Day Tour
View of Kalutara Bodhiya
Video Production By Lahiru Peiris
Travello DL⭕
travellodl.blogspot.com/
www.instagram.com/travello_dl/
------------------------------------------------
Ancient City of Sigiriya Sri Lanka
Sigiriya is an ancient rock fortress located in the northern Matale District near the town of Dambulla in the Central Province, of Sri Lanka. It is a site of historical and archaeological significance dominated by a massive column of rock approximately 180 meters (590 ft) high.
According to the ancient Sri Lankan chronicle the Culavaแนsa, this area was a large forest. After storms and landslides, it became a hill and was selected by King Kashyapa (477 – 495 AD) for his new capital. He built his palace on top of this rock and decorated its sides with colorful frescoes. On a small plateau about halfway up the side of this rock, he built a gateway in the form of an enormous lion. The name of this place is derived from this structure; Sฤซnhฤgiri, the Lion Rock (an etymology similar to Sinhapura, the Sanskrit name of Singapore, the Lion City).
The capital and the royal palace were abandoned after the king's death. It was used as a Buddhist monastery until the 14th century. Sigiriya today is a UNESCO-listed World Heritage Site. It is one of the best-preserved examples of ancient urban planning.
Ancient City of Sigiriya
It is likely that the area around Sigiriya may have been inhabited since prehistoric times. There is clear evidence that the many rock shelters and caves in the vicinity were occupied by Buddhist monks and ascetics from as early as the 3rd century BC. The earliest evidence of human habitation at Sigiriya is the Aligala rock shelter to the east of Sigiriya rock, indicating that the area was occupied nearly five thousand years ago during the Mesolithic Period.
Buddhist monastic settlements were established during the 3rd century BC on the western and northern slopes of the boulder-strewn hills surrounding the Sigiriya rock. Several rock shelters or caves were created during this period. These shelters were made under large boulders, with carved drip ledges around the cave mouths. Rock inscriptions are carved near the drip ledges on many of the shelters, recording the donation of the shelters of the Buddhist monastic order as residences. These were made in the period between the 3rd century BCE and the 1st century AD.
In 477 AD, Kashyapa I, the king’s son by a non-royal consort, seized the throne from King Dhatusena, following a coup assisted by Migara, the King’s nephew and army commander. The rightful heir, Moggallana, fearing for his life, fled to South India. Afraid of an attack by Moggallana, Kashyapa moved the capital and his residence from the traditional capital of Anuradhapura to the more secure Sigiriya. During King Kashyapa’s reign (477 to 495 AD), Sigiriya was developed into a complex city and fortress. Most of the elaborate constructions on the rock summit and around it, including defensive structures, palaces, and gardens, date from this period.
The Chulawansaya and folklore inform us that the battle-elephant on which Kashyapa was mounted changed course to take a strategic advantage, but the army misinterpreted the movement as the king's having opted to retreat, prompting the army to abandon him altogether. It is said that being too proud to surrender, he took his dagger from his waistband, cut his throat, raised the dagger proudly, sheathed it, and fell dead. Moggallana returned the capital to Anuradhapura, converting Sigiriya into a Buddhist monastery complex, which survived until the 13th or 14th century. After this period, no records are found on Sigiriya until the 16th and 17th centuries, when it was used briefly as an outpost of the Kingdom of Kandy.
Polonnaruwa Gal Viharaya Sri Lanka
Gal Viharaya or the Rock-Hewn Shrine at Polonnaruwa is one of the most impressive antiquities seen on the island of Sri Lanka and possibly not rivaled throughout the Continent of India.This magnificent group of gigantic figures carved from the gray rock which forms their background was built by king Parakramabahu (1153-1186) which was part of the Uthararama Complex.
The first European to record this lost treasure was Lieutenant Fagon who pushed through massive jungles in search of the lost kingdom of Polonnaruwa in 1820. He reports
“In advancing about half a mile further in the jungle I came upon what at first view appeared a large black rock, about 80 ft. Long and 30 high in the center, and sloping towards the ends, and on advancing a few steps further found myself under a black and the gigantic human figure at least 25 ft. High. I cannot describe what I felt at the moment.
On examination I found this to be a figure of Budhoo in an upright posture, of excellent proportions, and in an attitude, I think, uncommon, his hands laid gracefully across his breast and his robe falling from his left arm.
Close on his left lies another gigantic figure of the same sacred personage, in the usual recumbent posture. 1 climbed up to examine it more minutely and found that the space between the eyes measured one foot, the length of the nose 2 ft. 4 in., and the little finger of the hand under his head 2 feet. The size of the figure may be guessed from these proportions.
On the left of the standing figure is a small door of the Vihari and on the right of the door is another figure of the god of the same proportions as the former two and in the common sitting attitude. These figures are cut out clear from the rocks, and finely executed, but whether each is formed of one or more pieces I forgot to examine.
The entrance to the Vihari is arched with a pilaster on each side cut out of the rock, the old wooden door in good preservation. Within sits Budhoo on a throne, a little above the human size with his usual, many-headed, and many-handed attendants. The apartment is narrow and the ceiling low and painted in red ornament, the whole resembling others that I have seen in the Seven Corless, Matale, etc.
Between the door and the standing figure, the rock is made smooth for about 6 ft. Square and this space is covered with a close written Kandian [sic] inscription perfectly legible.
1 may have overlooked. Many interesting points in this great monument of superstition, but it was nearly dark and 1 was obliged to return to Topiary. Various names are assigned by the people to the other buildings, but they all agree in calling this Galle Vihari.”
Twenty years afterward (1841) Major Forbes included a description of the “Gal Vihare” in his notice of the ancient structures of Polonnaruwa:
“Projecting from the perpendicular face of a large rock, in the strongest relief, are three colossal figures of Buddha: they are in the usual positions, sitting, standing, and reclining; the last-mentioned being upwards of forty feet in length. According to the minute directions that the Cingalese possess, these positions of Gautama are, and his features ought to be, retained without variation. Between the sitting and standing figures, the Isuramuni [sic], or Kalugalla vihara, has been cut in the hard rock. In this cavern-temple part of the stone has been left, and afterward shaped into the figure of Buddha seated on a throne: the two pillars in front of this where are also part of the solid rock. These works were completed in the twelfth century, and in the reign of Prakrama Bahoo; yet are not only undecided, but the most minute ornaments are sharp and undiminished by time or weather.”
The first statute you will come across is a seated Buddha in meditation. He is seated on a lotus. The rock behind the statue is decorated with carvings of “vimana”. Four smaller Buddha statues can be seen on these decorations.
Next is a smaller statue of Buddha (about 15 feet high) carved into the rock. On the sides of the statue are two deities. It is believed this carving represents the Buddha's visit to heaven called “Thusitha” to preach to his mother.
It is said that this statue was painted with pure gold and treasure hunters have burnt logs on the statue and melted the gold.
The third is a standing statue of Buddha. Some have disputed this and think this is the statue of Ananda thero at the site of lord Buddha’s passing away. This 23 feet tall statue is thought to be done by a later king as the chronicles talk about only two statues in the seating position and one statue in the lying position which was done by King Parakramabahu (1153-1186).
Next and last is a massive statue of Buddha passing away. This is 80 feet long. The ear lid falling along the body, One foot slightly behind the other (The toes are not positioned equally on the feet) are signs that this is not Lord Buddha resting but at his death.
Athugala Weheraya Sri Lanka
Kurunegala District is in the North-Western Province of Sri Lanka, locating it in the middle of the country. Many of the tourist destinations of these districts are based on mountain summits, caves, and sacred temples. Athugala is one of the prominent landmarks of Kurunegala. The locals use the name Athugalpuraya to identify the town.
The rock has derived its name as the rock is in the shape of an elephant and is 325 meters tall. There is a myth of the locals in the vicinity that the rock has obtained such formation due to animals turning into rocks and not being able to withstand the severe drought.
There is a temple on the top of the rock and also, a big Samadhi Buddha statue overlooking the city of Kurunegala though there is a temple on the top of the cliff, individuals from many faiths visit the temple to enjoy the hike and the adventurous journey towards the top of the mountain.
One could use the stairs to reach the top of the mountain or could use the vehicle to climb up. Hiking your journey to the top of the mountain is more rewarding than using the car to reach the top. Hiking towards the top of the hill is preferred by many young and old individuals.
The best time to start hiking up the rock is during or after the sunset, as it would give a panoramic view of the Kurunegala city, with the sun setting off coloring the sky in the shades of pink and purple, the busy lights of the vehicles begin to appear followed by the bright lights from the shops and other parts gives a breathtaking view.
As you walk to the top of the mountain, you would be able to get a clear glimpse of the snow-white Buddha statue, which is seen as floating from afar.
Athugala Weheraya ๐Lahiru Peiris๐
About Us
"Travello DL" Our aim is to show the beautiful places of Sri Lanka to the whole world through our eyes. Come and go with us on the trip to the unseen world that refreshes the mind and soothes the soul.
Horton Plains National Park Sri Lanka
Horton Plains National Park is a national park in the central highlands of Sri Lanka that was designated in 1988. It is located at an elevation of 2,100–2,300 m and encompasses Montane grassland and cloud forest. It is rich in biodiversity and many species found here are endemic to the region.
Horton Plains
Nuwara Eliya is a city in the hill country of the Central Province, of Sri Lanka. Its name means "city on the plain (table land)" or "city of light". The city is the administrative capital of the Nuwara Eliya District, with a picturesque landscape and temperate climate. It is at an altitude of 1,868 m (6,128 ft) and is considered to be the most important location for tea production in Sri Lanka. The city is overlooked by Pidurutalagala, the tallest mountain in Sri Lanka. Nuwara Eliya is known for its temperate, cool climate – the coolest area in Sri Lanka.
History The city was founded by Samuel Baker, the explorer of Lake Albert and the upper Nile in 1846. Nuwara Eliya's climate lent itself to becoming the prime sanctuary of the British civil servants and planters in Ceylon. Nuwara Eliya, called Little England, was a hill country retreat where the British colonialists could immerse in their pastimes such as fox hunting, deer hunting, elephant hunting, polo, golf, and cricket
Many of the buildings retain features from the colonial period, such as the Queen's Cottage, The General's House, Grand Hotel, Hill Club, St Andrew's Hotel, and Town Post Office. New hotels are often built and furnished in the colonial style. Visitors to the city can wallow in its nostalgia of bygone days by visiting the landmark buildings. Many private homes maintain their old English-style lawns and gardens.
Climate
Due to its highland location, Nuwara Eliya has a subtropical highland climate (Kรถppen climate classification Cfb), having no pronounced dry season, a monsoon-like cloudy season, and a mean annual temperature of 16 °C (61 °F).
In the winter months, there can be frost at night, but it warms up rapidly during the day because of the high sun angle.
Tourist attractions
Horton Plains is a popular tourist destination, with World's End being the key attraction. In the six months ending in August 2009, Horton Plains National Park earned a revenue of Rs. 20.1 million (US$ 0.17 million). The park is accessed by the Nuwara Eliya-Ambewela-Pattipola and Haputale-Boralanda roads, and there are railway stations at Ohiya and Ambewela.
The World's End is a sheer precipice with an 870 m (2,854 ft) drop. It is situated at the southern boundary of the park. Another cliff known as the Lesser World's End of 270 m (886 ft) is located not far from World's End.
Baker's Falls, a waterfall formed by Belihul Oya, a tributary of the Walawe River is named after Sir Samuel Baker, a hunter, and explorer who attempted to establish a European agricultural settlement at Nuwara Eliya. The waterfall is 20 meters (66 ft) high. Slab Rock Falls is another well-known waterfall in the plains. The waterfall can be reached by walking on one of the main trails; the trail is a bit steep at the end but the difficulty level is medium to easy.
White Water Rafting Sri Lanka
White Water Rafting Kithulgala
Boasting about adventure sporting, Kitulagala is a town located West of the road from Kandy to Nuwara Eliya. It's a town located in mid thickly forest hills. It has been once a filming place for David Lean's 1957 Oscar-winning epic "Bridge on the River Kwai" on the banks of Kelani River. Most visitors to the adventure sport are from Colombo. The Kitulgala's main attraction is White water rafting where you can ride the tides of the Kelani River. Other than that it's popular for sports like confidence jump, Stream Sliding, Waterfall abseiling, and Jungle trekking. Bird watching and cave exploration and last but not least river trips and expeditions.
Sri Lankan Leopards
The Leopard (Panthera pardus, Linnaeus, 1758) is the most secretive and elusive of the large carnivores, and also the shrewdest. Pound for pound, it is the strongest climber of the larger cats and is capable of killing prey far larger than itself. However, the leopard is the smallest member of the genus Panthera, which includes the Lion, Tiger and Jaguar. Historically, the leopard had a wide distribution across eastern and southern Asia and Africa, from Siberia to South Africa, with fragmented populations in the Indian subcontinent, Sri Lanka, Indochina, Malaysia, Indonesia and China. Sadly, the range has decreased radically due to over hunting and loss of habitat.
After Linnaeus published his description of leopards in the Systema Naturae in 1758, as many as 27 subspecies of leopards were described within a period of 162 years (1794 to 1956), by various scientists.
In 1996, according to genetic (DNA) analysis, nine subspecies are recognized; Panthera pardus pardus (Linnaeus, 1758): Africa, Panthera pardus nimr (Hemprich & Ehrenberg, 1833): Arabia, Panthera pardus saxicolor (Pocock, 1927): Central Asia, Panthera pardus melas (Cuvier, 1809): Java, Panthera pardus fusca (Meyer, 1794): Indian sub-continent, Panthera pardus delacourii (Pocock, 1930): southeast Asia into southern China, Panthera pardus japonensis (Gray, 1862): northern China, Panthera pardus orientalis (Schlegel, 1857): Russian Far East, Korean peninsula and north-eastern China and Panthera pardus kotiya (Deraniyagala, 1956): Sri Lanka, this subspecies is endemic to the island.
Ella Odyssey Sri Lanka
Here is a great idea for the next trip
. ๐๐น๐น๐ฎ ๐ข๐ฑ๐๐๐๐ฒ๐ is the train that is a must-trip on the Udarata Railway. It stops at the beautiful tourist spots on the Udara railway. Therefore, this is a good chance to visit beautiful places on the upcountry coach road.
It was stopped in the past but started running again every Saturday and Sunday from August 13.
Fares from Colombo Fort to Badulla are as follows.
1st Class: 5000.00
2nd Class: 4000.00
3rd Class: 3000.00
๐ฉ๐ถ๐ฒ๐๐ฝ๐ผ๐ถ๐ป๐๐
Horse Tail Falls / Sri Pada View Point / St. Clair Falls / Elgin Falls / Summit level / Ohio 18th Bing / Idalgassinna Hulang Kapolla / Kithal Falls / Arch 09 Bridge / Demodara Bing and Bridge
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)