Historical places in Sri Lanka

Anuradhapura

is a major city in Sri Lanka. It is the capital city of North Central Province, Sri Lankaand the capital of Anuradhapura District. Anuradhapura is the first and one of the ancient capitals of Sri Lanka, famous for its well-preserved ruins of ancient Sri Lankan civilization. It is believed that from the 4th century BC, it was the capital of the Sinhalese until the beginning of the 11th century AD. During this period it remained one of the most stable and durable centers of political power and urban life in South Asia. The ancient city, considered sacred to the Buddhist world, is today surrounded by monasteries covering an area of over sixteen square miles. There are 28 round about in Anuradhapura as it is one of the largest Districts

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Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi

In the 3rd century BC, it was brought to Sri Lanka by Sangamitta Thera, the daughter of Emperor Asoka and founder of an order of Buddhist nuns in Sri Lanka.Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi is a Sacred Fig tree in Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka. It is said to be the southern branch from the historical Bodhi tree Sri Maha Bodhi at Bodh Gaya in India under which Lord Buddha attained Enlightenment. This is the oldest living human-planted tree in the world with a known planting date. Today it is one of the most sacred relics of the Buddhists in Sri Lanka and respected by Buddhists all over the world.

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Polonnaruwa

This was the second capital of Sri Lanka.

 

 

 

 

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Sigiriya

Is an ancient palace located in the central Matale District near the town of Dambulla in the Central Province, Sri Lanka. The name refers to a site of historical and archaeological significance that is dominated by a massive column of rock nearly 200 metres high. According to the ancient Sri Lankan chronicle this site was selected by King Kasyapa for his new capital. He built his palace on the top of this rock and decorated its sides with colourful frescoes. On a small plateau about halfway up the side of this rock he built a gateway in the form of an enormous lion. It is also called as the Lion Rock. Sigiriya belonged to one of the Eight Wonders of the World Heritage Site. It is the most visited historic site in Sri Lanka.

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Dambulla

Is a nearby Cave Temple. It is the largest and best preserved cave temple complex in Sri Lanka. The rock towers 160 m over the surrounding plains. There are more than 80 documented caves in the surrounding. Major attractions are spread over 5 caves, which contain statues and paintings. This paintings and statues are related to Lord Buddha and his life. There are a total of 153 Buddha statues, 3 statues of Sri Lankan kings and 4 statues of god and goddess.

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Beaches in Sri Lanka

Negombo, Mount Lavinia, Kalutara, Beruwala, Bentota, Galle, Unawatuna, Mirissa, Weligama, Hikkaduwa, Koggala, Tangalle, Trincomalee, Nilaveli, Batticoloa, Passekudah, Arugam Bay are some of the fascinating beaches in Sri Lanka. You can relax, enjoy scuba diving, snorkeling, wind surfing, water skiing, swimming, surfing, visit coral reefs and boat trips. Also You can visit stilt fishing and main fishing centers in Sri Lanka.

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Hikkaduwa

The place located in south of the country and was the first area to be developed for tourism. The beach in Hikkaduwa is very famous for coral reef and scuba diving.

 

 

 

 

Weligama

Is a unique Bay and Beach with a wide and long sandy beach. The bay is famous for its remarkable fishermen doing stilt fishing and handmade lace and seafood. It is also a wonderful Scuba Diving and Surfing location.

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Mirissa

Is a small, beautiful and rocky beach which is calm, relaxing and almost private. Whales and dolphins watching, sea fishing, river trips, snorkeling are activities you could do while you travel in Mirissa. Many tourists come to Mirissa for whale watching. You can watch the whales in the Indian Ocean off the Mirissa harbour in the

November-April season.

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Negombo

A fishing village from island’s main International Airport. The beauty of the beach and surrounding star class hotels give more attraction of tourists.

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Mount Lavinia

Is a historical city from British colonial period. The fantastic beach is crowded on holidays with local people who enjoy the beach sports activities such as swimming and surfing.

 

 

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Kalutara

Is important spice trading centre from Portuguese, Dutch and British colonial times. The city also named as one of the sacred city of Buddhist people in the country has large hollow dagoba (Buddhist shrine)

 

 

 

 

Beruwala

Is also a main fishing center.

 

 

 

 

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Bentota

The place located in south of the country, has romantic scenery hotels and popular for wind surfing and water skiing.

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Galle

Is a large mound-like hill, which forms the eastern protective barrier to the Galle harbour. The famous Dutch Fort is one of the best tourists’ attractions.

 

 

 

 

 

Unawatuna

Is the most wonderful beach location by the nature, Unawatuna is one of the best Scuba Diving Locations in Sri Lanka. It is famous beach, Scuba Diving, Surfing and Sea Food in Sri Lankan Style. Galle Fort is a nearby interesting place to visit. This beach is very famous amongst the Tourist and one of the best locations to spend their unique time.

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Koggala

The place located in south of the country, has finest beach and historical Madol Duwa (island surrounded by lake) as mentioned in Sri Lankan literature. You can spot the very famous Stilt farmers here.

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Tangalle

Is located in down south district of Hamabanthota. It is a beautiful and natural palm fringed sea bay and a Fishing Harbor offering great sea food. The long and great beach and the coral reef are best attractions.

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Trincomalee

Is a natural deep-water harbor that attracted great sea farers like Marco Polo, Ptolemy and Sea Traders China and East Asia from the ancient times. The long and wide beaches offer surfing, scuba diving and fishing and whale watching. This sea town has the largest Dutch fortress of Sri Lanka has the oldest Hindu temple Tirukonesvaram Kovil in Sri Lanka.

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Nilaveli

Is a natural harbour and beach is one of finest in world. Nilaveli is ideal place for water sports like scuba diving.

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Batticaloa

Is situated in the east coast of Sri Lanka with a great lagoon and beach with a fascinating culture of the east.

 

 

 

 

 

Pasikuda Pasikuda

Is a nearby beach in Batticaloa district and very famous for its sand and calm water.

 

 

 

 

 

Arugam Bay Arugam Bay

Is a fine beach near associated with fishing villages. It has been identified as the best surfing beach in Sri Lanka and 4th best in south east Asia.

 

 

 

Wild Life and Safari in Sri Lanka

 

Wilpattu National Park

Is a park located in the Northwest coast lowland dry zone and on the island of Sri Lanka. Wilpattu is the largest and one of the oldest National Parks in Sri Lanka. Wilpattu is among the top national parks world renowned for its Leopardpopulation. Different types of vegetation, mammals, birds and reptiles are famous in Wilpattu

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Yala National Park

Is the most visited and second largest national park in Sri Lanka. It is situated in the southeast region of the country. The park is best known for its variety of wild animals. It is important for the conservation of Sri Lankan Elephants, Sri Lankan leopards and aquatic birds.

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Udawalawe National Park

The park is an important habitat for water birds and Sri Lankan Elephants. It is a popular tourist destination and the third most visited park in the country.

 

 

 

 

Minneriya National Park

Is a national park in North Central Province of Sri Lanka. Large numbers of Sri Lankan Elephants are attracted to grass fields on the edges of the reservoir during the dry season. Tourists visit Minneriya largely because of elephants, especially in dry season. Amphibians are also to be seen in the park.

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Sinharaja Rain Forest

Is a national park and a biodiversity hotspot in Sri Lanka. It is of international significance and has been designated a Biosphere Reserve. The hilly virgin rain-forest, part of the Sri Lanka lowland rain forests eco region, The reserve’s name translates as Kingdom of the Lion. It is a treasure trove of endemic species, including trees, insects, amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals. An interesting phenomenon is that birds tend to move in mixed feeding flocks. Reptiles, a large variety of amphibians, butterflies and the inevitable leeches are to be found.

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Pinnawela Elephant Orphanage

Is an orphanage, nursery and captive breeding ground for wild Asian elephants located at Pinnawala village of Kegalle town of Sri Lanka. Pinnawala is notable for having the largest herd of captive elephants in the world. The orphanage was originally founded in order to afford care and protection to many of the orphaned un weaned wild elephants found wandering in and near the forests.

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Other Places to Visit

 

Colombo

Is the largest city of Sri Lanka. Like many cities, The main city is home to a majority of Sri Lanka’s corporate offices, restaurants and entertainment venues. Famous landmarks in Colombo include the Galle Face Green, the Viharamahadevi Park, Mount Lavinia beach, Gangaramaya Temple (Buddhist Temple), Bandaranaike Memorial International Convention Hall (BMICH), Dutch Hospital as well as the National Museum. Interesting places to do shopping is ODEL, Barefoot Gallery, House of Fashion etc.