HERITAGE
Sri Lanka continues an astonishing seven UNESCO world Heritage sites within its compact shores- the same as heritage-packed Egypt. Six are testament to a civilization with over 2,000 years of recorded history,while the seventh a natural site, boasts some of the highest biodiversity outside the Amazon basin.
Two of the sites, sacred Anuradhapura,probably the grandest city in Asia at its prime,and the ancient city of polonnaruwa,feature enormous dagobas (dome-shaped structures) and Buddha statues.
The Jetavana dagoba at Anuradhapura (3rd c.BC), was 120m tall the world ‘s third highest structure.Now 75,it still has the distinction of being the world ‘s largest brick structure.
The fascinating land of Siri Lanka,described as ‘the finest island of its size in the world ‘by Marco Polo,is endowed with several attractions that have immense historical and archaeological significance.8 of these spectacular attractions have been declared World Heritage sites in Sri Lanka by UNESCO and continue to amaze visitors from all parts of the globe
The 8 Heritage sites
- The sacred city of Anuradhapura
- The Ancient city of Plonnaruwa
- The Ancient city of Sigiriya
- The Old Town of Galle and its Fortifications
- The Sacred city of Kandy
- The Gold Temple of Dambulla
- Sinharaja Forest Reserve
- The central highlands of Sri Lanka
In addition to these glorious sites,Sri Lank is also home to a mesmerising array of religious landmarks,Buddhist and Hindu temple,churches and mosques.
THE SACRED CITY ANURADHAPURA
Situated in the North-Central part of the island,Anuradhapura was the first capital of Sri Lanka,established by King Pandukabhaya and thrived as a royal kingdom for 1300 years.An invasion in 993 saw the end of the Anuradhapura reign,but to this day, the city remains as one of the finest heritage sites in Sri Lanka Scattered will magnificent temples reservoirs,stupas and historical monuments to explore and admire Anuradhapura is home to the sacred Sri Maha Bodhiya Bo Tree which is believed to be a sapling of the Bo Tree that Lord Buddha attained enlightenment under.
In this impressive city you will also find the largest ‘Stupa’ in Sri Lanka,the remarkable Jetavanaramaya,which starteds at 120m tall.Ruwanweliseya is Anuradhapura ‘s best-preserved and most beautiful stupa and is well worth a visit.Be sure to stop by the the ‘Kuttam Pokuna’ twin ponds and marvel at the advanced landscape architecture of ancient times.
Anuradhapura is the location of the Sri Maha Bodhi Bo-tree, grown from the original three under which the Buddha attained enlightenment. It is the world ‘s oldest documented living tree. Polonnaruwa contains one of the world’s largest stone books,Gal potha (“stone book”), 8.2m long and 1.4 wide.
ANCIENT CITY OF POLONNARUWA
Polonnaruwa was declared the island’s second capital by king Vijayabahu the 1st, after he successfully defeated the chola invaders and reunited the country.Apart from the Brahmanic monuments built by the cholas,Polonnaruwa contains fabulous ruins of the beautiful garden city created by King Parakramabahu in the 12th Century including the Parakrama Samudra,which is the largest ancient man-made rainwater reservoir in Sri Lanka.The awe-inspiring ‘Vatadage’ and the stunning Lankatilake Shrine with its towering 17m walls and images and statues of Lord Buddha are among the masterful creations of the Polonnaruwa era.
Remains of the royal palaces as well as a variety of archaeological museums and the Tivanka Pilimage with wall paintings dating back to the 13th Century,also exist in this city of treasures galore.
ANCIENT CITY OF SIGIRIYA
The city of Sigiriya is one of the best preserved ancient cities in Asia and The Sigiriya Rock Fortress, is no doubt,one of the world’s most astounding spectacle. This historic miracle was built by King Kasapa, who fled to Sigiriya after seizing the throne from his father Following this debacle Kasyapa constructed a fortified Kingdom in hopes of gaining protection from his brother, the rightful heir to the throne.
Sigiriya Rock Fortress consists of beautifully landscaped water garden at the base with narrow steps leading up to the impressive remains of the Lions Gate,wall of frescoes and gallery of painted murals.As you climb higher you are able to wander among the remains of the great ‘Palace in the Sky’ which lies on the flat surface of the massive rock structure.
The most intriguing and popular world Heritage site is Sigiriya(4th c.AD),dubbed “the eighth wonder of the world “ , a stupendous rock on which a patricidal king built a magnificent palace. The rock face was covered with sensual frescoes of celestial maidens, described as the world ‘s largest picture gallery. A few frescoes exist, and there is a remarkable water garden complex an excellent example of Sri Lanka ‘s hydraulic sophistication.
Sigiriya attracted many visitors after it was abandoned indeed it is believed to be one of the world ‘s oldest tourists sites.Those early tourists were exponents of graffiti, and Sigiriya ‘s “Mirror Wall” has been described as the world ‘s first interactive book as it with delightful poems.
OLD TOWN OF GALLE & ITS FORTIFICATIONS
The characteristic seaside town of Galle remains a prime example for a truly fortified city constructed by Europeans in South-East Asia.Galle was founded by the Portuguese in the 16th Century and developed immensely between the 16th and 18th centuries by the Dutch.The large ramparts and bastions that enclose Galle Fort exhibit Dutch-colonial structures peppered with Sri Lankan influences and the quaint villas and churches display an eclectic mix of European and Asian architecture.
Most of the villas and houses on the streets of Galle have now been converted into boutique hotels,holiday homes and charming restaurants, marking the town a relaxing and peaceful seaside getaway. Galle is also home to the Galle Cricket Stadium,which is a popular venue of choice for international Test cricket matches.
A world Heritage site of a different era is the Dutch Fort at Galle,considered the best preserved fort in South Asia.with life as it did when Galle was the main passenger port.It is on of the most unique attractions in Sri Lanka.
SACRED CITY OF KANDY
Kandy was the last capital city reigned by the Sinhalese King and is home to the temple that safeguards the Sacred Tooth of Lord Buddha To this day Kandy remains the religious capital of Buddhism in Sri Lanka The Sacred Tooth Relic is paraded around the city annually during a grand religious procession known as the Kandy Esala Perahera. The Esala Perahera is a fascinating whirlwind of vibrant cultural and fire dancers,energetic drummers and elephants clad in glittering attire.A magnificent and elegant event,this magical parade is not to be missed.
Apart from the grand Temple of the Tooth Relic,the monumental sites of Kandy include the lake created by King Sri Wickrama Rajasinghe in the 18th Century, the Old Royal Palace Compound and the Hindu Shrines adjacent to the Temple of the Tooth.
GOLDEN TEMPLE OF DAMBULLA
The serene town of Dambulla is home to the magnificent Golden Temple of Dambulla, which camprises of 5 spacious caves,that have been converted into shrine rooms with a beautiful white facade and entrance.As you venture into the most stunning example of Sri Lankan religious art.Delicate motifs and religious paintings engulf the ceilings and walls covering an area of 2100 square meters and 157 exquisite statues of Lord Buddha, Bodhisattvas and Hindu deities adorn this tranquil and Sacred rock temple.
SINHARAJA FOREST RESERVE
The Sinharaja Forest Reserve is a unique tropical lowland rainforest and eco-tourism destination situated in South-west Sri Lanka. Nowhere else in Sri Lanka will you find such phenomenal diversity of species and plant life. Over 95% of the endemic birds of Sri Lanka can be found in this green haven which makes it the ideal location for bird watching Sinharaja house more than 50% of endemic mammals and butterflies and more than 66% of endemic trees and vines it is also home to a fascinating variety of insects,reptiles and amphibians and makes for an unforgettable experience with nature at its finest.
THE CENTRAL HIGHLANDS OF SRI LANKA
The Central Highlands of Sri Lanka are made up of 3 picturesque mountain locations namely The peak wilderness protected Area,Horton Plains National Park and Kunuchles conservation Forest. The 3 areas are unique Forest, some 2500m above sea level brimming with an abundance of greenery and wildlife. The incredible view from the 1000m worlds End drop at Horton Plains National Park will take your breath away and the myriad of unique species found on the misty hills of the Knuckles mountain range with fascinate you to no end.
Climbing Adams Peak,which lies in the heart of The Peak Wilderness Protected Area is an ancient pilgrimage followed by devotees from all religious.Journey up the mountain will the goal of reaching the peak before dawn and you will be rewarded with a spectacular view of the most glorious sunrise when you finally reach the top.