Sri Lanka tourist attractions from carolanka

DAMBULLA/POLONNARUWA/SIGIRIYA

Dambulla Rock Temple is a vast rock mass and it is here that the King Valagam Bahu Abhaya took refuge in the 1st century B.C. He later turned the caves into a rock temple. Some of the frescoes here are over 2000 years old.

Polonnaruwa, the medieval capital of Sri Lanka located 50 km north—east of Sigiriya. Visit all the interesting places such as the ruined monuments, the remains of the Royal Palace, swimming pools, the un—restored dagabas, the huge "Parakrama Samudra" the largest of the man—made reservoirs, and the Gal Vihare — the most impressive sculptures are the colossal Buddha images carved on the face of a granite boulder. The recumbent Buddha measures 14 metres and the standing figure is 7 metres in height.

The lion rock "Sigiriya" — the citadel in the sky built by King Kasyapa in the 4th century A.D. The remains of the Royal Palace, swimming pools and gardens etc. can be seen at the summit of the rock. In the sheltered pocket on the western face of the rock are the world famous frescoes of the "Sigiriya Maidens" revealed in 1896 by the intrepid English archaeologist H.C.P. Bell who was hauled up the 150 feet by a hawser and improvised chair. In 1967 a permanent spiral staircase was erected.

GALLE
Visit the port of Galle, Dutch fort and Dutch Reformed Church.

KANDY

Kandy, the last stronghold of Sinhalese kings, including visits to the Temple of the Tooth, Audience Hall of Kandyan Kings, the Arts and Crafts centre.

Kandy Lake Club to observe a memorable Cultural Pagaent performed by a group of internationally reputed dancers and drummers which is followed by a firewalking show.

The Royal Botanic Gardens, Peradeniya, established in 1816 to see the flower gardens, palm avenues, spice garden, bamboo collection and memorial trees planted by distinguished visitors including members of Royal Families over the years. The "Orchid House" here is the best in Asia. Lord Mountbatten's Second World War Headquarters were situated in the Gardens.

The Commonwealth War Graves Commission Cemetery nearby is well worth a visit for its poignancy and magnificent planting.

NUWARA ELIYA
Set in the heart of the Tea Country, this attractive town is where the British succeeded in creating an English countryside with homes and styles from Georgian to Queen Ann. The well kept Nuwara Eliya Park, the Race Course and the 18 Hole Golf Course give the place an air of nostalgia.

PINAWELA
Elephant Orphanage.