Vibrations were seen and felt in different part of the globe. The complete planet is said to have vibrated by 1 cm. The primary earthquake triggered several secondary ones. Some of the tremors of secondary earthquakes were felt in Alaska as well.

Nearly 225,000 individuals lost their lives. 500,000 individuals were injured, belonging to 11 countries. Parents, sisters, and brothers were lost forever. Thailand, Sri Lanka, India, and Indonesia were the worst-hit countries.

Nearly five million individuals lost their houses. Millions were left without access to food and drinking water. Add to this one million, who lost their means of livelihood. The Asian Tsunami garnered a humanitarian response from almost all countries. Nearly $7 billion were pledged as humanitarian aid. Some of the worst-hit areas are still coping with the recovery process. The of 2004 is easily the worst disaster in contemporary times.

The disaster occurred in the following manner:

When the plates on earth’s surface move rapidly against one another, an earthquake manifests itself. This causes an abrupt energy release in the crust of the earth. This leads to seismic waves.

On December 26, 2004, an earthquake occurred between the plates of Eurasia and Australia in the Indian Ocean. The earthquake measured 9.0 on the magnitude scale, making it the biggest earthquake in four decades.

The earthquake lasted for numerous minutes. A tsunami was triggered immediately. Several huge waves, which spread for thousands of miles, swept the Indian Ocean. The formation of these huge waves lasted for several hours.

The earthquake gave a tremendous jolt to the seabed from a vertical angle. This caused water displacement. Cubic kilometers in hundreds were displaced. This energy emanating from the earthquake caused the tsunami.

Mammoth waves moved toward the shoreline. They were moving in the opposite direction of the epicenter.

The speed of the waves in the ocean reached 500 mph. However, when the waves reached shallow regions toward the coast they slowed down. However, there was a corresponding increase in height.

Some regions, including the Sri Lankan town of Kalutara, received no prior warning. The receding shoreline and the subsequent exposed sea bed were the only signs of the impending tsunami.

Tsunami waves hit the land regions at intervals of 5 minutes and 40 minutes.

Once a upon a time…

The legend, tells the story of how the tooth was taken from Lord Buddha when he was on his funeral pyre. It was the courage of Princess Hammamali, who hid the tooth in her hair and fled from her own country to Sri Lanka even when his father’s kingdom was being besieged. She took refuge in Sri Lanka in 313 AD.

It is still much sought relic and there have been number of attempts to capture and destroy it. The tooth is object of reverence and has been enshrined with jeweled reliquaries. The saga of the tooth has been tale of chronic misshapenness, and this relic of the most peaceful and serene idol of the earth has survived it.  When the tooth was brought to Kandy, it was placed in a temple which was built in the awe and memory of the relic of Lord Buddha. It was under Kandyan kings in the years 1687 and 1707 who built the temple.

The temple got damaged during colonial wars in eighteenth century which was against Portuguese and Dutch. The temple was revamped from wooden structures to using of stone but the original structure was kept intact with usage of stone.

Sri Lanka faces the political turmoil which also added a blow to the temple by trying to blow the temple with bomb by Hindu Tamil in January 1998. Yet the temple saw its restoration and the grandeur that it emits can only be measured by the followers and people paying homage there.

The greatness and the dignity with which this temple stand is must visit for Buddhist pilgrimage as well as for people who don’t follow Buddhism yet this place has the finest architecture and interior of those times and see its withstanding history.

The temple is visited by white-clad pilgrims carrying lotus blossoms to offer the Lord Buddha along with Frangipani, with hordes of people coming everyday.

For a person who is judging the temple form outside will not find it magnificent, as building is simple with no elaborate decorations but white color buildings having red color roofs, with the Kandy Lake in middle.

But when he enters the building and sees the interiors he is going to be awe struck for interiors is rich and splendid, with rich carvings on woods, lacquer and ivory which are ornamented and decorated.

The whole place is surrounded by low stone wall in white color, which has simple yet delicate carvings which has openings where at times of festival the candles are placed to add on the glory of the temple. The lighting of the front is such a pretty sight.

The tooth is placed on lotus flower made in solid gold which is encased in casket which itself is placed on a throne, this all is situated in the two story shrine of the temple which is manned by two huge elephant tusk.

The temple has now a Pattriripuwa tower in octagon shape, which houses palm leaf manuscripts collection. Also the place has Kings Palace in compound.

Esala Perahera

This festival started in eighteenth century, and it takes place in late July or in beginning of August, according to the full moon. It’s a well known festival in Asia and believed to be the largest celebration by Buddhist from all over the world. It is a ten day torchlight parade where elephants are ornamented and decorated, where dancers and drummers make merry and walk behind the elephants, which are followed by dignitaries. It is during these days that the tooth relic is removed from shrine once a year but now due to political tensions going with insurgent Tamil Tigers and the constant qualms about the relic being harmed, stolen or damaged the relic has not been brought out since 1990 during the festival days also. Instead its casket is being honored then tooth relic being taken out from its shrine.

The procession has a royal male elephant who is very beautifully ornamented to the best of finery carries on his back the reliquary of sacred tooth ( now though the casket) and leads procession which is then followed by two more elephants of that stature but are smaller then royal one.

The procession takes place in the city with some hundred elephants which are well decorated in finery making the way in town. They are followed by torch carriers and fire dancers who believe to be fending of curses, while there are whip cracking porters who clear the way for procession to move forward as the route has throngs of devotees and pilgrims flanking the place. The procession has noble families’ members taking part in procession wearing the traditional Ceylonese garb. The procession is then also followed by musicians, boy dancers, acrobats, jugglers and torch bearers.  On the last day procession goes to the temple from city which is led by some elders who garb themselves as ancient kings of Kandy carrying a lit candle. As the procession enters the compound it encircles the shrine which moves from east to west as the direction of sun rising and setting in the sky. During these festival days the whole place is teaming with the devotees and pilgrims and also with dignitaries.

The festival has some million people attending it, with vast numbers of devotees and onlookers coming from far of and also the Sri Lankan people irrespective of their ranks in society come here to pay homage. The festival has brought about a expression of cultural heritage in many mixed blood Christians and even Tamil Hindus, the national heritage of the tooth temple has brought this remarkable unity in these people as these people take part in the festival and thus sharing a common bond.

Also during this festival, to keep the traditions of nationalist Buddhist, the President and major political leaders attend this festive and declare themselves as dedicated to the service to the people, with the presence and blessings of the sacred relic.

As soon as the South Indian Kings starting setting up their rule over the region subsequent to the devastation Anuradhapura, Prince Keerthi of Lanka made up an armd forces and came further to invade. He overpowered the South Indian King as well as turn out to be the King of Lanka titled Wijebahu the First. He did not have much time to expand the kingdom but he did amalgamate the realm. Despite of the fact that he constructed his palace in the beginning in Anuradhapura, he almost immediately stimulated it to Polonnaruwa wherever it looked safer from the Indian raider.

For the reason that of the overseas trade Sri Lanka had linking South Asia as well as the Arab and the China, the mainly significant King at some stage in this era was King Maha Parakramabahu the first. He ruled the kingdom from the year 1153 AD to the year 1186 AD. At some stage in his era he constructed around 165 dams, also 3000 canals, and 163 major as well as 2376 minor water tanks. Of each and every one these the major tanks was the Parakrama Samadra. He was very fascinated in irrigation exertion as well as architecture. He brought Sri Lanka together in the year 1153 AD. He breathes his last in the year 1186 AD. Subsequent to his death the kingdom of Sinhalese started to fracture down owing to civil war as well as foreign invasions. After that, for almost 70 years Sri Lanka was under the control of the Cholas who belonged to South India. It is at some stage in this era that the Tamils were in accusation and reckoning this as their “magnificence” periods.

The ruins including reclining Buddha, you will find there at the present day, on the other hand, feel right more or less utterly to the sovereignty of the two kings. The town in its period was equipped with 3 different concentric fortifications, smartened up with beautiful parks as well as the gardens and also blessed by a number of shrines and blessed place. The kingdom itself, and also the neighboring plain was been watered by a only one of its kind irrigation structure recognized as the Sea of Parakrama (commonly acknowledged as Parakrama Samudra) –so huge was its extent.

The various others nearby tourists attractions to reclining Buddha include:-

Gal Vihare

Sculpture of Great King Parakramabahu

Nelum Pokuna (commonly known as Lotus Bath)

The Vatadage

Atadage (commonly known as House of Eight Relics)

Lankathilake (commonly known as The Image House)

Ran Kot Vehera (commonly known as The Golden Pinnacle Dagaba)

Pabulu Vehera (commonly known as Coral Shrine)

Potgul Vihara (commonly known as The Monastery)

Galle is located in Galle District and the main river here is the Gin River which is often called as Gin Ganga that starts from Gongala Kanda. This river passes through the villages like Neluwa, NAgoda, Baddegama, Thelikada, Wakwella and then finally meets the sea at Ginthota. At the Wakwella village you will find Wakwella Bridge over the river and is the longest bridge in Sri Lanka.

This city was destroyed by the major Boxing Day Tsunami called the 2004 Indian Ocean Earthquake. This quake took place thousand miles away off the coast of Indonesia and some thousands were died in the city. This is the best city where you can see architectural style buildings made by Europeans. You will find them in South and Southeast Asia. Out of them you must visit to the Galle fort which was again built by the European occupiers and is a world heritage site. This fort is the biggest remaining fortress in Asia.

Besides this, you can also visit the other attractions and landmarks like St. Mary’s Cathedral which was established by Jesuit Priests, major Shiva temple on the island, and the Amangalla which is a historic luxury hotel. It has a population of about 100,000 and you can get accessed to this place by rail which is connected to Colombo and Matara. In fact, this place is a home to the Galle International Stadium which was reconstructed after the 2004 tsunami.

You can also visit the Rumassala Kanda hill that creates an eastern protective barrier towards the Galle harbour. You will find Persians, Arabs, Greeks, Romans, Malays, Indians and Chinese who do their business through the port of Galle. The Portuguese who were occupied this place was surrendered in the year 1640 to the Dutch East India Company. The Dutch then constructed the present Fort during 1663 and constructed a fortified wall with solid granite and also built three bastions which is called as ‘Sun’, ‘Moon’ and ‘Star’.

Later the British took over Sri Lanka from Dutch in 1796 but they preserved the Fort as it was made by the Dutch and were used this fort as the administrative hub of Galle. The current mayor of Galle is Mr. Methsiri de Silva. The majority of the people residing in Galle are the Sinhalese ethnicity. To experience the culture of Galle you can attend the Galle Literary Festival and English Language Festival that draws popular authors throughout the globe towards it.

You will get ample of attractions in Galle but the must visiting sites are Lighthouse and the Clock Tower. Galle has many churches as an attraction which is superb. Visitors can also enjoy their holidays at the Hkkaduwa Beach where sporting activities are well-known. Besides this, those who love exploring history can learn about the shipwrecks that were unearth from the sea close to Galle. With all of these and many other attractions Galle is a popular tourist destination in Sri Lanka that serves to its best to the visitors.

You should also visit the picturesque and enthralling Dutch Creek. The Dutch reformed Church, the koggala Lake and the Museum of Folk Art and Culture is also among the worth visiting sites in Galle. While you make your trip to Galle you can enjoy surfing at Ahangama which is very popular. If you see and explore this place, you will get to know that tourism in Galle obtains a major boost because of its many natural and cultural gifts.

The Museum Dutch is the old mansion Dutch that holds many Old Dutch paintings, furniture and many others. Due to its glory from architectural styles Galle has gained the honor of being a part of UNESCO World Heritage Site. You can also try shopping at Galle where you will get antiques, spices, pictures, nouveau-boule and hand-woven sarongs. Here you will get almost everything you want. Even the accommodations can be done as per your budget. So just walk around and explore this ancient city with modern dominion.

You have so much to explore like the surfing, trekking to the rainforests, deep sea fishing, diving, seeing Buddhist temples and even exploring the eco-villages of Galle. To stay at this place you have plenty of hotels and villas. For accommodations you can try at the Kahanda Kanda. IIluketiya, Anilna-Tamarind Hill, Galle Fort Hotel, The Dutch House, The Sun House, Palm Villa and many others.

Galle is situated in the southwest tip of Sri Lanka and has tropical climate. Tourist throngs here at the month of December to March when you will find monsoon and can also get relaxed at the coast. Here you can enjoy swimming and water sports on the closest beaches.

You have two ways to reach at Galle. Take a flight from Colombo’s Bandaranaike International Airport or go by road. Out side the airport you will get Air Taxi service which was provided by the Sri Lankan Airlines from the airport to Koggala Airport. So just book a ticket and enjoy unlimited at this place called Galle that will offer you modern and historic stories with magnificent views. Well, with all these things, I must say that if you haven’t been to Galle then you should visit here once and make a lifetime experience.

Sri Lanka is a tropical island, its beaches have such an appeal and charm, with swaying palm trees, spread of white sand and on coming sound of waves hitting the shore, the deep blue water of Indian Ocean, in that you find the treasure of coral, rich marine life, even pearls enticing you to this unique isle to have the best time of your vacations and a best place to enjoy sun, sand, water, and love. The beaches of Sri Lanka have an enchantment on them, as you step yourself on the sand of the beach you will fall in love! Love thee love more! The beaches endorse such enigma, that you shall end up making more love! A pun intended. Sri Lankan beaches release in you the love for beautiful nature and it bestows. The divine and serene nature, calm and deep blue sea, on to the grainy sand you can relax, sun bath, play and have fun. it offers ideal setting for romantic dates, for some beach party and most of all beaches are so calm and beautiful, when you take walk with your loved one hand in hand, the love is about to bloom into the beautiful rose.

As you are on the beach pull of your sandals, and feel the earth below you, run on sand or just get lazy on it. With the panoramic view of beach, tempting tropical climate, ebb and flow of tide it’s sure to raise your sex’o’hormones high.

Aquatic Playground

Just let yourself go wild and crazy, for here are the perfect beaches playgrounds, for all water sports it provides for. Name it dear, and the beaches call that they have it! Snorkeling, Scuba Diving, windsurfing, sailing, angling, jet skiing, White Water River rafting, parasailing. An exceptional opportunity to explore the shipwrecks is here too! The beaches are outstanding for all the obvious of swimming, sunbathing and just relaxing. Also you will have the chance to watch the unique traditions and the primitive manner of catching fishes practiced here. Its popular sight to watch, beach seining, still a favorite form of fishing and stilt fishing.

Ideal and best deal beaches of Sri Lanka

Negombo

• 37 km north of Colombo
• 6 km from Katunayake International Airport
• During the time when Dutch, ruled the place, a fort, canal and churches were built. Its magnificent remains are good to visit which add to the décor of beach and adorn you to the past.
• The widest sandy stretch beaches.
• Traditional fishing villages
• Watch old fishing techniques like outrigger canoes and the catamarans which bring with them the catch of marine fishes like seers, amber-jacks, pomfrets and in lagoons catch of lobsters and prawns are caught.
• Seafood paradise: local delicacies and fantastic food.

Hikkaduwa

• 98 kms south of Colombo
• A beautiful destination and very famous with its glamorous beach.
• A place to have fascinating glimpse of marine underwater world, see its famed coral gardens and have look at the aquatic creatures at its best.
• All you need is to catch hold the glass bottom boats, have goggles and flippers and plunge in to explore the unfathomable depth of the deep sea.

Galle

• 116 km in south of Columbo, one of the prime importance.
• Natural Harbor, a famous landing place for foreigners for trades
• Was under the rule of Portuguese and Dutch: the architecture was primarily Portuguese and then extended by Dutch.
• The oldest building of Dutch, the fort is occupied as the National Museum of Galle. A World Heritage Site.
• Famous for ebony carving, lace making and gem polishing.

Mount Lavinia: Most popular beach

• 12 km from Colombo
• Windswept headland that is jutting in to the waters from Indian Ocean.
• Ideal place to enjoy sea and relax and chill out.
• A marvelous beauty with historical significance
• In 1805, Sir Thomas Maitland builds a Governor’s house which now is the most famous Mount Lavinia hotel. A must for the stay!
• Beach sport activities: swimming, beach volleyball, Frisbee, beach rugby, wind surfing.
• Have live bands playing and Dj’s that makes the crowd shaking and enjoying.

Beruwala: Ugly duckling transformed into Swan

• 56 km south of Colombo
• A small sleep village- wakes up and transfers itself into the best tourist place, with great strides in resorts and hotels being developed. Grand holiday resorts, luxurious hotels and Amenities.
• 130 km stretch of beach. The coastline is hovered by palm tress, has white sand and clean and clear blue water.
• Ideal for swimming and bathing all year around.

Unawatuna: Mystic Charm magnetic pull for beachcombers to this laid back sleepy village

• 5km from Galle, 125 km from Colombo
• Paradise, to enjoy silence of beach with just the wave sound.
• Perfectly safe for bathing as it is protected with a reef.
• Shallow water: good for swimming and diving.
• Snorkeling: a perfect place, has preserved coral reef,.
• Scuba diving: excellent place to do it. With additing of wrecks available in some twenty to thirty minutes of boat ride.
• Had suffered heavily during Tsunami of 2004, but it rebuild and hotels, guesthouse, beach and all water sports are available.

Weligama, Mirissa and Matara: Picturesque of all the beaches

• 27 km from Galle
• Has beauty, which has not been touched by mass tourism.
• Laidback villages and beaches are secluded and serene.
• Shallow bay, with broad sandy beach a feast to the eyes.
• Best Surf Spots on the island
• Original Stilt Fishing practice to be found. Home to the stilt fisherman, you should see it, as how he stands on stilts closer to the beach and patiently waits for its catch.

Aluthgama: Beach playground

• Facing to sea it has lagoon and river.
• Its highlight is water Sports
• Swimming
• Body-Surfing
• Diving into the sea
• Jet Ski
• Windsurf
• Parasail
• Honeymoon time- with romantic river safari on the river and lagoon.

Bentota: ideally romantic. Welcome all honeymooners on the board!

• 62 kms south of Colombo
• A complete Honeymoon package deal it is.
• The beach is inspiration for poets.
• Like a painted scenery, it’s a typical tropical beach, with pillars of palm trees and carpet of white sand and blue water flowing.
• A perfect romantic beach holiday could be here.
• With good hotels, resorts, and spas.
• Have excellent cafeterias where you cam sip the coffee for endless time.
• Open Air Theater: where you can experience folk music and folk dance with masks and all.
• Shopping: women just love shopping. They have shopping arcades and local markets.

Arugam Bay: endowed with gift of beauty of ocean

• 300 km from Colombo in Southern Eastern Coast
• Little fishing Village
• Deserted beach though very beautiful, with stretch of ocean seen, it’s just magical. And a beautiful bay.
• Big attraction: best wind surfing conditions. One of the five best places for wind surfing in world.
• Good place for water sports
• A just the right place for underwater photography.
• Tempting challenge: the divers are tempted to this place as it is challenging for divers to see the many shipwrecks here.

Nilaveli: Awesome sun bathing and water sports hub

• 14 km from Trincomalee, 271 km from Colombo
• Prime Beach resort
• Shallow beach
• Hot wells and Pigeon Island are must visit.
• Old Portuguese/ Dutch fort reminiscent of the old colonial era.
• Sanctuary : chance of meeting Leviathan
• Water Sports: its cooooooool… angling, water skiing, diving, snorkeling and so much more.
• Good fishing ground
• You will love to chill, relax and laze here.
• Good for sun bathing and reading out some book on the beach towel.
• A few meters from the coast, there are some rocky islands which are apt for snorkeling.

Sri Lanka and its beaches welcome you to the mesmerizing, exciting and fantastic time of your life. If you love sand and water just pack your bags and its time to go to Sri Lanka.

Where it is located

The city lies 205 km north of the current capital Colombo in Sri Lanka’s North Central Province, on the banks of the historic Malvathu Oya.

From the pages of past

As per the historical records the city was founded in the 5th century and during the time period 700 to 600 BC the settlement in Anuradhapura grew over a region of 50 ha. It was surrounded by irrigable and fertile land; the city was miraculously buried deep in the jungle, and thus getting natural defense from the invaders.

During the lower early historic period, spanning from 500 to 250 BC, the King Pandukabhaya formally planned the city, with gates, quarter for traders etc.

The King Pandukabhaya made it his capital, and laid out the towns and suburbs according to the plan. He constructed a reservoir and named it Abhayavapi. After his death, his son took over; Devanampriya Tissa introduced Buddhism to the island.

With the arrival of Buddhism, the city gained prominence and the era of great constructions began.

Anuradhapura got permanently abandoned after the invasion in 993 AD. For centuries the city remained away from public’s eye until it got rediscovered by British in the 19th century, Anuradhapura once again gained the reputation of a Buddhist pilgrimage site.

The revival of the city started in the 1870s.

What you must see

Eight Great Places of Veneration

Sri Maha bodhiya
Believed to be the oldest living tree in the world. Around 245 BC, a branch of Bodhi tree under which the Buddha attained enlightment was brought by Sanghamitta Theri and the tree was planted 21 feet above the ground on a high terrace, surrounded by railings. The sacred tree is respected by Buddhists all over the world.

Ruwanwelisaya
This is a stupa, built by King Dutugemunu of Sri Lanka after chasing down the Tamil king Elara. The compound is supported by stone elephants, 1,900 figures of elephants decorates the surrounding wall.

Thuparamaya
Thera Mahinda introduced Theravada Buddhism and chetiya worship to Ceylon and at his request the King built Thuparamaya in which was enshrined the collarbone of Buddha. It is consdired to be the first dagaba ever built in Sri Lanka. The dagaba was destroyed from time to time and what we can see today is construction of dagaba, done in 1862 AD.

Lovamahapaya
It is situated amid Ruvanveliseya and Sri Mahabodiya. It is also popular as the Brazen Palace or Lohaprasadaya. During ancient years the building also had  refectory and uposathagara. The famous building an edifice of nine storeys, was building of a class and it is said that it took 9 years to build this building. The building was completely destroyed in the ruling years of King Saddhatissa.

Abhayagiri Dagaba
King Valagamba demolished Nigantaramaya and built the Abhayagiri Vihara in the same premises. Most learned bhikkhus lives in Abhayagiri Vihara. In the year 1875, Abhayagiri Vihara which had a diameter of 307 feet at its base, stood to an elevation of 231 feet. The relics of Buddha are said to be enshrined in figure of a Bull which is made of thick gold.

Jetavanarama
King Mahasen(273-201AD) built this stupa and possibly this is largest stupa in the world. Its height is around 400 feet and is located in a compound of 8 acres. One side of stupa is even said to be of 576 feet and the 4 flight of steps at the four sides is 28 feet in depth. You can find some stone inscriptions in the courtyard with the names of donors inscribed.

Mirisaveti Stupa
King Dutugamunu built this in about 50 acres of land. From time to time and it got dilapidated, although the King Kasyapa I and King Kasyapa V tried to renovate it. What you can see today is the renovation done by cultural triangle found.

Lankarama
It was built by King Valagamba, in an old place at Galhabakada. The ruins shows that there has been a house built to encircle the stupa, the courtyard is rounded in shape, and with the diameter of 1332.

Popular structure in Anuradhapura

• Isurumuniya
• Magul Uyana
• Vessagiri
• Rathna Prasadaya
• Queen’s Palace
• Dakkhina Stupa
• Sela Cetiya
• Naka Vihara
• Kiribath Vehera
• Kuttam Pokuna
• Samadhi Statue
• Toluwila Statue

The city of Anuradhapura is not only a major Buddhist site but also a rich historical heritage. You should come here not only to cater to your Buddhist instincts but also to nourish yourself with the rich ancient Sri Lankan culture.

The Polonnaruwa Sri Lanka is extremely beautiful and used as a backdrop to film scenes for the Duran Duran music video Save a Prayer in 1982. There are now government institutions built about 6 km away from the town. The city is one of the cleanest and greenest places of the country. With the recent climate changes, the city has become far more attractive to tourists. Apart from great archaeological sites you can enjoy rains and chilliness in the later part of the year.

From the pages of past:

The Cholas when conquered the land, constructed monuments of their religion ‘Brahmanism’ and especially temples of Shiva, the appreciable bronze statues can now be seen in the museum of Colombo.

After the reconquest of Ceylon by Vijayabahu, the city remained capital but it got covered with the Buddhist sanctuaries, Atadage (Temple of the Tooth Relic) is the most renowned and famous one.

It was in the 12th century AD that Polonnaruwa Sri Lanka reached its zenith. The sovereigns who came later endowed the place with monuments. Parakramabahu(1153-1186) created within a triple-walled enceinte a mesmerizing garden city, where the places and sancturaries prolonged the enchantment of countryside.

Nissamkamalla(1187-1196) also contributed its share in building monuments which may not be as par with the Parakramabahu but nevertheless amazingly beautiful.

The city was invaded by Tamils and the Maghas and thus the golden era of the city came to an end. The great capital created by Parakrambahu in the century can be described as one of the most astonishing urban creation because of its distinct dimensions and extra ordinary relationship between buildings and the natural environment.

What you must see:

• Lankatilaka
  It is an enormous brick structure which has successfully preserved the colossal image of Buddha.
• Gal Vihara
  It has gigantic rock sculptures which can be easily placed under the splendid works of Sinhalese art.

• Tivanka Pilgrimage
  There are wall paintings drawn around 13th century which illustrate the narratives of previous life of Buddha called Jataka.

You must visit the city to witness its great urban creation which is well preserved and has excellent environment around it. The 12th century architecture would leave you wondering that how classically a building can be built at that time.  The existence of Buddhism in the place gives you a chance to study ancient religion and great architecture together.