The Island’s rich cultural history is reflected in the grandiose remains of its earlier civilisations. The remains which include ancient palaces, monasteries, reservoirs, water gardens, irrigation systems and shrines, all point to a highly advanced civilization that thrived in Sri Lanka much before the birth of Christ. The influence of Buddhism is also evident in the historical remains. Six of these areas have now been declared world heritage sites including one that is rumoured to have become the eighth wonder of the world. They include;
Anuradhapura :
The great ancient capital of Sri Lanka, Anuradhapura was once a model for urban planning with its many palaces, universities, hostels, hospitals and remarkably sophisticated irrigation systems using reservoirs linked by hundreds of miles of canals. Anuradhapura continued to be the nation’s capital up to the 10th century AD when repeated invasions from India resulted in the capital being withdrawn to Polonaruwa.
Today the remains of the ancient city’s monuments lie scattered across miles of sylvan parkland. These include a sequence of gargantuan stupas ( the largest structures after the Egyptian pyramids in the ancient world), temples, tanks and palaces. Also included is the Sri Maha Bodhiya, the 2000 year old Bo tree said to have been grown from a cutting of the Bo tree under which the Buddha himself attained enlightenment. Another important site is Mihintale where Mahindra the son of the great Indian emperor Ashoka, introduced Sri Lanka to Buddhism. Visitors must climb 1840 steps to reach the Ambasthala Dagoba which is one of the interesting remains in Mhintale.
Polonnaruwa:
The second most important capital after Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa’s remains are not as grandiose as those at Anuradhapura but nevertheless include some of Sri Lanka’s most memorable and masterful artistic creations. This includes the superbly carved Vadatage which is considered to be one of Sri Lanka’s finest buildings. Polonnaruwa was ruled by the great king Parakrambahu in the 11th century who built a vast reservoir called the Parakram Samudra (the sea of Parakrama) which is still in use today. Other artistic marvels include the majestic statues at Gal Vihara which includes the famous 15 metre long reclining Buddha. The site also boasts of one of the best museums in Sri Lanka.
Sigiriya:
One of Sri Lanka’s most awe inspiring spectacles, the jaw dropping Sigiriya rock fortress, is a magnificent palace- cum- fortress sitting atop a 200 m rock outcrop. Built in the 5th century by a tyrant king fleeing exile, the fortress, now rated as the eighth wonder of the world, is an astounding architectural marvel.
The stiff climb to the top is one of the Island’s most memorable experiences taking you from the moat, ramparts and water gardens that ring the base up narrow steps with 5th century paintings of heavenly maidens on the rock face. The remains of a pair of giant stone lion’s paws still guard the staircase leading to the summit which was once occupied by a royal palace.
Legend has it that King Kashyap who built the fortress confined himself to the palace where he lived with 400 concubines and spent elaborately on turning the fortress into the architectural marvel that it is today.
Dambulla Cave Temples:
Dambulla, located near the geographic centre of Sri Lanka is home to a series of ancient temples which were created under an overhanging rock ledge on the top of a hill. Work on the temples is said to have begun in the 1st century and this complex of five shrines includes pre Christian rock inscriptions, 150 sculptures of Lord Buddha, delicately painted deities, vividly coloured frescoes, murals on the walls and ceilings making it the largest antique painted surface in the world.
Temple of the Tooth, Kandy:
The last stronghold of the Sri Lankan kings, Kandy was the last royal capital before the British acquired complete control of the country. Kandy still remains a sanctuary for traditional Sinhalese culture with a number of important heritage sites. The most notable of these is the Temple of the Tooth (Dalada Maligawa) said to house the sacred tooth relic of the Buddha himself. Every year the tooth relic is paraded around Kandy in Sri Lanka’s most popular festival, the Esala Perahera, a pageant featuring hundreds of dancers, drummers and decorated elephants.
Galle Fort:
The Galle Fort offers the finest glimpse of the colonial years of Sri Lanka. Set on a peninsula in the south of the island, huge bastions and ramparts enclose narrow streets with old villas, churches, old mosques and offer breathtaking views of the sea.
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