Mihinthale

This picture was taken from Mihinthale, ancient buddhist Monastery. It is situated on top of a hill and the view from here is absolutely stunning. Faraway, we can see the ancient city of Anuradhapura and its monumental structures Ruwanweliseya, Abhayagiriya and Jethavanaramaya

2300 years ago, Buddhism was brought to Sri Lanka and then king Devanampiyathissa met Arhath Mihindu at this scared place. The king built a monastery and a temple for the monks at Mihinthale.

For more sky views, visit - Skywatch Friday

Eight Meter Door Frame

This colossal granite door frame was seen in the ancient capital of Anuradhapura.

Anuradhapura is a UNESCO World Heritage site and it has thousands of ruins scattered in an area as large as 40 square kilometers, belong to the period from 4th century BC to 11th century AD.

This particular building must have built over one thousand years ago as it belongs to the latter Anuradhapura period.

Vantage Point

Here, I’m looking at the entire northern sector of Sri Lanka from a key-hole. This breathtaking scenery was captured from Maningala of Knuckles Region.

Looks like this is where I should explore next!

Thanthirimale

This ancient and sacred temple is situated in a remote place about 35 kilometers north west of Anuradhapura. It is situated on top of a rocky terrain. Thanthirimale is definitely a larger temple but it surely reminds Buddhangala Temple of Ampara.

As per the historical evidence this area is one of the oldest human settlements in Sri Lanka which dates back to pre 6th century BC. Also it is mentioned in many historical chronicles as a pivotal place all throughout the history.

The Bo tree here is said to be at least 2300 years old. It is a direct sapling of the famous Sri Maha Bodhi of Anuradhapura.

I’m not going to give detailed explanation about this place as Harumi has done a few wonderful narratives about this place. You can see those posts here, here and here.

The view from this wonderful hermitage is stunning. The above picture shows the granite Buddha statue which dates back to 8th century AD. I have uploaded more pictures of this wonderful place here.

Kala Wewa

This beautiful tank, Kala Wewa is situated in the North Central Province. You can reach here on your way to Anuradhapura (via Dambulla) by turning off at Kekirawa town.

Kala wewa was built by the King Dhatusena in the 5th century AD. In fact the King built another tank (Balalu) adjacent to this one and the two tanks are joined to form one of the biggest tanks in Sri Lanka (Kala - Balalu wewa)

There are many interesting places to visit close to this area. Some of the key places are mentioned below.
• Aukana buddha statue - A standing buddha statue date back to the same period as the tank. The statue is situated by the side of the tank
• Jaya Ganga - An ancient canal that link Kala Wewa and Thisa Wewa of Anuradhapuara.

The above picture was taken from the bund of the tank, which I mentioned in one of my earlier posts.

Over the Tank Bund

This picture was taken from the road over the bund of Kala Wewa (Tank). This is a splendid road that I love to travel while watching the great ocean like tank on one side. You can reach here on your way to Anuradhapura (via Dambulla) by turning off at Kekirawa town.

As I mentioned some time back, there are many man made tanks in the North Central Province of Sri Lanka. Similarly we get similar roads laid over those tank bunds all over Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa districts.

Kandalama Wewa

'Wewa' in sinhala is a tank or a huge mass of water.

North Central Province of Sri Lanka is famous for rich water resources. Most of these tanks are built by ancient kings.

The land is mostly flat but you find some interesting smaller mountains all over the area. Especially a lake surrounded by mountains will be great area for a hike.

Kandalama Tank is one such place, but situated in the Central Province (Mathale District).

This area is hotter than the central hill country so the best time for a hike would be early in the morning or in the evenings.

Kandalama is about 8 km from Dambulla and famous for many hotels in the surrounding.

Minneriya Safari

Although you are not allowed to walk in this nature reserve, this is one of the most picturesque nature parks in Sri Lanka. Hence I thought, I must write something about this beautiful place.

The exact name is Minneriya Girithale Nature reserve as it spread around and between two tanks known by the same names. you can reach there on Habarana - Polonnaruwa Road.There are lots of animals in this park and you are sure to see lots of wild elephants in vast grassy lands adjoining the tanks. The view is spectacular!