Sri Lanka

At the Arrival Hall of Sri Lanka Airport, one will be greeted by the very Serene looking image of Buddha welcoming you to Sri Lanka. :-)

Let's begin the journey of Sri Lanka by introducing the sacred mountain of Mihintale (located near the city of Anuradhapura) which is believed to be the location where Buddhism was first introduced to Sri Lanka.

Mihintale

Be mentally and physically prepared to climb the 1,840 stone steps to reach the summit of Mihintale.

A worthwhile climb, non-taxing with nature scenery along the way leading to beautiful white statue and stupas with beautiful blue sky as contrast.

Sri Lanka

Sri Maha Bodhi Tree Temple

Looking deceivingly young, this Sri Maha Bodhi Tree of Anuradhapura, believed to being grown more than 2300 years ago from a cutting of the original Bodhi Tree in India is the most sacred tree in Sri Lanka.

This is a popular venue that attracts millions of worshippers.

Sri Lanka

Golden Sand Stupa (Ruwanweliseya)

The hugh white stupa, at Anuradhapura, of north-central Sri Lanka is located near to the Bodhi Tree Temple. Standing at 300ft (92m) and with a circumference of 950ft (292m), Majestic against the beautiful sky in the day or night, this is also one of the places I like. :-)

A good picture of the hugh compound can be found here: http://www.asiaexplorers.com/srilanka/ruwanweliseya_dagoba.htm

Sri Lanka

Dambulla Rock Temple

I like this place, a pity I didn't really took much pictures on it. It is certainly worth the climb (wonderful panoramic view of the surrounding forest, reservoirs & flat lands and oh many monkeys along the way again, if you zoom in, there are 2 sitting on the fencing:-)) and strongly recommended to visit this World Heritage site for its rich history & cultural heritage.

It is to me, like the Dun Huang of Sri Lanka.

History of the caves could trace back to 1st century BC.

Paintings and statues of the Buddha and his life are spread mainly over 5 caves. Although pretty well-preserved, you could still see signs of history in the caves.

2 Hugh Reclining Buddha from 2 different caves with paintings around the surrounding walls of the caves

If without a guide explaining, it will be just another place of interest but with the explanation of the history & rich culture, one better appreciates the art & place better, so always recommended to listen to the guide's explanation before wandering off to take pictures...

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The Samadhi Buddha

Well arranged offerings of flowers on a stone table before the Samadhi Buddha Image.

The Samadhi Buddha is located at a serene park in Anuradhapura. Sitting in a meditative posture, this Buddha image built within a Bodhi-Tree Shrine (belonging to the period between 5-6 centuries A.D.) is believed to be the most exquisite image found in Sri Lanka.

Sri Lanka

The Temple of the Tooth Relic of the Buddha at Kandy

The interior compound of the temple buildings has a combination of richly carved beautiful inner shrine (left/topmost picture) and more modern (right/bottom picture) Sinhalese architecture. The Tooth Relic (left upper canine tooth) of the Buddha is believed to be housed in the 2 storey inner shrine.

The exterior, beautiful park with beautiful sky makes a wonderful view

At a connecting tower, one can see the oldest ola leaf book and many other precious leaf book.

There is also a museum in memory of the elephant whom had been carrying the sacred tooth relic during the past yearly festival parade and whom had lived to high age of over 80 years old.

It is a place worth visiting especially during Full-moon day (every full moon day of the month is their public holiday so they have at least 12 days of leave each year excluding other leave entitlement!) where at the garden compound you can see many locals observing the 8 Precepts (their culture to wear all white).