- Leave Negambo for Anuradhapura,
- a World Heritage Site Visit
- the ruins of the first capital of Sri Lanka
The ‘Sri Mahabodhi tree’ in Anuradhapura, planted from a cutting from the original ‘bo’ tree’ under which the Buddha achieved enlightenment, continue to draw thousands of Buddhist pilgrims from around the world. The pillars of the brazen palace which once had nine stories, the image of the Samadi Buddha, one of the finest places of Buddhists sculpture, the twin ponds, guard stones & moonstone. Among the most famous monuments are Ruwanveliseya Dagoba built in 2nd century BC and Thuparama Dagoba built in 3rd century B.C.
- Today, while the buildings are preserved ruins,
- ancient reservoirs are renovated
- and made to re-irrigate the agricultural district of Polonnaruwa
Proceed to visit the Sigiriya Lion Rock Citadel of Sri Lanka built by King Kasyapa in the 5th century A.D. It was a royal citadel of King Kasyapa for more than 18 years. In a sheltered pocket, approached by a spiral stairway, are the famous Sigiriya frescoes. The summit of the rock, with an area of nearly one hectare was the site of the palace, the outer wall of which was built on the very brink of the precipice. The UNESCO – sponsored Central Cultural Fund has restored Sigiriya Water Gardens to their former glory.
- After breakfast leave for Kandy,
- a World Heritage Site, via Dambulla,
- home to another World Heritage Site of Dambulla Rock Cave Temple.
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.
- Leave Negambo for Anuradhapura,
- a World Heritage Site Visit
- the ruins of the first capital of Sri Lanka
The ‘Sri Mahabodhi tree’ in Anuradhapura, planted from a cutting from the original ‘bo’ tree’ under which the Buddha achieved enlightenment, continue to draw thousands of Buddhist pilgrims from around the world. The pillars of the brazen palace which once had nine stories, the image of the Samadi Buddha, one of the finest places of Buddhists sculpture, the twin ponds, guard stones & moonstone. Among the most famous monuments are Ruwanveliseya Dagoba built in 2nd century BC and Thuparama Dagoba built in 3rd century B.C.
- Today, while the buildings are preserved ruins,
- ancient reservoirs are renovated
- and made to re-irrigate the agricultural district of Polonnaruwa
Proceed to visit the Sigiriya Lion Rock Citadel of Sri Lanka built by King Kasyapa in the 5th century A.D. It was a royal citadel of King Kasyapa for more than 18 years. In a sheltered pocket, approached by a spiral stairway, are the famous Sigiriya frescoes. The summit of the rock, with an area of nearly one hectare was the site of the palace, the outer wall of which was built on the very brink of the precipice. The UNESCO – sponsored Central Cultural Fund has restored Sigiriya Water Gardens to their former glory.
- After breakfast leave for Kandy,
- a World Heritage Site, via Dambulla,
- home to another World Heritage Site of Dambulla Rock Cave Temple.
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.