Anuradhapura
Anuradhapura is a major city in Sri Lanka. It is the capital city of North Central Province, It was 1st Kingdom in Sri Lanka for over 1000 years sinhalese kings , with occasional south Indian interlopres , ruled from the great city of Anuradhapura. It is the most extensiv and important of the Sri Lanka ancient cities, but its size and the lingth of of its history , and equally the length of time since its downfall.
Thare are 8 major thing to see-
Sri Maha Bodhiya
The sacred Bo-tree Budhagaya (India) was brought to Sri Lanka by Princess Sanghaamitta sister of Princes Mahinda on the invitation of king Devanam Piyathissa (236 B.C) the sapling was planted by the King Devanam piyatissa.
Ruwanweliseya
The largest stupa in the Sri Lanka. This Sthupa was built by the heroic king Dutugemunu In the 2nd century B.C
Thuparamaya
This is the Oldest stupa in the Anurdhapura . Built around (250BC – 210BC) by the King Devanam piatissa.
Brazen Palace
So called because it’s ones had Bronze (Brazen) roof . its built by by the King Dutugemunu. Over 2000 years ago (161-137 B.C ).
Mirisavatiya
This dagoba also built by king Dutugemunu. after he captured the city of Anuradhapura.
Abhayagiriya
This dagoba was built by the king Valagambahu in the 1st century B.C.
Jetavanaramaya
This dagoba similar height to the Abhayagiriya ( before 100m. – now 70m.) Built by the king Mahasen in the 3rd century A.D.
Lankaramaya
Built in 1st century B.C by king Valagamba for memory of his Queen Soma.
More Attracting Places
Samadi Buddha Statue , Isurumuniya , Moon Stone , Kuttam pookuna (The twin pond) , Mihintalaya , Avakana -: The magnificent 12 high standing Buddha statue.
POLONNARUWA- 2nd kingdom
This city the second great capital of Sri Lanka after Anuradapura in North Central province South Indian dynasty that first made it’s capital at Polonnaruwa after conquering Anuradhapura In the 10th century.
When the Sinhalese King Vijayabahu drove the Cholas of the island in 1070 he kept Polonnaruwa as his Capital . Time to time many king were ruled but Prakramabahu was the last grate king . He has done the many things. The largest man made ancient irrigation reservoir called “Parakrama Samudraya ” You must not fail to visit this in your journey.
Things to See :
Statue of Potgul vehera,
The Royal palace,
Audience hall,
Kumara pokuna- (princes bathing pool),
Siva devale 1,
Quadrangle,
Pabalu viharaya,
Rankot vihara,
Lanktilaka ,
Kiri vihara ,
Statues of ” Gal Viharaya ,
Lotus pond ,
Thivanka image house,
Sigiriya- (Lion Rock)
Sigiriya is an ancient palace located in the l Matale District 19km to Dambulla in the Central Province. Sri lanka’s major attraction in 473A.D king Dhatusena of Anuradhapura was overthrown and so one legend goes walled up alive by kasyapa. Ha is son by a palace consort Moggllan Dhatusena’s son by his true Queen fled to India swearing revenge so
Kasyapa fearing and invasion decided to build impregnable fortress on the huge rock of Sigiriya when the long - expected invasion finally came in 491 , Kasyapa did not just skulk in his strong hold but rod out add the head of his Armey on an elephant in attempting to out flank his half-brother Kasyapa took a wrong turn became bogged in a swamp was deserted by his troops and took his own life.
Sigiriya late became a monastic refuge but eventually fell into disrepair.
Now it has been proposed to name it as the Eighth Wonder of the Ancient world .The cultural Triangle Project focused its attention on Sigiriya and it has been excavated and restored by UNESCO.
Things to See :
Frescoes: Painted in this niche are series of beautiful women similar in style to rock paintings at Ajanta in India.
The Mirror Wall with Graffit : Originally this wall was so highly polished that the king could see himself whilst he walked alongside it. Made of brick masonry wall and covered in highly polished white plaster.
The Water Gardens: Kasyapa’s beautiful water gardens which extend with form the western foot of the rock with Royal bathing pools.
DAMBULLA - cave temple
Cave temple and the Golden temple situated in the central part of the Sir Lanka also as the world heritage site (1991) this site situated 148km east of Colombo and 72km North to Kandy. The cave history thought to date back around the 1st century B.C when king Valagammdhahu driven out of Anuradhapura took refuge here. when he regained his thorn he had caves converted in to a magnificent rock temple later kings made further improvements including king Nisssanka malla who had temple interior gilded a earning it the name of Ran giri (golden rock)
There five separate caves containing 150 Buddha images, the largest cave being over 50m long and about 6m high. The 1st cave you come to has a50m-long reclining Buddha the second cave has many large images of Hindu Gods. All the caves are full of Buddha images in a variety of positions and are decorated in glowing colures with frescoes scenes from the Buddha’s life and events in Sinhalese history.
Kandy
Located in the Central Province, Sri Lanka. It is the second largest city in the country after Colombo. It was the last kingdom of the Sri Lanka The city lies in the midst of hills in the Kandy and area of tropical plantations, mainly tea. Kandy is both an administrative and religious city. The Temple of one of the most sacred places of worship in the Buddhist world. Historical records suggest that Kandy was first established by the Vikramabahu III (1357–1374 CE),
Sri Lanka after the coastal regions had been conquered by the Portuguese. and the Dutch (16th, 17th and 18th century) and also by the British (most notably in 1803) were repelled. Kandy preserved its independence until it finally fell to the British in 1815. The British deposed the king, Sri Wikrama Rajasingha, and all claimants to the throne, thus ending the last traditional monarchy of Sri Lanka.
Things to See :
Temple of Tooth
Dalada Perahera : This is important colourfull festival in Kandy held in July, August in every year .You should not miss this event in your visit to Sri Lanka .
Kandian Dance: This shows the traditional culture of Sri Lankans.
Peradeniya Botanical Gardens: It is well maintained landscaped gardens with lots of flowers.
If you are a nature lover you might visit.
Embekke Devale: Built in the 14th century it corved wooden pillars ,thught to have come from a Royal audience hall in the city.
Lanka Tilake Temple: It’s a mainly Hindu temple with the Buddhist annexe which houses find Buddha image and Kandy period wall paintings . out said there are stone Elephant figures .
Pinnawala
Elephant Orphanage was first established by the Sri Lankan Department of Wildlife Conservation in 1975 for feeding and providing care and sanctuary to orphaned baby elephants that were found in the wild
This village is around 90km from Colombo and around 35km to kandy. Pinnawala is well known for its Elephant orphanage . There are about 84 elephants under protection .
Adam’s speak- Sri pada- Samanala Kande
If you want to climb in which case you’ll need at least a good sleeping before climbing . you can start in the early morning to climb from Dalhousie about 7km. climb is up steps most of the way and with plenty of rest stops you will get to the top in three or four hours.
Adam’s peak is a beautiful and fascinating place .Not all faiths believe the huge ‘Foot print’ on the top of the 2224m Peak to be that of Adam-some claim it belongs to the Buddha, St’ Thomas the early apostle of India, or even Lord Shiva .
Kithulgala
From Colombo to Kithulgale about 90km and you can reach in around 2.5 hours. This is Only One place for the White Water Rafting Location in Sri Lanka. “ The Bridge on the River kwai ” was filmed on the Kelani river near Kitulgala .
Nuwara Eliya
Kandy to Nuwara Eliya (on the way) you can see the nice wves with tea plantation, tea factory and waterfalls at about 1889m Nuwara Eliya (N. eliya meaning city of light ) also known as 'Little' England', was the favorite hill station of the British who tried to create Nuwara Eliya into a typical English Village. The old pink-brick Post office, the English country house- like Hill club with it is hunting pictures ,mounted hunting trophies and fish ,and the 18 hold Golf Course (said to be one of the finest in Asia) , all cry out England .
Major attraction places-:
Victoria Park,
Water falls ,
Haggala Botanical Gardens,
Gregory lake, Golf Ground
Horton plains & world’s End
Sita Eliya temple(Hindu) – it’s said to mark the spot where Sita was held captive by the king Rawana and daily prayed for Rama to come and rescue her.
Things to Do :
Train trip- Nuwara Eliya doesn’t have its own Rail way Station, but is served by Nanu oya (about 9km from N.eliya to Nanu Oya Rail way Stetion),
You can see the nice scenic with enjoy with Train trip for Nanu oya to Ella.
Boat Riding,
Horse Riding, Golf
Trincomalee:
Trincomalee, one of the finest natural deep-water harbors in the world is located 257 km north-east of Colombo, capital city of Sri Lanka. This city is home to the famous for Koneswaramtemple Hot Springs and the fort frederick.
Uppuveli and Nilaveli:
Sri lanka east coast has some of the country’s most attractive beaches.
Batticaloa:
Passikudha - 30km North of Batticaloa. The major tourist development on the east coast attractive beach.
Arugam bay:
Probably the best Surfing place in Sri lanka. surf beach is located 314 km from Colombo, 2 ½ km south of the small town of Pottuvil in the Ampara district of Dry Zone South-east coast of Sri Lanka.
Ella:
This place the people who like to climb mountains and to get- rest (relaxing)
Things to see-
Rawana watear falls.
Udawalawa National Park:
Udawalawe National Park lies on the boundary of Sabaragamuwa and Uva Provinces, an important habitat for Sri Lankan elephants,
It;s situated in the dry zone and is a large area of scrub, grass and old plantation around a large reservoir..Its about 30,821 hectares. . Udawalawe National Park is very well known for its outstanding scenic beauty and wealth of fauna species, particularly mammals and birds.This is a home for Elephants . other than you can see Deer , Samber, Hornbills, Peafowl and various birds , reptiles & fish there . ( young elephants , feeding or bathing & playing in the water . ) The safari will make a unforgettable experience
Yala National Park:
Yala National Park is the most visited and second largest national park in Sri Lanka. and lies in Southern Province and Uva Province The park covers 979 square kilometers (378 sq mi) and is located about 300 kilometers from Colombo Actually Yala Safaris are fantastic really enjoyable seeing animals in the natural environment. It has verity of ecosystems including forests, grasslands, fresh water & marine wetlands and sandy beaches. The sceneries are absolutely beautiful.
Tangalle:
Tangalle is a regionally important fishing port and a centre of tourism. In the city centre there is an old Dutch fort which is used as a prison today. It is one of the largest towns in southern province. It has a mild climate, in comparison to the rest of the district, and sandy beaches.
Mirissa:
The most beautiful beach in Sri Lanka. 4km from Weligama on the Matara road has beautiful curve of Sandy Beach with calm clear water they are a delight to swim in or lie in front of.
Unawatuna:
Unawatuna is a major tourist attraction in Sri Lanka and famous for its beautiful beach and corals. It is more suitable for swimming & snorkeling than most of the other beaches .It is located 150 km from International Airport , Katunayake.
Galle:
Sri Lanka’s 4th biggest town 116km to Colombo most historically interesting living city. Founded in the 16th century by the Portuguese,
Later, Portuguese had to surrender to the Dutch armies. In 1640, the Dutch took over Galle. It was them who built the Fort in the year 1663, in the way it's seen now. They built a fortified wall, using solid granite, and built three bastions, sun, moon and star. There was a developed town center, and a whole lot of buildings.
After the British took over the country from the Dutch, in year 1796, they kept the Fort in the same way, and had it as the administration center of Galle.
Bentota:
Bentota is located 64km from Colombo. Galle District in Southern Province, Calm seas during the season from November to April make Bentota Beach ideal for snorkeling, diving, sailing, wind surfing, water-skiing, and deep-sea fishing on a traditional outrigger canoe. Bentota enriched with safe swimming conditions in the season combined with fun water sport and exciting excursions that set up an ideal background for a relaxed holiday in Sri Lanka, is an attraction for the families.
Things to See:
Turtle hatchery,
Mask factory,
Moonstone mine.
Things to Do:
Madu River Safari,
Water Sports,
Diving
Collombo:
Sri lanka’s biggest city holds less of obvious interest than meny other parts of the island.
During the day, however, its Colourful street markets, colonial-era buildings, museums and Galleries, churches,mosques and temples, and the lovely Viharamahadevi Park with it beautiful trees, make it a great place to explore on foot.
Places to Visit:
o National Museum
o Old Parliament Building & The new Parliament
o Buddhists Temples
o Galle Face green and Independence square
o Shopping centers
o Lak Sala
o Lak Medura Handicrafts , Gifts ,Mementos ,Leather items
o Premadasa & Company -Gem & Jewelry
o House of Fashion -Cloths
o No Limit -Cloths
o Odel
Negombo is the fifth largest city in the country after the capital Colombo, Kandy, Jaffna and Galle, and it is the second largest city in Western province after Colombo many people make Negombo their last stop in Sri Lanka’s before flying out. About 6km from the International Airport, Katunayake, which is quick access to Airport.
. The major beach resort in the West Coast is Negombo. The wide sandy beaches and the safe sea are the major attractions of Negombo.
Negombo has a majority of Roman Catholics along with Buddhists, Hindus and Muslims. Negombo has been given the name "Little Rome" due to the highly ornate Portuguese-era Roman Catholic churches found within the township.