Sri Lanka

By Varini de Silva, Ceylon Express International

"SRI LANKA…….
A land like no other!"

The forgoing phrase conceived by the Sri Lanka Tourist Board for the promotion of the Island’s tourism is most appropriate. Indeed, no other country offers such diversity of attractions all packed into an area no bigger than the state of West Virginia.

Throughout history, Sri Lanka has had many names. The Arab traders called it Taprobane and later Serendib, which coined the word ‘serendipity’ meaning ‘discovery by happy accident’. The Portuguese, Dutch and English later settled for Ceylon, until 1972 when the country was officially renamed Sri Lanka, the ‘resplendent Island’.

Sri Lanka has a recorded history dating before the century B.C. showing a land of a well-ordered civilization which boasted an irrigation system, flourishing rice paddy fields, and thriving farming communities. In addition, the well planned cities, temples and monuments are a testament to a glorious past that is still evident to this day.

Sri Lanka’s first capital city of Anuradhapura was founded in the 5^th century B.C. A visit to this area will confirm the planning of this city as a model for the rest of the country. Reservoir systems that carry water to the villages and farmers show great skill and complex engineering that is still in use today. Dagobas are dome-shaped shrines containing relics of the Buddha or a Buddhist saint. Some of the most notable are ‘Ruvanvelisaya’, ‘Jetavana’, and ‘Thuparama’.

The Isurumuniya Temple is a special place of worship with beautiful stone reliefs of elephants and the famed Isurimuniya lovers housed in the nearby museum. The Sacred Bo Tree, the oldest historical tree in the world, dates back over 2,500 years and was planted from a sapling brought from India by Princess Sanghamitta. This tree and the surrounding temple complex is a place of worship where thousands of Buddhist pilgrims come to make offerings to the Buddha.

Mihintale, known as the cradle of Sri Lankan Buddhism is an area of peace and tranquility. The grand staircase of 1840 steps to the summit makes for a commanding view of the dagobas of nearby Anuradhapura. The complex is comprised of many dagobas, a monastery and a large slab of stone known as “Mahinda’s bed”. A short drive from Mihintale is the Aukana Buddha. At almost 40 feet tall, it is one of the most imposing rock hewn statues in the country, and dates back to the 5^th century.

The second largest ancient city is Polonnaruwa. This medieval capital city boasts well preserved ruins, three concentric walls which fortify the city, and many beautiful parks and gardens. The large irrigational achievement of the Parakrama Samudra, was built by King Parakrama Bahu in the 12^th century. When visiting Polonnaruwa, the Royal Palace, Audience Hall, the Royal Bath with mythical dragon-like figures and elephant reliefs are among the main attractions.

The Thuparama temple and the Vatadage Circular temple show the artistry of master stone masons with intricate moonstone carvings and guard stones. The famous Gal Vihare is the most impressive with three large stone statues of Buddha. They depict the Buddha in reclining and meditative poses. The beautiful lotus ponds and the Tivanka Image house are also worth seeing.

Unofficially known as the "9^th Wonder of the World” Sigiriya, the Lion Rock, is Sri Lanka’s most recognizable landmark. The 650 ft monolith was once a rock fortress and a royal citadel from 477 to 495 AD. The pleasure gardens on the western side of the rock are studded with ponds, fountains and promenades showing a glorious past. Climbing up the rock you will see the Mirror Wall, a highly polished rock surface that has weathered the times to shine and reflect even today. In a sheltered pocket are the famous frescoes of beautiful maidens which appear to rise out of the clouds. Half way up the rock, you will see the large Lions Paws, remnants of the palace entrance. The complex with ponds, audience halls and the remaining walls of the buildings cover an area of three acres. A climb to the top is rewarded by a panoramic view of the surrounding countryside.

Twelve miles from Sigiriya is Dambulla rock temple consisting of five cave temples. It is another famous ancient site, dating back to the 1^st century B.C. Climbing the many steps to the temple you will encounter many monkeys that will want to accompany you to get food or any other treats you wish to offer. Over 150 life-size statues of gods adorn the temple with ceilings painted to look like silk cloth. The murals and frescoes are well preserved and depict the life of Buddha.

Another ancient fortress, not very well known by visitors, is Yapahuwa located about 90 miles from Colombo on the Kurunegala road. This rock is similar to Sigiriya rising up about 300 ft with an ornamental rock stairway.

A visit to the sacred hill capital of Kandy is a must on any visit. The drive from the ancient cities to Kandy is through an area which grows the majority of spices for which Sri Lanka is famous. You can visit the spice gardens and view cinnamon, cloves, cardamom, saffron, coriander, and nutmeg just to mention a few. Many herbs and flowers used in Ayurvedic treatments are also found in this area. You can be treated to a short Ayurvedic massage which is wonderfully rejuvenating!

Kandy is the last citadel of the Sinhalese Kings which fell to the British in 1815. It is also the spiritual center of Sri Lanka since it houses the sacred tooth relic of Buddha at the “Temple of the Tooth” by scenic Kandy Lake. Nestling in the hills, Kandy provides a cool climate amid the colonial-style buildings and the dramatic Kandyan architecture. The Mahaweli River meanders through Kandy providing respite for the many elephants that bathe and frolic in the water. The Elephant Orphanage in nearby Pinnawela will delight you. The famous annual festival of “Esala Perahera” attracts visitors from all over the world during the July/August. Hundreds of elephants, thousands of dancers, drummers and torch bearers parade the streets of Kandy in awesome splendor. This pageant is one of the most spectacular events in S.E. Asia.

Sri Lanka is the world’s leading producer of high quality tea and en route from Kandy you will pass tea pluckers working on the hillside plantations. The center of the tea country is a small colonial town called Nuwera Eliya which is a replica of a British town complete with the Colonial-style post office.

Further south are pristine golden sandy beaches. The famous beach resort of Bentota is located between the river and the sea providing an abundance of wildlife including water monitors and monkeys. Nearby, the mask makers of Ambalangoda are well worth a visit.

Driving along the scenic palm-fringed coastline one comes to the Dutch city of Galle. Built by the Dutch in the 16^th century, the ramparts, fortress walls and the New Oriental hotel take you back to an era of Victorian charm.

Sri Lanka is also famous for precious gems such as the blue sapphires, star sapphires, alexandrites, cats eyes, moonstones, topaz, citrine, peridots (a pale green transparent variety of the olivine chrysolite) and the rare orange colored pathparajah, which can be found in the gem mines of the city of gems known as “Ratnapura”.

The Sinharaja rain forest is a short drive from the southern region and is one of the last remaining rain forests in Sri Lanka. The sunlight does not penetrate the dense tree canopy providing a haven for many unusual types of plants and animal life. The Yala National Park is home to the Ceylon elephant, many species of birds, deer, water buffalo and crocodiles, all living together in harmony. On rare occasions, you might see the tree-climbing leopards of Yala. Close by are two bird sanctuaries, Wirawila and Bundala which are home to thousands of flamingoes, herons and other exotic birds.

In addition to enjoying a visit to this exotic and unusual country, the shopping, food and cultural dance forms are unique to Sri Lanka. Handicrafts, hand-made jewelry, batik, and handloom materials are souvenirs. The curries are made from coconut milk and can be as hot and spicy as you wish.

A visit to Sri Lanka will enthrall you and satisfy all your senses. Most of all, the warm and friendly people will welcome you, creating a lasting impression of a land like no other.