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One of the most popular historical sites, Sigiriya is often referred to by locals as the Eighth Wonder of the World. Sigiriya consists of an ancient citadel atop a rock protrusion built by King Kashyapa in the 5th century. Those hoping to visit Sigiriya, should come prepared for a hike! In addition to the upper palace located at the apex of the rock, Sigiriya also boasts a mirror wall inscribed with ancient texts and world-famous frescoes. All this splendour is guarded by the noble Lion Gate, moats and ramparts which protect the fortress.
It is said that the shape of the rock bears a resemblance to a sitting lion. This is depicted at the entrance to the steps to the summit of the rock, where visitors walk between the magnificent paws of the lion to begin their ascent. It is believed that the entrance, was through the lion’s mouth, which has unfortunately been lost to time.
There are 21 frescoes, depicting young and old female figures, offering us a glimpse in to Sri Lanka’s cultural past. These frescoes are also known “Sigiri Apsara” (Celestial Nymphs) or Sigiri Damsels. There is an iron platform that runs the length of the frescoes, offering visitors an up-close look at these beautiful maidens. The mirror wall was coated with a smooth glaze and is inscribed with impressions of the women in the frescoes, or so the legend goes.
Avid hikers, should also make a trip to Pidurangala rock situated a few miles past Sigiriya. To enjoy an unblemished spectacular view of the Sigiriya rock, from a far, in all its glory. While Pidurangala is a slightly less tenuous hike, we would not recommend that you climb it on the same day as your visit to Sigiriya.
Established around the sapling from the “tree of enlightenment”, Anuradhapura is Sri Lanka’s religious capital for all Buddhist devotees. One of the first great kingdoms of Sri Lanka, Anuradhapura is a harmonious melding of the religious and the political. Visitors, can therefore, expect to marvel at the magnificence of early historical kingdoms, amidst magnificent stupas, monasteries and much more in ancient Anuradhapura.
Mihintale is the site of the fabled meeting atop a mount between Buddhist Monk Mahnida Thero and King Devanampiyatissa. The King walked away a changed man, and so too will pilgrims to Mihintale.
The Ruwanwelisaya, is an awe-inspiring testament to its architecture and sheer size. Its pure white dome against the clear blue sky, truly imparts with any viewer lucky enough to see it in person, the sacredness of the Dagoba. The stillness that encapsulates this sacred place and all who visit, is evidence of its title as of one of the Solosmasthana and one of the Atamasthana (places of veneration).
The Ritigala Forest Monastery is shrouded in the atmosphere of bygone times. At this meditative retreat, visitors cannot help but feel drawn back in time, to the days of ascetics and monks traversing these stoned paths in search of stillness, meaning, and much more. A cool reprieve from the heat of Anuradapura, the aura of the monastery instils in visitors a sense of inner peace and silence.
The Ritigala Forest Monastery is also, home to several herbal plants, which cannot be found anywhere else in the country.
Believed to have been built upon the enclosure where the reverent Mahinda Thero was cremated, the Jethawanarmaya Stupa stands as the largest stupa in Sri Lanka and the tallest in the world.
Dating back to 8 A.D and 10 A.D these two ponds are testament to the hydraulic and engineering genius of the past. An artistic feat as well as a feat of hydraulic engineering, these baths instill in visitors an overwhelming feeling of admiration, appreciation and pride, in our shared cultures and heritage.
Surrounded by boulders and thick foliage, the serenity and peace of this temple remains untouched by the passing of time. Un-spoilt by the hub-bub of the modern world, the Thanthirimale Rajamaha Viharaya transports visitors back to slower, lazy, peaceful days and fills them with a sense of innate calmness.
The well-preserved Royal Rock Temple sits amidst the lofty clouds situated approximately 160m above the ground. With approximately 150 stunning Buddha statues and carvings spread across five caves the Dambulla cave temple, is home to some of Sri Lanka’s most pristinely preserved Buddhist heritage and culture. Visitors can look forward to a brief climb to the top and spend time amidst the serenity and beauty of the evocative religious paintings. Visitors however, should be forewarned to avoid carrying food with them and be mindful of the cheeky monkeys along the way.
For those looking for peace and solitude away from the hustle and bustle, the Nā Uyana Aranya Senāsanaya is just the place. A Buddhist forest monastery in Kurunegala, this haven of peace, silence and solitude, spreads over more than 5000 acres of forest on the ‘Dummiya’ mountain range, making it the ideal get-away for anyone looking to reconnect with the tranquility of nature.
Situated in the Rangiri Dambulla Raja Maha Vihara premises in Dambulla this is the only one of its kind in Sri Lanka. It portrays the evocative paintings of Sri Lanka ranging from as far back as the historic Anuradhapura period to the modern era. An art lover’s paradise, the museum weaves a tapestry of Sri Lanka’s rich history through art.
The Dambulla market is the epi-center for all fresh produce in the country and the heart of Dambulla town. Walk amidst, the never-ending hustle of the Dambulla market as vendors ply their wares and get lost in the fray.
The Ibbankatuwa proto-historic megalithic burial site provides evidence of indigenous Sri Lankan civilizations in the early iron age. The largest historic burial site in Sri Lanka, the Ibbankatuwa burial site is a peep hole in to the practices and developments of past civilizations.
The last stronghold against the Western colonisers, the Kandyan Kingdom was the last Kingdom of Sri Lanka, and is today the cultural capital of Sri Lanka. Kandy today is a unique blend of culture, religion and modernity. Visitors can in equal measure immerse themselves in the rich heritage of Sri Lanka and a shopping capital that is sure to leave your pockets feeling just a little lighter (trust us, you won’t regret it).
Probably the most well-known Sri Lankan temple, the temple of the Tooth Relic houses Sri Lanka’s most sacred Buddhist relic, a tooth of Lord Buddha. Whilst visitors cannot see the tooth itself which is ensconced in a gold casket, the room housing the tooth is open to devotees during offerings and prayers. The temple is also known for its golden roof. With rituals being held throughout the day, visitors may visit the temple at these times and observe the sacred rituals. However, be advised to wear modest clothing and that all devotees must enter the hallowed grounds bare footed.
A man-made lake, the Kandy Lake is a sirens call to all those who pass through Kandy town. Situated in the heart of Kandy town, take a leisurely evening stroll along the lake and enjoy the gentle breeze upon your skin. Stop by one of Kandy’s many bakeries and enjoy a tea bun, maybe even take one along with you to feed the ducks.
Udawattekele is a forest reserve situated at the edge of Kandy city. It is well known for its avifauna and several varieties of plant species. Visit the reserve and enjoy a hike through the forest. Walk under a green canopy, and enjoy the view from some of the lookout spots along the way.
One of the most famous local hikes, the Hanthana mountain range is notoriously popular amongst Sri Lanka’s university students. The range comprises of seven peaks of which the tallest is Uura Kanda. A great hiking destination, make your way up the mountain, as many a local university ‘freshman’ has done before.
The Kandy War Cemetery commemorates the fallen soldiers of the British Empire who fought in World War II and a soldier who died in World War I. The pristine white stones stretch before you and instill in one, a sense of gratitude, serenity and stillness.
A hidden mall, do not let the unassuming outer façade of Kandy City Center fool you. This is a must visit on any shopping expedition and you are sure to find something to your taste. Enjoy the food court, and its wide variety of stalls to choose from. If you’re looking to take home souvenirs and gifts for loved ones, make sure to stop by Kandy City Centre.
The city of Polonnaruwa is built around remains of the ancient city of the Polonnaruwa Kingdom. The second, Sri Lankan Kingdom after the fall of the Anuradhapura Kingdom, Polonnaruwa was declared the capital of Sri Lanka by King Vijayabahu I.
This artificial lake is truly an unparalleled feat of engineering, which continues to baffle and amaze engineers to date. A testament to the vast power, wealth and brilliance of the era, its very name is testament to its sheer expanse and size. “Parakrama Samudraya” translates very directly to “Parakrama Sea/Ocean” clearly alluding to the vastness of the reservoir and King Parakramabahu the Great who commissioned to the tank.
A stone sculpture carved in to a rock, dating back to the Polonnaruwa period, it is believed that this is the statue of King Parakramabahu the Great. Others however, believe that the statue is of a noted sage. Standing at 12 feet tall with a grave face and wise smile, whether it be King Parakramabahu the great or a wise sage, the statue depicts a truly noble and majestic figure.
Believed to have been a seven-storey building with a thousand chambers, the palace was built by King Parakramabahu I. The outer wall alone, still visible today is over a meter thick and extends for approximately 30 feet. The huge walls, foundation walls and stairs that still remain clearly indicate the grandiosity of the palace.
This is the oldest ‘place to store books’ found in Sri Lanka. Traces of the paintings that adorned this library complex may still be seen today, having weathered over 800 years of history.
Having survived the past 900 years nearly intact, the walls of the Thuparama are approximately 7 feet thick and the roof is made of brick. It is believed that the Thuparama houses the statue of a seated Buddha, whose eyes were made of precious stones, which illuminated the image house when the sun hits the gems.
The perfect design of the Nelum Pokuna comprises tiers of eight petalled lotuses, in descending form each one smaller than the other. Smaller than other baths in the Polonnaruwa area, the truly unique design, which mimics and open lotus flower, makes this bath special.
Situated in the northern most district, Jaffna forms the northern tip of Sri Lanka. A culturally rich town, Jaffna tells the tale of Sri Lanka’s rich Tamil culture.
Resplendent in all its glory, the Nallur temple for Skanda/Murugan the god of love, war and beauty is a magnificent site. A stark contrast to the dry arid lands of Jaffna, the temple is a riot of colour and majesty. Sacred to devotees from all walks of life, the Nallur temple instills in all devotees a sense of serenity, sacredness and silence invoked by the divinity of the place.
The museum hosts a large collection of Buddhist and Hindu religious artefacts a testament to the intertwining and harmonious correlation of the two religions. The artifacts housed at the museum date as far back as the ancient kingdoms of Sri Lanka through to Sri Lanka’s period of colonization.
The second largest fort remaining intact, the Fort features traditional Dutch architecture with bastions at each point of the pentagon shaped Fort. It also has a star shaped moat fed by the nearby lagoon.
A riot of brightly hued colours, the Jaffna Market does not fail to enthrall. With high mounts of fragrant spices, fresh produce straight from the tree or sea and favourite local confections, the Jaffna market is truly an assault on the senses. It leaves one with an overwhelming urge to run in every which way, so as to not miss out on any of the wonderful treasures to be found at the Jaffna market.
