Asia's most spectacular pageant
Kandy Esala Perahera, Often billed as Asia's most spectacular pageant, is a 235 year old grand tradition of the Sri Lankan Buddhists to honor the sacred tooth relic. This glittering festival of lights and colours is not to be missed by anyone who is visiting Sri Lanka during this time.
This parade is held in the Sri Lankan hill capital of Kandy. 'Esala' is the name of the lunar month that occurs around July/August and 'Perahera' means 'parade'. This festival is held for 10 days. This year it will be held from the 31st of July to the 14th of August 2011.
One of Buddhism's most sacred relics, the Sacred Tooth, is taken from the Dalada Maligawa Temple in a golden casket and paraded through the streets of Kandy in a procession of richly decorated elephants, fire-juggling acrobats, dancers, musicians, whip crackers, torch bearers and thousands of barefoot pilgrims and swordsmen.
The old cannon booms after dusk and the Perahera takes to the streets every night, with the parades growing longer & larger each night until the final night of pageantry, when the parade is at its finest with around 5,000 dancers in traditional dresses, bands of drummers and over 100 brightly decorated elephants take about three hours to parade through the streets of Kandy.
The tooth relic was brought to Ceylon (Sri Lanka) in the year 310 AD and the first Perahera was performed in Anuradhapura the first capital where the sacred relic was housed. Even as the capitals were shifted for security reasons due to invasions, the tooth relic was always in the custody of the king.
Finally finding a permanent resting place in the hill capital of the last Sinhalese kingdom Kandy, It lies in the "Dalada Maligawa" which is the most visited and revered temple of Sri Lanka.
The ritual of the Esala Perahera continues in Kandy with more and more people attending each year to watch majestic tusker proudly parade the streets of the ancient Sinhalese kingdom followed by over more than a hundred elephants with the custodians and other officials dressed in the traditional Sinhalese attire of chieftains riding them. The sound of blowing conch shells and whip cracking starts off the excitement or the approaching Perahera. The beating of at least three types of traditional drums, the Kandyan dancers, Acrobats, and other artists that perform in the light of flame torches certainly would take you back in time to another era to feel the essence of the grandeur & pageantry that defines the Sri Lankan Heritage.
BEACH
Over one thousand kilometers of palm fringed sandy beaches encircle the Island. Sri Lanka is never out of season for a beach holiday. There is always some part of the beach that has friendly and warm waters. The beach resorts in the North Coast, West Coast, East Coast and the South Coast are popular among the tourists who enjoy taking a dip in the warm waters and relaxing on the sandy beach.
North Coast
The Island is probably the driest, most barren area in Sri Lanka. The landscape features many baobab trees, probably introduced from Africa by Arab traders centuries ago. Mannar, the major town on the island, is at the southern end, joined the mainland by a 3 km causeway. It's not interesting apart from its picturesque Portuguese/Dutch fort. Talaimannar, near the western end, is about 3 km from the pier that was the arrival and departure point of the ferry for India that operated until 1984. A little farther west, an abandoned lighthouse at South Point marks the start of Adam's Bridge, the chain of reefs, sandbanks and islets that almost connects Sri Lanka to India. In the Ramayana, this is the series of stepping stones that Hanuman used to follow Rawana, the demon king of Lanka, in his bid to rescue Sita.
West Coast
The West Coast broadly stretches from Mt. Lavinia, a southern suburb of Colombo to Mannar Island in the lower northwest. Mt. Lavinia and Negombo are considered the best developed beach resorts in this region. Isolated hotels have sprung up in most places along the western coastal stretch.
Negombo
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The major beach resort in the West Coast is Negombo which is a characteristic fishing town in Gampaha district, 37 km north of Colombo, merely 6 km from the International Airport. The wide sandy beaches and its safe sea attract thousands of visitors to Negombo. Set amid lush groves of coconut palms, it breathes the spirit of the sea. Negombo is also a gourmet's paradise with seafood in plenty. The fish market where there are busy trading of a variety of fish, prawns, crabs and seer that take place lively in the mornings, when the fishing crafts return to the shore with their catch, is a worth visiting place. The most popular fishing craft is the outrigger canoe called 'oruwa' dug out from a huge log which is seen in large numbers in the Negombo lagoon.
The major beach resort in the West Coast is Negombo which is a characteristic fishing town in Gampaha district, 37 km north of Colombo, merely 6 km from the International Airport. The wide sandy beaches and its safe sea attract thousands of visitors to Negombo. Set amid lush groves of coconut palms, it breathes the spirit of the sea. Negombo is also a gourmet's paradise with seafood in plenty. The fish market where there are busy trading of a variety of fish, prawns, crabs and seer that take place lively in the mornings, when the fishing crafts return to the shore with their catch, is a worth visiting place. The most popular fishing craft is the outrigger canoe called 'oruwa' dug out from a huge log which is seen in large numbers in the Negombo lagoon.
East Coast
From April to October, the East Coast comes to life. It is one of the best stretches of beach in Sri Lanka. The Eastern beaches stretch for over 300 kilometers along which tourist resorts are developed.
Situated 257 km from Colombo, this city is the ideal refuge for the beach addicts. It comprises a fine natural harbor and excellent beaches. Horatio Nelson - the British admiral of the 18th century - had, on arriving at the Trincomalee harbor, described it as the finest harbor in the world. This beautiful harbor was in use since the days of the early Sinhala kings. At the site there is an old Portuguese/Dutch Fort which has an inscription above its entrance, made by Dutch in 1676, is reminiscent of the colonial rule. It was subsequently named 'Ford Frederick' by the British.
Located in Trincomalee district, 271 from Colombo or 14 km from Trincomalee, Nilaveli is a prime beach resort in the east coast. It is ideally suited for sun bathing, swimming and diving. Also, at few meters off shore, there is a small rocky island that is good for snorkeling. All water sports are available here including fishing and sea angling and whale watching in the sanctuary. In 1985, Nilaveli was the venue for the 1985 International Funboard Championships.
Further east, 314 km from Colombo, in Ampara district is a most beautiful bay good for surfing. Arugam Bay is a fishing village with a wide, sweeping beach in front of the village itself that has a low promontory and is good for swimming. The East coast offers unlimited possibility for many kinds of water sports and underwater photography. The many ship-wrecks of the coast are a tempting challenge to many divers.
Kalkudah & Passekudah
A 2 km-long Kalkudah Bay, 32 km north of Batticaloa, is one of fine beaches in the east coast that is well protected from the monsoon by the off shore reef. Passekudah Bay is another wide beach with the length of 4 km located to the south of Kalkudah and is a lovely bay with clear water. The combined area of Passekudah and Kalkudah was declared as a National Holiday Resort in 1973. This is an ideal site for bathing, windsurfing and water skiing and is a well frequented tourist center with a modern hotel and related facilities.
A 2 km-long Kalkudah Bay, 32 km north of Batticaloa, is one of fine beaches in the east coast that is well protected from the monsoon by the off shore reef. Passekudah Bay is another wide beach with the length of 4 km located to the south of Kalkudah and is a lovely bay with clear water. The combined area of Passekudah and Kalkudah was declared as a National Holiday Resort in 1973. This is an ideal site for bathing, windsurfing and water skiing and is a well frequented tourist center with a modern hotel and related facilities.
The city is like most other coastal townships that were under Portuguese and Dutch rule. A Dutch Fort stands close to the Batticaloa lagoon. The most famous attraction of Batticaloa is the 'Singing Fish'. On a full moon night, between April and September, there is a faint but distinct musical sound (described as the type of noise produced by rubbing a moistened finger around the rim of a wine glass) rises from the lagoon water, this sound is attributed to a noise emanated by one kind of fish found in the lagoon.
South Coast
South Coast
The southern coast is the most popular among tourists and comes to life mainly from October through April when the monsoon moves northeast and the sea becomes calmer with blue sky. It is an ideal place to go on a vacation. The main beach resorts are at Beruwela, Bentota and Hikkaduwa and Unawatuna.
Beruwela
An hour drive from Colombo along the southwest coast will take you to Beruwela marked for the beginning of the 130 km stretch southwest coast beach resort. Beruwela is in Kalutara district 56 km to the south of Colombo that is considered to be the first Muslim settlement in the island established by the Arab traders of the 8th century. There is also a famous Muslim mosque at the beachhead.
Situated in Galle, a district that is 62 km southwards of Colombo or 4 km southward of Beruwela, the Bentota Resort Complex is a romantic rendezvous of river and sea with several hotels, railway station, post office, shopping arcade, cafeteria and an open air theatre showing folk and mask dancing with clusters of palms overlooking everything. There is also an abundance of water based recreational activities in the area.
The beautiful coast of Ambalangoda is a half an hour drive from Bentota or 86 km from Colombo. It is a fair-sized town that has a beautiful sweep sandy beach to its north. It is also home of devil dancing and mask making. Colorful masks worn during traditional dance are carved out of soft wood and brightly painted. Other products such as batiks and hand-woven cottons are also found here.
Located in Galle district 98 km south of Colombo, Hikkaduwa has long been Sri Lanka's most popular beach spot. It is the place for underwater delight where there is a marine sanctuary, abundant with rare corals and tropical fish. The underwater world of colorful corals and beautiful shoals of fish can be explored either by snorkeling or taking a ride in a glass bottom boat. Hikkaduwa is a fun and busy town, there are numerous and varied restaurants, bars, clubs and cafés. Hikkaduwa has it all to offer: coral for snorkellers, waves for board and body surfers and good wide strips of sand if you want to just sit back and relax. During May to October of monsoon season, many places close and water can be quite rough.
Considered as the southern capital (116 km from Colombo), Sri Lanka's fourth biggest town, Galle is the most historically interesting living city. Its modern towns were gradually built separately from the ancient one. It was the seaport of Sri Lanka before the Colombo Port was developed in the late 19 century and it still handles shipping and cruising yachts today. Its main attraction is the Fort called 'Santa Cruz' that has been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. The Fort was built by the Portuguese in 1619 and subsequently expanded and developed by the Dutch and the British the one time colonial masters of the island. What now remains is mostly the work of the Dutch and the British.
Weligama - means 'Sandy Village' - is situated in Matara district, 143 km from Colombo or 27 km from Galle with its sandy sweep bay. It is indeed a very fishing town with less travelers visit. Very close to the shore there is an off shore islet known as Taprobane where a dream house of French Count de Maunay was built on, Weligama is where you will see the famous stilt fishermen.
Unawatuna is 4 km southeast of Galle or 120 km from Colombo, and is a beautiful wide curving golden beach in the south that is popular and safe for bathing by which there is a reef protecting it. It is popular for travelers because at this beach there is no annoying road right to the beach unlike some other places such as Hikkaduwa. However, during public holiday, the beach can get very crowded.
Going further south, 189 km. from Colombo, is a blowhole, Kudawella, rare geological formation on the rocky beach throwing huge columns of water high up into the air with a loud noise like a natural spout. This noise has given the village its name Hoommane. Huge ocean waves breaking on the rocks are thrown up through an opening in the rock causing this wonderful sight that should not be missed by anyone going along the southern coastal road.
Situated on the Matara road 4 km southeast of Weligama, Mirissa marks for one of the country's most beautiful beach. Its headland separates its small fishing harbor from its beautiful curve of sandy beach with calm, clear waters. Mirissa is the alternative for quieter place to Unawatuna or Hikkaduwa.
Situated 195 km from Colombo, Tangalla is one of the nicest spots along the cost, particularly if you want somewhere to find a place to laze and soak up the sun. Tangalla's series of bays are the modern attraction, white sandy beach of Medaketiya shimmer away from the northeast to smaller bays on the west. However, some of the beaches in these bays shelve off very steeply and the resulting waves make them dangerous for swimmers. The town pretty much reminds of the Dutch period, for example, the Rest House was once home of the Dutch administrators.
National Park/Sanctuary
Sri Lanka is a paradise for animal lovers who enjoy animal or bird watching. There are many national parks and sanctuaries in Sri Lanka that offer you an opportunity to observe a real wildlife once in your lifetime. The animals that roam the national parks and sanctuaries are variety. Example of animals that you can see in a national park such as Yala National Park are elephants, leopards, sloth bears, deer and monkeys, wild buffalos, wild boars (pig), porcupines, ant-eaters, civet cats, jackals, mongooses, Loris (unique to Sri Lanka), several varieties of lizards, squirrels, reptiles and amphibians.
Yala National Park is 309 km south of Colombo on the southeast of the island. It is well known for its biggest, extensive the area of 1,259 sq km, and for its best wildlife preservation in the country. With it considerable size, the terrain of the national park is varied from flat plains to rocky outcrops. The vegetation ranges from open parkland to dense jungle. There are also abundance of water supply for animals and birds ranging from waterholes, streams, small lakes to lagoons. The national park is divided into Yala West (also called Ruhuna) and Yala East.
Yala West or Ruhuna National Park is now well recognized for the best park in the world to observe and photograph leopards. There are about 35 leopards in the park which probably is the highest density than anywhere in the world. It is possible to take one day jeep-safari trip through the park although it takes you three days to see the entire park. The park is usually closed relatively late (almost 7.00 pm) therefore the chance to come across one of the leopards is quite high.
As well as leopards there are a large number of elephants living inside the park and these can be seen bathing in anyone of the numerous lakes within the park. Other animal living in the park include sloth bear, spotted deer, barking deer, mouse deer, toque monkey, stripe-necked mongoose, ruddy mongoose, wild pig, jackal, water monitor, marsh crocodile and estuarine crocodile.
Also, 130 species of birds have been recorded here, they includes Sri Lanka Jungle Fowl, Brown-capped Babbler, Stone Curlew, Greater Thick-knee, Black-necked Stork, Lesser Adjutant, Painted Stork, Sirkeer Malkoha, Blue-faced Malkoha, Green Bee-eater, Pompadour Green Pigeon, Blue-faced Malkoha, Green Bee-eater Orange-breasted Green Pigeon, Malabar Pied Hornbill, Brahminya Myna and Rose-colored Starling.
A large variety of water birds also can be seen in the Kumana Mangrove Swamp inside the Yala East, which is 180 sq km in extent. Yala East National Park can be entered at Okanda, 25 km down the coast track south of Arugam Bay via the small town of Panama. Going to Yala East is not always possible as it is officially closed however a three-hour round trip can be arranged from Arugam Bay.
Situated in Inginiyagala district west of Ampara, the Gal Oya National Park is 314 km from Colombo with its area of 260 sq km. It is surrounded by the largest tank in Sri Lanka, the Senanayake Samudra. The best time to see wildlife here is between March and July when you can possibly see almost 150 elephants at one time. This park is most renowned for its extraordinary elephant population. The usual way to enjoy the park's scenery is to take a boat trip around the lake, watching animals and birds on the shore before drifting close to the herds of elephants.
Situated 170 km southeast of Colombo, the Uda Walawe National Park covers area of approximately 30,821 hectares in the dry zone. This park lies within the Ratnapura and Monaragala districts and sitting in the middle of the park is the Uda Walawe Reservoir. This Park comprises grasslands and thorn scrubs and many valuable species of trees especially teak. It is largely inhabited by elephants, spotted deer, sambhur, water buffaloes, mongoose, bandicoots, foxes, water monitor lizards, crocodiles, wild boars, Toque Monkeys, Grey Langur, leopards and 30 varieties of snakes.
Bird life includes Sri Lanka Jungle Fowl, Sri Lanka Grey Hornbill, Malabar Pied Hornbill, Wooly-necked Stork, Black-headed Ibis, Black-shouldered Kite, White-bellied Sea Eagle, Crested Serpent Eagle, Changeable Hawk Eagle, Shikrs, Sirkeer Malkoha, and Blue-faced Malkoha.
As similar to Yala it is possible to take an all day safari through the park and there is a wonderful rest area next to a river for a relaxing break. As well as Yala, this park closes quite late (approximately 6:30pm) thus improving your chances of spotting nocturnal predators.
Situated approximately 200 km away from Colombo, the Wasgamuwa National Park lies within the Polonnaruwa and Matale Districts and have the Mahaweli River and Amban River as its eastern and western boundaries. Tropical intermediate dry mixed evergreen forest dominates its environment. The vegetation consists of primary forests, secondary forests, scrublands and grasslands. The inhabitants here are elephants, wild buffaloes, spotted deer, leopards, sloth bears, water monitors and crocodiles. Other livings are 143 species of bird including the Red Faced Malkoha, Ceylon Jungle Fowl, Lesser Adjutant, Yellow Fronted Barbet, Ceylon Spur Fowl and Ceylon Frogmouth. Plus there are 8 species of amphibians reported of living in this park which include the endangered skink, lizards like the Red Lipped Lizard and Earless Lizard. In addition, 17 species of fish and 50 species of butterflies are found here.
Adam's Peak or Samanalakade, the butterfly mountain where butterflies go to die, is another beautiful and fascinating place in Sri Lanka. The name 'Adam's Peak' came from the fact that on the top of its 2,224 m peak there is a footprint called 'Sri Pada' that is still indistinguishable of that of whom. Some believe that it was that of Adam who was made the mark just after he was cast out of the heaven and some other believe that it was that of the Lord of Buddha. Whichever legend to believe, the fact remains that this place has been a pilgrimage center for over 1,000 years. Not only the sacred footprint is the big attraction, the first rays of drawn light are eulogized as a very fine view, the hill country rises to the east while the west the land slopes to the sea. On any one clear day, Colombo which is 65 km away can be visible from the peak of this holy mountain.
The Horton Plains National Park is the only national park situated in the hill country and falls within the Nuwara Eliya district and is 200 km away from Colombo. It consists of grasslands interspersed with areas of forest and some unusual vegetation that grows only in high altitudes. From here rise Sri Lanka's second and third highest mountains. The plains afford some excellent, silent walks.
The most amazing feature is the 'Horton Plains is the World's End' where the southern part of the plains comes to a sudden end and drops almost straight down for 700 m. Dawn is the ideal time to view this site. The mountains are free of mist and the sun is just rising.
The dense forests are home to deer, jackal, the shaggy bear-monkey, sambhur - a member of the cat family - and the occasional leopard among these there are some endemic avifauna also found within this park.
The plains are also popular with bird watchers. Birds include Ceylon Jungle Fowl, Ceylon Wood Pigeon, Orange-billed Babbler, Ceylon Blue Magpie, Ceylon Hill Munia, Dusky-blue Flycatcher, Pied Bush-Chat, Grey Tit and Ceylon Whistling Thrush.
Bundala National Park is the latest addition to national parks and is situated 260 km away from Colombo with 62 sq km in extent. Comprising of scrub jungle and bordering the sea, the park stretches along the coast east of Hambantota. The beach is an important nesting site for turtles. Between October and January, four of Sri Lanka's five species of marine turtles come to lay their eggs. Wildlife living in the park includes elephants, spotted deer, grey langur, jackal, water monitor, crocodiles, the olive ridley and leatherback turtles, the hawksbill and green turtles.
Among all the 150 species of water birds resident here are the Flamingo, Brown-capped Babbler, Ceylon Jungle Fowl, Cattle Egret, Median Egret, Large Egret, Openbill, Spoonbill, Glossy Ibis, Black-winged Stilt, Yellow-wattled Lapwing, etc. Migrant birds include Asiatic Golden Plover, Grey Plover, Lesser Sand, Large Sand Plover, Kentish Plover, Marsh Sandpiper, Little Stint, Curlew Sandpiper, etc.
Museum
Housed in a fine colonial-era building on Albert Crescent, the National Museum is the first public Museum to be established in Sri Lanka (1877). It is the best known for its collection of ancient royal regalia, Sinhalese artwork (carvings, sculptures and so on), antique furniture, china, and Ola manuscripts. It includes the national treasures and art facts from all parts of the island. A section of the first floor houses the Puppetry and Children's Museum. It also houses a library with a collection of about 500,000 books including very valuable and rare ones and more than 4,000 ancient palm leaf manuscripts. Open daily from 09.00 hrs to 17.00 hrs except on Fridays when it is closed to the public for cleaning.
The museum displays the natural heritage of Sri Lanka. The fauna i.e. mammals and birds are displayed in dioramas. There are sections on Applied Botany, Geology and Fossils and the Natural Environment. In the Discovery Room one finds the mounted skeleton of an elephant and a scale model in relief showing the topography of a part of Sri Lanka. Open daily from 09.00 hrs to 17.00 hrs.
The old 'Dutch House' on Prince Street, Pettah (Colombo 11) which houses this museum was built in the late 17th century and was initially the residence of Count August Carl Van Ranzow along with five other houses of the elite. Today, the sides of the street are choc-a-block with boutiques and stores of Moslem traders. The restoration of this building commenced in 1977 and was completed in 1981. This museum was opened to the public in 1982. This building embodies the unique architectural features of a colonial Dutch town house. The museum while displaying the Dutch legacy with the artifacts viz. furniture, ceramics, coins, arms etc. portrays facets of contemporary life and culture. Open daily except Fridays from 09.00 hrs to - 17.00 hrs.
Housed in the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall, Bauddhaloka Mawatha, Colombo 7, the museum contains photographs, objects and documents portraying the life and times of the Prime Minister S.W.R.D. Bandaranaike. Visitors can listen to recordings of some of his famous speeches. Open daily except Mondays and full moon days from 09.00 hrs to 16.00 hrs.
The museum is located within the Fort of Galle in a colonial Dutch ware-house with imposing pillars. This museum displays the fauna & flora of the sea and the environment. Artifacts consist of preserved material and scale models of whales and fishes. Generally, all the resources of the sea are covered in this Museum. It also shows in diorama form with life size models, the traditional methods of fishing. Some artifacts of under water archaeology are on display. An interesting experiment is the 'walk-into-the sea' diorama, showing the natural coral beds, sea grass beds and deep sea fishes. Finally, one leaves the museum seeing the causes of sea pollution, coast erosion and methods used to combat these problems. Open daily from 09.00 hrs - 17.00 hrs.
The Archaeological Department has established Archaeological Site Museums in Anuradhapura (ancient city), Isurumuniya, Mihintale, Veheragala, Vavuniya, Jaffna, Sigiriya, Kandy, Dedigama, Yapahuwa, Panduwasnuwara, Kotte, Matara (Star-Fort), Deegavapiya and Kataragama. Tourists may visit these museums free of charge but taking photographs is not allowed unless a permit is obtained from the Director General of Dept. of Archaeology. Notably, permits are necessary to photograph monuments at certain Archaeological sites. Archaeological museums are open daily from 08.00 hrs to 17.00 hrs but closed on Tuesdays and some of them will be close on public holidays too.
Gems Museum, Ratnapura
The National Museum of Ratnapura is housed in the famous Ehelapola Walawwa on the Colombo Road in Ratnapura. The museum displays to a great extent the prehistory of Sri Lanka. Ratnapura being famous for gems, the process of gem-mining is displayed through a model. Some of the artifacts displayed here, reflect the unique arts & culture of the Sabaragamuwa Province. Open daily except Fridays from 09.00 hrs - 17.00 hrs.
Settling in the sacred city close to the Archaeological Museum, the Folk Museum Anuradhapura has a collection of artifacts illustrative of the rural life of the North Central Province. Open daily except Thursdays & Fridays from 09.00 hrs - 17.00 hrs.
Art Gallery
The National Art Gallery is located at 106 Ananda Coomaraswamy Mawatha (Green Path), Colombo 7. It's opened from 9 am to 5 pm daily except poya days. It caters largely to the conservative taste in painting mostly portraits. There are also some temporary exhibitions of Sri Lanka artists.
Religious Places
Temple of Tooth (Dalada Maligawa)
The Temple of Tooth houses the most important part of Buddha relics, the sacred tooth of the Lord of Buddha. The tooth was said to be taken from the flames of Buddha's funeral pyre in 543 BC and was smuggled into the island during the 4th century AD, hidden in the hair of princess. The tooth was moved from place to place, up and down Sri Lanka from Anuradhapura, the first place, eventually to Kandy.
The Temple of Tooth houses the most important part of Buddha relics, the sacred tooth of the Lord of Buddha. The tooth was said to be taken from the flames of Buddha's funeral pyre in 543 BC and was smuggled into the island during the 4th century AD, hidden in the hair of princess. The tooth was moved from place to place, up and down Sri Lanka from Anuradhapura, the first place, eventually to Kandy.
The Temple of Tooth started constructing in 1687 and finished in 1782. It is an imposing pink-painted structure, surrounded by a deep moat. The octagonal tower inside the moat was built to house the important collection of Ola (palm-leaf) manuscripts however this section was heavily damaged by the 1998 bomb blast. Person wearing shorts is not allowed to enter in this temple and shoes must be removed before entering.
Maligawila & Dambegoda
About 15 km to the south of Monaragala, Maligawila is where two colossal Buddha statues stand. One of them is the 11m-high ancient Buddha statue dates back to the 7th century AD that is considered to be the world's largest free standing Buddha figure. Both of them are carved from crystalline limestone. In close proximity (about 1 km away) at Dambegoda is another 10m-high statue,Avalokitheswara Bodhisattva (a divine being who chooses to reside on the human plane to help ordinary people attain salvation).
About 15 km to the south of Monaragala, Maligawila is where two colossal Buddha statues stand. One of them is the 11m-high ancient Buddha statue dates back to the 7th century AD that is considered to be the world's largest free standing Buddha figure. Both of them are carved from crystalline limestone. In close proximity (about 1 km away) at Dambegoda is another 10m-high statue,Avalokitheswara Bodhisattva (a divine being who chooses to reside on the human plane to help ordinary people attain salvation).
Buduruwagala
With its meaning of 'Buddha image', Buduruwagala was named after rock-cut Buddha statues carved on a cliff located in the area. This 7-statue complex, which is of the Mahayana Buddha School, comprises of the huge standing Buddha figures traced back to 8th - 10th centuries AD. The central of three figures to Buddha's right is thought to be the Buddhist mythological figure, the Avalokitheswara Bodhisattva.
With its meaning of 'Buddha image', Buduruwagala was named after rock-cut Buddha statues carved on a cliff located in the area. This 7-statue complex, which is of the Mahayana Buddha School, comprises of the huge standing Buddha figures traced back to 8th - 10th centuries AD. The central of three figures to Buddha's right is thought to be the Buddhist mythological figure, the Avalokitheswara Bodhisattva.
Dowa Cave Temple
Located proximity to the highway 24 km away from Badulla, the Dowa Cave Temple, near an old wooden bridge, attracts visitors with its ornamental gateway. The cave is situated by a stream at the bottom of a hill. It has a 4m Buddha image sculptured into a rock and some interesting paintings.
Located proximity to the highway 24 km away from Badulla, the Dowa Cave Temple, near an old wooden bridge, attracts visitors with its ornamental gateway. The cave is situated by a stream at the bottom of a hill. It has a 4m Buddha image sculptured into a rock and some interesting paintings.
Muthiyangana
A shrine built, to enshrine the jaw-bone of the Lord Buddha, in the 4th Century AD at a site personally blessed by the Lord Buddha during one of his three visits to Sri Lanka, and hence is one of the sixteen most venerated places for Buddhists in Sri Lanka.
A shrine built, to enshrine the jaw-bone of the Lord Buddha, in the 4th Century AD at a site personally blessed by the Lord Buddha during one of his three visits to Sri Lanka, and hence is one of the sixteen most venerated places for Buddhists in Sri Lanka.
Bogoda Bridge and the Temple
The only Kandyan-period roofed wooden bridge built during the 16th century, constructed gracefully over the Gallanda Oya, is elegantly supported by 11 pairs of elegantly carved pillars and a railing of banisters.
The proposed location is at Bogoda Raja Maha Vihara. The total distance to the site from Badulla is about 14 miles. Access to the site along Badulla - Bandarawela high way turn off to right to Ketawala and then turn to left to Jangulla and proceed to Bogoda Bridge. The only Kandyan-period roofed wooden bridge built during the 16th century, constructed gracefully over the Gallanda Oya, is elegantly supported by 11 pairs of elegantly carved pillars and a railing of banisters.
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