Table of Contents
Introduction
The beautiful tropical island of Sri Lanka has a history going back over 2500 years. Various ancient civilizations have risen and fallen on this strategic island located in the Indian Ocean off the southern tip of India. Mighty kingdoms like Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa and Kandy once held sway over the island and built magnificent cities dotted with palaces, temples, monasteries and other structures. Although the ancient Sinhalese kingdoms later declined, their iconic ruins have survived the passage of time. These awe-inspiring sites provide a fascinating glimpse into Sri Lanka’s golden past and still continue to attract visitors from all over the world.
Sigiriya
The Famous Lion Rock
Rising dramatically from the central plains of Sri Lanka is the awe-inspiring Lion Rock, called Sigiriya. This colossal column of red-hued rock is a towering 660 ft (200 m) high and the ruins perched on its summit are among the most remarkable sights in the country.
Built by King Kasyapa in 5th Century AD
In the 5th century AD, King Kasyapa decided to build a magnificent palace and fortress atop this mammoth rock outcrop. He chose this site for its natural defenses and constructed a series of ingenious gardens, ponds, frescoes and fortifications around the rock. The entire complex served as a palace and pleasure garden for the king.
Palace Ruins on Top of a Massive Column of Rock
Today, Sigiriya is UNESCO listed and the most visited ancient site in Sri Lanka. Climbing the steep rock reveals the partial remains of the palace complex and stunning views over the surrounding plains. The diverse attractions include water gardens, beautiful frescoes of bare-breasted women, mirror wall poetry, lion gate and the highlight – a colossal lion statue carved into the rock. Though the head has broken off, the majestic paws still cling onto the summit.
Anuradhapura
Ancient Capital of Sri Lanka from 4th Century BC to 11th Century AD
Further north lies the sacred city of Anuradhapura, which was the first ancient capital and the center of Sri Lankan civilization for over a millennium. It flourished from the 4th century BC till the 11th century AD and had an extraordinary impact on the history of the island.
UNESCO World Heritage Site
Today, the vast ruined city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with monuments of great archaeological and historic significance. Sprawling over 25 sq km, the citadel has the remains of three great monasteries, several major Buddhist shrines, ancient reservoirs and ponds, royal palaces, council chambers and temples.
Ruins of Palaces, Monasteries, Ponds and Stupas
The most renowned sites in Anuradhapura include the Sri Maha Bodhi, the sacred bo tree planted in 288 BC which is believed to be the oldest historically authenticated tree in the world. The Jetavanaramaya stupa was one of the tallest structures of the ancient world. The Lankarama, Abhayagiri and Mirisaveti stupas are other large beautiful dome-shaped shrines. The palaces, councils halls and temples indicate that Anuradhapura was one of the greatest cities of antiquity.
Polonnaruwa
Medieval Capital of Sri Lanka from 11th to 13th Centuries
After the decline of Anuradhapura, the center of power of ancient Sri Lanka shifted south-east to the city of Polonnaruwa, which became the capital during the medieval period. It rose to prominence between the 11th and 13th centuries and remains the best preserved city from this glorious era.
Majestic Ruins of Palaces, Temples, Monasteries and Statues
Strolling through the complex reveals many magnificent structures and monuments from almost a thousand years ago. The sprawling royal palace has several buildings, bathing pools and decorated halls. The Quadrangle or Dalada Maluwa contains temples which housed the sacred Tooth Relic. Alahana Pirivena monastery has a beautiful 7th century Buddha statue and steps leading down to an ancient lake. The Gal Vihara is a rock shrine with enormous Buddha figures carved out of granite.
Dambulla Cave Temple
Rock Temple with Buddhist Murals and Statues
Dambulla is home to a spectacular cave temple adorned with painted walls and rock ceilings dating back to the 1st century BC. This World Heritage Site contains 153 Buddha images, three statues of Sri Lankan kings and exquisite frescoes depicting the life of the Buddha. Situated in the southern part of the cultural triangle, it is the largest and best preserved cave temple complex in Sri Lanka.
Dates Back to 1st Century BC
The five caves contain 2,100 sq meters of painted surfaces with frescoes showing vividly colored religious figures and scenes from the life of Buddha. The largest cave dates from the 1st century BC when the king Valagamba took refuge here and turned it into a rock temple. The other caves were added between the 3rd century BC and the 1st century AD when more shrines, paintings and statues were added.
Yapahuwa
13th Century Fortified Palace Built on a Huge Rock Outcrop
During the 13th century, the Pandyans from South India invaded northern Sri Lanka and the Sinhalese king built his new capital at Yapahuwa as a fortified palace atop a 90 meter high rock outcrop. Although the capital was later moved back to Polonnaruwa, the remains of Yapahuwa still stand impressively on the landscape.
Famous for its Ornamental Stairway and Lion Sculpture
The palace ruins contain caves, terraces, a temple and granite bathing pools. One of its famous sights is the ornamental stairway decorated with Balustrades shaped as lions and makara mythical beasts. At the top are the remains of a majestic brick gateway leading to the royal palace. The most striking artefact is the Yapahuwa Lion stone sculpture displaying Sinhalese craftsmanship.
Conclusion
Sri Lanka’s ancient ruins offer a glimpse into the island’s rich history and culture. The sites of Sigiriya, Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa, Dambulla and Yapahuwa showcase remarkable palaces, temples, monasteries, paintings and sculptures created by the once powerful Sinhalese kingdoms. These ruins continue to fascinate visitors from all over the world with their impressive architecture and sheer beauty. They stand as timeless reminders of Sri Lanka’s golden past.
FAQs
Q: Where is the famous Lion Rock of Sigiriya located?
A: Sigiriya or Lion Rock is located in the Matale district in the central part of Sri Lanka. It stands majestically above the plains, about 170 km from Colombo.
Q: Why was Anuradhapura significant in ancient Sri Lankan history?
A: Anuradhapura was the capital for over a thousand years from the 4th century BC to the 11th century AD. It was the center of power where mighty kings ruled and was the heart of Sri Lankan civilization.
Q: What are some key sites to see in the ancient city of Polonnaruwa?
A: Some top attractions are the Royal Palace, Quadrangle shrines, Gal Vihara rock temple, Lankathilaka temple, statue of King Parakramabahu and Parakrama Samudraya lake.
Q: How old are the cave temples and Buddha statues in Dambulla?
A: The caves were created between the 1st century BC to 1st century AD. The paintings and statues were created during this time and are over 2000 years old.
Q: What is Yapahuwa known for?
A: Yapahuwa is known for the ruins of a 13th century fortified palace built on a huge rock outcrop, including an ornamental stairway, lion sculpture and granite bathing pools.