| 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 |
| 23 |
14 |
7 |
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.
</ul> |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1 |
B.jpg |
1/6/19, 1:07 AM |
View Edit Delete |
| 21 |
14 |
35 |
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> |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1 |
B.jpg |
1/6/19, 12:56 AM |
View Edit Delete |
| 19 |
14 |
3 |
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. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1 |
B.jpg |
1/6/19, 12:49 AM |
View Edit Delete |
| 20 |
14 |
4 |
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> |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1 |
B.jpg |
1/6/19, 12:53 AM |
View Edit Delete |
| 16 |
14 |
1 |
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1 |
Lahugala B.jpg |
1/6/19, 12:34 AM |
View Edit Delete |
| 17 |
14 |
1 |
Gal Oya national park, Boat safari |
Gal Oya national park, Boat safari |
<ul>Gal Oya national park is famous due to its' boat safari in Senanayaka Samudra reservoir. It is located 314 km away from Colombo and about 1 and half hours' drive to the north of Arugam Bay.<br>
<br>"Makara", the natural tunnel, the water stream falls through that feed the Senanayaka Samudra is an amazing place to explore.<br>
<br>Gal Oya national park offers you a rare opportunity of getting closer to exotic animals and birds. The "sitting-and-swimming" elephants in the serene water of the Senanayaka Samudra always make a picturesque scene that can not be seen anywhere in the world.</ul> |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1 |
B.jpg |
1/6/19, 12:43 AM |
View Edit Delete |
| 24 |
14 |
8 |
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> |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1 |
OKANDA---B.jpg |
1/6/19, 1:10 AM |
View Edit Delete |
| 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 |
| 33 |
17 |
16 |
Bird watching, Gal Oya national park |
Bird watching, Gal Oya national park |
<ul>Gal Oya national park is blessed with a dazzling array of colourful bird species which makes it a must-see destination for birdwatchers. The island named "Bird’s Island", found within the reservoir, is a nesting place for birds.</br>
<br>The most common birds are Painted Partridge, Thick-billed flowerpecker, Crested serpent & Crested hawk eagles, Jungle bush quail, White-bellied sea eagle, Yellow-legged green pigeon, Paradise flycatcher, Ceylon frogmouth, Brown fish owl, Southern sirkeer, Scaly-bellied woodpecker, Brown-capped pygmy woodpecker, Ceylon spurfowl, Southern sirkeer, Racket-tailed drongo, Grey-headed fish eagle, Forest eagle owl, Fish owl, and Little scops owl. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1 |
BIRD-GAL---B.jpg |
2/3/19, 11:45 PM |
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 |
| 35 |
17 |
41 |
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> |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1 |
NILGALA-VEDDA.jpg |
2/3/19, 11:53 PM |
View Edit Delete |
| 40 |
14 |
1 |
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> |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1 |
KUMANA---B.jpg |
2/9/19, 12:02 AM |
View Edit Delete |
| 270 |
14 |
13 |
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. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1 |
B.jpg |
11/15/19, 4:28 AM |
View Edit Delete |
| 271 |
14 |
4 |
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> |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1 |
B.jpg |
11/15/19, 4:59 AM |
View Edit Delete |
| 275 |
27 |
4 |
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.
</ul> |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1 |
B.jpg |
11/16/19, 3:02 AM |
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 |
| 59 |
29 |
1 |
Elephants watching, Minneriya national park |
Elephants watching, Minneriya national park |
<ul>Minneriya national park is located 195 km northeast of Colombo and 30 Km from Polonnaruwa. It is the best place in the world to see a large herd of Asian elephants. It was a Wildlife Sanctuary since 1938 and designated as a national park in 1997. </ul> |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1 |
B.jpg |
2/11/19, 8:01 AM |
View Edit Delete |
| 296 |
41 |
9 |
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. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1 |
B.jpg |
11/30/19, 1:22 AM |
View Edit Delete |
| 125 |
41 |
7 |
Pigeon Island |
Pigeon Island |
<ul>Pigeon Island one of the highly diverse, ecologically important reef habitats in the country. It is located 15 km from Trincomalee and 10 minutes Boat ride. Pigeon Island consists of two islands with rock outcrops, colonized by the rock Pigeons. The islands and the surrounding reef area has given the status of Marine National Park due to their high biodiversity. </ul> |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1 |
B.jpg |
2/14/19, 6:13 AM |
View Edit Delete |
| 126 |
41 |
7 |
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> |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1 |
B.jpg |
2/14/19, 6:29 AM |
View Edit Delete |
| 127 |
41 |
15 |
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1 |
B.jpg |
2/14/19, 6:32 AM |
View Edit Delete |
| 128 |
41 |
21 |
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> |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1 |
WHALE---B.jpg |
2/14/19, 6:40 AM |
View Edit Delete |
| 129 |
41 |
23 |
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> |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1 |
B.jpg |
2/14/19, 6:42 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 |
| 313 |
22 |
17 |
Udawalawe elephant transit home |
Udawalawe elephant transit home |
<ul>Udawalawe elephant transit home, located bordering Udawalawa reservoir within the Udawalawe national park is an orphanage for refuge baby elephants who are destitute, wounded, or motherless. It provides shelter, food, and security until the elephants are big and strong enough to be released back to the wilderness to start their normal life.</br>
<br>Milk feeding for the little calves is a fascinating scene to watch. That is happening every 3 hours daily. Visitors can see the baby elephant feeding at 9.00 am, 12.00 noon, 3.00 pm, and 6.00 pm. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1 |
ETH B.jpg |
1/4/20, 2:23 PM |
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 |