Bambarabedda itself is a remarkable natural formation: a large vertical rock sits atop a rock slab, and on top of that, another vertical rock is balanced. When viewed from a specific angle, this striking natural arrangement appears to resemble a standing statue of the Buddha.
Helambawewa is a village situated in the Mullaitivu District, located approximately 5 km inland from Weli Oya. It is described as a village that has been historically difficult to access. Currently, the area is undergoing development as part of a resettlement plan associated with the proposed Kivu Oya reservoir project.
Deiyyanne Kanda is located adjacent to the reservoir bund. Explorations carried out regarding this rock mountain covered in forest are very rare. However, in 1969, L.A. Adithya published an important scholarly article regarding his research on Deiyyanne Kanda in the journal of the Ceylon Branch of the Royal Asiatic Society.
Little Adam’s Peak, also called Mini Adam’s Peak, is a well-loved hiking spot in Ella, Sri Lanka, celebrated for its stunning panoramic views and its easy-to-follow trail. Rising to 1,141 meters above sea level, the hike is gentle enough to be enjoyed by people of all fitness levels.
Among the Rajamaha Vihara of Hanguranketha, Kitulpe Rajamaha Viharaya holds great significance due to its association with the Sacred Tooth Relic of the Buddha, which was once enshrined here when the British invaded the Kandyan Kingdom, elevating the temple to a site of deep veneration.
Perched on a hilltop with sweeping 360° views of Kandy’s mountains, the Nelligala International Buddhist Centre is a serene spiritual escape. Its gleaming Buddha statues, peaceful ambiance, and breathtaking sunsets make it both a place of worship and a must-visit viewpoint in Sri Lanka.
Dewategedara Wele Ambalama is an ancient resting place located about 3.5 kilometers from Wadakada in Kurunegala, and approximately 13.5 kilometers from the Nakalagamuwa Interchange on the Central Expressway. Nestled in the middle of a scenic paddy field, the ambalama is situated between the expressway and Dewategedara Road.
Simple and sturdy, the ambalama is designed for rest and shelter rather than beauty. Three wide openings at the back and sides let in the fresh mountain air, while the front features a straightforward entrance and a half-height stone wall. The open layout ensures that even on the hottest days, the inside remains cool and breezy.
Tucked away in Sri Lanka’s historic heartland, Vilwala Rajamaha Viharaya is a beautiful relic from the Gampola Kingdom era. According to local legend, the temple was founded by Queen Henakanda Biso Bandara, the chief consort of King Vikramabahu III (1357-1374 CE). While this story adds a layer of romance to his historic site, historians suggest that the inscriptions at the temple point to reign of King Vijayabahu V (1335–1341 CE).
Although the origin of the Hanguranketha Pattini Devalaya is unknown, this devalaya has been in existence during the reign of King Rajasinghe II (1635 – 1687) who is reported have carried out renovations at this site.
The Vishnu Devalaya at Hanguranketha is one of the main devalaya’s of the Kandyan Era. It is believed that it was here that the king Rajasinhe II was cremated.
Araththana Viharaya is a sacred temple located near Hanguranketha town, and it often served as the temple for the royalty who resided in Hanguranketha. The earliest documented evidence regarding the history of this temple, situated approximately one kilometer south of Hanguranketha, is found in two of its three title deeds.
Hanguranketha, a small town in the Nuwara Eliya District, was historically known as Diyatilakepura or Diyatilaka Nuwara during the Kandyan Kingdom. It frequently served as a temporary capital for the Kingdom of Kandy. The first royal palace in Hanguranketha was built by King Senarath (1604-1635)
The 14th-century Laṅkātilaka Rājamahā Vihāraya is a majestic brick masterpiece perched atop Paṇhalgala rock. Commissioned by King Bhuvanekabāhu IV, this Gampola-era shrine blends Polonnaruwa architectural traditions with South Indian design. Its towering image house, ornate Makara Torana, and vibrant Kandyan paintings reflect the pinnacle of medieval Sri Lankan art.
Historical photographs from the late 19th and early 20th centuries depict several large statues surrounding the Ruwanweli Maha Seya stupa. Among them are standing Buddha statues and two figures believed to represent ancient kings.
The Dutch Hospital, now a vibrant shopping and dining precinct in front of Echelon Square, Colombo, is one of the city’s oldest buildings. As its name suggests, this historic structure dates back to the Dutch occupation of Sri Lanka, which lasted from 1656 to 1796.
Tucked away behind the Grand Oriental Hotel, St. Peter’s Church presents an unassuming stone façade that hardly resembles a place of worship. This is because it was never intended to be one. Originally constructed as the banquet hall of the Dutch Governor’s residence, the building underwent a transformation when the British took control of Colombo.
The Colombo Port Maritime Museum lies inside an old Dutch Warehouse belonging to the Dutch Fort of Colombo built in 1676. The museum displays the maritime history of the island including depictions of key historical maritime events.
The Dutch established three main entrances: Galle Gate, Water Gate, and Delft Gate to the east. Among them, Delft Gate, also known as the East Gate, was the most crucial during Dutch rule. Unlike conventional gates, its inner and outer entrances were not directly aligned but connected via a curved passageway through the rampart—a strategic design to enhance military defense
Cargills Building was built in 1906 and was one of the most state of art buildings at the time. An ancient statue lies in the lobby believed to be of the goddess Minerva brought by the Dutch or the Portuguese. Below the statue lies a foundation stone marked 1684.
