by admin-unique | May 30, 2019 | Sri Lankan Cultural Sites
In Sri Lanka’s ancient capital of Gampola sits three revered Buddhist temples – Embekke, Lankatilaka and Gadaladeniya.
Each legendary temple is a short distance from one another and are usually visited by intrigued travellers in succession, known as the ‘the three temple loop’.
The three temples are revered for their excellent craftsmanship and historic importance to the Gampola era of Sri Lanka and are well worth a visit when close to Kandy.
by admin-unique | May 30, 2019 | Sri Lankan Cultural Sites
Aukana is the tallest Buddha statue in Sri Lanka, standing 12 metres tall. Located in the village of Aukana (close to Kekirawa), central Sri Lanka, the imposing statue dates back to the 5th century and is one of the best and most well preserved statues on the island.
Now a magnet for tourist to Sri Lanka, the forty foot statue is carved out of an imposing slab of granite rock and is an example of Abhayamudra, or a “gesture of fearlessness”, with the right arm bent and raised to shoulder height, palm exposed. This gesture represents peace, protection and the dispelling of fear.
Carved into the granite rock face, the statue is widely considered the best example of a Buddha statue on the island and was skilfully carved. The robe was delicately carved and beautifully conveys the realistic form and shape of the underlying body. The face is placid in expression, projecting and reinforcing the fearlessness the statue represents.
by admin-unique | May 30, 2019 | Sri Lankan Cultural Sites
One of the oldest and most sacred Buddhist temples in Sri Lanka, the Aluvihare Rock Temple is a treasure trove of ancient relics from the 3rd century BC right up until the present day.
Founded by first Buddhist king, Devanampiyatissa, the temple remains a place of worship and is laid out over several levels of the lush and mountainous landscape. The temple and surrounding area is a wonderful and intriguing place to visit during any Sri Lankan tour.
by admin-unique | May 30, 2019 | Sri Lankan Cultural Sites
Trincomalee is a famous port city situated on the east coast of Sri Lanka. It boasts one of the largest natural harbours in the world which has long been of major strategic importance throughout the islands history, being held by the Portuguese, the Dutch, the French and the British.
The port city of Trincomalee is one of the oldest known cities in Asia and has a recorded history spanning more than two and a half thousand years.
We get lots requests from our travellers who would like to visit Trincomalee during their Sri Lankan holiday– many of which had parents who were stationed here. We specialise in tailor-made holidays to Sri Lankaso please get in touch if you’d like to visit Trincomalee or any other Sri Lankan locations.
by admin-unique | May 30, 2019 | Sri Lankan Cultural Sites
The main attraction of Yapahuwa is the steep ornamental staircase, flanked by sculptures of lions and the ancient walls with their sculptured female figurines.
During the 13th century, when Bhuvanekabahu was king, Yapahuwa was the capital of the island and home to the sacred tooth relic. The formidable rock fortress sits on a granite outcrop that raises high above the surrounding plains forming an impressive defence for its ruler.
Yapahuwa was eventually captured by the Indians in the last 13th century who took the tooth relic to South India (the relic was recaptured just four years later and brought back to Sri Lanka).
by admin-unique | May 30, 2019 | Sri Lankan Cultural Sites
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.
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