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 | | Anuradhapura - the most extensive of the Sri Lankan ancient cities. The city was said to be a model of planning - there were hostels and hospitals and a water supply was assured by the construction of reservoirs. By the middle of the third century BC the fame of the island's first capital had spread to the distant lands of the Mediterranean. Anuradhapura was to continue as the national capital for over 1300 years up to the 10th Century AD when repeated innovations by Indians and a struggle for royal succession resulted in the capital being withdrawn to Polonnaruwa. It still remains home to the sacred bo tree, the oldest historically authenticated tree in the world which was brought to Sri Lanka over 2000 years ago by the sister of Mahinda who introduced the Budda's teachings to the country. Today the monuments of Anuradhapura's heyday survive for you to visit surrounded by the solemn umbrage of trees and an ancient parkland - it is essential viewing! |
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 | | Polonnaruwa - 140Km north-east of Kandy in the Hill Country and 104Km south east of Anuradhapura is Polonnaruwa. The second seat of rule and a medieval capital: 11-12th Century. The city in its day was fortified with three concentric walls, beautified with parks and gardens and sanctified by many a shrine and sacred place. The majestic King's Council chamber, the rock cut Lotus Bath, the statue of Parakrama Bahu (one of the great kings of Sri Lanka), the rock-cut sculptures of Gal Vihare (Temple) and the Sea of Parakrama (a vast man-made reservoir) are really memorable sights. |
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 | | Sigiriya - Sigiriya is a fascinating rock fortress which was the stronghold of a fifth century king who sought refuge. It is one of Sri Lanka's major attractions. Approach the rock through the beautiful water gardens before making the 200 meter ascent to the three acre summit . Before reaching the royal palace at the summit the visitor passes a gallery of heavenly maidens painted upon the rock face and a wall of graffiti where visitors of 1000 years ago felt compelled to inscribe their impressions of the maidens in the gallery. The visitor then passes through two enormous lion paws, the remains of a gigantic brick lion before making the final approach to the summit where magnificent views of the surrounding jungle await. |
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 | | Dambulla - 12 miles from Sigiriya is Dambulla which is an archaeological treasure. It is a famous cave temple, 500 feet high and dating back to the 1st century BC when King Valagam Bahu, driven out of Anuradhapura, took refuge here. When he regained his throne he converted the caves into a magnificent rock temple. Later kings made further improvements to the temple, including gilding of the interior, earning the name Ran Giri (Golden Rock). With its series of spectacular caves and a painted area of cover 20,000 sq.ft. of Buddhist murals Dambulla is an amazing place - Both Dambulla and Sigiriya can be viewed on the same day. |
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