Polonnaruwa is an ancient city in Sri Lanka that served as the second capital of the Sinhalese Kingdom after the fall of Anuradhapura. It is renowned for its well-preserved archaeological treasures, including stupas, temples, statues, and irrigation systems. The city flourished during the reign of King Parakramabahu I in the 12th century, who is credited with extensive development projects, including the impressive Parakrama Samudra, a massive reservoir that still functions today. Polonnaruwa is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, reflecting its historical and cultural significance.
Rankoth Vehera is a prominent dagoba located in the ancient city of Polonnaruwa, Sri Lanka. Constructed during the reign of King Nissanka Malla in the late 12th century, this massive stupa stands at approximately 55 meters in height and boasts a circumference of 168 meters. It is the fourth largest stupa in Sri Lanka and exemplifies the architectural prowess of the Polonnaruwa period. The name "Rankoth Vehera" translates to "Golden Pinnacle Stupa," reflecting its historical significance and the grandeur of its design.
Wilpattu National Park, located in the northwest coast of Sri Lanka, is renowned for its unique landscape characterized by natural lakes known as "villus." Spanning over 1,300 square kilometers, it is one of the largest and oldest national parks in the country. The park is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts, offering sightings of leopards, elephants, sloth bears, and a diverse array of bird species. Wilpattu's dense forests and open grasslands provide a rich mosaic of habitats, making it a prime location for ecological exploration and nature photography.
Minneriya National Park, located in the North Central Province of Sri Lanka, is renowned for its large elephant population and the spectacular "Gathering" that takes place during the dry season. This event, one of the largest elephant gatherings in the world, occurs when hundreds of elephants congregate around the Minneriya Reservoir to drink, bathe, and socialize. The park, established in 1997, spans approximately 88.9 square kilometers and features a diverse range of habitats, including wetlands, grasslands, and forests, which support a variety of wildlife such as leopards, sloth bears, and numerous bird species.
Ruwanwelisaya, located in Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka, is one of the most significant and venerated stupas in the country. Built by King Dutugemunu in 140 B.C., it stands as a testament to the architectural and engineering prowess of ancient Sri Lanka. The stupa is renowned for its massive size and distinctive design, featuring a dome that rises to a height of approximately 338 feet with a circumference of 950 feet. Ruwanwelisaya holds great religious importance for Buddhists as it is believed to enshrine relics of the Buddha.
Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi in Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka, is one of the most sacred and ancient trees in the world. It is a fig tree (Ficus religiosa) believed to have been grown from a cutting of the original Bodhi tree under which Siddhartha Gautama, the Buddha, attained enlightenment in Bodh Gaya, India. Planted in 288 BC, it is considered the oldest living human-planted tree with a known planting date. The site is a major pilgrimage destination for Buddhists and is surrounded by a temple complex that includes several other important religious monuments.
Gal Vihara, located in Polonnaruwa, Sri Lanka, is a renowned rock temple that dates back to the 12th century during the reign of King Parakramabahu I. It is famous for its stunning rock-cut Buddha statues, which are considered masterpieces of Sinhalese rock carving. The site features four main Buddha images carved into a single, large granite rock face: a large seated Buddha, a smaller seated Buddha inside a cave, a standing Buddha, and a reclining Buddha depicting the parinirvana (final passing away) of the Buddha.
Jetavanaramaya in Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka, is one of the largest and most significant stupas in the world. Built by King Mahasena during the 3rd century AD, this ancient structure stands as a testament to the architectural prowess and religious devotion of ancient Sri Lanka. At its peak, Jetavanaramaya was the third tallest structure in the world, surpassed only by the Egyptian pyramids. The stupa, which enshrines a relic of the Buddha's belt, is part of the sacred city of Anuradhapura, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The colossal brick monument covers approximately 5.6 hectares and originally stood over 120 meters tall.
Thuparamaya is an ancient Buddhist temple located in Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka. It is considered to be the first dagoba (stupa) built in the country after the introduction of Buddhism. Constructed during the reign of King Devanampiya Tissa in the 3rd century BCE, Thuparamaya enshrines the right collarbone of the Buddha, making it a highly significant site for Buddhists. The stupa has undergone several restorations over the centuries, yet it retains its historical and spiritual importance.
Isurumuniya is a renowned ancient rock temple located in Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka, which holds significant historical and cultural importance. The temple is famous for its intricate rock carvings and sculptures, most notably the "Isurumuniya Lovers," a captivating depiction of a couple believed to represent royal figures. The temple complex also includes a small museum displaying various artifacts and relics that provide insight into the region's rich history.
The Avukana Buddha statue is a towering ancient statue located in the North Central Province of Sri Lanka, near the city of Kekirawa. Carved out of a large granite rock face during the 5th century, this standing statue of the Buddha stands approximately 42 feet (12.8 meters) tall. The Avukana statue is renowned for its intricate craftsmanship and detail, embodying the artistic excellence of ancient Sri Lankan sculpture. The Buddha is depicted in a graceful posture with a distinctive hand gesture, or mudra, symbolizing blessing and protection.
Polonnaruwa Vatadage is an ancient and intricately designed circular relic house located in the UNESCO World Heritage city of Polonnaruwa, Sri Lanka. Dating back to the 12th century, this architectural marvel was constructed during the reign of King Parakramabahu I and later enhanced by King Nissanka Malla. It was designed to protect a sacred stupa, which is believed to have contained a relic of the Buddha. The Vatadage features a raised stone platform adorned with elaborate carvings and four entrances, each guarded by a pair of intricately carved stone lions.
Kaudulla National Park, located in the North Central Province of Sri Lanka, is renowned for its rich biodiversity and historical significance. The park spans approximately 6,900 hectares and is centered around the ancient Kaudulla Tank, an irrigation reservoir built by King Mahasen in the 3rd century AD. Kaudulla is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts, offering sightings of elephants, especially during the dry season when they gather in large numbers near the tank. The park also hosts a variety of other species including leopards, deer, and an array of birdlife, making it a popular destination for bird watchers.
The Samadhi Statue in Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka, is a renowned ancient statue depicting the Buddha in a state of deep meditation, also known as "Samadhi." Crafted from granite, this iconic statue dates back to the 4th century AD and stands at about 7 feet tall. The statue is notable for its serene and peaceful expression, embodying the calm and composed demeanor of the Buddha. It is considered one of the finest examples of Buddhist sculpture in Sri Lanka and is a significant site for both pilgrims and tourists.
Mirisawetiya Vihara is a significant Buddhist stupa located in Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka. It was built by King Dutugemunu around the 2nd century BCE. The stupa stands as a symbol of ancient Sinhalese architectural ingenuity and is one of the sixteen sacred sites (Solosmasthana) venerated by Buddhists. According to legend, King Dutugemunu constructed Mirisawetiya after a miraculous event involving his sceptre, which contained relics of the Buddha.
Hatadage is an ancient relic shrine located in the historic city of Polonnaruwa, Sri Lanka. Constructed during the reign of King Nissanka Malla in the late 12th century, Hatadage was designed to house the sacred Tooth Relic of the Buddha. The name "Hatadage" is believed to mean "Sixty Relic House," possibly indicating the time it took (sixty hours) to build or the number of relics it was intended to enshrine. The structure showcases remarkable stone carvings and architectural prowess, reflecting the grandeur of the Polonnaruwa period.
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