Author: Kalpana Sunder
Sri Lanka, has a documented history of over 3000 years, being on the maritime Silk road, and with a rich history of trade relations with many countries. Many of its historic sites reflect its rich Buddhist heritage, and the powerful kingdoms which ruled the island. Sri Lanka’s Cultural triangle is situated in the centre of the island and covers the World Heritage sites of Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa, Sigiriya, Dambulla and Kandy. Besides these famous sites, there are countless murals, cave paintings, statues and stupas and ruined monasteries spread across the country. Our pick of top ancient wonders to explore:
Ramble through the ruins of Polonnaruwa
Ruins of temples, orange sand roads, rambling palaces in ruins, majestic stupas and rolling grass and trees inside three concentric city walls, Polonnaruwa, 213 km from Colombo, was the ancient capital city for more than three centuries, after the capital of Anuradhapura was conquered and destroyed by King Chola Rajaraja I. It was occupied by both Sinhalese and Chola rulers from South India.
Explore the city though four locations: the Royal Palace, the Quadrangle, Aluhana Pirivena (Northern Group) and Gal Vihara.The main attraction here is the collection of vast Buddha sculptures known as the Gal Vihara, as well as a sacred structure known as a “gedige” which houses a large headless Buddha statue.
Top Tip: Travelers can rent bicycles or tuk-tuks for an efficient tour, as the site is vast. Since Polonnaruwa is home to many religious sites, it is essential to dress modestly.
Admire the stupas of Anuradhapura
One of the ancient world’s largest monastic cities, founded in the 4th century B.C, and sacred to the Buddhists, Anuradhapura, a UNESCO heritage site, in the northern central province of Sri Lanka, was a ruling capital city until the 11th century.
Explore the ancient city’s sprawling complex of shrines, stupas, tanks, temples and monasteries. The red brick Jetavana Dagoba, was at the time of its construction, the third tallest structure in the world, after the pyramids of Giza. Ramble through the ruins of the Abhayagiri Monastery, the largest monastery for over 600 years, which housed more than 5000 monks. Admire the Kuttam Pokuna, ornamental twin ponds which are an ancient engineering marvel and the ‘rice-boats’ in the remains of the Mahapali Refectory- stone troughs which used to be filled with rice for the monks.
Top Tip: The entrance fee for the archaeological complex of Anuradhapura is $25. A bicycle or tuk tuk is the best way to get around.
Have a visual feast in Dambulla
The Dambulla caves in Sri Lanka, 73 km from Kandy, Sri Lanka, located on a rocky outcrop, accessed by a flight of 364 steps, with beautiful murals in five caves is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, dating back to the 1st century B.C. Buddhism has had a tradition of rock-cut caves where monks meditated or lived away from human habitation. These caves were originally a hide-out for dethroned kings. These humongous rock caves once provided refuge to King Vattagamani, who lost his kingdom.
The caves are a riot of paintings, murals and Buddha statues. King Nissankamalla gilded many of the statues and the caves began to be called Ran Giri or Golden Rock. There’s an enormous collection of Buddha’s here of all sizes and poses built out of brick, wood and granite and covered with stucco and paint.
Top Tip: Remember that there is a steep flight of steps to be climbed to the caves. The entrance ticket needs to be bought before climbing to the top.
Pray at the famous Tooth Temple of Kandy
The UNESCO World Heritage-listed Temple of the Sacred Tooth complex in Kandy, a hill town now houses Sri Lanka’s most important Buddhist relic – the left canine tooth of Buddha. The brilliantly white Dalada Maligawa, the Temple of the Tooth Relic, one of Buddhism’s most venerated sites, enshrines a tooth of the Buddha inside a jeweled casket. Kandyan drummers, frangipani offerings, pagoda roofs and a moat make this a great experience.
Top tip: The temple is open from 05.30 to 20.30. It can sometimes be very crowded. Strict rules, body checks and procedures are followed before you can enter the temple.
Climb the rock at Sigiriya
A vertiginous outcrop of gneiss rock rising 660 feet out of the surrounding countryside of fields and groves the 5th century A.D, Sigiriya is a testament to ancient engineering, It has a turbulent history which started when there was a power struggle in the reign of King Dhatusena of Anuradhapura between his two sons, Kashyapa by a non-royal consort and Moggallana by a queen. Paranoid Kashyapa, prepared for Moggallana’s invasion by defiantly building an impregnable fortress and ‘pleasure palace’ on a volcanic outcrop, the Sigiriya Rock (probably derived from Simha Giri or Lion Rock). Inside the fortress, he created a lavish palace complex complete with stunning gardens, reservoirs, and frescoes.
Ascend the rickety and vertiginous stairs to a sheltered gallery in the rock face with the famed ‘Sigiriya frescoes’. These are paintings of nubile, sensuous narrow waisted women in diaphanous garments with flowers in their hair and holding water lilies in their hands. The reward for reaching the top is the 360 degree view of the rolling hills, the water tank in the distance and the water gardens below.
Top Tip: The climb begins at the foot of the rock, along a well-marked path leading to the summit. The path is partly paved and partly with stone steps. It’s a hike of moderate intensity.
Go back in time at Pahiyangala cave
The name of this cave in the Kalutara District, just 40 km from Colombo, is derived from the name of the Chinese Mahayana Buddhist priest ” Fa- Hsien” who visited the cave in the 5th century. On his journey, it is believed that he had lived several months in the Pahiyangala cave. The remains of a 37,000-year-old prehistoric society were discovered in this gargantuan cave. It is also home to a Buddhist temple.Visitors are greeted by the temple’s 40 foot long reclining Buddha statue.
Top Tip: It’s a slightly difficult 20 minute walk up stone steps with no railings to reach the top. The excavation pit is open to visitors.
Admire the ancient statues of Buduruvagala
88 km from Yala, Buduruwagala is known for its magnificent rock carvings, with seven ancient statues from the 10th century. The gigantic Buddha statue with his stuccoed robe is the showstopper and the largest standing Buddha of the island. The sculptures of Buduruvagala, also include many sculptures of Bodhisattva images. Not much is known about the history of the place but it’s believed to be a hermitage for monks in the past.
Top tip: Timings 8 am to 5 pm. Entry is free.
You might also consider downloading the Tuktukrental Travel App. It features offline maps, offbeat recommendations and even helps fellow tuktuk-ers on the road connect for information or just a few post drive beers – or the local Sri Lankan arrack if you are feeling adventurous!
