The recently discovered Aruwakkalu Survey Tower, despite being partially covered by jungle, remains in relatively good condition, although its plaster has worn away in several areas. It stands over 150 feet tall and consists of two sections, with a smaller, shorter block at the top.
Sri Lanka boasts eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites, showcasing the island’s diverse heritage, ranging from ancient cities like Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa, which reveal sophisticated urban planning and remarkable architectural achievements, to the iconic Sigiriya rock fortress, a masterpiece of engineering and art.
The Tampita Viharaya at Maliyadda is built on 22 stone pillars, each 610 mm high. The circumambulatory path surrounding the structure is 787 mm wide on all three sides. The image house within measures 2.3 meters in width and 5.2 meters in length
Seethala Wanniya is one of the rocky hills that surround the newly constructed Rambakan Oya Reservoir. The Pihilegoda Galge Cave is one of the largest caves in Seethala Wanniya. It extends about 30 feet in length and is approximately 10 feet tall at the front. The cave was first documented and photographed by the Seligmanns in 1911.
The Pimburaththewa Wewa is a stunning 2,400-acre reservoir in Aralaganwila, famed for its unique zig-zag spillway built during the 1980s Mahaweli Project. This hidden gem near Maduru Oya National Park transforms into a cascading spectacle during rains, attracting crowds for bathing and frequent evening sightings of wild elephants.
Nestled in a serene setting surrounded by a cluster of trees, this devalaya is dedicated to Minneriya’s guardian deity, “Minneri Deviyo,” also known as “Minneri Hath Rajjuru Bandara Deviyo.” It is believed to be as old as the Minneriya Wewa Reservoir itself. This deity is considered the reincarnation of King Mahasen (276–303 CE),
Munneswaram Kovil, located in Chilaw, Sri Lanka, is one of the island’s most popular and ancient Hindu temples, with a history dating back over a thousand years. Dedicated primarily to Lord Siva, under the name Muniya Iswara or Iswara, the temple is a popular pilgrimage site for both Hindus and Buddhists.
The Marble Statue of Queen Victoria was ceremoniously unveiled in 1902 as part of the commemoration of her Diamond Jubilee in 1897. Over the years, it was relocated multiple times, sometimes kept away from public view, before finally being moved to Victoria Dam in Teldeniya, Kandy, in 2023.
A 25-ton block of stone bearing the royal coat of arms of Portugal and the year 1501 carved into it. This historical artefact was discovered in September 1898 on a rock at the base of an old building at the Breakwater, which had served as the headquarters of the Harbor Police in the Fort of Colombo.
President’s House was originally constructed during the Dutch colonial period and dates back to at least the 1780s and first appeared on a Dutch map created in 1785. The first occupant was Johan van Angelbeek, the last Dutch governor of Ceylon, before the falling of Colombo to the British in 1786. He resided there until his death in 1799.
The Eagles’ Viewpoint, a newly established scenic overlook in Shanthipura village—the highest elevated village in Sri Lanka’s Nuwara Eliya District—offers stunning panoramic views of the picturesque landscape. Visitors can marvel at the rolling hills covered in vibrant tea plantations, lush greenery, and the majestic backdrop of distant mountain ranges.
Perched on a scenic bend along the Bulathkohupitiya–Dolosbage Road, the Palampitiya Viewpoint unveils breathtaking vistas of misty valleys, rolling hills, and tea-clad slopes. Just 7.5 kilometers from Dedugala, this tranquil, lesser-known lookout invites travelers to pause and embrace Sri Lanka’s untouched natural beauty.
Situated about 155 km from Colombo, Galwila Eco Park is a recent addition to the wildlife safari destinations. The park encompasses both primary and secondary forests, providing visitors with the chance to observe a diverse array of wildlife, such as elephants, leopards, various reptiles, and numerous bird species.
“Litha” in Sri Lanka refers to the auspicious almanac or calendar used for determining favorable times for various activities based on astrology. It’s a key part of traditional Sri Lankan culture, particularly among Sinhalese.
Hurulu Eco Park near Habarana offers a quieter alternative to busy safari parks, with open grasslands, forest trails, and frequent elephant sightings. Part of a UNESCO biosphere reserve, it delivers a raw, uncrowded wildlife experience ideal for nature lovers and photographers seeking authenticity.
Built in 1861, Closenberg Hotel originally served as the residence of Captain Francis Bayley and was known as Villa Marina. It was situated on a small islet in Galle Harbour, which was connected to the mainland by a narrow causeway. Over time, the islet merged with the mainland, leaving no visible trace of its original separation.
Today the the small house in which Hikkaduwe Sri Sumangala Thero was born has been preserved as an archaeological monument. Hikkaduwe Sri Sumangala Thero (1827–1911) was a prominent Buddhist monk, scholar, and social reformer who played a crucial role in the Buddhist revival movement during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Meetiyagoda is home to rare blue moonstones, found in only a few places globally. Visitors can explore traditional deep-shaft mines, witness the painstaking hand-filtration process, and see skilled artisans cut and polish the gems. It is a fascinating, hands-on experience showcasing Sri Lanka’s rich mining heritage.
In the 17th century, the Portuguese constructed a fort at the mouth of the Bentota Ganga River, marking the southernmost boundary of their territory in Sri Lanka. The Sinhalese referred to it as “Parangi Kotuwa,” a name that continued to be used for the area until the mid-20th century
![King Aggabodhi II [608-618 CE]](https://i0.wp.com/amazinglanka.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/aggabodhi-ii-01.jpg?fit=300%2C164&ssl=1 "Sovereigns of Sri Lanka: King Aggabodhi II [608-618 CE]")
King Aggabodhi II (also known as Agbo II or Kuda Agbo) ascended to the throne in 608 CE following the death of his uncle, King Aggabodhi I. As the son of King Aggabodhi I’s sister,. Prior to his reign, Prince Aggabodhi had been appointed as the ruler of Malayarata by King Aggabodhi I who granted him the hand of his daughter, Princess Datha, in marriage.
