SRI LANKAN CITY GUIDE>>>

ANURADHAPURA

Anuradhapura
Sri Lanka Cities

Anuradhapura which served as the capital of Sri Lanka from 5th century BC to AD 1017 is the birthplace of Sinhala civilisation. Anuradhapura had become an advanced civilisation in early times. Traders of Anuradhapura traded all round the world.

    * Mihintale
    * Ritigala
    * Museum

    * Lankarama
    * Aukana Buddha
    * Ruwanveli Saya

Colombo
Cities of Sri Lanka

Colombo, Sri Lankan capital, is the international gateway to Sri Lanka. The metropolis has number of historically important places. Colombo is rich when it comes to scenic beauty and with the modern times new means of entertainment have come in Colombo.

    * Mount Lavinia
    * Wolvendaal Church
    * National Museum

    * Viharamadevi Park
    * Dehiwala Zoo
.
Dambulla
Sri Lankan Towns

Famous ancient cave temple complex has highlighted Dambulla on the world tourist map. The rock inside which the temples are carved out towers 160m over the neighborhood plains. The complex has more than 80 documented caves all appreciated by tourists.

    * Mihintale
    * Ritigala
    * Museum

    * Lankarama
    * Aukana Buddha
    * Ruwanveli Saya


Galle
Sri Lanka Cities

Galle is situated in southern coastline of Sri Lanka, 116km far from the capital Colombo. Most famous among the attractions of Galle is UNESCO declared World Heritage Site the Dutch Fort. Several colonial buildings would give you a feeling as if you are in Dutchland.

    * Dutch Fort
    * The Churches
    * Koggala

    * Shopping
    * History
    * Accommodation

Hikkaduwa
Sri Lanka City Travel

Hikkaduwa is one of the most popular beach resorts in Sri Lanka. Specially popular among western travellers, Hikkaduwa offers wonderful waves for both the uninitiated and experienced surfers. The place offers good facilities for sea adventures.

    * Location

    * Transport

KANDY

Kandy
Sri Lanka Towns

Kitulgala is a picturesque town on the banks of Kelani River, particularly famous for White Water Rafting. The town derives its name from strangely prehistoric-looking kitul tree, which abounds the region. Many of the resorts here have colonial aire.

    * Lankatilaka Temple

    * Embekke Temples
  Kandy Travel Attractions
The Temple of Tooth
The Temple of Tooth is the most important Buddhist place of worship in Sri Lanka and foremost travel attraction of the town. One of the Buddha's teeth is kept in the temple. The temple was constructed in the 16th century but several additions have been done in it. A golden canopy has been recently added. For entering the temple a dress code has to be followed. The temple follows a set of daily rituals.

Hindu Shrines
Three major Hindu shrines are located at a stone's throw from the Temple of Tooth. Lords Vishnu, Natha and Goddess Patthini sit in these shrines. Although most people visiting these temples are Buddhists Hindu rituals and customs are followed here. The shrines testimony that Tamils and Buddhists have co-existed here for long time.

Old Royal Palace compound
Kandy tour is incomplete without a visit to Old Royal Compound. You can tour old royal palace, quarters of the royal concubines; queen's chambers the council chambers and the armoury. Many of these places are now used a museums presenting the articles of Kandyan era. Chambers of the Royal Palace are nice specimen of Kandyan wooden architecture. The Palace is the witness of so many important cultural events in the history of Sri Lanka.

Lankatilaka Temple
Lankatilake temple is a fine place located on a lovely location. It is an elegant structure decorated by fine paintings.

Gadaladeniya Temple
This temple, made in 14th century, is located 15km off the town. Built on a rock, the temple has been inspired by the South Indian style of architecture.

Royal Botanical Garden
Royal Botanical Gardens which once served as a pleasure garden of a Kandyan Queen has numerous tropical foliage. It is reputed as one of the best gardens in the island. and the best in the island. The allied forces had their regional headquarters in the garden during the Second World War.

Embekke Temples
Embekke Temples, built in 14th century, are adorned with intricate wooden carvings. The temple is dedicated to God Kataragama. A Buddhist place neighbors the Embekke Temple. The temple is bedecked with the carvings of dancers, musicians, wrestlers, beasts and birds.

Kandy in Sri LankaArts and Crafts
Kandy is most important proponent of Sri Lankan arts and crafts. Kandy is the place where the elites patronised these crafts during 300 years of struggle with the Europeans. One can buy exquisite handicrafts in Kandy. Shops catering to the tourists abound in Kandy. Kandyan Art Association is the perfect place to buy souvenirs.

At Kundasale village, near Kandy, a village has been established recently to settle local craftsmen and their families. Visitors could watch craftmen at work and purchase their products on site.

Travelling to Kandy
Kandy is linked by buses from almost all parts of the county. Buses take about 2.5hrs from Colombo, about 2 hours form Nuwara Eliya and one and a half hour from Sigiriya. Kandy is 116km from Capital Colombo and 138kms from Anuradhapura. Trains are also available from Colombo for Kandy and they take approximate 2 hours. You can also hire a car for Kandy 

Kitulgala
Sri Lanka City Guide

Kandy is famous as the cultural capital of Sri Lanka. The town hosts tourist attractions like Temple of Tooth and Old Royal Palace. City which came into existence in 15th century was the last royal capital where 2500 years of royal rule came to an end.

    * Adventure Sports

    * Bridge on River Kwai


Adventure Sports
Adventure lovers often visit Kitulgala to enjoy the game of whitewater rafting which is arguably the best in Sri Lanka. Several movies have also been shot in the place, most famous of which is David Lean's award winning classic ‘Bridge on the River Kwai.' Movie lovers can visit the place to enjoy the original location where the movie was shot. Kitulgala sits prettily among the low waving hills carpeted by lush vegetation.

White Water Rafting
Organisers of Whit Water Rafting segregate the Kelani east of Kitulgala into three sections. Most of the adventure seekers take the scenic middle section, which consists of 10 level two, and level three rapids, which are seperated by tranquil water. The upper section is most challenging. Between rapids number of calm stretches is few. Only experienced groups take this section. On the contrary, the lower section is calm enough for the uninitiated to introduce themselves to white water rafting.

Bridge on River Kwai
The movie ‘Bridge on River Kwai’ was shot in Kitulgala in its entirity. Impressed by attributes of Kitulgala film director David Lean picked up Kutulgala as the location for bridge construction and destruction scenes. One can stroll down to the place where the movie was shot.

KITULGALA