ANCIENT

Sri Lanka has had a continuous record of human settlement for more than two millennia, and its civilization has been shaped largely by that of the Indian subcontinent. The ancient Sinhalese excelled in the construction of tanks or reservoirs, dagobas (or stupas) and palaces in Sri Lanka, as evident from the ruins which displays a rich variety of architectural forms. These creations that can still be seen today show the talents of the people of Sri Lanka in the past. Further, glorious Reminders of a resplendent past, enhance the pride the little island.

Ancient City Kandy

Kandy is a charming city that coruscate brilliantly since ancient kings’ era. Kandy is located in the mountainous and thickly forested interior of the island. The city is located in between multiple mountain ranges including the Knuckles mountain range and the Hanthana Mountain Range. Though, Kandy is located significant above sea level. Therefore, the climate is fairly cool than rest of the country. During March to May in intermonsoonal period, there is a light rain and strong humidity.

Sena Sammatha Wickramabhahu was the first king of the Kingdom of Kandy who was a royal from the Kotte Royal Blood line. In those days, Kandy known as Senkadagalapura. And also, Kandy became the capital city of the last remaining independent kingdom in Sri Lanka.

Tea plantation is the main income and tourism also raise head nowadays because of the peace and the beauty of district. For Buddhists, Kandy Hill Capital Sri Lanka is the sacred city. The focal point is the Dalada Maligawa also known as the temple of the tooth, where the Sacred Tooth Relic of Lord Buddha is enshrined. There is also an annual procession which commences at the Maligawa called the Esala Perahera, also known as the festival of the Tooth.

This is where the Tooth Relic is brought out of its chamber and is carried through the town on a decorated elephant. This ceremony which is annually held in the months of July or August, attracts large crowds from all parts of the country and also many foreign tourists.

Ancient City Anuradhapura

This sacred city was established around a cutting from the ‘tree of enlightenment’, the Buddha’s fig tree, brought there in the 3rd century B.C. by Sanghamitta, the founder of an order of Buddhist nuns. During the late Anuradhapura period, the royal family and nobility of Sri Lanka strongly supported Buddhism. As such, they frequently commissioned works of art and donated these items to Buddhist temples.

The historic city of Anuradhapura is an essential stop on any tour of Sri Lanka. This city, located around 205 kms north of Colombo, is one of eight World Heritage Sites in Sri Lanka and is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world.

Ancient City Sigiriya

Sigiriya town is situated in the North Central Province of Sri Lanka. It is a mainstream stop for sightseers’ keen on its archeological vestiges. Basically, the town has however one primary fascination.

Sigiriya is one of Sri Lanka’s most popular tourist attractions – and with good reason. This ruined, fifth century city has some extraordinary features, including moat and wall fortifications, elaborately landscaped gardens, and a monastery. The ruins of the capital built by the King Kassapa I (477–95), the son of the previous king by a non-royal.

Kassapa killed his father and seized the throne from his half-brother and heir Moggallana. Fearing his brother’s revenge, Kassapa left the capital city of Anuradhapura and built the heavily fortified city of Sigiriya.

Ancient City Polonnaruwa

Polonnaruwa is the 2nd largest city in north central province in Sri Lanka. Ancient constructions were built by kings in that period was amazing. Today, some of their ruins can be seen. King Parakrama was a great king who said that don’t waste any drop of water and built Parakrama sammudraya to collect rain water.

It helped to increase fertility in every field. The ancient city of Polonnaruwa has been declared a World Heritage site by UNESCO due to its abundance of historic remains. Polonnaruwa has a great history of conquest and struggle behind it and rightfully forms the third element in the Cultural Triangle.

As in Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa too has a lot of Buddhist destinations, and tour buses of pilgrims can be often seen visiting the stupas and monasteries. However, Polonnaruwa boasts an impressive array of ruined palaces and courtyards, pleasure gardens and intricate networks of bathing tanks, as well as carvings and sculptures and a rich display of artistry.

Ancient City Matale

Matale, situated in the middle of the country is famous for spicy. Cocoa, rubber, vanilla, cardamom, cinchona and jackfruit are the main plantations that can be seen in Matale. Further, the city’s main economic activities include Tourism, Business and Trade. Sigiriya which is the most atraction place in Sri lanka give support to increase tourrism in the district.

King Kashyapa who was the son of King Dhatusena built his palace on top of the rock and decorated its sides with colourful frescoes. The entrance of King Kashyapa palace was designed with the lion-like structure. Therefore, it was named Sinhagiri. Sigiriya is famous for frescoes, created during the reign of Kasyapa. Wasgamuwa national park is another major destination in Matale which is also home to a number of wild elephants.

There are many volunteering programs belongs to this national park and as a volunteer, you can take part in a number of activities designed to better understand the elephant populations around Wasgamuwa National Park and their movements.

Ancient City Galle Fort

Galle Fort, located on Sri Lanka’s southern coast, is a historical treasure that transports tourists back in time. This UNESCO World Heritage Site displays colonial vestiges, with Dutch and British influences visible in the architecture and layout. The massive ramparts of the fort provide breathtaking ocean views, inspiring thought on its maritime past.

Tourists discover a tapestry of sites within its cobbled lanes, including the Dutch Reformed Church, which boasts a calm environment despite the fort’s historical echoes. Galle Lighthouse serves as a marine sentinel, guiding ships to safety.

Visitors can visit beautiful boutiques, art galleries, and cafes, all of which contribute to the fort’s dynamic personality. Galle Fort, with its combination of history and modern attractiveness, is a mesmerizing site where colonial heritage meets modern allure.

Ancient City Buttala

The lush, fertile and plentiful, former hamlet of Buttala in the Monaragala District of the Uva Province is full of lofty monasteries, larger than life statues, gushing waterfalls, sweeping paddy fields, epic tanks and enthralling stupas. The main occupation is farming with plenty of paddy and other crops being cultivated.

When Booker Tate PLC of the United Kingdom established the largest sugar mill in Pelwatte, nearly 300,000 of farmers have gotten the opportunity to cultivate sugar cane in Buttala. Eco-tourism is trending feature in Buttala nowadays because of its rural beauty. Visitors can enjoy the village life style when growing their own vegetables and cooking their own meals in the traditional manner using clay pots and Ceylon spices.

You can taste a glass of fresh cow’s milk in the morning, and you can add dug sweet potatoes to your breakfast.Buttla is the perfect destination for away from your busy life and relax the mind. Its rural isolation let you to soothing your mind with calming meditation. Budugallena Forest Hermitage which is surrounded by tall trees and fanning a constant breeze, is used by monks for meditation.

Further, teaching English in village children, teaching in Sunday school classrooms and helping with farming are volunteering programs that volunteers who are in all around the world can be joined. It will be the great experience to you.

Ancient City Dambulla

Dambulla is an important junction where the Colombo Trincomalee road and Kandy Anuradhapura road meets and then part heading to their own destinations. Due to its location at a major junction, it is the center of major vegetable distribution in the country.

Dambulla, an insignificant village a couple of decades ago, today is a prosperous modern market town-a commercial hub, driven by the force of intensive cultivation by the industrious farmers of the region. Most travelers combine a visit to Dambulla with a visit to Sigiriya’s ancient rock fortress.

This 660-foot column of rock is in the middle of a thick green tropical forest and is called the ‘Eighth Wonder of the World’. Everything in Dambulla is reasonably priced, including the delicious authentic Sri Lankan food that is made with generous amounts of herbs and spices.

Ancient City Jaffna

Jaffna comes under Jaffna kingdom known as Aryachakravarti. Most of the city’s populace are Sri Lankan Tamils with a critical number of Sri Lankan Moors, Indian Tamils and other ethnic gatherings present in the city preceding the civil war. Ayurveda spas which is situated in Jaffna, are the best hotel spa to break from the hustle and bustle of your day-to-day life.

The very basis of carrying forward the Ayurvedic essence which is indicative of cleansing, improving and benefitting our mind, body and soul is the Ayurveda stipulated treatments, remedies and therapies.Further, Dambakola Patuna, or the fort of Jambukola, is one of the most importance and significance for the Buddhist community. The reason is Theri Sanghamitta, sister of Mihindu Maha Thero arrived in Sri Lanka with a Sacred Bo Sapling to this port.

The temple Jambukola Viharaya was built commemorating the arrival of the Bo sapling by King Devanampiya Tissa. Jaffna library is one of the prominent and illustrious buildings in not only the district of Jaffna but also the country of Sri Lanka. This heritage building has many tamil cultural texts that are rare. White-sand Charty beach is the best place to enjoy and it is the place that travelers never miss.

Ancient City Yapahuwa

Yapahuwa, located in Sri Lanka’s North Western Province, is a historical treasure that beckons travelers with its intriguing past and architectural wonders. The highlight of Yapahuwa is its imposing rock fortress, perched atop a massive rock outcrop, offering panoramic vistas of the surrounding landscapes. Visitors are drawn to the intricately carved stone staircase that leads to the summit, an engineering marvel that stands as a testament to ancient craftsmanship.

The remnants of a stupa containing a sacred tooth relic further enhance the site’s significance. Yapahuwa’s blend of history, natural beauty, and cultural richness creates an enchanting atmosphere, making it a must-visit destination for history enthusiasts and explorers seeking to uncover Sri Lanka’s captivating heritage.

Ancient Places