Archaeological /Heritage sites in the NCP
Anuradhapura, capital of the NCP today and Sri Lanka's first historical capital founded around the 5th c. B.C. is one of Buddhism's holiest cities and a magnet for pilgrims due to its large number of historic and important shrines. The ancient city offers a fascinating glimpse of a stately, well-laid-out metropolis of massive dagabas (dome-shaped Buddhist relic-shrines), monasteries, pavilions, parks, ponds and baths as well as vast irrigation lakes and channels, many of them masterpieces of architecture, art, sculpture and engineering. Anuradhapura's sightseeing highlights are numerous and memorable. The bell-shaped Thuparama degaba, which enshrines a collar-bone relic of the Buddha, is encircled by 3rd c. B.C stone columns. The treasures of the Isrumuniya rock Temple include 3rd-7th c. A.D. stone bas-reliefs such as the Lovers and the Horseman. The 2,200-year old Sri Maha Bodhi (Sacred Bo Tree), the world's oldest historical tree, is a sapling of the tree under which the Buddha, the founder of Buddhism, attained enlightenment.
The 2nd c. B.C Lohapasada, (Brazen Palace) was a monastic establishment of 9 stories and 1000 rooms and had a roof of copper tiles; after more than two millennia its 1600 stone columns still stand. The Ruwanweliseya dagaba, restored to its original bubble shape, has numerous 2nd c. B.C. sculptures. The 1st c. B.C. Abayagiri and 3rd c. A.D. Jetawana dagaba (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), 380 ft. and 400 ft. high respectively, are two of the ancient world's mightiest monuments, second only to the Great Pyramids at Gizeh; their monastic complexes housed 5000 and 3000 Buddhist monks in each. Excavations, especially at Jatawana, have yielded sculpture, jewellery, coins and artifacts in stone, terracotta, quartz, marble, crystal, ivory, copper, silver and gold, among them a set of seven gold sheets inscribed with Buddhist scriptures.

The entrance or the Ratna Prasada, a majestic pavilion or towering columns, is adorned by the finest or ancient guard stones, (handsome sentinel sculptures placed at gateways), dating from the 8th c., carved in stone with masterful sureness and fluidity. The Queen's Pavilion near the treasures another masterpiece and exquisite semi-circular moonstone, (entrance stone), with friezes or symbolic carvings. The Kuttan Pokuna (Royal Twin Baths), a pair or magnificent stone baths, each 220 ft. Long, have terraced sides, flights of steps, decorated stone-work, feeder and waste pipes and filtration devices. The Samadhi Buddha (3rd-4th c. A.D.), is a limestone image of great compassion and serenity, a source of solace to many, among them the Indian leader, Jawarhlal Nehru.

The Stone Bridge over the Malwatu Oya (river) has massive stone planks laid across high granite pillars. The Mahamegha Royal Pleasure Garden is a pleasant, tree-shaded park; its intriguing ruins include remains of pavilions, ponds and terraces.

Anuradhapura's three main ancient irrigation lakes, Tissawewa and Nuwarawewa in the south and Basawakkulama in the north, nourished agriculture and adorned the city for nearly two millennia- as it does today.

Anuradhapura offers many other fascinating heritage sites and monuments too numerous to list, which will delight visitors who have more time for exploration and discovery.

Anuradhapura was the equal of other great cities of the ancient world, of its day. An exposed location however, made it a target of intermittent south Indian invasions. By the end of the 10th century it was abandoned as the capital, is favour of Polonnaruwa.

Mihintale

Mihintale, (13 km. east of Anuradhapura), is Sri Lanka's 3rd c. B.C. Cradle of Buddhism, a hill-top complex of stone structures reached by an impressive ancient stone stairway or 1840 steps. The historic site where Arahat Mahinda, son of Emperor Asoka of India, first preached Buddhism to Sri Lanka's king Devanampiyatissa, Mihintale highlights include the Kantaka Chetiya chrise with richly carved frontal altars, the Ambastale and Maha Seya dagabas, the Naga and Kaludiya Pokuna (ponds), hermitages, hospital and cave dwellings, all with pre-Chastain roots.

Polonnaruwa

Polonnaruwa (218 km. from Colombo) became established as Sri Lanka's capital in the 11th c. A.D. when Anuradhapura's glory waned due to foreign invasion. A well-planned medieval city enclosed by walls, (ruins of around 5 kms. still remain), Polonnaruwa was adorned by palaces, shrines, monasteries, pavilions, parks and irrigation lakes. Polonnaruwa monuments date mainly from the 11th and 12th centuries, (when it was Sri Lanka's capital), mainly the work of three of its great kings - Vijayabahu I, Parakrama Bahu I and Nissanka Malla.

 

A dominant feature of the city, a vast irrigation lake of 5940 acres (still in use), is aptly named Parakrama Samudra, the Sea of Parakrama, celebrating its royal builder. A colossal rock sculpture of the same period, throughout to be of the great king, stands near the reservoir.

The Palace or Parakrama Bahu is a fascinating medieval stronghold, well defended with moats, walls, guard- houses, a stout medieval castle adorned with bathing ponds, and terraces. Rampant lions, elegant friezes and moonstones embellish the Royal Council Chamber close by, a majestic pavilion of carved granite columns. The sacred Quadrangle is a complex of twelve impressive monuments- among them the Vatadage, Thuparama, Nissanka lata Mandapaya, Atadage, Satmahal Prasada, Hatadage and Gal Potha, with striking architecture, sculpture, and inscriptions.

Two Hindu shrines (Siva Davale) are testimony of South Indian influences during this period.

The Alahana Pirivena, a 12th c. monastic site, is an extensive complex or well designed image and chapter houses, monastic dwellings, hospitals, bathing ponds, terraces and platforms. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, excavations and restoration are uncovering some or the mysteries or this vast site, but much remains to be discovered.

One or Sri Lanka's most unforgettable monuments, the Gal Vihare is a group or three colossal seated, standing and reclining Buddha images. Carved almost in the round on a huge rock race with superb fluidity, they have almost living expressions or serenity and compassion.

Other memorable sights in Polonnaruwa include the Tivanka Image House with its delicate medieval paintings, the huge Rankot and Kirivehera dagabas and the lotus Bath, a flower-shaped medieval stone bathing pond, cut in live concentric layers. Remains at the towering Lankatilleke shrine include 55-ft. high walls, intricate carvings and a gigantic headless Buddha image.

 

Other major NCP monuments

The 5th c. A.D. 39-ft. (12 m.) tall Aukana Buddha (50 km. South East or Anuradhapura), is Sri Lanka's most magnificent ancient stone sculpture, a standing colossus cut from solid rock, of tremendous impact. At Resvehera (Sasseruwa) on the south-western boundary of the NCP, is another colossal (40 ft.) rock-cut standing Buddha, similar to the Aukana image, also of 5th c. vintage.

Ritigala (40 km. south-east of Anuradhapura), is a monastic complex of pre-christian origins, located on a thickly wooded mountain. The fascinating remains here include ancient hospitals and other stone structures and a broad meditation path paved in granite, winding through the dim forest canopy. Medirigiriya (app. 38 km. from Polonnaruwa) is a 7th c. A.D. shrine complex in stone, of striking beauty. The remains include a circular shrine, image houses, a hospital, drummers' pavilion, and bathing ponds, embellished with elegant stone pillars, sculptures and carvings.

 

Museums/Inrormation Centres

The NCP's numerous museums have fascinating presentations of archaeological finds uncovered during excavations, both recently and in the past, and related information. They include the Archaeological Museum, Anuradhapura (closed on Tuesdays), the Abayagiriya and the Jetawana Museums at Anuradhapura (open daily) and the Polonnaruwa Museum and Information Centre at Polonnaruwa (open daily).

Entrance fees are levied at cultural Triangle heritage sites at Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa. Inclusive tickets for all sites as well as individual site tickets are available.

 

Eco-tourism and adventure opportunities

The NCP's un spoilt natural environment and traditional rural life-styles, numerous archaeological sites, plentiful wild-life and many irrigation lakes and rock outcrops make it ideal for eco-tourism, adventure and nature-travel programmes. The mainly flat terrain is also ideal for cycling, hiking, nature trails and walking tours.