Sri Lanka Style

The Esala Perahera

2012-03-03T08:14:00.000-08:00

The beginning of the Kandy Perahera (Pageant) dates back to the time of King Kirthi Sri Rajasinghe (1747-1782) during a Buddhist resurgence. Upali Maha Thera from Siam (Thailand) had arrived on the request of the king to reestablish the upasampada (higher ordination) to Buddhist monks.

When he was at the /uposatharamaya in the Malwatte temple opposite the Sri Dalada Maligawa (the temple of the tooth where Lord Buddha’s blessed tooth Relic is housed) elsewhere the Kandy lake, he heard the beating of drums and asked what it was all about.

When he was told that a procession was being held in the four devales (Hindu temples) nearby as an invocation to the gods, he asked why the sacred Tooth Relic was not being taken in procession.

The king was duly informed and he decided straightaway to organize for the Tooth Relic also to be taken in pageant. The Karanduwa (seat which the king used for the elephant’s spinal) was presented to carry the tooth Relic casket. From that day onwards, in the year 1753, the king commanded that the casket enclosing the relic be taken by procession every year for believers to see and respect.

“At that times the Tooth Relic was honored like the king’s confidential belongings. The relic was guarded under firm safety. No one was permitted to enter the temple of the tooth, which formed part of the king’s palace. It was acknowledged that the person who occupied the relic is the supreme of the kingdom. So it had to be protected at any cost. The king wouldn’t take any risk,” described the chief lay trustee of the Dalada Maligawa, Diyawadana Nilame.

The king’s court including the superiority of the day-the Adikarams, Dissawes, Retemahattayas, and other local chiefs gathered and paraded in the procession. In addition to the relic casket, the Ran Ayudha (gold emblems) and randoli (palanquins) of the four devales were also taken in the procession.

The Diyawadana Nilame plays the main role in forming the perahera. First he refers the Nekath Mohottala (Astrologist), the person well experienced in astrology to get the auspicious times to start all events attached with the perahera.

It’s quite a widespread list ranging from udekki, savarang, naiiyandi, pantheru and davul to lee keli. The four Basnayaka Nilames (lay guardians of the devales) are also informed of the dates. The government officials are prepared on safety, traffic control and other schedules.

The official of the Dalada Maligawa then get cracking on organizing the Perahera. Since elephants show main role, the official go and meet the owners and offering betel in the traditional way, invite them to send their elephants to take part in the perahera. The numbers being large, elephants are brought from far and near.

The perahera accomplishments initiate with the kap situveema in the four devales when a baby jack tree, which must have borne no fruit, is chopped, cut into four pieces and each post is set up at each of the four devales dedicated to the Hindu gods Natha, Vishnu, Katharagama and Pattini on the same day at the identical noble time. The Kap ruka (tree) is brought from the Alutnuwara devale dedicated to god Dedimunda, in the neighborhood of Kandy.

There is another annual procession is held before the Kandy Perahera, The kap situweema happens about a week before the start of the perahera.

Earlier to the beginning of the Dalada perahera, the front officer (Peramuna Rala) arrives to the Diyawadana Nilame’s office when he is offered the announcement “Sannasa” permitting him to comportment the perahera. The Gajanayake Nilame (who is in charge of elephants) is given the ridee ankusaya (silver goad) the icon of power to use the elephants in the perahera.

The officer next in command to the Diyawadana Nilame called Kariya Korala and vidanes, other Maligawa officials, then invite the Diyawadana Nilame to commence the Perahera.

Then he goes to the upper floor with the key and brings the perahera casket to be kept on the back of the Maligawa tusker. He is escorted by mura ayudhakaruwo, pandam and kavi maduwa (group of singers singing the admirations of the Relic) the Maligawa tusker, in high feather decorated, says near the steps.

Meanwhile, the four devale parades come up to the main gate of the Dalada Maligawa from where at the auspicious time the perahera will start parading the streets of Kandy. The firing of a canon signals the start of the Perahera. Immediately after, the knout (kasa) crackers start cracking the whips and forward clearing the path for the procession.

Next to the whip crackers, flag-bearers march carrying first the Buddhist flags and flag of the different devales. The Peramune rala walks the first elephant carrying the lekam mitiya (a register of the Maligawa lands and the tenants). Next hewisi dummers follow. The Gajanayaka Nilame rides the next elephant carrying the representation of his authority, silver goad. The Kariya Korala walks next along with other Maligawa officials, drummers and dancers.

Chants of “sadhu” reverberate the air as thousands lining the routes spot the Maligawa tusker carrying the casket walking magnificently, flanked by two elephants with riders holding the shelter over the casket and fanning and sprinkling flowers. The ornate tusker walks on a long white cloth spread in front.

The Kavikara maduwa, including singers, march ahead singing the admirations of the Tooth Relic. The Diyawadana Nilame walks behind along with other official with the most expert dancers and drummers performing.

In the Esala Perahera, only Kandyen dancers take part since the event is essentially one that is held in the up-country. Until 1917, dancers wearing the decorative ves dress did not take part in the Perahera. Now they wore and add colour and pageantry to the entire Perahera.

“These dancers used to participate in the Kohomba Kankariya, the elegant Kandyan ritual, and cherished their ves which symbolizes the skills of the dancer. The ves tattuwa, in fact, is respectfully kept at the highest point in the house called “Atuwa”.

At the end of the Perahera, the randoli or palanquins are carried by women. This is the only section where women walk in the Perahera.

On the last night, after the Perahera gets back to the Maligawa, the casket is again brought out after midnight and carried by the tusker to the deposited in the gedi-ge temple, Adahanamaluwa. An inventory of the precious gold jewelry is taken and the casket is concealed with a cloth and sealed with the Diyawadana Nilame’s ring. All rituals performed in the Maligawa are done at the gedi – ge until the casket is taken in procession the following day after the water cutting ceremony, which is held at Getambe at the crack of dawn.

The Esala pageant ends with the Diyawadana Nilame, accompanied by the Basnayaka Nilames and other officials; calling at the President’s House in Kandy to inform that the Perahera has been successfully completed. This again is in keeping with tradition when the King was notified of the efficacious conclusion of the Perahera.

Polonnaruwa

2012-02-07T05:18:00.000-08:00

POLONNARUWA

Polonnaruwa is the second most ancient of Sri Lanka’s capitals from the 11th to the 13th century AD, specified as a world heritage site. However, it was supposed to be populated long before this from around the 2nd century BC.

The dominion of King Parakramabahu I in the 12th century AD is known as the Golden Age of Polonnaruwa. The King was admired that no drop of water falling to the earth should be wasted. He was constructed invaluable irrigation systems and the greatest of system is the Sea of Parakrama or the Parakrama Samudraya. King Parakramabahu's reign, there was a system to supply water to the paddy cultivations during the dry season in the east of the country, which shows the best planned of irrigation system on time. Throughout his time commercial and agriculture flourished and the kingdom of Polonnaruwa was completely self-sufficient.

The kings who followed were unable to succeed the same magnitude as King Parakramabahu, and this superior kingdom fell into decline. The kingdom went on to form more intimate matrimonial alliances with stronger South Indian kingdoms, until these matrimonial links superseded the local royal lineage and gave rise to the Kalinga invasion by King Kalinga Magha in 1214 and the eventual passing of empire into the hands of a Pandyan King after the Arya Chakrawarthi invasion of Sri Lanka in 1284. The capital of Polonnaruwa was also named “Jananathamangalam” during the short Chola reign and then it was moved to Dambadeniya.

In terms of architecture you’ll notice a combination of Anuradhapura, South Indian and a unique Polonnaruwa style of building. In Anuradhapura you can visit many places of historical and archaeological interest are scattered over a large area, but in Polonnaruwa a large number of places can be seen within a much lesser area.

Polonnaruwa like any other historical South Asian city contained of a castle within which the kingdom was located, a guarded wall system and moats, monastic and devale complexes which were the ceremonial centers and a well laid out market complex.

The Royal Palace and Council Chambers

King Parakramabahu’s citadel must have once been an impressive structure, and records describe it was massive wood and stone structure as 7 stories high contained a 1000 chambers. Stone lions seated at the top of the steps leading into the hall were symbols of royal power.

The large administrative buildings, regal pleasure parks complete with royal baths(Kumara Pokuna), complexly carved stone pillars, grandiosely decorated windows and the fabulous architecture used to build this palace, are characteristic of this great time.

The Hindu Temples

Polonnaruwa has largest number of Hindu Devals spread out among Buddhist shrines. Compared to the larger Buddhist shrines, the Hindu temples can be considered small but significant in design and execution, with a definite Hindu character conforming to an orthodox religious architectural tradition.

Nissankamalla's Palace

Standing close to the shore of the great man-made lake, the ruins of the palace of King Parakramabahu the great's successor, King Nissankamalla (1187-1196 AD), are less well-maintained than those of the Royal Palace, but are attractively located. This palace includes a regal bathing pool just south of the palace, and the King's Council Chamber, where the names of the king's ministers can be seen carved into the pillars which supported the chamber roof.

The Quadrangle

This sacred quadrangle contains some of the earliest and most sacred monuments of Polonnaruwa, stands within its own square of walls. The central unit here is the Vatadage (circular relic house),18m (59ft) in diameter, with four entrances. This is a graceful and pleasant work of art.

The Thuparama

Turn to the southwest corner of the Quadrangle, is the Thuparama, a fine example of the gedige style of temple. This is the only one to survive with its roof still in place.

Nissanka Lata Mandapaya

West of the Vatadage is the Lata Mandapaya, a small dagoba surrounded by stone columns topped with fixed lotus. This was built by King Nissankamalla, is an innovative work of art depicting the splendor of classical architecture. The pavilion was supposed for chanting Buddha’s teaching and the inscription at the pavilion reveals that the king used listen to the chanting of pirith, the Buddhist blessings.

Beyond this is the Atadage, the ruin of a tooth relic shrine built during the period of Vijayabahu the 1st.

Alahana Pirivena

This extends over 80 hectares. As per the historical evidence this place was a monastic university during the King Parakramabahu’s period.

Demala Maha Seya

Abandoned before achievement, this large mound is what remains of King Parakramabahu's effort to build the largest dagoba. The great king died before the work was completed.

Kiri Vehera

Kiri vehera, the best conserved of Sri lanka’s un-restored Stupas. Next to the Lankatilaka is the Kiri Vehara. The creation of this dagoba is credited to King Parakrambahu's queen Subhadra.

Hospital

Remains indicate of three entrances & rooms. The ruins of a hospital consist of 33 stone towers on the outer construction & 20 towers in the inner construction.

Gal Vihara

The finest collections of Buddhist statue can be seen at Galvihara in Polonnaruwa. This is the most celebrated site and one of the most famed Rock Monastery in the whole island. It is known for its large rock-cut images which are in a perfect state of preservation. A unique display of rock art, across the face of the rock is a seated Lord Buddha image in deep meditation, next a statue inside a cave out of sold rock, another standing Buddha statue 7 meters high and finally can see the Buddha lying down.

Parakrama Samudraya

Best known as the “Sea of Parakrama”, which is owing to the waves that play on its surface due to its immense size. The great King Parakramabahu built this as one of the largest man made inland lakes in the world. So massive that it is often mistaken for the ocean. The measure of capacity or area rises to an average height of 12m & stretches over its entire length of 13.7 km. It is of such a size that it is incredible to stand on one shore and view the other side. It surrounds the town like a ribbon, being both a protective border against intruders and the lifeline of people in times of peace.

Today, Polonnaruwa, is a world Inheritance Site, with its preserved ruins and restored ancient irrigation reservoirs is a “must visit” cultural destination of Sri Lanka. As much as the preserved cultural monuments would enlighten the tourists, the wild life preserves in the district of Polonnaruwa affords plenty of chances for fun in the close range of wild elephants, other mammals to the lovers of wildlife.

SIGIRIYA

2012-02-07T01:58:00.000-08:00

Sigiriya Rock Fortress

The lion mountain Sigiriya rock fortress was built by great builder King Kasyapa in the 5th century A.D. It was an ancient Sinhalese Kingdom for more than 18years. Sigiriya ranked closely with the Great Wall of China and the Taj Mahal of India and qualifies to be the 8th wonder of the world. This is the Asia's oldest surviving landscape garden.

King Kasyapa is the son of King Dhatusena who killed his father by walling him alive and then abducting the sovereignty which legally fitted to his brother. Mogallana is the brother of King Kasyapa. He escaped to India with vowed revenge and built an army with the intention. Finally king Mogallana reached to Kashyapa, in the battlefield Kasyapa's armies defeated. The King Kashyapa had committed suicide at the foot of his rock castle. After the victory of king Mogallana, he turned to Anuradapura as his kingdom and changed Sigiriya to a hermitage.

Sigiriya is an enormous rock, consists of a 180m tall granite rock fortress and castle ruin in the central Matale District. The fictions surrounding King Kasyapa have been passed from generation to generation and still have the power to instill admiration. The planning of the citadel is an extremely elegant. The ruins of various chambers, stairways, extensive network of gardens, reservoirs, and other structures can be seen. About half way to the top there is a massive stone stairway. Stands majestically gigantic pair of lion’s feet which ruined of a huge head of a lion whose open mouth served as the entrance to the kingdom.

At the summit there is a castle. Tradition says that the summit to have been made only for the use of a King Kasyapa and his Queen .Sigiriya covers an area of around 1.6 hectares. The remains of the foundations show that the top would have been completely covered with buildings. The city was walled and very complex rampart system as an "eco plan" duplicating the lay-out in design .The design and glorious views that it still enjoys to this day. Everyone will suggest that Sigiriya would have been more of a kingdom of pleasure than a citadel. The beautifully and elaborately landscaped water gardens are well planned. A pond lifted out of solid rock measuring 27m x 21m, looks like a modern rooftop pond. As per historical books, Ponds were always full of water even in the dry season. You will agree that, this is a brilliant recipe of human mind and the natural world when you visit here at least one time. This is why Sigiriya is such an incredible tourist attraction place all over the year.

There had also been an auditorium with seats carved on to the rock. Tradition says that many ancient Sinhalese plays were first performed here during King Kasyapa's dominion.

Sigiriya is also well-known for its ancient apsara paintings on the western rock face, which are reminiscent of the Ajanta Caves of India. Only 22 out of an assessed 500 pictures now remain in good condition now. When you are climbing Sigiriya you will see a mother cuddling an infant to her and scaling the steep climb to the top. Perhaps these young mothers hope to instill the spirit of Kasyapa into the lives of their kids by showing them the greatest monument to his memory the remnants of his palace in the sky.

Visit Sigiriya, climb rock citadel, "Palace in the sky".

The Museum at Sigiriya

The state of the art museum subsidized by japan through JICA will unfold the beauty, legend and architectural marvels of Sigiriya before your eyes.

Sigiriya museum is an archaeological museum, visitor information Centre and research facility in one. Managed by the central cultural fund (CCF), the museum showcases the results of nearly three decades of archaeological research at Sigiriya and surrounding area.The museum offers you a concise understanding of the history of Sigiriya from prehistory to present. Films and special events are scheduled for the future. A stop by the museum before your site visit is recommended.

Sri Lankan Breakfast

2012-01-30T09:49:00.000-08:00

Sri Lankan Breakfast

The tropical Sri Lankan breakfast is as great as the American or English one and offers a much more balanced diet with its accent on fresh local produce including fruit and unusual juices. Breakfast is not usually eaten as soon after getting out of bed as in Europe, and consequently it is quite a substantial feast.

Sri Lankan cuisine of the endowed with characteristics of the culinary legacy left by the Portuguese, Dutch, British and South Indian settlers and voyagers. The result is a breakfast that is hearty as well as spicy.

Herbal porridge (kenda) prepared out of herbal leaves is an invigorating breakfast entrée. Steeped with medicinal herbal leaves such as gotukola (Centella Asiatica) wel penela (cardiospermum Halicacabum) and hathawariya (asparagus falcatus), it is claimed to be an elixir of life.

(Herbal porridge (kola kenda) – A thick broth of rice, coconut milk and herbal leaves. All ingredients are boiled together until the broth is formed. Typically this porridge is consumed with a piece of jaggery)

Milk Rice (Kiribath), the queen of Sri Lankan breakfast dishes, is saved at celebrations epitomizing festivity and joy. The rice is boiled in rich coconut milk and cut in to elegant diamond shaped pieces. Milk rice is traditional on the first day of each month in many homes. Sharp spice relishes made of onions and Maldives fish (katta sambol) hot and sweet caramelized onions (seeni sambol) and traditional fish curry add contrast to the creaminess of the milk rice.

(Milk rice (kiribath) – fresh coconut milk and either white rice or red unpolished rice boiled to a glutinous consistency. A banana leaf is used to flatten this mixture into a one and a half inch thick cake. It is then cut into diamond shaped pieces. Usually it is consumed with a hot, ground chilli relish (lunumiris) and a slightly sour but hot and spicy tuna fish curry (ambul thiyal). This curry’s sour quality is derived from gamboge, an ingredient traditionally added as a preservative.)

A delight is imbul kiribath a sweeter version of milk rice. It consists of a mixture (pani pol) made out of grated coconut drenched in palm treacle sandwiched between white milk rice. It is customary to serve this dish at paddy harvesting and rice reaping festivals, when it is taken to the fields wrapped in lotus leaves and encased in woven boxes made of rush leaves.

Hoppers (Appa) are a perennial favourite. Saucer-shaped with spongy middle and crisp outer crust, hoppers are eaten by shredding them and mixing the pieces with minute portions of fiery relishes such as katta sambol and seeni sambol. Egg hoppers (Biththara appa), Honey hoppers (Pani appa) and Milk hoppers (Kiri appa) are appetizing variations.

(Hoppers-(appa) – Resembling a thick pancake mixture, hoppers are made from a fermented coconut milk, palm toddy and rice flour batter. The batter is carefully poured into a bowl shaped, cast-iron pan and gently removed once crisp and golden. A variation to the plain hopper is the egg hopper; an egg is broken onto the center of the half-cooked hopper and left to fry with the lid closed. Hoppers can be eaten with any curry, but is typically enjoyed with a fiery, ground chilli relish (kata sambol))

String hoppers (idi appa) are served as neat little stacks on flat dishes. White rice flour and red rice flour lend the white and brown colour to the string hoppers. The thin strands resemble vermicelli but the subtle rice flour taste is noticeably different. They are served with either a white mild curry or with a spicy curry and hot relishes as accompaniments.

(String hoppers (idi appa) – made from rice flour and water, it is a thick batter gently squeezed onto small, wicker mats from a custom-made mould. This steamed favourite can be consumed with a vegetable or meat curry, but tastes best with a red chilli coconut sambol (pol sambol) and yellow coconut milk gravy (kiri hodi))

Pittu is another extraordinary dish. Shaped in the form of mini rolls standing on end, pittu is made out of steamed rice flour and coconut. It is eaten mixed with curry and or coconut milk, which softens it into a crumbly texture.

(Pittu-prepared with rice flour and shredded coconut, it is steamed in a traditional cylindrical bamboo mould. Its texture is soft and crumbly and is mostly consumed with a fiery, ground chilli relish (katta sambol) and white coconut milk gravy (kiri hodi)

Incidentally hoppers, string hoppers and pittu are savoured in the same manner in Southern India, indicating a striking similarity in the culinary habits of that region and Sri Lanka.

Roti the local equivalent of leavened flat bread, is made of wheat flour blended with grated coconut, onions and green chilles and shaped into soft, small rounds.

(Roti – A thin, flatvround bread, it is made from rice flour and shredded coconut. Baked on a hot griddle till brown, it can be consumed with a meat or vegetable curry and a red chilli coconut sambol (Pol sambol)

The preparation of hoppers, string hoppers and pittu requires practice and dexterity. Their preparation can be seen at roadside hopper kiosks throughout the country. It is fascinating to watch as cooks pour dollops of butter into small wok-shaped pans and twirl them in the air, the hopper pans with batches of hoppers being prepared swiftly and deftly resemble a mini assembly line.

Another appetizing preparation is godamba roti. This is made of pliable dough, which if flipped sideways to obtain a paper-thin consistency. It is cooked on a long steel griddle plate and folded neatly. The godamba roti with its elastic and translucent feel is delicious with chicken or mutton curry. Egg godamba and stuffed godamba with a spicy fish or chicken filling are delicious variations.

Fancy bread for breakfast…Taste the Lankan bread with a well-baked crust roast paan-straight from traditional wood fuelled oven.

Roast paan is available at village bakeries or roadside cafes. Chicken or a fiery coconut sambol (pol sambol) is a spicy alternative to marmalade with the bread. An ideal picnic breakfast is bread rolls stuffed with fish and potato filling (malu paan) meat filling or the spicier onion relish filling (seeni sambol) paan.

A Sri Lankan fresh fruit breakfast platter is sensational, in appearance as well as taste. There is a wide variety of plantains, juicy pineapples, ripe mangoes and papaya to mellow the glow left by pungent spices. Avocado, watermelon, papaya mango and passion fruit are some of the exotic fruit juices popular with breakfast. Of course, there is also Ceylon Tea to aid digestion.

With its diversity of cooking styles and delicious range of ingredients the Sri Lankan breakfast has been savoured with the same zeal over the years.

Sri Lankan Lunch

2012-01-30T09:41:00.000-08:00

Sri Lankan Lunch

In Sri Lanka a meal is naturally referred to as 'rice & curry' and curries can vary from main dish offerings (meat, chicken, fish, or mutton) to a mixture of vegetable and even fruit curries. Rice & Curry Sri Lankan cooking has grown around the staple rice. The traditional meal is not referred to as Curry but Rice and Curry.

More than 15 ranges of rice are grown on Sri Lanka, from tiny white, radiant pearl shapes to long-grained Basmati and as well as the red rice (Kekulu haal). The fully cooked (not al dente) rice has the highly spiced accompaniments rubbed into it and each mouthful is gently massaged by hand to mix the flavors. Sri Lankan Rice & Curry usually includes a range of small curry dishes -vegetable, meat or fish. Vegetarians won't have any concern finding tasty food- vegetable curries are made from banana (ash plantain), banana flower, breadfruit, jackfruit, mangoes, potatoes, beans, ladies fingers and pumpkins, to name just a few.

Boiled rice & spicy curries are the main diet of most Sri Lankans. Just about whatever can be curried. It’s a dish of meat, fish or vegetables, cooked in to coconut milk or coconut oil and seasoned with salt, chillies, onions, pepper, garlic, various spices, cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, nutmeg, turmeric etc.

Rice (either boiled plain white or spicy and coloured with turmeric) is usually served with up to six or seven curries. It may be supplemented several pickles, chutney, chillie paste, and sambol or salads.

Beaches - II

2012-01-30T09:19:00.000-08:00

Batticaloa

Batticaloa is the market center of the southeast coast. It spills through the district from Eravur at the north to Kalmunai towards the south offering a large expanse of navigable lagoon. Locally known as Batticaloa, is popular for its singing fish and the elegant lagoon. As for the famed singing fish, they endured elusive or maybe it wasn’t the season for their songs. It is said that they are best heard from the Kallady Bridge on a full moon night.

Batticaloa is often skipped by visitors to venture forth towards the beautiful beaches of Kalkudah and Pasekudah. From the town’s walkway bordering the inlet, from the Kallady Bridge situated southward from the suburb, at Kallady Beach just beyond, from the smooth sand foam bed of the District’s northern coast and even where the lagoon meets the sea. Sending a boat out to sea, or sun – bathed teenagers cycling inland with their latest catch – this was everyday life at Batticaloa.

Arugam bay

It is a very famed surfing center ranked 3rd among the best 20 beaches of the world by the British Surfers Association. Arugam bay, in the eastern coastal zone of Sri Lanka, is the clamorous spot for surfing. A turn from pottuvill town leads you along a matrix of streets passing through the residential area. The landscape soon struggles to the vest beach front peppered with Palmyra trees.

Pottuvil point

One of the surfing places on this flash of the coast was quiet as the sea is calm. However the large rocks at the tip of the point makes it one of the best places to surf. Waves of about 4-5 feet are generated but a sufficient swell is required to make the surf work.

Negombo

On the western coast of Sri Lanka, Negombo is a desirable beach, just a short drive north of Colombo. It is also very contiguous to the airport. You can relax on beautiful coasts, set among lush groves of coconut palms, view wonderful sunsets and enjoy western and Sri Lankan cuisine. Sea food is very popular and is caught fresh daily by Negombo fishermen. Like herring, mullet, lobster, tuna and prawns.

Negombo was ruled by the Portuguese, Dutch, and the British in the past. You can see evidence of the influence of these unique charms in many places, such as the beautiful canals built by the Dutch and the Catholic Churches built by the Portuguese. Be sure to take little time and walk, through Negombo and see all the interesting landscapes!

Mount Lavinia

Just 12Km South of Colombo, here is a suburb diligent city. Welcome to the Mount Lavinia Beach, a place where senses are delighted and desires. If you are looking to enquire the city or escape it, Mount Lavinia is your perfect relaxation, simplify with white beach sands and transitioned in to a dull gold when ocean waves came on to shore. This beach hung vaguely in the distance at one end of the oceanfront, the Colombo harbour and the other.

Unawatuna

Unawatuna Beach is a very popular transits spot among local as well as tourist travellers. It provides halcyon deep blue sea, a fine reef for snorkeling, restaurants line and lush green vegetation to one who come to feel the beauty of the ocean.

The placid deep blue ocean, significant for turtles who come here to lay their eggs by night.

ANURADHAPURA - II

2012-01-30T08:53:00.000-08:00

OTHER FASCINATIONS AT ANURADHAPURA

Isurumuniya Rock Temple

The Meghagiri Vihara is now commonly known as Isurumuniya Vihara was built in the 3rd century BC as part of a reclusive complex. This temple is best known for its rock carvings, situated near the Tisawewa (Tisa tank).

The most general being “the lovers” prince Saliya (The son of the King Dutugamunu) and his mistress Asokamala. Another acceptance was couple signify the god Siva and goddess Parvathi of Hindu belief. The style of the sculpture is similar to the Gupta Art of India.

Samadhi Statue

The Samadhi Statue located at the Mahamevuna Park in Anuradhapura is honored to be a work of genius of sculptural art and dates back to around the 4th century BC. The statue is 8 feet high and it’s made of granite. The statue shows the Lord Buddha in a profound state of meditation.

Eth Pokuna or the Elephant Pond

Near the Lankarama stupa is the largest pond found in Anuradhapura. This is revealed to be the bathing pond for the Abayagiri Monastery monks.

The name of this Elephant Pond meant for a cause of the size of the pond as the creation via for general public use.

The Moonstone/Sandakada Pahana

This is a semicircular shape of stone which stood at the foot of a flight of steps in most Buddhist temples. In most of the moonstones of Anuradhapura aeon, the border is designed with a ring of fires and below that is a ring filled with 4 types of animals – Elephant, Lion, Horse, and Bull chasing each other. The next semi-circle is line of a creeper with a wavy stem with greenery (“liyawela”). Next is a line of design swans with a twig of flower and a leaf on their mouth. Again it’s a floral pattern. At the Centre on the moonstone is lotus with petals.

Kuttam Pokuna/Twin Ponds

Twin Ponds belief to be built by the Sinhalese, date back to around 8 - 10th centuries. These are considered one of the major triumphs in the field of hydrological engineering and outstanding architectural and artistic constructions of Sinhalese.

A garden was landscaped which splits the two ponds in length of 18 .5feet and the larger pool of the two is 132feet x 51 feet, where the smaller pool is 91feet x51 feet.

Beaches - I

2012-01-20T02:31:00.000-08:00

Trincomalee

Trincomalee is prominence for its natural harbour. It has a water area of 2,023 hectares. It ranked as the 5th largest natural harbour in the world. The harbour provides an extensive space for lay-up ships and tankers, and has been used for several purposes. Trinco features a tropical wet and dry climate. The city appears to feature a dry season from March through July and a wet season for the residue of the year.

Trincomalee is famous for an ancient Koneswaram temple referred to in its historic Tamil name Thirukonamalai which means "Lord of the Sacred Hill". About 11km from west of Trinco are the Kinniyai Hot-springs, extremely pure to Hindus who worship them to be a creation of God “Vishnu”. There are the seven hot springs and the temperature of each spring being slightly different.

Trincomalee beach is most picturesque and scenic beaches in Sri Lanka. All water sports are available including fishing, whale watching, bathing and swimming.

Trinco’s most famous landmark is fort Frederick, a century and a half of British fortifications can be found here. Also the mouth of Sri Lanka’s longest river Mahaweli Ganaga is located at the Trincomalee.

Nilaveli

If white sandy beaches and crystal clear blue seas spell out your relaxation, then the Nilaveli Beach is the place to be. Nilaveli is located in the east coast of Sri Lanka which is famous for its beautiful and calm. This is a very popular destination amongst sun worshippers. You will find Nilaveli about 275 km away from Colombo. The ideal season to visit here would be from April to October.

Close to Nilavali is red rick Beach – an estuary peach and pinkish colour Boulders.

Pigeon Island

A 10 minute boat-ride off the coast and you may visit Pigeon Island which lies 2km off the beach of Nilaveli, great for diving, snorkeling and sea bathing.

Pasikudah

Close by, has a spanking bay with lucent waters, which opens to the north. An offshore reef shelters a sandy beach and keeps the water, complacent and pure. This place is a windsurfers and water skiers delight.

Kalkudah

Kalkudah bay facing east, boasts of clear, calm reef protected sea ideal for bathing and swimming.

ANURADHAPURA - I

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ANURADHAPURA

This magnificent city of Anuradhapura is Sri Lanka’s most sacred town and has some of the most remarkable ruins in the world. This city served as a great monastic centre. It continued residence and royal capital for over 100 successive Sinhalese Kings for around 1500 years from the 4th century BC to the 8th century AD, after which it was abandoned and the capital crossed over to Polonnaruwa.

Anuradhapura has eight main places of veneration, known as “Atamasthana”. These eight places include Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi, Thuparamaya , Ruwanwelisaya , Lovamahapaya, Abayagiri Dagoba, Jetavanaramaya, Mirisaveti Stupa and Lankarama.

1.Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi

The Sri Maha Bodhi, an ancient historical sacred tree in the universe, is a cutting from the very Bodhi tree in Buddha Gaya in India beneath which the Lord Buddha attained enlightenment. This is one of Sri Lanka’s greatest religious images and symbolizes the grandeur of the Lord Buddha. In around 250 BC this adorable tree was brought to Sri Lanka by the daughter (Theri Sangamitta) of the great Emperor Asoka of India and sister of Arahat Mahinda, the monk who introduced Buddhism to Sri Lanka in the Poson Poya Day. All over the centuries the Sri Maha Bodhi has been represented by Buddhists in Sri Lanka and throughout the world. Today it is looked upon as an imperial treasure.

The following places are venerated monuments known as dagobas or stupas. Mostly shaped like a tea cup turned upside down, the significance of theses dagobas lies in the fact that one or more holy relics of the Buddha are enshrined within the walls.

2.Thuparamaya

This dagoba is regarded to be the first in Sri Lanka which was built in the shape of a heap of paddy. King Devanam Piya Tissa was built the Thuparama dagoba to enshrine the Right Collar Bone of Lord Buddha. The Thuparamaya as it stands today is after several renovations, having once been completely ruined and its present ‘bell” shape.

3.Ruwanweliseya

Known as an “eminent Stupa” Ruwanweliseya is undoubtedly just that. A perfect pinnacle standing over 300 feet tall with a diameter of 370 feet, the massive Ruwanweliseya is possibly the most sacred dagoba in the entire island, as it is confided to house the largest number of relics of the Buddha. Construction of this great dagoba was thought to have started during the reign of King Dutugemunu in the 2nd century BC. This dagoba considered an exclusive type of architectural creation of ancient Sri Lanka.

As with most historical memorials in Sri Lanka, Ruwanweliseya has a deep relationship with Buddhism. This most beautiful white dome shape of the dagoba is thought to be the perfect pearl shape, representing the Buddhist philosophy on life, the bead of life which will burst in no time like the fragility of our lives.

4.Lovamahapaya (Brazen Palace)

Also known as the Brazen Palace, this historical 9 tiers building was built in 150 BC as the monk’s dwelling place for the monks of the Mahviharaya Buddhist University. Situated between the Sri Maha Bodhi and Ruwanweliseya, is the Lovamahapaya. At any given time, the Lovamahapaya was planned to have residence 3000 monks! The bronze tiles that were used to cover the roof, gave this building the name, the Brazen Palace. It was thought to have taken 6 years to complete this exclusive building. What we see today represents the Brazen Palace in remains.

5.Abhayagiri Dagoba

The Abhayagiri Dagoba was built by the King Valagam Bahu around 88 BC with an original height of over a hundred meters is one of the tallest souvenirs of its spirit in the world. This dagoba was more than just part of a compound of monastic buildings. Abhayagiri dagoba gained popularity as a camaraderie for Buddhist monks, attracting scholars throughout the world across all nuances of Buddhism and as such its influence can be traced to other parts of the world.

Abhayagiri was selected to house the relic for public veneration.

6.Jetavanaramaya

The Jetavanaramaya is a dagoba located in the remains of the Jetavana hermitage in Anuradhapura. At a height of over 120m, Jetavana Dagoba is the largest dagoba in Sri Lanka and among the tallest monuments in the world. A part of a sash or belt tied by the Lord Buddha is believed to be enshrined here.

The Jetavanarama dagoba was built by King Mahsen in the 3rd century AD. In this Dagoba, 3 statues elaborate the worship house for Lord Buddha. The worship house also has statues of king Mahasen.

7.Mirisaveti Stupa

This Stupa was built in the 2nd century by King Dutugemunu as a penalty for make a meal of the first product of a chilli plant accidentally himself. In that period, there was a vogue that the first plant of a tree was offered to the monks. By mistake, King Dutugemunu failed to carry out this tradition. Then he constructed this stupa and donated it to the monks.

The stupa that stands now is the result of the restoration work done by the cultural Triangle Fund.

8.Lankaramaya

This is a stupa that was built in the 1st century BC and an important place of worship for Buddhists constructed by King Walagamba .This is the smallest dagba through the 'Atamastana' of Anuradhapura. This stupa was donated to the women monks as a mark of respect for King Walagamba’s wife, Queen Soma Devi.She was the one who helped the king to evasion from the clutches of enemies, but in process, got captured herself.

Out Line

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Sri Lanka is an island with 65,525sq.km Land area. It is in the Indian Ocean. Maximum Length of Sri Lanka is 432km & Maximum Breadth is 224km.It lies between 6⁰and 10⁰ North Latitude and between the Eastern longitudes 80⁰and 82⁰

Sri Lanka allocated 9 Provinces with 25 Districts.

v Population

Nearly 20 Million live in Sri Lanka.74% Sinhalese, 18% Tamils, 7% Moors and 1% Others. Literacy rate average 91% one of the highest in Asian countries.

v Religion (%)

Nearly 69% Buddhism, 15% Hinduism 8% Christianity and 7% Islam People live in
Sri Lanka.

v Climate
Cosy and elegant year around. Average temperature 27⁰ C in Colombo.In the Lowland 10⁰at Hill Country (Altitude 1800m). The island has two wet seasons between May & July in the south-west and December – January in the north-east.Climatically Sri Lanka has no off season .During the wet season Bright sunny warm days are the rule and common.

v Time

Standard time is 5 ½ hours ahead of Greenwich.

v Water

Available Filtered & mineral waters as well as bottled drinking water. But the most popular drink is a hot cup of tea, and of course the Orange king coconut is a popular thirst quencher.

Sri Lanka Style

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We welcome you to our lovely island, Sri Lanka, which is the pearl of an Indian Ocean. The island’s proud history of over 2500years and the breathtaking diversity of scenery will capture your heart.

What may strike you most about Sri Lanka is its amazing variety of scenery. It is possible to pass radiant green paddy fields, sun-bronzed beaches, ruined cities, small beautiful villages, desert regions, sanctuaries for wildlife in tropical jungles, and hill country tea plantations verbally within hours of each other.

Sri Lanka is a paradise of unlimited sun, sea, wind and surf all year round. The coast every now and then crushes and curves into little nooks, bays and coves, ideal romantic hideaways. There are also many ecosystems with mangroves, sand dunes, lovely beaches and coral reefs.

Anuradhapura is first capital city of Sri Lanka. With inoculation from neighboring South India, the base of power shifted to Polonnaruwa, Dambadeniya, yapahuwa, Kurunegala ,Kandy and Kotte. Almost five hundred years during which the island came under the control and governs of the Portuguese, Dutch and British.

The island’s economy has traditionally been head on agriculture, with rice as the dominant food crop. With western commercial influence, rice gave way to cash crops, to the British made tea the base of the economy.

The new thrust in the economy is on export led industry. Agriculture is now being resuscitated. On-traditional exports such as garments, foliage, cut flowers, seafood, and tropical fish and value added agro-industries have in recent years support to the economic advance Sri Lanka.

Although well on the road modernization, the country and its people still feed most of their traditional values and take pride in their rich culture.