visibility underwater is favoured. </ul> |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1 |
B.jpg |
1/26/20, 3:31 PM |
View Edit Delete |
| 167 |
46 |
40 |
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>
</p></ul> |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1 |
B.jpg |
2/16/19, 2:01 AM |
View Edit Delete |
| 168 |
46 |
44 |
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
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1 |
B.jpg |
2/16/19, 2:11 AM |
View Edit Delete |
| 183 |
49 |
13 |
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.
</ul> |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1 |
B.jpg |
2/16/19, 2:56 PM |
View Edit Delete |
| 185 |
49 |
17 |
Arboretum, Archaeological reserve at Menikdena |
Arboretum, Archaeological reserve at Menikdena |
<ul>Menikdena archaeological reserve and arboretum is located between the Menikdena reservoir and Menikdena hills, 16 km south of Dambulla. In the 6th century AD, this area is known as Budugama and there was a temple complex. In the 11th century AD this area was used as a camping site at the battle agents Chola invaders by King Vijayabahu I. </ul> |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1 |
MENIK---B.jpg |
2/16/19, 3:03 PM |
View Edit Delete |
| 222 |
8 |
16 |
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> |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1 |
B.jpg |
2/18/19, 10:19 AM |
View Edit Delete |
| 223 |
8 |
17 |
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. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1 |
Moon plain B.jpg |
2/18/19, 10:22 AM |
View Edit Delete |
| 279 |
27 |
4 |
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.
</ul> |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1 |
RITIGALA---B.jpg |
11/16/19, 3:25 PM |
View Edit Delete |
| 286 |
29 |
1 |
Angammedilla national park, Angammedilla stone weir |
Angammedilla national park, Angammedilla stone weir |
<ul>Angammedilla national park is nominated to protect the drainage basin of Parakrama Samudraya. It is located 20 km away from Polonnaruwa.<br>
<br>Ancient Angammedilla Gal Amuna (stone weir), has located at the edge of the national park that tapped the water of Amban Ganga River and diverted to Parakrama Samudraya through the canal called Akasa Ganga. It was created in the 12th century AD by King Parakramabau – I. <br>
<br>During the months of January to April Angammedilla Gal Amuna and the surrounded area is full of butterflies.
</ul> |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1 |
B.jpg |
11/23/19, 1:48 AM |
View Edit Delete |
| 334 |
25 |
43 |
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> |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1 |
OFF-YALA--B.jpg |
5/3/20, 2:10 AM |
View Edit Delete |
| 323 |
34 |
16 |
Bird watching, Anawilundawa |
Bird watching, Anawilundawa |
<ul>Anawilundawa sanctuary has best known for bird watching, located between Chilaw and Puttalam, 100 km north of Colombo and 73 km south of Kalpitiya. It is a Ramsar Wetland covering 1,397 hectares. That includes six man-made reservoirs and 3 peripheral interconnected tanks. The six reservoirs named Pinkattiya, Maradansola, Anawilundawa, Mayyawa, Surawila, and Vellawali.</br>
<br>The three totally different eco-systems of brackish water wetlands with salty marshland, freshwater gardens of man-made tanks and canals and adjoining coastal areas with sand dunes and beach creates a paradise for birds and for their breeding. Anawilundawa is home to more than 150 different types of birds. The native species can be seen throughout the year. The migrant birds can be best seen from October to April.</br>
<br>A walk on the bund of the tanks will permit you to get close to the breeding colonies where you can spot rare birds and take some great photographs of them.</br>
<br>The most common birds can be seen in Anawilundawa are Openbill, Purple Coot, Common Moorhen, Lesser Whistling Teal, Purple Heron, Grey Heron, White-bellied Sea Eagle, Stork-billed, Common, Pied & White-breasted Kingfishers, Gargany, Grey-headed Fish Eagle, Black-winged Stilt, Indian Shag, Spoonbill, Cotton Teal, Large, Median & Little Egrets, Black-backed Yellow Woodpecker, Brown Fish Owl and many more. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1 |
Anawilundawa B.jpg |
2/17/20, 4:46 AM |
View Edit Delete |
| 326 |
27 |
40 |
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> |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1 |
B.jpg |
3/25/20, 4:01 AM |
View Edit Delete |
| 329 |
32 |
40 |
Old town of Galle and its fortifications, World heritage site |
Old town of Galle and its fortifications, World heritage site |
<p>
The World Heritage Site of the “old town of Galle and its fortifications” is a marvellous place to explore. Whether you are a history and archaeology lover or fun holiday seeker the archaeological remaining and villas, antique shops, cafes, and restaurants inside the Galle fort with its ancient glory will delight you.
The combination of European architecture with local construction traditions has best displayed in Galle fort. The fort has two huge portcullis main gates. The gate from the land side has inscribed the image of the Dutch Coat of Arms with the year “ANNO MDCLXIX”. The fort and the surrounding area has many historical monuments to explore.</p>
<p>They are: </p>
<ul>
<li>Dutch Reformed Church is also known as “Groote Kerk”, built-in 1640, and its belfry built in 1707 and antiques inside the church.<br></li><li>New Orient Hotel exclusive use of the Dutch Governor and his staff in 17 the century converted to a luxury hotel in 1865<br></li><li>Dutch Government House</li><li>Dutch Commander Residence</li><li>The Warehouse built in the 17th century to store spices and ship equipment that converted to the National Maritime Museum at present<br></li><li>The Old Dutch Hospital</li><li>All Saints Anglican church built in 1871</li><li>Clock Tower built in 1882 The Buddhist temple which was once the site of the Portuguese Roman Catholic church<br></li><li>Galle Lighthouse</li><li>Breadfruit tree (Artocarpus altilis) planted by the Dutch</li>
</ul>
<p><br></p><p>If you are walking along the ramparts of the fort in the evening before the sunset, at the Flag Rock Bastion in the southernmost end, you will be witnessing the beautiful sunset you will ever witness.
</p> |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1 |
B.jpg |
4/28/20, 2:18 AM |
View Edit Delete |
| 330 |
29 |
40 |
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>
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1 |
B.jpg |
4/28/20, 11:43 PM |
View Edit Delete |
| 335 |
29 |
4 |
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> |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1 |
Danigala B.jpg |
5/3/20, 2:13 AM |
View Edit Delete |
| 365 |
49 |
1 |
Night safari, Popham’s Arboretum |
Night safari, Popham’s Arboretum |
<ul>Popham’s Arboretum located just 4 km away from Dambulla town on Dambulla - Kandalama road. This man-made forest was created by nature lover Sam Popham, an Englishman in 1963. Now it is the only dry zone Arboretum in Sri Lanka. The natural habitat with a variety of trees, birds, butterflies, and dragonflies has resembled typical Sri Lanka dry-zone dry evergreen forest.</br>
<br>The most evolutionarily distinct and globally endangered Sri Lankan endemic species of the red slender loris (<i>Loris tardigradus</i>) can be seen in this Arboretum. Night Walk to search these nocturnal arboreal animals with large distinctive eyes in this wilderness would be a fascinating experience you not to miss.</ul>
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1 |
POPHAM---B.jpg |
5/23/20, 1:48 AM |
View Edit Delete |