Anuradhapura Sri Lanka's first capital, founded in the 5th century B.C. is situated 206km. from colombo. According to the Mahavansa, the ancient Sinhala chronicle, this city was a model of planning with precincts set aside for huntsmen, scavengers, heretics as well as for foreigners. There were separate cemeteries forhigh and low castes, hostels and hospitals and a water supply was assured by construction of 'tanks' (reservoirs).
Polonnaruwa
The island's medieval capital is situated 216km. from colombo and rose to fame after the decline of Anuradhapura. The city in its day fortified with three concentric walls, beautified with parks and gardens and sanctified by many shrines.
Kandy
Sri Lanka's hill capital, strong hold of the Sinhala Kings, is our most beautiful town. It is 488 metres above sea level and next to Colombo is Sri Lanka's most visited place. There are many shrines and temples in and around Kandy, where you will see rare paintings, frescoes, wood and stone carvings.
Mihintale
Situated 11 k.m east of Anuradhapura is Mihintale, regarded as the cradle of Buddhism in Sri Lanka. The rock is dotted with shrines and rock dwellings. A grand stairway of 1,840 steps made of granite slabs, 5 meters wide, leads to the summit with its splendid views of the surrounding country side.
Sigiriya
The rock fortress was built by king Kasyapa in the 5th century A.D. and was a royal citadel for more than 18 years. In a sheltered pocket, approached
by a spiral stairway, are the famous frescoes. The summit of the rock, with an area of nearly on hc. was the site of the palace, the outer wall of which was built on the very brink of the precipice.
Animal Sanctuaries
The animals to be seen in Sri lanka's national parks include elephant, leopard, sloth bear, sambhur, deer and monkeys, several varieties of lizards, reptiles and amphibians. Each park however has its own specialities.
Elephant Orphanage
An orphanage for elephants has been set up by the Department of National Zoological Gardens, at Pinnawela. It was established mainly to house young elephants who find themselves displaced and lost from their natural habitats for various reasons, environmental changes due to
development projects, being abandoned by their parents when they fail into pits and ravines. Some animals are found diseased or wounded.
Birds
The abundance of Sri Lanka's bird life makes it an ornithologists paradise. Of the 431 recorded species, 251 are resident and no less that 21 are endemic to the island. Most of the endemic birds are restricted to the wet zone, e.g. the Ceylon Grackle or to the hill-country. Some such as the striking Red faced Malkoha and the shy brown capped Babbler can be found throughout the island, although confined to small areas of forests, National Parks and Forest Reserves. Among the best areas for these birds are the Sinharaja Forest Reserve and the Peak Wilderness Sanctuary. In the forested areas migratory tree warblers, thrushes, cuckoos etc. can be seen. The large 'Tanks' in the dry zone attract numerous types of ducks, while the large water birds. The Kumana Bird Sanctuary in the Eastern Province and Bundala, Kalametiya and Wirawila n the south.
Butterflies
To the naturalist, Sri Lanka offers a tantalizing array of interesting and unique forms. A most spectacular scene is the sessional migration of butterflies during March and April, when tradition has it that they fly towards 'Samanala Kande' the local name for the mountain more famous as 'Sri pada" or Adams Peak
