The ancient capital of the Sinhalese Kingdom since 4th Century BC is Anurdhapura and it remained the power centre till the time Kandy came into the options. Today Anuradhapura is synonymous to city of ruins. The city is dotted with the ancient Buddhist spiritual centres and magnificent buildings. The civilization was at its highest in Anurdhapura which can be understood by the world’s one of the most complex irrigation systems still in place. Historians record that Anuradhapura was a well planned city with huge buildings exhibiting the architectural brilliance. Dagobas, Monastic Buildings and Pokunas are the major classifications of the architectural marvels in Anuradhapura. Dagobas are the bell shaped masses which symbolising the influence of Buddhism in the ancient SriLanks. They are also called as Stupas, considered to be an outstanding type of architectural creation. Pokunas are large water tanks enclosed between two walls. The history of Anuradhapura has spanned over long fifteen centuries of continuous occupations and handful of monarchs. If you are savvy about history, architecture, archaeology and heritage, then Anuradhapura is to be placed in top in your wish list during your trip to SriLanka.

The city with a jarring mix of the old and new, a rapidly developing city with modernized offices and hotels, yet preserving the age old buildings of the colonial eras. The capital city of the country surprises you with the blend of culture and history. Stroll through the crowded bazaars called Pettah, where you can get anything and everything. Amidst the packed ambience, the minarets of the mosques peeping out, monasteries standing adjacent to the Hindu temples and the churches too, showcasing the diversity of lifestyles, culture and livelihoods. But in no way has this affected the regular routines of the public, disgorging at Colombo for different purposes and the city virtually becomes tranquil late night, except for the night life in select areas like clubs and pubs. The harbour and the Kelaniya river has once been the star attraction for the merchants and invaders from Dutch, Portugal and also the British imperial. Even after few centuries, the city has retained its charm of being the commercial hub of the country. Throughout the city, you can find the remnants of the Dutch and the Portuguese culture reflecting on the buildings and forts. The buildings existing since the British era are still under the usage like, the neo-classical old Parliament building and the Victorian-Era President’s house. Captivating buildings, Parks with the well preserved monuments and the religious centres are the iconic to describe Colombo as a tourist destination. The perfect amalgamation of the diverse cultures and lifestyles, kindles your interest to know more about the city and its people welcoming you with broad smiles and yummy dishes.

Dambulla, popular for the cave temples is situated in the Central Province of Sri Lanka, at a distance of 150kms from the country capital Colombo and 72 kms from Kandy. The cave temple complex and the Cricket stadium are the major attractions of Dambulla. The cave temple complex is well preserved and it is listed under the World Heritage Site by UNESCO. The Dambulla cave temple is under a huge granite hillocks. More than 150 statues of Lord Buddha have been preserved inside this cave. Fresco paintings made with the ingredients of the earthly matters are still with their original charm and beauty in a well preserved and well maintained condition after few repairs and repainting works. Both the statues and paintings have survived even after thousand years and it is the very reason, the Dambulla caves attracts travellers and historians from all corners of the world. With the abundant beauty and efforts of nature and a very small intervention of the human beings, the Rock temple of Dambulla has escaped from all the natural disasters over these years. Also visit the Rangiri Dambulla International Cricket Stadium during your trip to Dambulla. Plan a visit to Dambulla, where the history still remains !

The popular kingdom of the ancient Sinhalese dynasty and the most scenic city in Sri Lanka is Kandy. The Kandy city is both a religious and administrative city and second largest in the country. Kandy is the most sought after destination visited by Buddhists especially those following the Theravada School. Kandy has been acclaimed to be the most popular city with beautiful architectures, highest civilization in place and the power centre for many centuries. Next to Anuradhapura, Kandy has been the significant place in the game of thrones among the Kings. Buddhism is the most prevalent religion in Kandy as in other parts of the country. There are only very few things attracting tourists to Kandy. The temple of Buddha’s Tooth Relic has been the most popular location in Kandy. Considered to be highly sacred, the temple is flocked by Buddhists all through the year to worship the Buddha’s tooth kept inside the casket. The annual festival Esala Perahara is the highly unmissable celebration in Kandy. Buddha’s tooth relic kept inside the inner casket on top of the caparisoned tusker is taken on procession through the streets of Kandy. The city wears a festive look and the entire city is thronged by Buddhists from all through the country. The next promising location in Kandy is the Royal Botanical Gardens which is largest in the island housing large variety of plants, an awesome site to experience and enjoy. Kandy is the most undoubtedly promising tourist destination in Sri Lanka giving you joyful experiences!

The most popular sea town very near to the Bandaranaike International Airport attracting the tourism influx from countries across before they proceed to or after returning from any other destinations of the country is Negombo. It is located just at a distance of 7km from the airport and 37 km from the commercial capital of Sri Lanka, Colombo Tourism and fishing units are the major attractions of Negombo which has a small trading part as well. Obviously, Negombo is popular among the tourists for the plentiful varieties of the sea foods. The city is also acclaimed as “Little Rome”, as it is the home for many ancient, centuries old Roman Catholic Churches. Also, we find several buildings dating back to the colonisations of Dutch and English. The city includes an old Dutch Fort Gate and a 100-meter canal from where the city can be viewed in a different perspective. Though the city is dotted with many churches, the Buddhist temple Agurukaramulla temple brings in the Buddhists from all over Sri Lanka to be a part of the annual festival. The broad beach line and the safe zones of the beaches are the major attractions of Negombo. Many water sporting activities are popular in this beach and you are sure of getting the best experience. Besides the beach and the fishing, there are many other attractions in Negombo. Spices, Brassware, Ceramics, handicraft items in the shops around the beach enthuse the tourists. Plan a visit to Negombo, one of the best beaches in Sri Lanka and be sure of an ecstatic experience!

Nuwara Eliya, popular for the cave temples is situated in the Central Province of Sri Lanka, at a distance of 150kms from the country capital Colombo and 72 kms from Kandy. The cave temple complex and the Cricket stadium are the major attractions of Dambulla. The cave temple complex is well preserved and it is listed under the World Heritage Site by UNESCO. The Dambulla cave temple is under a huge granite hillocks. More than 150 statues of Lord Buddha have been preserved inside this cave. Fresco paintings made with the ingredients of the earthly matters are still with their original charm and beauty in a well preserved and well maintained condition after few repairs and repainting works. Both the statues and paintings have survived even after thousand years and it is the very reason, the Dambulla caves attracts travellers and historians from all corners of the world. With the abundant beauty and efforts of nature and a very small intervention of the human beings, the Rock temple of Dambulla has escaped from all the natural disasters over these years. Also visit the Rangiri Dambulla International Cricket Stadium during your trip to Dambulla. Plan a visit to Dambulla, where the history still remains !

The island’s largest kingdom, Polonnaruwa still beholds the charm of being the best planned archealogical relic in the entire Sri Lanka. The entire city is declared as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. The ancient Lakathilaka temple and the huge Buddha stone statue have been attracting tourists from across the globe. The city is dotted with the archealogical remains which are ruins of the yester years’ engineering marvels. Polonnaruwa is primarily a city known for temples of Hinu and Buddhist religions and lush green farmlands. The roofless Lankathilaka temple is a real architectural beauty and the premise has frozen with time. The Kiri Vihara Stupa, which had been hidden inside a dense forest for more number of centuries and revealed only in 19th century is yet another surprise for the historians, archaeologists and the tourists alike. Parakrama Samudraya, a huge lake with lush green farmlands around and the Shiva Dewale are the unmissable locations in Polonnaruwa.

The most visited tourist destination in Sri Lanka is Sigiriya, acclaimed by the natives as the “Eighth Wonder of the World”, housing an ancient palace and Fortress complex. The Sigiriya palace is exactly at the topographic centre of the island. Dambulla and Harabana are the two cities on both sides of Sigiriya, maybe an added reason for the increased influx of tourists. The palace is situated on a magnificent rocky plateau much above the sea level compared to the surrounding dense woods. The Sigiriya Fortress houses a palace in a ruined condition. Besides, there are many fortifications, gardens, canals, ponds and alleys. It is surprising to know that this perfect amalgamation of nature and architecture was away from the human eyes for many centuries and found out later. Historians have documented that Sigiriya had been functioning as a Buddhist Monastery from 3rd century B.C to 15th Century B.C. after which the royal residences were built by the yester years’ Sinhalese Kings. Considering the architectural brilliance and the grandeur, the fort is one of the eight World Heritage Sites in Sri Lanka, listed by UNESCO. The fresco paintings, mirror wall and the claws of the lions are the striking features of Sigiriya attracting thousands of tourists every year. Though it requires climbing on the naturally made stone steps, awaiting the surprise atop, people climb the hill enthusiastically. It is no wonder that Sigiriya would have been a popular destination even before thousand years. Plan a trip to Sigiriya, where nature’s beauty and human’s efforts are at synergy!