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Anuradhapura |
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 Sri
Lanka’s 1st capital dating back to 5th century
BC is situated in the dry zone. It is one of Sri
Lanka's premier ancient cities.
Attractions: The sacred Bo Tree (The oldest documented
tree in the world and a sapling of the very tree
under which the Lord Buddha attained enlightenment),
temples, Brazen Place, Samadhi Buddha, Kuttam
Pokuna, and Mihintale (12 kilometers from Anuradhapura)
- a rock dotted with shrines and dwellings - a
grand stairway of 1,840 steps made of granite
slabs that leads to a summit with a splendid view
of the countryside. |
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Polonnaruwa |
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The island’s medieval capital dating back
to the 12th century rose to rose to fame after
Anuradhapura's decline. The largest of its many
reservoirs, the Parakrama Samudra, is larger than
the Colombo harbour.
Attractions: Remains of the King's council chamber, the Royal Citadel, the Kumara Pokuna, the Royal Pavilion, the Vatadage Relic House (which is lavished with moonstones, guard stones, and a sculptured railing), Kiri Vehera, and Gal Vihare. |
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Kandy |
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 Sri
Lanka's hill capital is, perhaps, its most beautiful
town. It is 488 metres above sea level, and next
to Colombo,Kandy is Sri Lanka's most visited
place. The focal point of the town is the golden-roofed
Dalada Maligawa, where the sacred tooth relic
of the Buddha is enshrined. The highlight of the
year is the Esala Perahera, when a replica of
the relic casket is taken in procession, accompanied
by exotically costumed dancers, drummers and some
100 elephants ,on ten glittering nights in July/August.
There are numerous shrines and temples in and
around Kandy, where you will see rare paintings,
frescoes, and stone carvings.
Don't miss the Paradeniya Gardens, with an amazing variety of trees, plants and flowers. Kandy is an exiting place for shopping, with souvenirs in wood, copper, silver, brass, ebony, and bronze.
Ceramics, lacquer work, handlooms, batiks, jewellery and rush and reed-ware can also be purchased. |
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Sigiriya |
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Sigiriya claims to be the 8th wonder of the world.
This rock fortress was a royal citadel for more
than 18 years. In a sheltered pocket, approached
by a spiral stairway, are the famous frescoes.
The summit of the rock, with an area of nearly
one hectare, was the site of the old palace -
the outer wall of which was built on the very
brink of the precipice. The UNESCO-sponsored Central
Cultural Fund has restored Sigiriya's 5th century
Water Gardens to its former glory. |
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Dambulla |
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 Like Sigiriya, Dambulla is a vast isolated rock mass, which houses a rock temple (formerly caves). Some of its frescoes are over 2,000 years old - and there is a colossal figure of the recumbent Buddha caved out of the rock, some 14 metres long. |
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