Most Travel Place in sri lanka

Nestled near the sacred Mihintale rock, the  Mahakandarawa Reservoir  stands as a testament to Sri Lanka’s ancient hydraulic civilization. With its breathtaking views and historical significance, this reservoir, once known as  Kanuwāpi, Kanavāpi, Kanavāri , or  Kanadiyadora,  has played a crucial role in the island’s irrigation heritage for centuries. A Glimpse into History According to the  Mahavamsa , Mahakandarawa was constructed during the reign of  King Mahasen (3rd century CE)  as part of his grand irrigation network. Historical records also mention renovations by  King Sena I (857 CE)  and  King Sena II (866-901 CE) , highlighting its long-standing importance. A  12th-century Tamil inscription  reveals fascinating details: The bund stretched  1,600 riyan (an ancient measurement)  in length. The reservoir was linked to smaller tanks like  Mihindu Wewa  (now known as Bula...

Nestled near the sacred Mihintale, the  Puvarasankulama Anula Devi Chethiya  remains one of Sri Lanka’s lesser-known yet historically significant archaeological sites. While pilgrims and tourists flock to Mihintale’s Aradhana Rock, Kaludiya Pokuna, and Rajagiri Caves, this ancient nunnery complex is rooted in Buddhist heritage. A Glimpse into History According to the Archaeological Department, this site is believed to be the ruins of a temple built by  Queen Viharamaha Devi  in the  2nd century BCE . More importantly, it is associated with  Queen Anula Devi , the chief queen of Sub-King Mahanaga (brother of King Devanampiyatissa) and  Sri Lanka’s first Buddhist nun . After  Arahant Mahinda Thero  introduced Buddhism to Sri Lanka, Queen Anula and 500 women attained the state of  "Sowan"  (stream-enterer) by listening to his teachings. However, since Buddhist monastic ordination for women required a bhikkhuni (nun), Mahinda Ther...

While  Mihintale  is widely celebrated as the  cradle of Buddhism in Sri Lanka , few know about its lesser-known archaeological treasure— Wasammale , also called  Chitra Gala (Art Rock) . Tucked away in dense forests, this site holds  ancient cave paintings  and remnants of a forgotten past, waiting to be explored. The Discovery of Chitra Gala Located about  2.5 km from Mihintale Junction , near the Rajarata University sports ground, lies a secluded stone hillock. Locals refer to it as  "Wasunmale" or "Wasammale" , but its most intriguing name is  Chitra Gala , meaning  "Art Rock." The story of its discovery begins in  1988 , when a farmer searching for his cattle stumbled upon a massive  800-meter-long rock formation . On its slope, he found  four caves , one of which bore  ancient paintings —now fading but still holding secrets of Sri Lanka’s past. The Mysterious Cave Paintings Inside the largest cave, a...

Nestled in the historic lands of Anuradhapura, the  Mihintale Wildlife Sanctuary  holds a unique distinction—it is believed to be the  first wildlife sanctuary in the world , established over  2,200 years ago  under the guidance of  Arahat Mahinda Thera . On a  Poson Poya day  in the  3rd century BCE , King Devanampiya Tissa, who was deer hunting in Mihintale, encountered Mahinda Thera. The Thera’s profound message— "All beings have an equal right to live" —transformed the king’s perspective. He declared the jungles of Mihintale a  protected sanctuary , forbidding the killing animals and the destruction of trees. This historic decree, recorded in the  Mahavamsa  and supported by ancient stone inscriptions ( sellipi ), marks Mihintale as a pioneering symbol of  Buddhist environmentalism . Buddhism’s Deep Connection with Nature The Buddha’s teachings emphasize  harmony with nature : He was  born, attain...

Rising majestically above the surrounding plains, the striking bald boulders of  Rajagiri Kanda  (Mountain of the Kings) stand as a testament to Sri Lanka’s rich Buddhist heritage. Located near the entrance to the  Kaludiya Pokuna complex , this historic site offers a fascinating glimpse into the lives of ancient monks who once sought solitude and enlightenment in its serene caves. A Sacred Retreat for Monks Rajagiri Kanda is home to several  rock caves , which, according to historical records, were inhabited by monks of great virtue and wisdom. These caves bear  inscriptions dating back to the earliest periods of Buddhism in Sri Lanka , etched along their brows, preserving the legacy of the ascetics who meditated here. The Journey to the Summit A short but scenic climb up a flight of  rock-cut steps , shaded by an avenue of fragrant  White Araliya trees , leads visitors to the summit. Here lies the  Rajagiri Lena , a cave complex with mul...

Tucked away within the sprawling  Mihintale sacred complex , the  Indikatu Seya Monastery  stands as a remarkable yet often overlooked gem of ancient Sri Lankan Buddhist heritage. With its unique stone architecture, fascinating legends, and historical significance, this sub-monastery offers a glimpse into the island’s rich monastic traditions. A Stupa Built by an Ancient King According to the  Mahavamsa chronicles , the  Indikatu Seya stupa  was constructed by  King Kutakanna Tissa (42-20 BCE)  near the Mihintale Monastery. The great  slab inscriptions of King Mahinda IV (956-972 AD)  refer to it as  "Katu Maha Seya"  and mention royal orders for its restoration. An intriguing legend states that this stupa enshrines the  needles used by Arhats (enlightened monks) to stitch their robes , symbolizing the simplicity and devotion of Mihintale’s early Buddhist community. Architectural Splendor of Indikatu Seya The...