SriLanka - Must See

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Anuradhapuraya

Anuradhapura, (අනුරාධපුරය in Sinhala, அனுராதபுரம் in Tamil), is one of the ancient capitals of Sri Lanka, famous for its well-preserved ruins of ancient Lankan civilization.

Buddhism and Anuradhapura

With the introduction of Buddhism, the city gained more prominence and the great building era began. The Mahavamsa states that King Kutakannatissa built the first city wall to a height of seven cubits with a moat in front of the wall. This fortification was further enlarged by raising the wall a further 11 cubits to 18 cubits by King Vasabha. The king also added fortified gatehouses at the entrances of which the ruins can be seen to date. The Mahavamsa also states that soothsayers and architects were consulted in the construction.

Galle  -  (116km south of Colombo)

Of South Asia’s port cities, Sri Lanka’s Galle – pronounced “Gaul” - is remarkable due to its extensive maritime history, international trading links and threefold colonial domination, which led to a diverse and shifting ethnic composition. Unusually, one of the colonial powers – the Dutch - left a valuable legacy in the form of the best-preserved sea fort in South Asia, whose substantial ramparts and bastions largely protect it from the type of modernization and homogenization that has blighted most urban areas of the region.

More unusual still is that during the past decade a small army of privileged Europeans has recognized the fort’s attributes and ambience (and appreciated the bargain price of property) by purchasing and renovating many of the neglected 300-year-old architecturally-important Dutch residences. While these self-described “fabulous nobodies” have contributed to the preservation of Galle’s heritage, the irony that the fort has once again become an enclave for acquisitive outsiders is pervasive.

Hikkaduwa

Many who visit Hikkaduwa are usually sun worshippers, sea worshippers or wave worshippers. The foreign influx began in the late sixties and before long the town began to bustle with fun-seeking visitors.. The Germans were the biggest influence for a long time, and although today many signboards and menus are still in German, the clientele is now much more international. In particular, the number of Australians is rising as the fame of Hikkaduwa as a surfer’s destination grows.

For those interested in the sea, it is at its best for diving and snorkelling from November to April when the visibility is generally good. The Hikkaduwa Marine Sanctuary, established in 1988, ensures the underwater world is accessible to all whether they can dive or not. Snorkelling in the shallow waters only 200m off shore is possible, and you can come across a number of brightly-coloured fish as you float a few metres above. The less adventurous can always take a glass-bottomed boat ride, though this is environmentally questionable due to the pollution and negative effects on the already depleted corals.

Should you want to see more of the Sri Lankan marine life than is in the sanctuary you will need to be a PADI qualified diver, or be willing to take your PADI course there and then. With a number of wrecks and reef gardens further out to sea, it is well worth discovering some of what underwater Sri Lanka has to offer.

Jaffna - (398km north-east of Colombo)

 

Jaffna comprises many things. From its rich history to colourful cultural traditions, to unique landscape to delicious mangoes and other Jaffna specialities – there is too much to discuss. The images in my mind of Jaffna are its tall, straight palmyrah palm trees; women riding bicycles equally straight and tall; and the beaming unconditional smiles that readily come to people’s faces, especially if you smile first. Furthermore, you will find Jaffna people more than happy to share with you their vast knowledge of the region and its attractions.

Jaffna’s original name was Yalpanam and its history dates back to at least the second century BC. Jaffna has faced many invasions from India to the Portuguese in the early 1600s and then the Dutch in the mid-1600s. However, it is unclear whom the first inhabitants were and when they arrived.

Jaffna is worth more than a fleeting visit to fully appreciate all it has to offer. Roam the bazaars and the fish market, visit the religious places, admire the colonial architecture, buy handicrafts and souvenirs such as basketry made from the palmyrah palm - take time to relish all. Step away from the town and be charmed by the beauty of the landscape and villages, the abundance of bird life, and enjoy the evening light which seems so different in the north.