Sigiriya

Sigiriya

Sigiriya (Lion's rock) is an ancient rock fortress and palace ruin situated in the central Matale District of Sri Lanka, surrounded by the remains of an extensive network of gardens, reservoirs, and other structures. A popular tourist destination, Sigiriya is also renowned for its ancient paintings, which are reminiscent of the Ajanta Caves of India. The Sigiriya was built during the reign of King Kassapa I , and it is one of the seven World Heritage Sites of Sri Lanka. Sigiriya may have been inhabited through prehistoric times. It was used as a rock-shelter mountain monastery from about the 5th century, with caves prepared and donated by devotees to the Buddhist Sangha. According to the chronicles as Mahavamsa the entire complex was built by King Kashyapa, and after the king's death, it was used as a Buddhist monastery until 14th century.

Sigiriya - Sri Lanka

Sigiriya - Sri Lanka

Sigiriya - Sri Lanka

Sigiriya - Sri Lanka

Sigiriya - Sri Lanka

Sigiriya - Sri Lanka

Sigiriya - Sri Lanka

Sigiriya - Sri Lanka

Sigiriya - Sri Lanka

Sigiriya - Sri Lanka

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Yala National Park

Yala National Park

Yala National Park or Ruhuna National Park is the most visited and second largest national park in Sri Lanka. It is situated in the southeast region of the country, and lies in Southern Province and Uva Province. The park covers 979 square kilometers and is located about 300 kilometers from Colombo. Yala was designated as a wildlife sanctuary in 1900, and, along with Wilpattu it was one of the first two national parks in Sri Lanka, having been designated in 1938. The park is best known for its variety of wild animals. It is important for the conservation of Sri Lankan Elephants and aquatic birds. There are six national parks and three wildlife sanctuaries in the vicinity of Yala. The park is situated in the dry semi-arid climatic region and rain is received mainly during the northeast monsoon. Yala hosts a variety of ecosystems ranging from moist monsoon forests to freshwater and marine wetlands. It is one of the 70 Important Bird Areas (IBAs) in Sri Lanka. Yala harbours 215 bird species including six endemic species of Sri Lanka. The number of mammals that has been recorded from the park is 44, and it has one of the highest leopard densities in the world. The area around Yala has hosted several ancient civilizations. Two important pilgrim sites, Sithulpahuwwa and Magul Vihara, are situated within the park. 

Yala National Park

Yala National Park

Yala National Park

Yala National Park

Yala National Park

Yala National Park

Yala National Park

Yala National Park

Yala National Park 

Yala Map

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Sithulpawwa Rock Temple

Sithulpauwa

Sithulpawwa rock temple is historically significant and identified as one of the greatest 2nd century sites of Buddhist scholarship. Located in Hambantota district 30 Km from Yala Village. With a history of over 2200 years, this is an ancient place of worship. The modern name Sithulpawwa is derived from the ancient ‘Cittalpabbata’, ‘The hill of the quiet mind’. It is said that in the 1st century AD as many as 12,000 Arahants lived here (monks that have achieved the highest mind level in Buddhism). Maha Sithulpauwa rock is 400 feet in height and it houses an intricate cave complex and the dagoba situated on top of the rock; the dagoba is believed to have been built by king Kawantissa. The rock temple is famous for its early Brahmi script, ruins of the preaching house and the fragments of paintings that can be viewed at the image house. For nature lovers wonderful environment around the temple.

Sithulpawwa rock temple - Yala

Sithulpawwa rock temple - Yala

Sithulpawwa rock temple - Yala

Sithulpawwa rock temple - Yala

Sithulpawwa rock temple - Yala