Anuradhapura
Anuradhapura, a Sri Lankans political and religious capital that flourished for 1,300 years, was abandoned after an invasion in 993. Hidden away in the dark forest for many years, the magnificent site, with its palaces and monuments, is now reachable once again. The Anuradhapura city is one of the most important holy places of Buddhism. Anuradhapura demonstrates a unique and specific way of the Sinhalese civilization. On several occasions, the city was submitted to the attacks from southern India – Tamils, Cholas, etc. It stands as a permanent manifesto of the culture of Sri Lanka. The holy city exerted a considerable influence on the development of the architecture for several centuries. It includes amazing monuments, mainly the Dagabas of gigantic size, placed on rounded foundations and surrounded by a ring of huge columns, characteristic of the Sinhalese stupas.
Kandy
Sri Lanka’s hill capital is situated 488 meters above sea level and in the centre of the island and surrounded by a range of mountains. Kandy was established in the 14th century and became the nation’s capital in the 16th century. Was the last capital of the Sinhala Kings. Kandy is also known as mahanuwara, senkadagala pura. The name Kandy comes from the word Kanda which means mountain, it got this name because of its geographical location.
Nuwaraeliya
The city Nuwaraeliya has a lot of nicknames like the city of light, the city on the plain (table land, Little England, located at 1,868 m above sea level and is considered to be the most important location for Tea production in Sri Lanka. Nuwaraeliya produces the best quality No 01 tea in the world. Nuwara Eliya was built during the 19th century and its architecture mimics that of an English country town, with red-brick walls. Nuwaraeliya is blessed with a salubrious climate, and spectacular views of valleys, meadows, mountains, waterfalls and greenery.
Galle
Founded in the 16th century by the Portuguese, Galle reached the height of its development in the 18th century, before the arrival of the British. It is the best example of a fortified city built by Europeans in South and South-East Asia, showing the interaction between European architectural styles and South Asian traditions.
Negombo
Negombo is a stunning beach resort on the western coast of Sri Lanka, You can relax on beautiful beaches, Enjoy incredible sunsets and delicious western and Sri Lankan food. Seafood is very famous and is caught fresh daily by Negombo fishermen.
Colombo
Sri Lanka’s commercial capital is an interesting blend of the varying influences, it has seen for more than 600 years. Its importance as a trading port increased after the arrival of the Portuguese on the Island in the early 16th Century.
Colombo continued to grow under the Dutch and British, and today shows the marked influence of all those cultures from the Islamic mosques, to the Catholic, Dutch Reformed and Anglican churches. The Dutch Colonial style of architecture is very much in evidence, as are the special quarters for separate trades in the Colombo Fort and Pettah area.
