Places of interest

Sri lanka the oasis just under india is a popular holiday destination. Sri Lanka is also overflowing with rich heritage and has lots of architectural ruins in the inner highlands this is an indication showing the presence of ancient civilizations.

Anuradhapura

Anuradhapura One of the most important and extensive of Sri Lanka’s ancient cities, Anuradhapura is still scattered with remnants of the ancient Sinhalese architecture and culture.

The traces of Buddhism flourishing are revealed by the presence of The Sacred Bo-Tree and old temples like the Thuprama Dagoba. The Sacred Bo-Tree is a tree of the same type under which Buddha achieved enlightenment. The Thuprama Dagoba is the oldest temple in Sri Lanka and houses Lord Buddha’s collar bone. The lake on the South eastern part of the city is as old as 11th century and is still in a good state. The remains of the vast tank, which was part of the irrigation system of the ancient city, indicates to their advancement in technology in that age itself.

Ratnapura

Ratnapura is the city which has made Sri Lanka famous for Gems. 100 kms south east of Colombo. in Ratnapura they used to mine rubies sapphires and many other gems. Ratnapura is also famous for being the best place to get a good view of the Adam’s Peak. Ratnapura essentually helped put Sri Lanka on the trading map because royals always liked buying and trading gems.

Adam's Peak

Sri Lanka's only mountain which has an altitude of 7350 feet, goes by the common name, Adam’s Peak. it is known to buddhists as Sri Pada, Considered sacred by both Buddhists and Christians, this peak offers a fabulous view of sun sets and sunrise.

Apparently Buddha left his footprints on the summit of this mountain which is why it is considered sacred. The peak was named “Adam’s Peak” by the Christians as they believed that Adam and Eve resided here.

Colombo

Colombo was once just a small trading port. The Portuguese, the Dutch and then the British realized the importance of this small port and developed it. The canals were connected to the lakes and lagoons around Colombo, and the number of spice plantations was increased. As they developed the port, they also left behind reminders of their rule. Churches, Buddhist Temples, Hindu Temples, and Mosques are all a reminder of the past and are part of the architectural heritage of Sri Lanka.

Polonnaruwa

Rising to fame after the fall of Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa was the capital of the Island during the time period of 11th to 13th century. At a distance of 216 kms from Colombo stands this city with the largest artificial reservoir – the Parakrama Samudra. This man made reservoir is even larger than the Colombo harbour.

Here you can experience the feeling of awe the huge sculptures of Buddha carved on one single boulder of rock surface – the Gal Vihare inspire. The other places of interest are the ruins of the Royal Citadel, the Royal Pavilion, the King’s Council Chamber and the Vatadage Relic House amongst others.

 By josh

image from: http://www.panoramio.com/photo/18707246