Ancient recitation house with a stone fence. Nissanka Latha Mandapaya is one out of the many unique structures in the ancient city of Polonnaruwa. It was built by King Nissankamalla in the 1100s and was named after him. This historical masterpiece is located in the area that contains the oldest and most sacred monuments in...Read More
Sri Lanka’s premier dry zone man made jungle The IFS-Popham’s Arboretum is the only preserved dry zone arboretum in Sri Lanka. It was created in 1963 by Sam Popham on 7.5 acres of scrub jungle and abandoned ‘Chena’ land. Popham established his arboretum in the geographical center of the island, Dambulla. Apart from the many...Read More
A majestic figure with a grave expression A magnificent statue made purely from stone stands on the eastern Bank of the Parakrama Samudra Reservoir. It is considered as the symbol of Polonnaruwa. This statue depicting an austere figure holding what is thought to be an ola leaf manuscript is carved on a large boulder. The...Read More
A treasure trove of stone artistry The only place to see the largest collection of paintings belonging to Polonnaruwa kingdom is the Thivanka Pilimage which had been built as part of the Jethavanarama Complex by King Parakramabahu (1153-1186). “Pilimage” means image house and this historical attraction is situated in Nissankamallapura, Polonnaruwa. The image house has...Read More
The emblem of grandeur in the ancient city of Polonnaruwa Ever wondered what life would have been like for a king of the 12th century in Sri Lanka? Among all the archeological wonders of Polonnaruwa the Royal Palace of King Parakramabahu can be referred as the most prominent one. This Royal Palace was built by...Read More
Perfect fusion of Buddhist and Hindu Architecture Nalanda Gedige is one of the most fascinating and mysterious archeological masterpieces of ancient Sri Lanka, which is located in Nalanda, close to Matale and Dambulla. It is considered to be the centre of Sri Lanka and its structure resembles a South Indian Temple as well as Buddhist...Read More
A glimpse into prehistoric Sri Lanka Sri Lanka is known as a fascinating island for its archeological treasures of prehistoric civilization. One of the places where you can understand the society and lifestyle of the ancient Sri Lankans is the ancient habitation site and burial ground in Ibbankatuwa which is considered as one of the...Read More
Through the Iron wood Forest to the Rose Quartz Mountain The Jathika Namal Uyana is the largest iron wood forest and largest pink quartz mountain in Asia. It is situated near the villages of Ulpathagama and Galkiriyagama in the Dambulla area just 7 kilometres away from Madatugama junction of Colombo-Anuradhapura highway. The Iron wood forest...Read More
Masterpieces of man’s artistry and creative skill Facing the Kala Wewa and carved out of a large granite stands the tallest standing Buddha statue in Sri Lanka. The Avukana Buddha statue which is more than 40 feet in height is the best example of a standing statue constructed in ancient Sri Lanka. This remarkable rock...Read More
A place to see and taste tropical veggies and fruits If you are curious to know the varieties of vegetables and fruits that are grown and sold in Sri Lanka, you should pay a visit to the Dambulla Economic Centre. It is the largest vegetables and fruits wholesale market in Sri Lanka. The vibrant colours...Read More
