Travel to Sri Lanka, Discover a land of timeless spirit and diversity. Experience for yourself its unique culture and its humble people, well known over centuries for their warm hearts and smiling hospitality. Your journey to Sri Lanka will be a pilgrimage for your body, mind and soul. Re-discover yourself in Sri Lanka.
ANURADHAPURA
- Anuradhapura was Sri Lankas First Known Kingdom built by King Anuradha. Being Sri Lankas Capital for Centuries in the Ancient Time now declared as a world heritage city. The sacred Sri Maha bodhi, Dagabas,Tanks, Art and Architecture are main attractions. Anuradhapura is a world heritage city declared by UNESCO and in the Cultural Triangle and One of most sacred places in Buddism. Anuradhapura is a fascinating district with many tanks, wildlife, irrigational network and it’s humble farming community.
1. Sacred Bo Tree :
After the fall of Anuradhapura, the kings moved the capital to Polonnaruwa, and the once magnificent city was left to the will of the dry zone tropical jungle for about eight hundred years. During this time, only the sacred "Bo" Tree, started from a sapling of the ficus religiosa under which Siddhartha Gauthama attained enlightenment, was continually cared for. This sacred "Bo" tree is the oldest historically documented tree on earth. This tree has been tended devotedly for nearly 23 centuries, even after the city came under the rule of north Indian Dravidian conquerors
2. Ruvanveli Mahaseya :Known as the Mahathupa this construction was built by King Dutthagamani in fulfilment of Mahinda's prophesy and as an act of great merit. It embodies the religious perception of Anuradhapura as a centre for Buddhism, and Ruwanweli as a particular object of Buddhist worship, The Chronicle records that the cost was 6.4 million coins in wages. raised by taxes, and all workers received food, clothing and ather considerations in addition to their wages.
Abhayagiri Dagoba, shown here, was founded as a monastery, about 88 B.C., by Sinhalese King Vattagamini. A hundred and fifty years before Vespasian had begun the great amphitheatre at Rome, Walagambahu, this Lankan king, had completed the Abhayagiria Dagoba, a monumental structure fifty feet higher than St. Paul's Cathedral, and containing an amount of solid masonry sufficient to build eight thousand houses large enough to accommodate forty thousand people.
4. Sigiriya rock :
4. Sigiriya rock :
The climb of the rock of Sigiriya is done using a rather stiff staircase which brings to middle height of cliff to a gallery installed in front of an anfractuosity of the rock where the famous "Sigiriya frescos": 21 female figures probably representing celestial nymphs appear at the height of the hips, bearing gracefully offerings of flowers or fruits.
KANDY
- Kandy is Sri Lankas last Kingdom Historic City situated in the center of the hills and most picturesque city in the country. This world heritage city hosts the Sacred Tooth Relic of Lord Buddha in the 15th Centaury Temple. Every August you can experience the most colorful pageant of Asia. The cultural festival of Elephants, Drummers, Dancers and Musicians exhibiting Traditions of Sri Lankan Culture. The Botanical garden, Museum, Elephant bathing Kandy is Sri Lankas last Kingdom Historic City situated in the center of the hills. This world heritage city hosts the Sacred Tooth Relic of Lord Buddha in the 15th Centaury Temple. Every August you can experience the cultural festival of Elephants, Folk Dancing and Music. The Botanical garden, Museum, Elephant bathing and Hand Crafts, Kandyan dancing and several ancient temples are major attractions. Every traveler visit Kandy on their tour on the way or return from any destination.
1. Temple of the Tooth (Dalada Maligawa) :
The main attraction of the city and also the most sacred Buddhist establishment in Sri Lanka is where one of Buddha's tooth is being kept. Built in the 16th century but improvements and additions have been done to this structure until the fall of the Kandy kingdom. A golden canopy was added recently. Daily rituals are being carried out at various offering times to the shrine. A dress code applies for entering the temple. The magnificence has been enhanced by the octagonal pavilion. The Old Royal Palace compound
2. kandy perahera :Due to changed star configurations, after many years of conducting the Esala Perahera in the months of June or July, this year's procession will revert to its namesake month of Esala (or August). Four hundred and ten years have passed since the Dalada or the Sacred Tooth Relic came to occupy the present Dalada Maligawa. Prince Danta and Princess Hemamala brought it to Sri Lanka during the Anuradhapura Era from when it became imperative that the King of the Land must be the guardian of the "Dalada".
3. Botanical Garden Peradeniya :
The history of the Royal Botanic Gardens dates as far back as 1371 when King Wickramabahu III ascended the thrown and kept court at Peradeniya near Mahaweli river. Later, in the reign of King Kirti Sri from 1747 - 1780 King Rajadhi Rajasinghe resided therein, where a temporary residence was erected for him.
A vihare and dagaba were built in the reign of King Wimala Dhamma which was improved by Kind Rajadhi Rajasinghe. The vihare and dogaba were destroyed by the English when they occupied Kandy. The famous historical battle of Gannoruwa between Rajasinghe II and the Portuguese was fought on the Northern side of the river. A priest resided here till the Gardens were formed by Mr Alexandar Moon in 1821 six years after the final conquest of the Kandyan Kingdom.
A vihare and dagaba were built in the reign of King Wimala Dhamma which was improved by Kind Rajadhi Rajasinghe. The vihare and dogaba were destroyed by the English when they occupied Kandy. The famous historical battle of Gannoruwa between Rajasinghe II and the Portuguese was fought on the Northern side of the river. A priest resided here till the Gardens were formed by Mr Alexandar Moon in 1821 six years after the final conquest of the Kandyan Kingdom.
Bentota
- Bentota is probably the most popular beach resort area in Sri Lanka. Bentota Beach Hotel is situated in a very scenic location between the wide palm fringed beach and the lagoon. In 11 acres of grounds providing magnificent views. 133 Rooms - 105 standard, 12 superior, 13 deluxe, 3 suites, all with private balcony or terrace and lagoon or sea views. Large swimming pool, water sports, Ayurveda health centre. River boat trips, and the turtle hatchery in Kosgoda are some of the nearby attractions.
Travel to Bentota and you'll find it hard to tear yourself away from the wonderful beach, a palm-fringed piece of paradise that stretches for several kilometres along the coast. However, there are several places to visit in the area, including Bentota's own turtle hatchery, some interesting coir factories and Brief Garden, an old colonial house where Olivier and Leigh stayed while filming 'Elephant Walk'. And if you're prepared to venture further afield, Sri Lanka's lively capital, Colombo, is just 65km or so up the road.
2. Bentota River
Bentota is 62km from Colombo and begins on the southern side of the Bentota River, which is also the border between the Western and Southern Provinces. In Sinhala, it is Bentara, and the river is the Ben Ganga. If you drive down to Bentota for the day, you'll breathe a sigh of relief as you cross over the river by the road bridge. Why? Because the suburbs seem to slip away and the heavy concentration of houses and traffic along the Galle Road from Colombo thins out. At last you know you are beside the seaside.
