The diversity of this island is also reflected in a variety of interests available to the traveller, we have listed some of the highlights however the list is not comprehensive. Sri Lanka can meet the interests of any traveller apart from the activities highlighted in this section some others include; trekking, camping, water skiing, surfing, scenic rail journeys, meditation and yoga to name a few. 

 

If you have a particular interest that is not listed please do not hesitate to ask us.

 

 

 

Experience the echoes of 2500 years of history in the ruins of the once powerful and magnificent cities that were some of the most advanced kingdoms of the ancient world. These ruins consist of soaring temples, opulent palaces, sprawling administrative buildings, monasteries and breathtaking examples of sculpture and art in the style of the region.

 

The ancient kingdoms of Sri Lanka were a beacon of science, religious learning and engineering in the ancient world boasting some impressive achievements including the second oldest written history in the world and world’s first hospital dating to the 4^th century BC, the ruins of which are still to be found at the mountain monastery complex of Mihintale.

 

There are 6 UNESCO world heritage sites of historical significance within the island, however a significant proportion of these ancient cities are still covered by jungle and it is not uncommon for an adventurous traveller to stumble across the ruins of an ancient monastery or palace while trekking in the jungle.

 

There are several must see sites for the traveller:

 

The Ancient City of Anuraddhapura (UNESCO World Heritage listed) - For over a thousand years the ancient city of Anuraddhapura was the seat of power for the mightiest kings of Sri Lanka. The story of this magnificent city is one of great enlightenment with staggering civil works, arts, religious philosophy and science to rival any in the world. Equally it is a story of patricide, betrayal and epic battles against the expansionist ambitions of the Indian empires.

 

The city was founded in 380BC by King Pandukabhaya but rose to its importance as a seat of power under the kingship of Devanampiya Tissa who ruled from 247 to 207BC. Over the following century the kingdom faltered until finally it was lost to the mighty armies of Chola Empire of India. Then arose one of the great heroes of Sri Lanka’s history King Dutugemnu, the Dutu part of his name labelling  him as the ‘unfaithful’ for he raised an army to take back Anuradhapura against his father's wishes. On reclaiming the city he is said to have sent his father a gift of women’s clothes as befitting his cowardice.

 

Under the rule of successive kings Anuradhapura grew in greatness with some of the most monumental engineering feats of the ancient world including some of the ancient world’s largest structures, namely the Abhayagiriya and Jetvanarama Dagobas. These structures were built in the 2^nd and 3^rd centuries BC, suffice to say that these are just some of a multitude of buildings of both architectural and historical significance that attest to greatness of this once sprawling city.

 

Another great feat of the ancient kings was the creation of giant manmade lakes known as “tanks”.  Three of these remarkable tanks are found in the region of Anuradhapura. The most impressive being the 1200 hectare Nuwara Wewa of interest not just for the feat of engineering, but for the rustic villages and ancient trades of farming and fishing that still flourish by this lake and whose methods have been practised largely unchanged for centuries. The tanks are also a haven for wildlife and there is an abundance of fauna and flora that are to be found on its shores.

 

The Ancient City of Polonnuruwa (UNESCO World Heritage Listed) -   A seat of power for over three hundred years and over a thousand years old the ancient city of Polonnuruwa is beautifully preserved and tremendously impressive.   The capital moved to this city after the decline and ultimate sacking of Anuradhapura by her old adversaries the Cholas in the 10^th century AD. The Cholas moved the seat of power to Polonnuruwa as it was considered a better strategic site to maintain their control of the island. 

 

When the Sri Lankan king Vijaya Bahu of the southern kingdom of Ruhunu drove off the invaders in 1070AD he retained the city as his capital. In the century following one of Sri Lanka most famous and beloved kings, King Parakramabahu assumed the mantle and underwent a tremendous program of civic development that bought Polonnuruwa to the height of its glory including the building of the 2500 hectare tank named to this day as Parakrama Samudra (The Sea of Parakrama).

 

Polonnuruwa tends to be more impressive for a visitor as it is in a better state of repair and easier to get around mainly due to its relative youth and smaller scale in comparison to Anuradhapura. The complex contains many highlights including the beautifully carved reclining Buddha cut out of pure granite and 14 metres in length, the palace of King Parakramabahu and the massive bathing pools with their crocodile mouth water inlets are just a few of the highlights of the city. Make sure your guide takes you out to some of the ruins that are still to be recovered from the surrounding jungle. These ruins are beautiful and the pervading air of mystery brings out the Indiana Jones in even the most jaded traveller.

 

Sigiriya (UNESCO World Heritage Listed) - Built by King Kassapa in 478AD the staggering rock citadel of Sigiriya (Lion Rock), rises two hundred metres above the plains of the north central province. This giant rock monolith was converted into a pleasure palace and fortress for one of Sri Lanka’s most infamous kings.

 

King Kassapa achieved the mantle of kingship by overthrowing and murdering his own father. In fear of his brother’s retribution he moved his capital from Anuradhapura to the more defensible Sigiriya.

 

Sigiriya is quite simply a must see by all visitors to Sri Lanka. The beautiful gardens, giant moat and working fountains surrounding the palace are clearly visible today. Equally impressive are the Sigiriya frescos depicting beautiful semi nude nymphs or some say the King's concubines. These tremendously well preserved and impressive frescos are found halfway up the rock face as you make the climb to the palace compound. It is interesting to see the poetry and comments left by ancient vandals espousing their praise of the beautiful women in the frescos.

 

On the last stage of the ascent to the palace proper you enter up steps through the giant paws of a carved lion to the ruins of the palace complex including the king’s swimming pool and the throne room. Most of the complex is now in ruins but the swimming pool and foundations of the other building are clearly visible. The view alone from the top of this 1500 year old masterpiece is well worth the hard climb.

 

 

Dambulla Rock Temple (UNESCO World Heritage Listed) - Dambulla Rock Temple – Dating back to the 1^st century BC the cave temples of Dambulla are built into a rock outcropping about 200 metres up from road level. The site is credited to King Valagamba who had to take refuge at this place after being forced to vacate his throne at Anuradhapura. On recovery of his throne he had the interior of the caves carved to the magnificent spectacle that they are today. 

Other kings of Sri Lanka contributed to the development of this temple complex, including King Nissanka Malla who had the temples gilded, resulting in it being given the local name of Ran Giri or Golden rock.

A stunning sight from a historical, religious and artistic perspective Dambulla Rock temple is well worth a visit.

 

Ritigala forest monastery - Deep in the jungles of the north central province rises a 624 metre rock monolith covered by thick jungle it is seemingly out of place in the surrounding flat landscape. Legend has it that this rock was dropped onto the plains by the monkey King Hannuman. Hannuman was tasked to seek out a certain herb that grew only in the far Himalayas to help heal the injuries his friend Lakshman incurred in battle against King Ravana of Sri Lanka. He grabbed an entire mountain in his haste to get back to southern Sri Lanka where Lakshman lay injured and on his journey back a piece of this mountain broke off and fell onto the land at this place.

 

To add to the mystery certain types of plants and herbs found in Ritigala are rare and are not found in any of the surrounding jungle of the north central province.

 

Ritigala today is a forest reserve and also houses the ruins of a breathtaking forest monastery dating back to 307BC. The lichen-scarred pillars of the monastery’s many buildings, exquisitely fashioned steps, colonnaded passage ways with stone balustrades, the water drainage system and fountains showcase the amazing skills and artistry of the ancient artisans of this island.

 

 

Ancient city of Yapahuwa - This city was the capital for a brief eleven year period during the 13^th century, till it was sacked by the invading armies of the Pandyas from southern India. A purpose built fortress city it was built on a 300 foot rock in the south central provinces of Sri Lanka during a time of great turmoil  when the island came under increasing pressure from the powerful Pandya Empire.

 

The cities defensive ramparts and impressive stairwells with lion head balustrades carved into the rock, as well as the ruins of the temple, administrative, palace building and the cave temple with its impressive frescoes are well worth the visit.

 

The site tends to be less visited in favour of the other giants of the Sri Lanka historical landscape, which we feel is one of the reasons Yapahuwa is well worth the visit for it is found in a secluded and peaceful rural setting where one can sit and contemplate in silence the fascinating history of this island.

 

 

 

The age of discovery dawned on the world in the early 16^th century. It was a time of exploration and discovery and the great seafaring nations of Western Europe began to discover the wealth of the East. As it happens the intercontinental sea lanes of the world crossed a few miles of the south coast of the island we now know as Sri Lanka.

 

Its strategic location made control of this island of paramount importance to the colonial powers of the era beginning with the Portuguese in 1505 AD who achieved control of the entire coastal belt of Sri Lanka, but were unsuccessful in conquering the Hill country kingdom of Kandy.

 

The Dutch who usurped the Portuguese with the help of the King Rajasinha II of Kandy by 1658 took control of the coastal belt of Sri Lanka; they quickly forgot their treaty with King Rajasinha and made several unsuccessful attempts to conquer the kingdom of Kandy. The Dutch built significant infrastructure projects in Sri Lanka including impressive canal system to facilitate shipping into the interior (which are still operational, but in disuse today) as well as a series of coastal forts the most impressive being the UNESCO world heritage listed city fort of Galle.

 

In 1796 the British usurped the Dutch and claimed Sri Lanka as a crown colony in 1802. Finally in 1815 the last independent Sri Lankan kingdom of Kandy fell to the British after resisting conquest for 310 years.

 

If you are interested in the Colonial legacy of Sri Lanka then some of the highlights are:

 

The City of Colombo: The administrative capital of the British this city’s colonial heritage is unmistakable with the magnificent government buildings of the British still in operation today such as old parliament house, Colombo town hall and Colombo museum to name a few.

 

Drive through tree lined exclusive neighbourhood of Cinnamon Gardens and admire the beautiful mansions of the colonial era which are now populated by wealthy Sri Lankan families, foreign embassies and embassy staff, then visit the two colonial icons of Colombo.

 

The first icon being the monument to forbidden love, the 200 hundred year old mansion of a former governor general famous for his dalliances with a native dancer is now known as the Mt Lavinia Hotel. The second being the iconic Galle Face hotel built in 1864 it is one of Asisa’s oldest hotels and a frequent host to Royalty visiting in the region, the guest list of famous residents is prominently displayed in the lobby of this charming and historic hotel.

 

Both of these magnificent remnants of Colombo’s colonial heritage are a must see. Make sure you take the time to enjoy a sundowner on their respective terraces, both which boast sweeping views of the ocean, to enjoy the cool breeze and marvel at nature’s spectacular lightshow as the sun sets into the warm waters of the Indian ocean.

 

The Galle Fort: While there are many beautiful examples of the forts built to protect the interests and shipping of the colonial rulers in Sri Lanka the jewel in the crown is the UNESCO world heritage listed walled city of Gaul with its massive ramparts built to protect the colonial interests of the Dutch in 1663. 

 

As you enter the ramparts of this fully operational vintage city you are transported back to the time of the Dutch occupation with much of the administrative buildings and homes within the city still dating back through the centuries. Walking through the city leads you from one architectural joy to another, spend some time enjoying the magnificent view of the ocean and surrounds from the mighty ramparts as the sunsets is also a must.

 

The Hill Country: As you climb into the cool climate of the central highlands of Sri Lanka, one of the most important contributions of the British to Sri Lanka becomes evident; all around you will see what appear to be miles upon miles of manicured lawns gracing every hill in sight. These are in fact the rolling hills of tea planted by the British and still one of the mainstays of the Island’s economy. 

 

Another contribution will be the winding roads or the railways, depending on your chosen mode of travel which wind through the steep and lush mountain terrain clinging to the side of the mountains, with jaw dropping precipices on one side or through tunnel driven through solid rock as the engineering might of the British empire tamed the wild hill country of Sri Lanka for industry and profit.

 

The legacy of these planters is very much alive in the Hill country from the beautiful stone planters bungalows with their impeccable rose gardens, strawberry patches and fireplaces whose sprawling verandas look over some of the most breathtaking views in Sri Lanka (Some of these bungalows have now been converted into boutique accommodation). To the ostentatious clubs built for the planters to socialise such as the Hill Club in Nuwara Eliya still requires that gentleman wear a jacket to dinner and until a recent coup by the women members, had a men’s only bar.

 

Another site of interest to the Colonial history buff is the gardens at Peradiniya, once the royal pleasure gardens of the Kandyan kings. It was converted to Sri Lanka’s largest public garden by the British surrounded on three sides by the Mahaweli River. They are quite beautiful and worth a visit. At the end of the gardens is a government district bungalow where you will find the war time headquarters of Lord Mountbatten, leader of the British forces in World War 2.

 

 

 

The sacred places of Sri Lanka will be fascinating for those travellers interested in history, culture or eastern religion, not to mention those who are of the faith.

 

A land of great significance to two of the world’s major religions Buddhism and Hinduism, Lanka as it was known plays a significant part in the ancient religious texts of the sub continent such as the Ramayana and Mahabharata where Lanka was reputed to be populated by a race of devils responsible for interfering in the affairs of gods and men.

 

To the followers of Theravada Buddhism Sri Lanka is a land of great significance with some of the holiest relics of the Buddhist faith to be found on the island. With Buddhism being the predominant religion in the country it is also centre of high learning in theology.

 

Some of the most important holy sites within the Island are as follows:

 

Kandy - In the beautiful and sacred complex of the Temple of the Tooth is held the most important relic of Buddhism, the tooth of the Lord Buddha. Rescued from his funeral pyre in 583 BC it was smuggled into Sri Lanka for safe keeping in the 4^th century BC.  Apart from its obvious importance to the Buddhist faith the holy relic has also taken special significance to the people of Sri Lanka as it is believed that whoever holds possession of the tooth relic holds the right to rule the island.  

Many wars have been fought over the protection of the tooth, including the invasion of India by King Parakramabahu III to reclaim it in the 12^th century after it was captured in a raid on the city of Yapahuwa; naturally the colonial powers all sought it unsuccessfully to cement their claim on the island.

 

The Kandy Esala Perahera - This magnificent festival is a delight to the senses, an impressive cultural show of light, music and dance, it is a procession that occurs every year in July/August for ten nights in line with the full moon cycle in honour of the sacred tooth relic.

 

The Sacred Bodhi Tree - Sri Maha Bodhi is found within the ancient city of Anuradhapura the tree is again of significant importance to the Buddhist faith, grown from a cutting bought from India by Princess Sangamitta. The tree is the oldest historically authenticated tree in the world for over two thousand continuous years the guardians of the tree have protected it from harm in the shape of armies and invasions, through the rise and falls of kingdoms, as well as natural blights.   

It is said that on reaching Enlightenment the Lord Buddha spent a week in meditation of the original tree and that on his death bed he instructed that a cutting that should fall of its own accord be taken to Sri Lanka.

Kataragama -  In the deep south of Sri Lanka is Kataragama, a holy place of pilgrimage for the Muslims, Buddhists and Hindus in Sri Lanka.  In the sprawling complex on the banks of the Menik Ganga (River of Gems) all three religions co-exist side by side. 

 

Some of the temple structures within this complex date back to the 1^st century BC though the importance of the site is thought to be a lot older. Steeped in mysticism Kataragama is held to be home to the Kataragama Deviyo or Lord Skanda, the Hindu god of war.  

 

Many are the stories that tell of miracles and prayers answered at this holy place, and during the Kataragama festival held in July/August thousands of pilgrims and faithfuls come to worship or seek the favour of the god of Kataragama.

 

Adams Peak - Sri Pada as it is known locally is found in the southern highlands of Sri Lanka in a magnificent setting. This peak rises 2243 metres and is a place of important pilgrimage to three of the faiths of Sri Lanka.

 

At the peak of the mountain is found a giant footprint embedded in the rock, the Christians and Muslims of the island believe that this footprint marks the first step on earth made by Adam on his expulsion from Eden. The Buddhists believed that it is the footprint of the Lord Buddha as he headed toward paradise.

 

From the period lasting from December to May thousands of pilgrims and some adventurous tourists make the daunting climb to the peak. During this time of year nightfall reveals a snaking line of lights up to the peak as the pilgrims who climb throughout the night.

 

John Stills is quoted from his book the Jungle Tide as saying that the peak is “one of the vastest and most reverenced cathedrals of the human race”. The view from the top of the peak is breathtaking and a lot of climbers brave the overnight climb to witness the unique natural spectacle that occurs when the sun rises creating a perfect triangle of shadow cast over the land which gradually disappears into the foot of the mountain as the sun ascends.

 

Dambulla Rock Temple - Dating back to the 1^st century BC the cave temples of Dambulla are built into a rock outcropping about 200 metres from road level, there creation is credited to King Valagamba had to take refuge at this place after being forced to vacate his throne at Anuradhapura. On recovery of his throne he had the interior of the caves carved to the magnificent spectacle that they are today. 

 

Other kings of Sri Lanka contributed to the development of this temple complex, including King Nissanka Malla who had the temples gilded, resulting in it being given the local name of Ran Giri or Golden rock.

 

A stunning sight from a historical, religious and artistic perspective Dambulla Rock temple is well worth a visit.

 

Mihintale - Of great importance to the Buddhists of Sri Lanka because it is the place that this great faith arrived to the Island in 247BC. King Devanampiya Tissa was deer hunting in the forests of Mihintale when he met Mahinda, son of the great Emperor Ashoka of India, a missionary prince who converted the King to Buddhism.

 

Mihintale is a massive complex of temples and monasteries and requires some climbing to view all of it; it is of great interest to the travellers and faithful alike.