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Cultural and Historical Heritage
Dalada Maligawa
The Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, or Sri Dalada Maligawa, is the architectural marvel that houses the revered Tooth of the Buddha. Situated within the royal palace complex in Kandy, this sacred relic, brought to Sri Lanka in the 3rd century BC, has maintained a profound connection with the island's royalty. Magnificent temples were constructed in each kingdom to enshrine this sacred artifact, showcasing the enduring spiritual and cultural significance it holds in Sri Lanka.
The Lion Rock – Sigiriya
Lion Rock in Sigiriya stands as a prominent attraction on any Sri Lankan itinerary. This remarkable natural formation is a colossal (200m) square-shaped rock that once served as the fortress of King Kassapa. It boasts murals, gardens, and atop the rock, an astonishing swimming pool and palace! Recognized as one of the eight UNESCO World Heritage sites, Lion Rock is an indispensable destination for those exploring the cultural richness of Sri Lanka.
Aluvihare Rock Temple
The Aluvihare Rock Temple, or Matale Alu Viharaya, is a sacred Buddhist site in Aluvihare, Matale District, Sri Lanka, nestled in hills 30 km north of Kandy on the Matale-Dambulla road. Rooted in the 3rd Century B.C during King Devanampiyatissa's reign, the temple's legend attributes its creation to the King after introducing Buddhism. Notably, Aluvihare Rock Temple is where the complete Pāli Canon was first transcribed onto ola (palm) leaves, marking a significant historical milestone.
Buduruvagala Temple
Buduruvagala, or 'The Rock of Buddhist Sculptures,' gets its name from Buddha (Budu), images (ruva), and stone (gala). Highly significant, especially for Buddhists, this site showcases thousand-year-old rock-cut Buddha figures, including the island's tallest standing Buddha at 15 meters. Vestiges of its stuccoed robe and hints of vibrant paint add to its allure. Surrounded by intricately carved smaller figures, Buduruvagala, located 9km south of Wellawaya, is a remote and captivating site accessible via a scenic side road.
Ancient City of Polonnaruwa
Polonnaruwa, established as the second capital of Sri Lanka following the demise of Anuradhapura in 993, encompasses not only the Brahmanic structures constructed by the Cholas but also the awe-inspiring remnants of the extraordinary garden-city envisioned by Parakramabahu I in the 12th century.
Yapahuwa Ancient Kingdom
The Rock Fortress Complex of Yapahuwa is regarded as exceptionally noteworthy, even though it may not be widely recognized among most tourists. Nonetheless, it has earned renown as one of the premier archaeological sites in the country, with some rumors suggesting its significance surpasses that of the renowned Rock Fortress in Sigiriya.
Sacred City of Anuradhapura
This hallowed city was founded around a cutting from the 'tree of enlightenment,' the sacred fig tree under which the Buddha attained enlightenment. This significant relic was transported to the site in the 3rd century B.C. by Sanghamitta, the initiator of a Buddhist nun order. Anuradhapura, a political and religious capital of Ceylon (Sri Lanka), thrived for 1,300 years before being deserted following an invasion in 993. Shrouded in dense jungle for an extended period, this magnificent site, adorned with palaces, monasteries, and monuments, has been rediscovered and is once again open for exploration.
The Cave Temple – Dambulla
The magnificent Royal Rock Temple complex perches approximately 160 meters above the roadway in the southern region of Dambulla. Within its confines, five distinct caves showcase around 150 breathtaking Buddha statues and paintings, constituting some of Sri Lanka's most significant and emotionally resonant religious art. The inception of Buddha images in this sacred site dates back over 2000 years, with successive monarchs contributing to and enhancing the cave art across the centuries.
Experience Rural Life in Sri Lanka
Step into the heart of Sri Lanka's rural soul, where the whispers of nature and the warmth of community craft an unforgettable symphony – an authentic melody of life in its purest form.
Adam’s-Peak - Sri Pada
The captivating pyramid of Adam's Peak, also known as Sri Pada, standing at 7,360 feet, may not claim the title of the tallest peak in Sri Lanka, but its allure is unparalleled. The rocky summit harbors a sacred site in the form of a colossal footprint, revered as a divine symbol since ancient times. Buddhists view it as the footprint of the Buddha, Hindus as the footprint of Lord Shiva, and Muslims identify it as Adam's footprint. In a later era, the Portuguese attributed this sacred mark to St. Thomas the Apostle.
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