Sri Lanka Holidays to Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa

Sri Lanka Holidays to Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa

From verdant forests to idyllic beaches, and everything in between, Sri Lanka holidays offer the traveller a chance to discover one of the world's most naturally beautiful and historically rich destinations. With diversity in evidence, both in terms of terrain and cultures, lovers of adventure holidays and history buffs alike will find much to discover. The ancient capitals of Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa are sure to provide adventure and discovery in abundance. Read on for an introduction to these fascinating cities.

Anuradhapura

This city rose to prominence in the third century BCE. As those travelling on Sri Lanka holidays will be aware, the country is one of Asia's most important Buddhist centres. The presence of important Buddhist symbols or relics in certain urban settlements has often represented power and the right to rule. The arrival of a cutting from the Bodhi Tree, the very tree under which the Buddha reached enlightenment - brought from India by the Buddhist nun Sanghamitta - ushered in Anuradhapura's golden age. It was a mighty capital by the standards of its day: a walled area of 663 square kilometres with a highly advanced irrigation system. The remains of its huge temples and palaces attest to its size and significance, though its influence has long since waned. It was left to ruin after being invaded in the 10th century, and was thereafter seen by few living eyes until the British colonists found it in the 19th century. Today it is renowned once more, as a pilgrimage site for Buddhists and an endearingly popular attraction for visitors on Sri Lanka holidays. Top attractions include the sacred Bodhi Tree, the Ruwanwelisaya stupa (decorated with 1,900 elephant figures), and the Archaeology Museum.

Polonnaruwa

Not long after the fall of Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa was established as the capital by King Vijayabahu I. It remained the seat of power from the 11th to the 13th century CE. Whereas a significant factor in Anuradhapura's importance was its status as a spiritual hub thanks to the Bodhi tree, Polonnaruwa flourished in large part thanks to being located on one of the island's main trade and transport arteries - the road between Colombo and Batticaloa. Travellers who visit both ancient cities on their Sri Lanka holidays will notice differences between the two. The new capital's advancements had a lot to do with the trade connections, and its rulers were able to build on the technological and architectural innovations of Anuradhapura. Although many of these developments have been ravaged by time and the elements, there is still plenty to impress. The well-preserved Buddha statues, the imposing ruins of temples and palaces and the remains of the irrigation system all attest to Polonnaruwa's former glory - offering the visitor a glimpse into Sri Lanka's ancient past.

Jude Limburn Turner is the Marketing Manager for Mountain Kingdoms, an adventure tour company who run tours enabling people to enjoy Burma holidays. Operating in Asia for over 20 years, they now offer treks and tours worldwide, including destinations in North and South America, Europe, Africa, and Central and South East Asia.

by Jude Limburn Turner; Tuesday, December 6, 2011 @ 09:25 AM [184]

Featured

Luxury Villa Holidays - Delighting You All the Way

There is something about luxury villa holidays that would not let you settle for anything less. Coming to think of it, there can be no substitute for luxury and it should come as no surprise that luxury villa holidays have caught up among the...

[ Continue reading ]