The very first and shocking truth I learned about Sri Lanka was the fact that Colombo is not the capital of the country and I was already spending my 3rd day in Colombo when I learned it. If you ever wonder, capital of the country is Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte. I have never been at the capital but Colombo is a lovely and thriving city..Its rich colonial history is everywhere..
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Anurhapura was the very first capital of the country..There are many lovely ruins and stupas in the area but the most sacred place is the Sri Mahabodhiya. The Sacred Bodhi Tree in this temple is the direct descendant of the original one in India where Buddha achived enlightenment.. When I was in India years ago, I had collected a leaf from that tree but in Sri Lanka it is protected very well...jpg)
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There are very big Buddha statues all over the island but my favorite was the one in Mihintale. The road to climb the temple and the statue was full of flowers..
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Anurhapura was the very first capital of the country..There are many lovely ruins and stupas in the area but the most sacred place is the Sri Mahabodhiya. The Sacred Bodhi Tree in this temple is the direct descendant of the original one in India where Buddha achived enlightenment.. When I was in India years ago, I had collected a leaf from that tree but in Sri Lanka it is protected very well..
There are very big Buddha statues all over the island but my favorite was the one in Mihintale. The road to climb the temple and the statue was full of flowers...jpg)
Another ancient capital of the country was Polonnoruva. The ruins there were just magnificent as well as the other Buddha statues I saw while travelling around the country...jpg)
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After a 10 day tour in the island I ended up in the lovely Benteto Beach. A 5 star hotel comfort and an incredible beach was all a tired traveler needed..
Heard much about Pollanaruva in art history.. Nice to know u've visited it all..
ReplyDeletePoetry in Stones Part Two at My Travelogue
My Travelogue, Savoir-Faire
I love all the Buddha statues!
ReplyDeletewonderful post and pictures as always - thank you and have a brilliant weekend
ReplyDeletethat must have really been a gorgeous and peaceful vacation.... especially being around all the buddha
ReplyDelete~laura
Looks like a truly fascinating place. All I know about Sri Lanka is that that's where my Ceylon (old name) cinnamon tree comes from.
ReplyDeleteI've never been there - but I've been to Kanya Kumari just across the water...
ReplyDeleteThanks for showing me quite a lot of Sri Lanka which I know nothing about. I also thought Columbia was the Capital. You learn something new every day.
ReplyDeleteGreat photos and good information. It is always nice to learn of others.
ReplyDeleteWow, so beautiful. I feel I was there with you.
ReplyDeletemuch love
I really like the statue of the reclining Buddha. I remember seeing a similar statue in Penang, Malaysia, and being just open-jawed at its beauty. I also like the flowers and dead leaves on the old steps. And of course, the beach photos. They're so inviting! Thanks again for your lovely photos. I so enjoy coming here - it's uplifting!
ReplyDeleteNevine
Those statues are of a scale beyond comprehension. Gorgeous photos, thanks for the peek into this country.
ReplyDeleteThe world is a varied and beautiful place, isn't it? So much to discover.
ReplyDeletethank you for sharing these photos...
ReplyDeleteNever been to Sri Lanka but maybe one day.
Have a nice weekend!
I'm always in awe at the many and varied places you've visited. Sri Lanka is a world of contrasts, isn't it? The city photos make Colombo look like it's dirty and falling apart, while the ancient ruins look clean and beautiful. And that beach!!! It's breathtaking!! Thank you for a very interesting tour.
ReplyDeleteLooks like a very educational and relaxing trip. Thanks for sharing this part of the world with me.
ReplyDeleteAnother fabulous post! I agree with Pam, looks like a study of contrasts. Wonderful photos and that beach looks so inviting. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteThanks, just discovered your blog...Our soninlaw is from Sri Lanka and these were great photos to give us a better idea of the country. I'm really looking forward to seeing it- I think there are 5 World Heritage sites there!
ReplyDeleteAmazing images! I wish to visit one day..
ReplyDeleteI would just love to see these amazing sculptures, just fascinating!!
ReplyDeletethese photos are just beautiful and calming..
ReplyDeletei would love a calendar of of these!
Amazing pictures!!! I never thought of Sri Lanka as a turistic destiny but you just show me I was very wrong :)
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing. I love the Buddha statues too. Reminds me of the one we visited near Hong Kong (is meant to be the largest one in the world). I found this a really interesting post (just catching up on your blog, taken a little break from the computer as have been doing a travel writing course - hope that all is well with you).
ReplyDeleteHi Turquoise! Lovely post on a lovely country! I've never been there, but read about the Portuguese that went there some centuries ago... ;)
ReplyDeleteBlogtrotter finished posting on Turkey 2008 (but that's no reason for you cease to comment there... ;)) and is firmly back to an amazing building... Enjoy and have a great weekend!
Wow, these photos of Sri Lanka are outstanding.
ReplyDeleteThis beautiful account and photos bring back memories of when I traveled to Sri Lanka at 18, with my parents. I loved the country and the history, except I got so sick: my stomach!
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