Anuradhapura
Population : 99,000
District : Anuradhapura
Typical Weather : Warm and Sunny
Distance from Colombo : 206 km
Highlight : Anuradhapura is Sri Lanka’s first capital, founded in the 5th century B.C.
Attractions : The sacred Bo tree, Abhayagiri Dagaba, Jetavanaramaya, Brazen Palace, Thuparama Dagaba, Samadhi Buddha, KuttamPokuna and Mirisavati Dagaba.
Mihintale
Population : 22,000
District : Anuradhapura
Typical Weather : Warm and Sunny
Distance from Colombo : 217 km
Highlight : Situated 11 km east of Anuradhapura
Attractions : This is regarded as the cradle of Buddhism in Sri Lanka. The rock is dotted with shrines and rock dwellings. A grand stairway of 1840 steps made of granite slabs, 5 metres wide, leads to the summit with its splendid view of the surrounding countryside.
Polonnaurwa
Population : 106,000
District : Polonnaruwa
Typical Weather : Warm and Sunny
Distance from Colombo : 216 km
Highlight : The island’s medieval capital (11th to 13th century A.D.) rose to fame after the decline of Anuradhapura, the first capital.
Attractions : Parakrama Samudra, the largest of man-made reservoir, ruins of the King’s Council Chamber, the Royal Citadel, the Kumara Pokuna, Royal Pavilion, the Vatadage Relic House lavished with moonstones, guard stones and sculptured railing, KiriVehera – the best preserved of all Sri Lanka’s un-restored Dagabas, Gal Vihare – the most impressive sculptures are the colossal Buddha images carved on the face of a granite boulder. The recumbent Buddha measures 14 metres and the standing figure is 7 metres in height.
Sigiriya
District : Matale
Typical Weather : Warm and Sunny
Dist. from Colombo : 169 km
Highlight : This rock fortress was built by king Kasyapa in the 5th century A.D. and was a royal citadel for more than 18 years.
Attractions : In a sheltered pocket, approached by a spiral stairway, on display are the famous frescoes which are still appreciated for their uniqueness. The summit of the rock, with an area of nearly one hectare was the site of the palace, the outer wall of which was built on the very brink of the precipice. The UNESCO – sponsored Central Cultural Fund has restored Sigiriya’s 5th century Water Gardens to their former glory.