Vedahala – the Ancient Hospital at the base of the mountain at Mihintale. With the growth of the monks and the pious laymen, the inevitable need for a hospital arose. Thus, the primary Hospital at Mihintale was established by King Sena, the second (853-887 AC) at Mihintale. The description was based on a tenth-century inscription found at the site. Presently, the ruins of a hospital with its layout restored can be seen at the entrance to the site of Mihintale. At the access to the Hospital is the outer Courtyard that consists of four rooms: Consulting room Room for preparation…

The Samadhi Buddha statue at Anuradhapura is among the best-preserved figures in the country. It is famous for setting the bar against which all other statues of its kind are found. In age, the Samadhi Buddha statue records back to either the 3rd or 4th Centuries AD, albeit its producer and advocate are unknown. The park of Mahamewna, though, escorted back to the 3rd Century BC and was amongst the most advanced generous gardens in the nation, sponsored by King Mutasiva. The present Samadhi Buddha statue reveals him in a state of thoughtful consideration, one hand on top of the…

The architectural wonder, popularly known as the Nalanda Gedige, remains one of the mysteries in Sri Lankan archaeology. No one knows who constructed the monument and when. However, the archaeological remains at Nalanda reveal the story of a long lost bridge that once connected two ancient dynasties of South Asia. Ceylon Today takes you into a forgotten past of two dynasties and their alliance, which influenced two powerful kingdoms of their time. This is a voyage to Nalanda, the Abu Simbel of Sri Lanka. Located in the Matale district, Nalanda is famous for its unique image house, known as a…

New Zealand Farm is located at Ambewela, which is a few Km away from Nuwara Eliya. The New Zealand Farm is a division of the Ambewela Farm; New Zealand Farm is located only 3-4 Km away from Ambewela farm. New Zealand farm raises purebred Friesian cows and maintains a pure line of cattle. To preserve the quality of milk, the cows are provided with a rich diet and sterilized water. Exceptional health care is given on a 24 hr basis. Here one can see the most extensive grasslands of Sri Lanka and is also a part of the Ambewela farm,…

Lankatilaka Temple is one of the most symbolic buildings of the ancient empire of Polonnaruwa. A couple of great walls, each with a diameter of 4m & 17m, form a narrow path leading to a very majestic, though presently headless Buddha statue, however standing, over 14m high. Built by King Parakrabahu, the shrine is a visible difference in terms of Buddhist architecture. Instead of the symbolic stupa, the consideration is directed on the giant figure of the Buddha, which fills up the whole space within the shrine.

Keerimalai Sacred Water Springs is close to the Naguleshwaram kovil. There are two parts of the hot springs where the large pond is for men, and a smaller pond is hidden inside for the women. The locals assume that these water springs have healing claims that can cure illnesses. The best time to visit the water springs is early in the morning before crowds come in. Even though only a thin wall separates this pond from the Indian ocean, the water springs are pure and are not mixed with saltwater.

Old Welekade Market, previously known as Badulla Dutch fort, is situated in the district of Badulla. It is near Badulla-Bandarwela road. The distance from Ella to Old Welekade Market is just 21.6 km which is just a 40-minute long ride. It has been a protected building since June 06th, 2008. The Archeological Department of Sri Lanka presently controls the building. This place was utilized as a castle or fortress by the Dutch, while others say it was built by the British in 1889. It is recognized as one of the acts done in the Badulla district after the British signed…

The Dhowa Rock Temple gives visitors an insight into the region’s vibrant heritage and is amongst the must-see demonstrations in Bandarawela near Ella Sri Lanka. Furthermore known as the Dova Raja Maha Viharaya, this sacred Buddhist site is a 15 to 20-minute drive from Ella and provides a fascinating journey back in time. Surrounded by the rich green sceneries of Ella, the Dova Temple dates back to the first century B.C, constructed under King Walagamba. The most impressive element here is the towering 38 foot tall Buddha statue; though incomplete, this grand statue carved into the rock has been the…

St. Andrew’s Church, Haputale, was shattered for worship in 1869 and now operates as the sister Church of the Ascension, Bandarawela. The author priest of the Church of the Ascension was late Rev. W.J.P Waltham, who served as the Vicar from 1909-1932. This Church had a sizeable English gathering when Sri Lanka remained following British rule. Several European planters from the district were regular Church worshipers, while the European garrison visited St. James’ Church in Diyatalawa. Worships were conducted in English and Tamil when Tamil priests were appointed consequently. The late Archbishop Rt. Rev. Rollo-Graham Campbell regularly attended these Churches.

This beautiful Duvili ( Duwili )waterfall gives sobbing as a relaxed braid of beautiful hair from the top to a deep water receptacle at the mountain. Dispersed delicate driblets drift in a milieu as a cloud of dust.

Kirindi Ella waterfall is in Sri Lanka’s central highlands, only 6.5 km from the main junction in Pelmadulla, Colombo-Ratnapura-Batticaloa A4 main road. Kirindi Falls in the Ratnapura District of Sabaragamuwa Province is 19 km east of Ratnapura, 25 km west of Balangoda and 55 km north of Embilipitiya.

It may only be a tiny spot of green, but it’s one of the countless iconic locations in Colombo. Galle Face Green, an oblong stretch of grass along the Galle Road in Colombo’s Fort area, is the city’s most popular recreational space. While its beginnings are drawn after the 19th Century, the Galle Face Green — similar to the town it is part of — has gone through many stages in its development. But it has never misplaced its charm or its energetic soul. The Galle Face Green is a sunny spot. Ask any Colombo citizen what you should do…

Technology, as the tool or plan used to get things done efficiently, has been an important part of human progress since the beginning. Sri Lanka has a past of more than 2500 years, and you can see how advanced technology has changed many aspects of life. This piece details the fascinating world of ancient technology in Polonnaruwa, Sri Lanka. It talks about the Bisokotuva technology, the Stupa technology, the Metal technology, the Naval technology, and other features that have left an indelible mark on history.

Nestled along the scenic A25, also known as the Mahiyangana Road, the journey from Kandy to Mahiyanganaya presents travellers with a captivating sight – the Kalugala Gerandi Ella Waterfall. This expansive cluster of waterfalls can be spotted on the left side of the road, distant yet beautiful, towards Kalugala.

Jethawanaramaya was built by King Mahasen (276-303 AC). King Mahasen was a follower of Mahayana Buddhism. Jethavanarama is unique because of its massive stupa. The premises where the Jethavanarama is located earlier referred to Nandana Park. It is the area where Thera Mahinda preached the Dhamma for seven continuous days. Concluded with all the structures required for a monastery, buildings here, in addition to those built by King Mahasen, had been constructed by Kitisirimevan (303-331 AC) and kings who worked him.

The Maduwanwela Walawwa is a historical building located in Kolonne, Sri Lanka. It was built in the 1700s under the Maduwanwela clan's aegis and reflected the personality of the Disawe who once lived there. Today, it symbolises architecture from a different time, showing Sri Lanka's rich cultural and historical past.

The Seven Virgins Mountain Range, also known as Saptha Kanya, is significant and picturesque in Maskeliya, Sri Lanka. In the Sinhala language, Saptha Kanya translates to "the Seven Virgins", while in Tamil, it is known as Anjimalai, meaning "The Five Peaks". This mountain range, also called the Upper Laxapana Mountain Range, is renowned for its untouched and unspoiled beauty, making it a captivating destination for those who appreciate natural splendour​​​​.

The Galmaduwa Rajamaha Viharaya is a testament to the fusion of architectural influences. Its local name hints at its basic form – a stone and brick pavilion. Yet, a towering gopuram imparts a distinctive Hindu identity to the structure. This amalgamation of styles speaks to the coexistence of Tamil-Hindu elements within the confines of a Buddhist place of worship.

Mihintale is a hill peak near Anuradhapura in Sri Lanka. It is assumed by Sri Lankans to be the site of a meeting between the Buddhist hermit Mahinda and King Devanampiyatissa, which inaugurated the appearance of Buddhism in Sri Lanka. It is now a pilgrimage place and the site of several religious monuments and abandoned structures. According to the Mahavamsa, Thera Mahinda (son of India’s Emperor Asoka) came to Sri Lanka on the full moon day of Poson (June) and met King Devanampiyatissa preached the doctrine to the King and his people. The Buddhists of Sri Lanka revere the traditional…

This is a site where abandoned and stranded babies elephants are looked after till they are eventually fit enough to be discharged back to the natural. This elephant transit home is located on 200 acres bound to Udawalawa National Park. It is crucial in the whole field of wildlife globally, as it is the leading and the only elephant transit home of this type established to maintain world elephant affluence. Department of Wildlife Conservation announced this place and was set up on 6th October 1995 as the Department of Wildlife Conservation pilot plan under the numerous effort of Dr Nandana…

One of the best surviving instances of a monastic complex in the Pabbatha Vihara type can be seen at Menikdena, a heritage site. Spend an hour or two exploring these intriguing ruins, and allow the complex's distinctive design and intriguing history to captivate you!

These novel trees have been planted in 34 places in the Northern province, inside Delft island. The Baobab tree is incomparable to Africa, taken to Sri Lanka by the labourers traded in the Delft island by the Dutch during their control. So the locals become a legend attached to the Baobab tree where God gifted many trees to different types, and the “Yaksha” society had no idea how to plant their tree and that they grew it upside down. So all the roots are holding out towards the sky at the top, with the trunk attached to the ground. So…

Nestled on the southeastern coast of Sri Lanka, in the Hambantota district, is the coastal village of Kalametiya, a haven for nature enthusiasts and birdwatchers alike. This writing takes you on a journey to explore the wonders of the Kalamatiya Bird Sanctuary. Situated in proximity to Kumana National Park, Kalametiya is a jewel in the coastal belt known as "Ruk." Explore the exceptional beauty of this region, adorned with bays, coves, lagoons, rocky outcrops, and sandy beaches stretching from Tangalle to Hambantota.

Shiva Devalaya Temple in Polonnaruwa, one of the 14 Hindu shrines, is devoted to God Shiva in Polonnaruwa. This shrine was built by Chola intruders who ruled ancient Sri Lanka through the 13th hundred AD. The shrine is found in Polonnaruwa and between the royal palace of the King and the sacred quadrangle. The devalaya is complete stonework and a pandyan design style construction. Moreover, this is a witness to say that South Indian aggression also influenced the Hinduism and Hindu culture in Sri Lanka. Now, the ruined devalaya is attached to the ruined buildings around the old city of…

Kuragala monastery complex can be found following a 2.25 km range of the 14th milepost in the Balangoda-Uggal Kalthota road. Classical Buddhist inheritance has seen the light and received synchronous to ancient monasteries like Vessagiriya, Ritigala, Dimbulagala, Sithulpavuwa and Mihinthalaya. With the few caverns notable for their religious, national, cultural and historical value, this cavern exists as a unique site second to none. According to legend, the old name of this giant rock is “Kuharagala”, not “Kuragala”. Though Kuragala, in general, defines this site, there are a couple of rock-apical, namely Kuragala and Hituwangala, which is designated by dint of…

In the heart of Matara, the picturesque city of Sri Lanka, lies the enchanting wonder of Kushtarajagala. Nestled within the Weligama Divisional Secretariat Division, this historic site is a true gem for travellers from around the globe, not just limited to Sri Lanka. Kushtarajagala is a destination that beckons not only tourists but also archaeologists, owing to its fascinating collection of monuments, statues, and other historically significant artifacts.

The Dambegoda Bodhisattva statue is a remarkable figure in the history of Sri Lankan Buddhism. This colossus, carved out of a single crystalline limestone, stands an impressive 9.85 meters (32.3 feet) tall and weighs about 40 tons. It sits atop a small stepped pyramid, a natural hill, terraced and edged by walls built of quarry stone. Only half a kilometre from the Maligawila Buddha Statue, the Dambegoda Bodhisattva statue was discovered fallen from its pedestal, broken into several pieces, and with its face down but intact. Treasure hunters have blown up the statue using dynamite. Sri Lanka's Department of Archeology…

Meeran Jumma Mosque is viewing the well-renowned Galle Lighthouse. Unlike other famous mosques, Meeran Jumma Mosque features a more diverse structural design that amalgamates British Victorian and Islamic designs. Similar to a cathedral, the Mosque has stained glass windows and an immaculate atrium. Moreover, it highlights an ornately decorated mihrab at the centre of the structure. The Mosque’s floor is also decorated with vibrantly painted ceramic tiles, and it features little decorative roofs. Being a famous building located within the Galle Fort, it is assumed to have been established over 300 years ago. Galle is home to a sizeable Muslim…

Rankoth Vehera: Polonnaruwa was constructed by king Nishanka Malla(1187 AD to 1196 AD). According to some historical facts, this was erected long before, and king Nissanka Malla renovated it. This stupa was constructed within the same shape as the Ruwanweli Maha Seya in Anuradhapura. Even according to some historical facts, this was known as the same name in those days.

King Devanampiya Tissa built Tissa Wewa Reservoir in the 3rd century B.C. It was produced to supply water to the capital city of Anuradhapura, including the Royal Gardens located just over the wewa bund, and provide much-needed precipitation to the paddy fields in the area. Life by the old Tissa Wewa in Anuradhapura remains as it did in years gone by, and the lake still works as a vital help to the villagers in the region. If the water level at Tissa Wewa is below, an early morning walk on the shores gives a brilliant insight into village life in…