Joanna James
The diversity of Sri Lanka is astonishing, as there is more to the island than lounging on its glorious beaches. Here are some other interesting things to do on your next trip to the island.
The mountain Ritigala was once an ancient Buddhist monastery 43 km away from the city of Anuradhapura, where Buddhist monks meditated and lived peacefully here for many thousands of years. Over 70 empty caves are spread across this protected forest reserve and plenty of ruins to explore dating back over 2000 years. This strict nature reserve is home to many endemic wildlife and flora hidden inside its dense forests. Many ancient tales have been woven around this place. Some claim it to be the abode of the ancient demon Ritigala, while some trace it to the times of the quasi-mythical King of Lanka, Ravana. For more exciting and unusual places to visit check out websites like Truly Sri Lanka.
One of the best places to visit in Sri Lanka is Sigiriya, a pre-historic monolith that became the kingdom of a rogue King named Kashyapa in the 5th CE. Kashyapa, having committed regicide and patricide, escaped to Sigiriya to establish a new Kingdom. Here, he built a fortress, where its remains are visible to this day. Atop the rock's summit, you will encounter ruins, a swimming pool that never dries, a stone throne, caves, frescoes, and feats of gravity-defying hydraulic implements.
The city of Kandy was the final independent kingdom of Sri Lanka before the country ceded to British rule. The beautiful temple houses the sacred tooth relics of the Lord Buddha in an ornately gold-decorated shrine, whose gold artwork and architecture of the temple are exquisite and one of the best examples of Kandyan art and architecture.
The Galle Fort was first made by the invading Portuguese during the 16th century. It was later further fortified by the Dutch, who removed the Portuguese to occupy the coastal areas. Inside the Fort, you will see multiple Dutch structures like churches, a hospital (now a shopping/ eating precinct), graveyards, and more. Some highlights include the lighthouse, the promenade of shops and restaurants, museums and the impressive rampart walls overlooking the rocky beach. It's the perfect place to catch the last rays of the setting sun on Galle.
Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa are the island's first and second historical kingdoms. The sacred city of Anuradhapura has massive stupas like Ruwanweliseya and Jetavanaramaya, the Sacred Sri Maha Bodhi Tree, ruins of monasteries, ponds, hospitals, large irrigation tanks, and so much more. Polonnaruwa's ancient city is equally impressive, although smaller. You can find palace ruins, stupas and massive irrigation tanks stretching for miles on end. Step back into ancient Sri Lanka and explore the marvels of this once-advanced civilization.
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
