The ancient city of Panduwasnuwara

The ancient city of Panduwasnuwara

The city of Panduwasnuwara is an ancient capital of Sri Lanka and has a rich collection of historic ruins that spread out over 20 hectares.
Situated in the Kurunegala area of Sri Lanka, North West of Kandy, Panduwasnuwara was the capital of the island during the 12th century when King Parakramabahu ruled the Kingdom of Polonnaruwa. The ancient capital was the home of the sacred Buddha tooth relic during this time.
While it is true that Panduwasnuwara doesn’t match the historic ruins and cultural gems found at Polonnaruwa and Anuradhapura City, it is still a worthwhile place to visit if you have time during your Sri Lankan tour.
The Grand, Nuwara Eliya

The Grand, Nuwara Eliya

This was once the residence of Sir Edward Barnes, the governor of Sri Lanka in the 1820s. This old colonial hotel has a very much a feel of a bygone era. The hotel is situated close into the centre of Nuwara Eliya so one can easily walk into the town. There is no AC here as Nuwara Eliya is quite cool but you will find a heater in your room. The gardens are particularly lovely and afternoon tea can be taken on the lawn if the weather is nice – this is highly recommended.
Visit the Dutch Fort at Galle

Visit the Dutch Fort at Galle

Unquestionably the cultural capital of the southern coast of Sri Lanka, Galle Fort is a World Heritage Site steeped in history dating back to the 16th century that is a must see when visiting the island.
The fort at Galle was first constructed by the Portuguese in 1588 and was then extensively fortified by the Dutch in the 17th century. Its colourful history portrays the major role Galle played in Sri Lanka’s past, being the main port on the island and as extension the main trading post for international merchants.
Today, Galle is the largest remaining fortress in the whole of Asia that was built by Europeans. Thanks to continuous reconstruction and restoration work by the Archaeological Department of Sri Lanka Galle Fort remains a magnificent example of European architecture fused with South Asian traditions and maintains its polished appearance.
Tour of the Temple of the Tooth Relic in Kandy

Tour of the Temple of the Tooth Relic in Kandy

The stunning Temple of the Tooth in the ancient capital Kandy is a magnet for pilgrims and tourists alike. It is the most visited temple in the whole of Sri Lanka and is the only temple in the world with a tooth relic of Buddha himself.
Believed to house the tooth of the Buddha which was taken from him on his funeral pyre, the relic is of great importance to the many pilgrims who come to visit the shrine and has played a big role in the politics of the region with it being believed that those who hold the relic holds the governance.
When visiting Sri Lanka it is advised you take some time to sightsee in Kandy which is the ancient capital of the country, and take a Temple of the Tooth tour. The temple complex is one of the main reasons Kandy was awarded with World Heritage status.