Asian top destinations

Only 45 km north of Kurunegala, there is another ancient city – Yapahuva. In the 13th century Yapahuve, for 12 years, was the ancient capital of the Sri Lanka state. In consequence of this short, filled with dramatic stories, and its ruins Yapahuva is of considerable historical interest. King, who founded here the capital, was killed in an internecine war. The capital then moved, and the city Yapahuva fell into neglect. To date, the ancient city were a few buildings, reminiscent of better times. One of them – the main Buddhist temple – a construction built eight centuries ago. A stone sculpture of a lion in Yapahuva depicted on the banknote at 10 rupees. The city grew up around Yapahuva once impregnable, but almost never survived to the present day castle. But even so were many traces of the ancient defenses. The best example – a decorative staircase. The steps of this ladder is very narrow and it is possible to climb the only side that is a form of protection, because the steps can not easily climb or descend. So it gives some time for those who were at the top arms against an enemy attack. At the top of the cave temple was built for the monks. There are also remains of various buildings. Sacred Tooth was brought from Dambadeniya and maintained in a special room. It was built in the hundred meter high cliff by the decree of the king Bhaveynkabahu I. He once turned to the capital Yapahuvu Sinhala state. After that, here and brought home Lankan relic – the Buddha’s tooth.
(more…)

Matara city is located on the southern coast of Sri Lanka, 160 km. from Colombo and is one of the largest settlements of the island. Matara today – a modern city with tall buildings and business offices, banks, government agencies, shopping centers, hotels, internet cafes, connected by roads and rail routes with other cities of the island. From Colombo, Matara can get to by train or bus, which depart from the station to the city every half hour. Travel time – 4 hours. Matara offers excellent opportunities to shop for every taste and at the lowest prices. Employees of retail and service excellent command of English. The city has many craft centers and workshops for the manufacture of jewelry. In the area of ​​cultivated coconut, spices are grown, are mined precious stones (ruby, sapphire, aquamarine, etc.)
(more…)

Colombo is the largest city in Sri Lanka and former administrative capital of the island. Situated on the west coast of the island, near the present administrative capital of Sri Lanka Kitten. Due to its strategic location at the crossroads of important sea trade routes coming from the east and west, 2000 years ago Colombo port is famous among the ancient traders. The city acquired the status of capital in 1815 when the island was colonized by the British Empire. Colombo retains its status and independence of the nation in 1948. In 1978, when administrative functions were moved to Sri Lanka Cote, Colombo was declared commercial capital of Sri Lanka.
Today it is a busy and vibrant city, offering a unique combination of modern life and colonial atmosphere, symbolizing the rich history of the country. Tourists remain fascinated by the colonial heritage of the city and the wonderful attractions and entertainment and shopping.

Kandy is one of the most beautiful cities in Sri Lanka. Nestled among the green hills, the city has anno Kandy Valley which crosses an area of ​​tropical plantations. Kandy is the capital of Central Province of Sri Lanka and the administrative district of Kandy. The ancient mountain town is a center of medieval culture, arts and crafts in the country. In the past, Kandy was the last capital of the kings in Sri Lanka. The origin of the name comes from the word “Kanda” meaning mountain and local Sinhala called it “Mahanuara” or “Great City”. Once the royal palace in Senkadagala was built by King Vikramabahu on behest of the Brahmans, who identified the place as the most appropriate for the construction of future capital. The first king who ascended the throne of Senkadagala is Wickramabahu Seine itself. Among the biggest attractions in Kandy is the temple of the sacred tooth of Buddha “Dalada Maligava” where you can watch the most popular prayer ceremony, the Museum of precious stones handicraft center and handmade goods, engraving workshop. Be sure to walk to the beautiful Kandy Lake, which was built in 1798 by the last of the kings Sinhala – Sri Lanka Radzhasing.

Sri Lanka is one of the most picturesque place of the world, which has amazing nature, beautiful beaches and really nice weather. The resorts of Sri Lanka are among the best of the world, offering high quality of service and incredible accommodations. Together with this, the country has pretty nice destinations for historical tours. Anuradhapura is the ancient capital of Sri Lanka, famous for its rich cultural heritage and well-preserved ruins of ancient civilization Lanka. The city, which today is in the list of UNESCO World Heritage, is situated 205 km north of Colombo, in north-central province of the island. Anuradhapura was the first capital of Sri Lanka during the 4th century BC and maintained this status until the early 11th century AD AD During this period the ancient city became one of the most stable and developed centers of political and public life in South Asia.
Today the ancient city, which is considered sacred in the Buddhist world, is surrounded by innumerable monasteries, spreading over an area of ​​40,000 sq. km. When in town, be sure to visit the statue of Samadhi Buddha, sacred Bo tree, stupa Ruwanweliseya and others.

The historical monument, mountain and nature reserve Ritigala located in northern central province of Sri Lanka, 40 km to the south-east of Anuradhapura, close to the town of Habarana. Covered with dense jungle mountain Ritigala, reaches a height of 765 meters above sea level and is a habitat for many species of wildlife, including bears, leopards and elephants. At the top of the mountain you can see a large variety of very rare plants, including orchids amazing forest. When the island came to Buddhism, Ritigala was selected as a suitable location for the construction of temples. The first temple – Lanka Vihara, was founded here back in the 2nd century BC Another temple – Arittha Vihara, from which it is possible mountain got its name, was founded a century later. Later in the 9th century AD King Sena, made significant additions built on a slope above the large monastery complex, a group of priests – and called it Pansukulikas. On the hillside, there are many large and small caves, which were donated meditation. Before you make the gift of the caves have been removed all stinging and biting critters assigned dripping from the ceiling, water, and at the entrances to the caves were the doors. The path leading to the monastic complex, definitely displays an extraordinary mastery of the ancient builders.
(more…)

In Sri Lanka, southern from Sigiriya, in the town of Dambulla at the top of the mountain (350 meters above sea level) is a Buddhist cave temple, which consists of five caves. Here gathered the largest collection of Buddha statues, many of which are already over 2,000 years. Looking visitors can not help but dwell on the frescoes adorning the walls and ceiling – it’s a real treasure of the temple wall paintings. On the left side on the ceiling displayed the main points of Buddha’s life: his birth, renunciation of royal life, enlightenment, seven weeks after enlightenment, first sermon read, care in the bliss of Nirvana … Remains of plaster with traces of paint on the outside of caves indicate that the temple was a solid gallery of paintings. The temple dates back a century. BC, but completed and rebuilt in the XII and XVIII centuries. In the XII century. the church was restored during the reign of King Nissankamally and 73 statues of Buddha covered with gold. After this, the temple became known as “The Golden Cave Temple”. In the XVIII century. restoration of the dynasty of artists painting engaged, living in the vicinity of Dambulla. A descendant of the dynasty continues the family tradition of using old tools and recipes for plaster and natural dyes. The temple is under UNESCO protection