- the ruins of the first kingdom of Sri Lanka,
- Largest collection of Buddhists Heritage sites
- the ruins of the encester’s amazing technologies
Anuradhapura one of the greatest centers of the ancient Buddhist World, was the First capital of the island kingdom. As well known cities like Athens, Rome it gives a huge Ancient value to the island. Even today, a part of the city is marked off as the sacred city.
The monuments of this city include the three tallest brick buildings of the old World, namely the stupas named Jethavanaramaya,Abhayagiriya,Ruwanwali and the oldest historical tree in the modern World, the “BO” tree .It also known as “Bodhi” tree. The founder of the city of Anuradhapura was King Pandukabhaya, the 4th King of the island. It was the one of the well organized cities of the ancient World. Like all great capitals of the ancient World, Anuradhapura is the holiest pilgrim centre of our island.
Today Anuradhapura is the capital of North central province of modern Sri Lanka.From Colombo one could reach Anuradhapura through Kurunegala, Kandy, or through Chillaw and Puttlam.
- Birds more than 165 species,
- Mammals more than 24 species like Sambar, spotted deer, leopard, and sloth bear
- Wild elephant population is more than 200
- Nine species of Amphibians , 25 species of Reptiles, 26 species of fish
Minneriya National Park is located in an unpopulated area of the country’s most diverse natural systems. The topography is very much varied in Minneriya National Park, with hills, patanas and talawas.
Minneriya is an ancient irrigation tank, with a capacity of 22,500ha.The main source of water is from a diversion of the Amban River, along the Elahera channel.Minneriya tank was built by King Mahasen in the 3rd century AD. Inside the Park area a small temple was built for the memory of his grandeur.
The area of the Park 8,889ha.It consists of a tropical monsoon climate. Mean annual rainfall is about 1,146 mm and mean annual temperature 27.5c. The vegetation of the National Park consists of tropical dry mixed evergreen forests, and also there are some abandoned Chena cultivated lands, grasslands and wetlands.
This National Park has been reported twenty four species of mammals in Sri Lanka. The most important thing is the population of wild elephant is about 150-200.In addition to that some mammals like Sambar, spotted deer, leopard, and sloth bear. And also 165 species of birds are found in this Park. Out of them are endemic to Sri Lanka such as Sri Lanka brown capped babbler, crimson fronted barbet, Sri Lanka jungle fowl, black crested bulbul.
In this Park nine species of Amphibians have been reported.25 species of Reptiles reported to be found in this Park and eight species are endemic. And also there are 26 species of fish are found in the reservoir. In various locations of the Park 75 species are found. Out of them 15 species are endemic and 6 species are threatened.
This Park is situated 20Km north-west of Polonnaruwa, in the North Central Province. The practical access from Colombo would be via Habarana Polonnaruwa Road 182 Km.
- Trincomalee beach,
- Koneshwaram hindu temple,
- Unforgettable Nilaweli beach,
- Boart tour to pigeon Island .
Then visit the Dambulla Rock Temple. Twelve miles from Sigiriya is Dambulla, a vast isolated rock mass 500 ft. high and a mile round the base. Here is found the famous rock temple dating to the first centaury B.C. The caves of Dambulla sheltered King Valagambahu during his 14 years of exile from Anuradhapura. Having regained the throne, the king had the rock caves converted to a magnificent of rock temple. Among the numerous statues, a colossal figure of the recumbent Buddha 14 meters long carved out of rock takes the pride of the place.
- Rock fortress built in the 5th century,
- World famous wonderful Sigiri paintings,
Sigiriya rock fortress was built in the 5th century AD. By King Kashyapa (477-495 AD).This incredible rock fortress is like one of a valuable jewel to Sri Lankan pride. As a result this massive rock fortress considered as a World heritage. Sigiriya rock fortress consisted of ancient architecture, wonderful paintings as well as it was highly replete with legend. There were pleasure gardens, ponds fountains laid out attractively.
Sigiriya covers a very extensive area as results there are many places to be visited. Even locals wonder that the architectures paintings and drainage systems have reached a high standard during such an early period.
The entrance to the King’s palace was decorated with a figure of lion and the pathway is between the front paws. There still remain the front paws and some section of the stairway. There are remains of the foundation of the palace and section of the buildings. Still there is a pond filled with water. Sigiriya won the admiration of the whole World and it is not a place of religious worship. Sigiriya is located in the district of Matale.It is 10 miles from Dambulla.



