Explore and discover the
island which has been gifted by Mother Nature a wealth of animal
life and a luxuriant vegetation. Topographically, a central range of
hills descends from a height of 2250 meters, through gradual slopes
and gentle undulations to a flat, wide coastal plain reaching out to
broad golden beaches and a warm tropical sea fringed with coral
reefs. A mild climate with little annual variation in temperature
and sufficient rainfall play a major role in enhancing a large bio
diversity. island. |
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Polonnaruwa |
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The medieval capital city of the island. Polonnaruwa. After the demise of
Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa became the capital city from 11th to
the
13th century. Here you will see both Buddhist and Hindu
Temples l
ocated close to one another indicating the harmony
that existed
between the both Sinhalese and South Indian Tamil
kings who lived in this city. Parakramabahu the great, the
Sinhala hero-king
ruled this Kingdom for 30
years.
His wise rule
brought back stability and strength to the country
and
as conqueror he captured kingdoms from south India and
as far as Cambodia. This period another golden era of
the country
with great achievements in huge man made
reservoirs and other
architectural wonders. The many
sights will include; Vajayanta Prasada - The Royal
Palace, the ruins presently
retaining three stories,
this grand place was 7 stories high
with the rest of the
complex spread through a large area. Kumara
Pokuna the
large Royal Bath built of stone in the kings pleasure
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Kandy |
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Known as the
Hill Capital, this city is situated deep within lush
green hills near Sri Lanka's longest river, Mahaweli.
The surroundings of Kandy are the perfect picture of a
Tropical Landscape. Historically the Kandyan Kingdom
originated in 1357 and was the last stronghold of the
country's Royalty until 1815 when it came under the
British rule.
Places to be visited
are; The Upper Lake Drive-from where you have a panoramic view
of the enchanting city. Royal Botanical Gardens of Peradeniya
(67 ha), which began as a pleasure garden for the Kings of
Kandy. The rich flora of the tropics is exhibited at its best
here. The Peradeniya University. "Dalada Maligawa" one of the
most sacred places of the Buddhist World , you will see many
devotees who come to worship and join in religious ceremonies
and rituals. And as you pass through this temple which was the
former Royal Place you will see very special traditional
kandyan architecture unique to Sri Lanka. The museum, Arts
& Crafts center. The interesting market place, Cultural
Dance show where you can view a variety of the traditional
performing arts of Sri Lanka. |
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Galle
Galle The southern
port city. A well known seaport from ancient times when
merchant ships anchored here to trade for the Islands famous
gems, exotic spices and other commodities. The famous fort in
Galle originated as a small fort named Santa Cruz built by the
Portuguese in 1589. After the Dutch occupation it was destroyed
and rebuilt on a much larger scale to cover an area over 36
hectares. This World Heritage Site is a very interesting place
to visit as the old and the modern city blend together in one
area.
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Dambulla
The Rock Cave
Temple of Dambulla. the history of this temple dates
back to 1st century BC during the reign of King Valagam
Bahu. Famous for its ancient Buddhist paintings and
images depicting important events in the
life of the Buddha as well as
significant moments in the history of
Sri Lanka the five main caves contain
almost 150 images of the Buddha .
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Anuradhapura
The
ancient first capital city. Anuradhapura flourished as a center
of political power, and created a unique culture in
South Asia from 400 BC to 1100 AC that was known as far
as the Mediterranean Civilizations. As you walk through
this sacred city of Buddhism with its monasteries,
temples, dagabas and palaces you will notice a very
intricate but refined style of art and architecture that
probably evolved with the influence of the gentle
doctrine of Buddhism and the inspiring beauty of the
land itself.
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