Adam's Peak (Sri Pada)
Adam's Peak, also known as Sri Pada, is a sacred mountain revered by Buddhists, Hindus, Muslims, and Christians alike. It is famous for the "Sri Pada" or "Sacred Footprint," a rock formation at its summit believed to be the footprint of Buddha by Buddhists, Adam by Muslims, and Shiva by Hindus.
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Yala National Park
There are six national parks and three wildlife sanctuaries in the vicinity of Yala. Among the largest is Lunugamvehera National Park. 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 civilisations. Two important pilgrim sites, Sithulpahuwa and Magul Vihara, are situated within the park.
It is situated in the southeast region of the country, and lies in Southern Province and Uva Province. The park covers 979 square kilometers (378 sq. mi) and is located about 300 kilometers (190 mi) from Colombo. Yala was designated as a wildlife sanctuary in 1900, and along with Wilpattu 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, Sri Lankan leopards and aquatic birds.
Location : Southern Province of Sri Lanka.
Dambulla Cave Temple
This temple complex dates back to the first century BCE. This is the most notable cave temple in sri lanka. It has five caves, carved with a drip line to keep the interiors dry. Inside the ceilings of the caves there are colourful religious images as well as those of various gods and goddesses. There are images of the Lord Buddha and bodhisattvas. The caves, built at the base of a 150m high rock during the Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa era. Names of the five caves - Devaraja Lena, Maharaja Lena, Maha Alut Viharaya, Paccima Viharaya, Devana Alut Viharaya.
visitors can reach the rock temple through four entrances; 2 entrances from kandy road (A-9), other from the kurunegala dambulla road (A-6), and the fourth from the valagamba pirivena. Each one of those routes to the rock temple are long granite steps therefore that it is recommended to climb there in morning hours or in the evening. Foreign visitors will have to purchase entrance ticket from the office at the entrance near the golden temple.
Location : Central Province of Sri Lanka.
Horton Plains National Park
Horton Plains National Park is situated in the Central Province of Sri Lanka of Nuwara Eliya District. It is positioned at the eastern boundaries of the Upper Montane Forest Range (1500 meters-2524 meters above sea level) of Central Highland of Sri Lanka. The plateau of Horton Plains which is at a nominal elevation of 2100 meters also bears the 2nd and the 3rd highest peaks of Sri Lanka, namely Kirigalpoththa (elevation 2389 meters) and Totupolakanda(elevation 2357 meters). The area of the Horton Plains is 3160 ha. or 31.6 sq. km. and is about 8% of the total upper montane forests and grasslands of Sri Lanka. The rainwater of Horton Plains plateau is drained through tributaries to Mahaveli river to the North (through Uma Oya), Walawe river to the South (through Belihul Oya and Kiriketi Oya) and Kelani river to the West (through Bogawantalawa Oya). Horton Plains has an average rainfall figure of around 5000mm though the surrounding areas have an average of 2540mm. Horton Plains gets more rain from North West monsoon and throughout the year even the minimum rain fall per month for the area had been 100mm. The mean annual temperature for the area is about 13C . One can expect temperatures as high as 27C during day and 5C during nights. The distance to Horton Plains from Nuwara Eliya is 32 km.
Location : Central Highlands of Sri Lanka.
Polonnaruwa Ancient City
The ancient city of Polonnaruwa, deep in the central plains of Sri Lanka, was the playground of kings and the capital of the country. But time has taken its toll. What was once the center of an empire is now a mix of ancient ruins, crumbling temples, and mischievous monkeys.
Like many travelers to Sri Lanka we wanted to visit one of the ancient capitals. Anuradhapura, the capital for over 1400 years, is older and more important historically. But its ruins are a faded version of its former self, sprawling across a large area.
Polonnaruwa, on the other hand, has well-maintained ruins in a well-organised park. As a relatively compact area, it’s the ideal place to explore on 2 wheels. Huge numbers of temples, monuments and stupas stand within easy proximity of each other, connected by tree-lined boulevards. Cycling between them is a breeze.
With plenty of shady spots, good roads and refreshing local drinks at every entrance, cycling the ancient city of Polonnaruwa is a great way to understand one of Sri Lanka’s historic treasures.
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