11.Ancient Anuradhapura
Here big bits of Sri Lanka's cultural and religious heritage sprawl across 3 sq km. In the centre is the world's oldest tree the Sri Maha Bodiya (more than two thousand years old). That it has been tended uninterrupted by record keeping guardians for all those centuries is enough for shivers down the spine. The surrounding fields of crumbling monasteries and enormous dagobas (stupas) attest to the city's role as the seat of power in Sri Lanka for a thousand years. Biking through this heady past is a thrilling experience.
12.Polonnaruwa's Stupendous Structures
Arrayed around a vast grassy quadrangle like the chess pieces of giants these intricately carved buildings and monuments offer a visitor friendly briefing on what was the centre of the kingdom some thousand years ago. Handy plaques are loaded with information although you may find the buildings too extraordinary to switch your concentration to signage. Catch sight of the ruins at sunrise and sunset. When the rosy rays of light bathe the complex in a romantic glow.
13.Kandy Cultural Capital
Kandy is the cultural capital of the island and home to the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic said to contain a tooth of the Buddha himself. For the sinhalese this is the holiest spot on the island but for tourists Kandy offers more than just religious satisfaction there's a pleasing old quarter a pretty central lake a clutch of museums and in the surrounding vicinity some beautiful botanical gardens. In case you need further blessings from the gods there's also a series of fascinating ancient temples.
14.Soaring Sigiriya Rock
It was just the rolling gardens at the base of Sigiriya. they would still be a highlight. Ponds and little man made rivulets put the water in these water gardens and offer a serene idyll amid the sweltering countryside. But look up and catch your jaw as you ponder this 370m rock that erupts out of the landscape. Etched with art and surmounted by ruins Sigiriya is an awesome mystery one that the wonderful new museum tries to dissect. The climb to the top is a wearying and worthy endeavour.
15.Adam's Peak Pilgrims
For over a thousand years pilgrims have trudged by candlelight up Adam's Peak to stand in the footprints of the Buddha. breathe the air where Adam first set foot on earth and see the place where the butterflies go to die.Today tourists join the throngs of local pilgrims and as you stand in the predawn light atop this perfect pinnacle of rock and watch the sun crawl above waves of mountains the sense of magic remains as bewitching as it must have been for Adam himself.
Here big bits of Sri Lanka's cultural and religious heritage sprawl across 3 sq km. In the centre is the world's oldest tree the Sri Maha Bodiya (more than two thousand years old). That it has been tended uninterrupted by record keeping guardians for all those centuries is enough for shivers down the spine. The surrounding fields of crumbling monasteries and enormous dagobas (stupas) attest to the city's role as the seat of power in Sri Lanka for a thousand years. Biking through this heady past is a thrilling experience.
Arrayed around a vast grassy quadrangle like the chess pieces of giants these intricately carved buildings and monuments offer a visitor friendly briefing on what was the centre of the kingdom some thousand years ago. Handy plaques are loaded with information although you may find the buildings too extraordinary to switch your concentration to signage. Catch sight of the ruins at sunrise and sunset. When the rosy rays of light bathe the complex in a romantic glow. 
Kandy is the cultural capital of the island and home to the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic said to contain a tooth of the Buddha himself. For the sinhalese this is the holiest spot on the island but for tourists Kandy offers more than just religious satisfaction there's a pleasing old quarter a pretty central lake a clutch of museums and in the surrounding vicinity some beautiful botanical gardens. In case you need further blessings from the gods there's also a series of fascinating ancient temples.
It was just the rolling gardens at the base of Sigiriya. they would still be a highlight. Ponds and little man made rivulets put the water in these water gardens and offer a serene idyll amid the sweltering countryside. But look up and catch your jaw as you ponder this 370m rock that erupts out of the landscape. Etched with art and surmounted by ruins Sigiriya is an awesome mystery one that the wonderful new museum tries to dissect. The climb to the top is a wearying and worthy endeavour.
For over a thousand years pilgrims have trudged by candlelight up Adam's Peak to stand in the footprints of the Buddha. breathe the air where Adam first set foot on earth and see the place where the butterflies go to die.Today tourists join the throngs of local pilgrims and as you stand in the predawn light atop this perfect pinnacle of rock and watch the sun crawl above waves of mountains the sense of magic remains as bewitching as it must have been for Adam himself.
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