Sri Lanka - The Heritage of Glory

Sri Lanka's civilization which spans more than twenty centuries, is eloquently recorded in it's historic cities and citadels and in masterpieces of architecture, art and sculpture. Significantly the island contains as many as six cultural UNESCO World Heritage sites; many of these and other major sites are (conveniently) located in the area called the Cultural Triangle .

Anuradhapura, the pre-christian capital is a stately metropolis of striking monuments, parks and irrigation lakes. The 1st century B.C Abayagiri and 3rd century A.D. jetawana dagabas (dome-shaped Buddhist relic-shrines,a UNESCO World Heritage site), are classed after Egypt's Great Pyramids as the world's most massive ancient monuments. The 2,200 year-old Sacred Bo Tree, Royal Twin Baths and Isurumuniya Lovers are some of many Anuradhapura highlights.

It's multistoreyed Brazen Palace of 1,600 monolithic columns was once roofed in shining copper and in the third century A.D., the pragna Paramita Buddhist scriptures were inscribed on six sheets of pure gold. Nearby, the woodland monastery of Mihintale where Buddhism was first preached in Sri Lanka, is reached by an impressive stone stairway of nearly 2000 steps, more than 2000 years old.

Ancient glory dazzles at sigiriya, stunning 5th century rock-fortress citadel of a fugitive king. Its marvels include the mirror wall, Lion stairway, water Gardens (a UNESCO World Heritage site) and the world-renowned rock-frescoes, glowing with color after fifteen centuries.

The 1st century B.C. Dambulla rock temple, another UNESCO World Heritage site, is a large cave complex, it's walls and ceiling covered in mainly 18th century Buddhist murals. The medieval capital Polonnaruwa, is a classic 'sleeping city'. It's impressive 10th - 12th century remains include the Gal Vihare sculptures, Royal audience Hall, Lotus Bath, Lankatilleke and Vatadage shrines and the Alahena Pirivena monastry, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Its vast 12th century irrigation lake is aptly named the Sea of (king) Parakrama.

The 13th century Yapahuwa rock fortress must have been a citadel of great splendour once. Its striking stone Ornamental stairway is embellished with rampant lions and graceful carvings.