Archeological sites in Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka is a small island in the Indian Ocean, with a history of 2500 years. It has a rich cultural heritage with religious attractions, monasteries, palaces, forts, statues, caves, ancient forts, paintings, and the Holy Hills. It also has bright Forts, railway sidings, lighthouses, highland lakes, bridges, bungalows, industrial institutes, wartime cemeteries, and churches, as well as archaeological sites. The country has a colonial era that adds extra meaning to its cultural gem.

Sri Lanka is a tourist hotspot famous for its ancient ruins, age-old buildings, legends, and folktales. Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa, Sigiriya, and Kandy form the cultural triangle and are home to most of the ancient ruins of Sri Lanka. These places include Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa, Sigiriya, and Kandy, and are home to some of the best places to visit in Sri Lanka that are of historical importance.

Dimbulagala, the historic temple, is about 12 miles southeast of Polonnaruwa. Going back several centuries, it is believed that Prince Pandhukabhaya lived in this rock cave along with Swarnapali. Additionally, the Dimbulagala temple served as a religious institution for millennia and later as a gunner’s quoin throughout the British colonial period. Also, the Dimbulagala mountain range is also known as ‘’Dola Pabbata’’. There are also several rock-cut caves with Brahmi characters on their ledges.

This is the tallest Buddha statue in Sri Lanka and it is height is 11.36 meters. This sacred statue is located near Kekirawa in north-central Sri Lanka. Also, the ‘’AZISA Mudra’’ posture is seen here. This Awukana Buddha statue is a granite rock statue and its history dates back to the 5^th century. It is believed that the level of alignment of this stupendous idol is like a raindrop falling straight down on the nose into a small stream shaped between the fingers.

However, the scared Aukana statue is now a tourist attraction in Sri Lanka and has a lot of value.

The world-famous Samadhi Buddha statue is located in Anuradhapura Mahamevnawa Garden. It depicts lord buddha in the dhyana mudra posture. It belongs to the 3^rd century. It is a Dolomite marble statue and is 2.21 meters tall. Also, the statue’s eyes are dull, suggesting that they have been enchanted by a crystal or some precious stone in the past. There is a special feature here, that is, when one looks at the face of this Buddha statue from three sides, it shows 3 different features.

• Glancing at the outline of the face from left and right it shows a slight and slender sadness and a vaguely smiling face on the other side
• Seeing from the front, the face shows neutral or impartial features

Sigiriya is one of Sri Lanka’s most treasured and popular ruins, built on a 660 feet tall rock. It is believed to have been built by King Kashyapa and is considered the 8th wonder of the world. It is only a 4-hour drive from Colombo and the airport, making the journey easy. Sigiriya is a famous Archeological sites.

Anuradhapura is the first capital of Sri Lanka and is a sacred Buddhist religious center. It is home to the oldest sacred Bodhi tree, believed to be a descendant of the Bodhi tree under which Buddha was illuminated. Other attractions include Ranmusu Uyana, Thuparama Dagaba, Kuttam Pokuna, Lovamahapaya, Moonstones, and other Stupas. It is a 4-hour drive from Colombo.

Buddhism was introduced to Sri Lanka at Mihintale with the arrival of Arahant Mahinda Thero. It is important to pay homage to Mihintale once and for all, as there are many archaeological ruins to see. The Mihintale Dagoba, built by King Mahadika Mahanaga, is the largest dagoba on the rock and is an identifiable symbol of Mihintale.