Historic Cities of Lanka

Anuradhapura

The very first capitol of the island was a citadel dating back to the 5th century B.C, and was founded by the famous King Pandukabhaya “the first truly Sinhala king”. This has been a stronghold of the Kings of Lanka for nearly 1500 years and home to 126 kings. It also is the location to where Buddhism was introduced to the island by king Devanampitatissa in the 3rd century B.C. Today a visitor to Anuradhapura could witness the architecture, carvings, sculptures, paintings and inscriptions which survived the elements for over 15 centuries.

Anuradhapura is located in the north central province of the island and with a travel time of approx 4.5hrs from Colombo international air port. You will need at least one over night stay in Anuradhapura or a nearby city to explore all the sites and places of interest.Sri Maha Bodhi – the sacred boa tree is said to be the oldest recorded tree on earth and is a sapling of the tree beneath which the Buddha received attained enlightenment. Religious iconography, the Bodhi tree is recognizable by its heart-shaped leaves, which are usually prominently displayed. It takes 100 to 3,000 years for a bodhi tree to fully grow. The Bodhi tree at the Mahabodhi Temple situated at mahamewana garden is called Sri Maha Bodhi. According to Buddhist texts the Buddha, after his Enlightenment, spent seven weeks in the vicinity of the Boa tree, to show his gratitude. A shrine was later erected on the spot where he stood, and was called the Animisalocana cetiya.Ruwanwelisaya or the great Stupa - built by King Dutugemunu is regarded as the most important stupa found in Anuradhapura where a bowl of bodily relics of the Buddha is enshrined. It is also sacred to most Buddhist all over the world. The height reaches 300 feet and is said to be one of the highest monuments found in the world. When the unique Great Stūpa Ruvanveli was completed as far as the square turret 10, and while ninety-six koñis of Arahants were chanting protective suttas, the great king Dutugemunu who reigned in Srī Lanka for twenty-four years, had his record of meritorious deeds read and, while looking at the Great Stūpa, he died and was born as a divine king in the Tusita-heaven. His brother, king Saddhatissa, completed the remaining work at the Great Stūpa and later was also born in the Tusita-heaven.  The Brazen Palace - know as the Loha Maha Prasada built in the 3rd century B.C, built adjacent to the sacred boa tree  was a residence for monks and was built by King Dutugemunu. The name brazen palace was given to as the roof of the nine-story building was covered with copper plates.

Thuparamaya – the oldest stupa in Sri Lanka is believed to enshrine the left Collarbone Relic of the Buddha which was sent from India by Emperor Ashoka. This is considered the earliest monument, the construction of which was chronicled Sri Lanka. The name Thuparamaya comes from "stupa" and "aramaya" which is a residential complex for monks. Thuparamaya dagoba has been built in the shape of a heap of paddy. This dagoba was destroyed from time to time. During the reign of King Agbo II it was completely destroyed and the King restored it. What is seen presently is the construction of the dagoba, done in 1862 AD. Mirisawetiya Dagaba – One of the eight sacred places in Anuradhapura was built by King Dutugemunu to celebrate his victory over Indian King Elara in 158 BC. Believed to enshrine the Kings spear which contained relics of the Buddha which had given him good luck in battle.

Isurumuniya Rock temple – Part of vessagiri complex was built in the 3rd century B.C by King Devanam Piyatissa. A norbal person whose name was Aritta had been ordained as a monk with 500 others in this temple. Rich people were known as people with ‘Isuru’ in Sinhalese, hence the name ‘Isurumuniya’ was given after that.  There is a viharaya connected to a cave and above is a cliff. A small stupa is built on it. It can be seen that the constructional work of this stupa belong to the present period. Lower down on both sides of a cleft, in a rock that appears to rise out of a pool, have been carved the figures of frolicking elephants. On the rock is carved the figure of a horse. The carving of Isurumuniya lovers on the slab has been brought from another place and placed there. The Tooth relic of Buddha was placed here (309 AD) as soon as princess Hemamala and prince Danta brought it to Sri Lanka

Abhayagiri stupa – Abhayagiriya complex is known to be one of the largest religious institutions in the world and was built in 88 B.C by King Vattagamini Abhaya. The stupa served as a centerpiece reaches a height of 375 feet. The Abhayagiriya monastery accommodated 5,000 monks. Historically it was a great monastic center as well as a royal capital, with magnificent monasteries rising to many stories, roofed with gilt bronze or tiles of burnt clay glazed in brilliant colors. To the north of the city, encircled by great walls and containing elaborate bathing ponds, carved balustrades and moonstones, stood "Abhayagiri", one of seventeen such religious units in Anuradhapura and the largest of its five major viharas. Surrounding the humped dagaba, Abhayagiri Vihara was a seat of the Northern Monastery.

Samadhi Statue – Seated image of Buddha in Samadhi or deep meditation pose, could be seen at the mahamewana gardens at Abhayagiriya complex. The famous Samadhi statue of the Buddha reflexes the unique are of the sculpture. This is considered as one of the finest of poses in Sri Lanka and as one of the extraordinary creations of Sinhala sculpture built around the 5th century AD.Twin Ponds or Kuttam Pokuna – Found at Abhayagiriya monastic complex are two ponds different in size ‘ 91*51 & 132 * 51 feet’ inter connected but the smaller pool had been built first. Reserved  only for the monks of ‘kapara Mula’ at Abhayagiriya is a sophisticated ancient engineering system. Semi-circular Moonstones – placed at the entrance of places is a sign of welcome to all visitors, also beside the moonstone are two columnar guard stones in order to prevent any evil spirits from entering. Known in Sinhalese as sandakada pahana, it is roughly translated into English as moonstone. The name is based on its shape and design. The ancient chronicle Mahavamsa and Pali literature such as the Samantapasadika refer to the sandakada pahana as patika. First seen in the latter stage of the Anuradhapura period, the sandakada pahana evolved through the Polonnaruwa, Gampola and Kandy periods. According to historians, the sandakada pahana symbolizes the cycle of Saṃsāra in Buddhism.

Jethawena stupa – dating back to the 3rd century A.D is known to be the tallest brick structure in the world and is believed to enshrine the Buddha’s belt. Its monastery is said to have accommodated 3,000 monks. Recent excavations confirm that the foundation of the stupa was 28 feet deep and rested on bedrock. This stupa was built in keeping with engineering principles which are followed even today. At the time of the collapse of the Roman Empire, and counting this phase to be the end of the ancient world, this edifice was only second to two other taller structures - Pyramids 1 and 2 in Egypt.

Mihintale – know as the birth place of Buddhism to Sri Lanka which dates back to the time period of 247 B.C where the philosophy was introduced to King Devanampiyatisa by the Buddhist missionary Mahinda. It is now a pilgrimage site, and the site of several religious monuments and abandoned structures. From ancient times a large number of large steps were constructed to climb Mihintale. It is stated that King Devanampiyatissa constructed a vihara and 68 caves for the bhikkhus to reside in. At Mihintale there gradually grew a number of Buddhist viharas with all the dependent buildings characteristic of monasteries of that period.

Aukana – know to be one of the finest statues of  Buddha found in the island built by King Dhatusena. Located approx 32miles southeast of Anuradhapura dates back to the 5th century A.D is this magnificent statue. The best time of the day to view this statue is dawn. The first rays of the morning sun bring out the rich hues of the rock image and make it seem to come alive against the deep green of the trees beyond. As the sun rises higher it reveals the serenity of the exquisitely carved face: rising higher still, the sunlight picks out the gracefully carved robe, each pleat of which is a triumph of art.

PolonnaruwaThe second capitol of the island which dates back to the 11 century is yet another ruined city with its epic tale of agrarian civilization. The city’s irrigation structures of the large prarakrama samudra,  a reservoir covering 5,940 acres, clearly displays the interest  King Parakramabahu1  had in irrigation and cultivation. Unlike Anuradhapura, the ruins of Polonnaruwa could be visited in a shorter time frame as most of the sites are situated close to each other.

The Sage – A 12th century statue is said to be of King Parakramabahu the great is the only statue found believed to be of the king. Other sources refer to it as a scholar or sage, carrying an Ola leaf book.

Palace of King Parakramabahu 1 – Found in the southern end of the citadel, is named ‘ Vaijayanthiprasada’ named after the  palace of God Sakra, the chief of Gods. Impressive brick building reaching seven stories high, the top floors were made of wood, thick walls denote short foundation and wooden pillars to support the upper floors.Council Chamber of King Parakramabahu– A major structure located at the southern end of the citadel, adjacent to the royal palace. It was the meeting place for government functions held by the King. The hall is rectangular in plan and raised on a podium and decorated with some of the finest sculptural decorations in Plonnaruwa. There are 48 pillars to represent each officer who participates in the meeting.

Kumara Pokuna or Princes pond - Fed by the Parakrama Samudra by means of underground stone conduit is yet another example of the Kings knowledge of irrigation and planning. Kumara Pokuna is part of the castle complex of Parakramabahu. Kumara Pokuna is where the King and royal family would have taken their evening bath.

Vatadage or circular relic house – Located at the dalada maluwa or terrace of Tooth relic at the sacred quadrangle was built by Parakramabahu the great is one of the most beautiful monument in the city and in all of Sri Lanka. This is a unique feature of ancient Buddhist architecture. It was built to hold the Tooth relic or the begging bowl of the Buddha as both relics’ were important in ancient Sri Lankan culture.

Thuparamaya – the best preserved building found in Polonnaruwa is an image house and meditating center for monks. Found within the building are some of the finest limestone images of the Buddha.

The large Gal-pota or stone book - Bears the inscription of King Nissanka Malla’s invasion of India and relations he had with other countries. The inscription on the side of the stone states it was brought from Mihintale. The book had copper gilded inscriptions, it was 26.10 feet long and 4.7 feet wide. 72 lines with more than 4300 words and 200 swans are carved in two lines from left to right.

Gal Vihara – comprises four of  the finest statues of Buddha carved out of one granite rock, where all minute details have been carved. One must keep in mind that during the ancient times the only tools used were - hammer and chisels. The standing statue 23 feet in height is of  a rare pose ‘ paradukka dukkitha’ showing the concern for people suffering but happy that they are following.

SigiriyaThe rock 600 feet in height with its palace on top is yet another wonder and example of the determination and commitment of the Sinhala Kings. Built by King Kasyapa in the 5th century AD is one of the most remarkable creations of the world and a UNESCO world heritage site.

One out of the three corners of the cultural triangle, Sigiriya is a must see marvel for any visitor, even elderly travels could take up the challenge with the help of some locals who will assist you to the top for a small fee. The best time for the climb is in the morning hours where it’s much cooler and the rock has not heated up – the other option would be in case you missed out the morning hours to climb it in the later part of the day when the sun is a bit settled.

Ready for some step climbing?From the Lion terrace which leads to the summit at 600feet the view from the royal pavilion is arrestingly beautiful where one could glaze the entire landscape along with the water gardens.The mirror wall, a then finely polished limestone slab of rock like a massive mirror wall along the side of the rock is said to have been built in order to help detect any distance enemy, which in the old days came in large groups, so the troops could be prepared in advance. Tater on when the kingdom was abandoned many visitors who came to Sigiriya wrote down poems on the wall which are known as the graffiti’s of Sigiriya, over 1200 such graffiti’s have been read and are yet visible if observed carefully.On the half way climb, follow the spiral staircase up which will lead you to a cave where the images of the beautiful maidens of Sigiriya have been painted on the cave walls. The murals at Sigiriya have long been admired by both the art connoisseur and average traveler. Sigiriya has become a goldmine for archaeologists and art historians. While stone was used at the basement and ground floor levels, the upper floor levels were all of tropical wood which was generally used for the construction of pavilions and other edifices. Only a few of the religious and secular monuments survive, but they continue to attract travelers from far and wide. Evidence of a sophisticated water system from the foot of Sigiriya to the summit, both for human consumption and for pleasure, has been found, and modern hydrologists continue to theorize on the accomplishments of the early engineers.

Dambulla

Situated within the cultural triangle, Dambulla is a city best known for its wood carving. For many centuries, the surroundings of Dambulla were the habitation of forest dwelling monks. While they had minimum contact with the public, meditation was their main strength.

The Rock Cave Temples of Dambulla – five large caves carved out of one rock with paintings mimicking the life of the Buddha is one place that has been visited by most travels for many years. The paintings have been done by generations and is said to be the largest art gallery found here.

The principal shrine at Dambulla, known as the Rangiri Dambulla Viharaya, or the golden cave temple of Dambulla, has been cited in a number of religious and historical texts. As a visitor enters the shrine, there is a 25 line, 12th century inscription of King Nissanka Malla of Polonnaruwa, who took credit for the construction of images of the Buddha and  for conducting a religious service. Similarly, other rulers have patronized the shrine since pre – Christian times up to the 18th century.

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