Hidden away in Dambulla, Pophams Arboretum is a sanctuary where an amazing spectrum of Trees, Birds, Butterflies, Dragonflies and Mammals can be observed in their natural habitat. It was established by Sam Popham in 1963 and handed over to the Institute of Fundamental Studies in Kandy in 1989 for conservation, research and education.
Rising 200 meters vertically from the flat pains, Sigiriya Rock (Lion Rock) in Sri Lanka provides you with one of the most dramatic sites in Sri Lanka. Top of this rock contains ruins of an ancient palace complex, built during the reign of King Kasyapa (477AD – 495 AD) and surrounding rock is the Royal Garden.
Ibbankatuwa is an early Iron Age burial ground that has been dated to 750 BC to 400 BC which lies few kilometers before the Dambulla town on the Kurunegala-Dambulla Road.
The period of Veherabandihinna temple complex belongs to has been confirmed by the inscriptions found in the excavations carried out at the site. Archaeologists have discovered more than 7 inscriptions which belonged to and was built during the reign of King Kanittatissa (164-192 CE) during the Anuradhapura period.
Rusigama was also one of the sites selected by King Devanampiyatissa (250 BCE to 210 BCE) to plant one of the Dethis Pala Ruha Bodhi Trees, one of the very first 40 saplings of the Sri Maha Bodhi of Anuradhapura. The name Rusigama is believed to have originated due to the settlement of sages in the past. Two inscriptions belonging to the pre-Christian period have been found. These 2 inscriptions record the donation of caves to the Sangha
The Naula Ambalama is situated at the heart of the Naula town. Its origins can be traced back to the reign of King Devanampathissa, as per the legends. Historical records indicate that the establishment of Naula Sri Naga National School took place at this building during the British colonial era (1880s).
Godapola Ambalama stands on a square platform with half walls surrounding the building near a paddy field underneath a patch of large trees. Four octagonal pillars hold the roof of the Ambalama. These pillars are decorated with simple pillar heads (Pekada) with floral designs.
The Ambalama at Makulethenna lies just 100 meters away from the Makulethenna Rajamaha Viharaya in Matale. To reach this building from Matale, take the Harrison Jones Road and travel 3.5 km along this narrow road. The ambalama lies near the road surrounded by lush paddy fields.
The Sudukanda (meaning “white mountain” in Sinhara) ruins are located in the central western end of Wasgamuwa National Park, which has the western limit of the Amban River, a tributary of the Mahaweli River, the largest river in Sri Lanka, and two mountain ranges in parallel.
Pallepola Sri Weluwanaramaya is situated at where the home of the National Hero Weera Keppetipola was located. The Tampita Grain Storage Unit which was part of the house hold over 200 years ago can still seen at this temple.
The Bambarakiri Ella fall is set amongst the enchanting evergreen forest of the Knuckles mountain range near Rattota town, A suspension bridge spanning the falls adds the finishing touch to an already beautiful scene.
In addition to the popular World’s end at Horton Plains, there are number of lesser known precipices with spectacular view of surrounding area. Called mini worlds ends, they are Madulsima Pitamaruwa, Pitawala Pathana , Deanston in Hunnasgiriya and Hulangala in Selagama.
Sri Lanka has many cave temples but the Dambulla Cave Temple or the Golden Rock Temple of Dambulla is the most venerated, celebrated and most probably the most visited.
This beautiful Sera Ella fall, the subject of several poems, is situated in the Dumbara Jungle that is split into two sections, both 10m in height.
The Wasgamuwa National Park lies within the Polonnaruwa and Matale Districts and is easily reachable from number of tourist locations.
Katudeniya Purana Viharaya lies in the Ukuwela PS in the District of Kandy. The origins of this temple is unknown but according to folklore this temple has been in existence during the period of Prince Wijayapala of Matale Godapola Nuwara.
The Chitiya at the Menikdena is built on a raised platform is quite large. There is evidence that the Chithiya once had the four flowered alters and granite Buddha images facing the four cardinal directions.
This 75 meter high Pitawala Pathana Ella Fall No 1 lies deep inside the jungle of Pitawala Pathana on the Patana Dola. To reach to fall you would need to hike passing the now abandoned Pathana Gama and take a guide.
Pothana Rajamaha Viharaya in Sigiriya lies in a cave complex in Sigiriya which have proved to have a historical as well as pre historical value.
Arambepola Ambalama is a small Ambalama lying between Akurana and Alawathugoda on the main road to Matale from Kandy. Made out of clay/cement the the roof is covered with a tin roof today.
