Kalaweva Biggest Tank in Sri Lanka During Ancient Times

09Jul

Kala Wewa, which also in nearby vicinity built by the King Datusena in 307 B.C, is a twin reservoir complex (Kala Wewa & Balalu Wewa) which has a capacity of 123 million cubic meters together making the biggest tank in Sri Lanka. Water of the tank was transferred to the Thisa Wewa in Anuradhapura by an ancient 86.9 km long canal called Yodha Ela which has a fine slope of one foot per mile While supplying water also for the small tanks in rural areas on the way.

Being one of main storages in the Mahaweli Irrigation Scheme since 1976, the tank serves to the population in the North Central Sri Lanka. It is used for fresh water fishing and the flora, specially the grasses in its valley, for the herds of cattle in the area.

AUKANA

09Jul

Aukana Buddha Statue in Sri Lanka that rise to a height off 11.36 meters, is the tallest ancient Buddha statue in Sri Lanka The Aukana statue, stands tall among all the grand masterpieces in Sri Lanka. its creator is not known, and  revealed that it dates back to the 5th Century, during the reign of King Datusena 459-477AD. The entire statue has been carved out of an expansive rock face and it is still attached to it.

VIJITHAPURA

09Jul

The history of the Vijithapura Rajamaha Viharaya is not clearly known. According to the legends, the history of the temple goes back to the reign of the King Dutugemunu (161 BC to 137 BC). The South Indian invader King Elara who conquered the Anuradhapura Kingdom during the 2nd century BC has established a strong fort at Vijithapura. The Vijithapura battle between King Dutugemunu and invader king Elara was a decisive and major battle in the history of Sri Lanka.

However, King Dutugemunu has won that battle and after winning the war, the King Dutugemunu has constructed a stupa at this location to commemorate the Vijithapura battle. Later the Vijithapura Rajamaha Viharaya was built around this stupa. There is  a stone believed to be a stone used to sharpen the sword within this premises.

JETHAWANARAMAYA STUPA

09Jul

The Jetavanaramaya is a stupa, located in the ruins of Jetavana monastery in Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka. It height reaches to 122 metres and it was the world’s tallest stupa and the third tallest structure in the world when it was built by King Mahasena of Anuradhapura (273–301) and also the second tallest non-pyramidal buildings after Pharos (lighthouse) of Alexandria.

The structure is significant in the island’s Buddhist history as it represents the conflicts within the Theravada and Mahayana sectors of Buddhism. With the destruction and abandonment of Anuradhapura kingdom in the 11th century, the stupa was covered by jungle and later King Parakramabahu in 12th century renovate this stupa and it was rebuilt to the current height, a reduction to 71 meters.

The structure is no longer the tallest, but it is still the largest, with a base-area of 233,000 m2 (2,508,000 sq ft). Approximately 93.3 million bricks were used in its construction; the engineering knowledge behind the construction of this structure shows the significant development in the history of the island.
The compound covers approximately 5.6 hectares and is estimated to have housed 10,000 Buddhist monks. The stupa has a 8.5 m) deep foundation, and sits on bedrock.

THE GREAT RUWANWELISAYA STHUPA

09Jul

The Ruwanwelisaya is a stupa, a hemispherical structure considered sacred to many Buddhists all over the world. This was built by King Dutugemunu during 140 B.C. He was famous for uniting Sri Lanka by defeating the Chola King Elara,
This is one of the the 8 places of veneration in the ancient sacred city of Anuradhapura. The stupa is one of the world’s tallest ancient monuments, standing at 103 m (338 ft) . It’s circumference is 290 m in length.

AUKANA, VIJITHAPURA & KALAWEVA

09Jul

Aukana and Vijithapura are famous historical nearby places of attraction which are closely related with buddism and ancient culture of Sri lanka. Aukana  , Buddha Statue is the tallest ancient Buddha statue in Sri Lanka while Vijithapura , strong ancient fort is famous for the  battle between King Dutugemunu and invader king Elara was a decisive and major battle in the history of Sri Lanka.

Kala Wewa, which also in nearby vicinity  built by the King Datusena in 307 B.C, is a twin reservoir complex (Kala Wewa & Balalu Wewa) which has a capacity of 123 million cubic meters together making the biggest tank in Sri Lanka. Water of the tank was transferred to the Thisa Wewa in Anuradhapura by an ancient 86.9 km long canal called  Yodha Ela which has a fine slope of one foot per mile.

Tour details

  • Time of departure: Best time to depart from Tropical Life is at 7:30 a.m. in the morning or 3.00pm in the evening due to hot sun
  • Tour Duration: 4 hours
  • Travel Time: 60 minutes
  • Distance from the hotel: 40 km via Kandy-Jaffna Hwy
  • Tour inclusions:  water, juice, guide, and driver

Kalaweva Biggest Tank in Sri Lanka During Ancient Times

From Hotel :

Kala Wewa, which also in nearby vicinity built by the King Datusena in 307 B.C, is a twin reservoir complex (Kala Wewa & Balalu Wewa) which has a capacity of 123 million cubic meters together making the biggest tank in Sri Lanka. Water of the tank was transferred to the Thisa Wewa in Anuradhapura by...

[ Read More ]

AUKANA

From Hotel :

Aukana Buddha Statue in Sri Lanka that rise to a height off 11.36 meters, is the tallest ancient Buddha statue in Sri Lanka The Aukana statue, stands tall among all the grand masterpieces in Sri Lanka. its creator is not known, and  revealed that it dates back to the 5th Century, during the reign of...

[ Read More ]

VIJITHAPURA

From Hotel :

The history of the Vijithapura Rajamaha Viharaya is not clearly known. According to the legends, the history of the temple goes back to the reign of the King Dutugemunu (161 BC to 137 BC). The South Indian invader King Elara who conquered the Anuradhapura Kingdom during the 2nd century BC has established a strong fort at Vijithapura. The Vijithapura...

[ Read More ]

THE ABHAYAGIRI MONESTERY & DAGABA

09Jul

The Abhayagiri Monastery and the big Stupa or Dagaba was built by King Vattagamini Abhaya, He ruled Sri Lanka during the first century BC. and chose this site on his triumphant return after having had to flee from invaders. It is believed that over 5,000 monks dwelled there and it act as meditation and learning center like a university.

Event after passing thousand years , the monastery still offers a fascinating journey to ancient era. The Abhayagiri dagaba, is little over 100 metres, in height and one of the most striking attractions in Anuradhapura.
Also can visit to see stone statue of Lord Buddha seated , a cave temple, a pond cut from stone, and ancient moonstones carved from the rock at this sacred site. Abhayagiri Museum nearby displays ancient jewelry, artifacts, and pottery.

THE SRI MAHABODHI TREE

08Jul

The sacred Jaya Sri Maha Bodhiya (Bo Tree) – which originates from the Sri Maha Bodhiya Bo Tree, in Bodhi Gaya India, which is said to have provided shelter for Lord Buddha as he attained enlightenment . This is one of most sacred worship place in island and  thousands of Buddhist pilgrims  flock to Anuradhapura daily.

This sacred Bo tree is to be the oldest tree in recorded history (over 2,200 years old) and one of the most sacred relics for Buddhists all over the world and was brought to the country by Sanghamiththa Thero , Daughter of King Darmashoka of India and was planted by the King Devanampiyatissa who was the ruling king of Sri Lanka during that period.

Original Sri Maha Bodhiya in India was destroyed by Mogul Regime of India during past and thousands of Buddhists devotees come from all over the world to Anuradhapura to worship the sacred Bo tree.

Anuradhapura the first ancient capital of Sri Lanka

07Jul

Anuradhapura, is the first capital of  Sri Lanka rich with culture and history, it consists of  ancient ruins of temples, some of the largest stupas of the world and ruins of palaces dating back to the 10th Century BC.  Anuradhapura is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. If you like to explore heritage and culture this is  a must-see location.

Tour details

  • Time of departure: Best time to depart from Tropical Life is at 7:30 a.m.
  • Tour duration: 6 hours
  • Travel duration: 90 minutes
  • Distance from the hotel: 65 km via Kandy-Jaffna Hwy
  • Tour inclusions:  water, juice, guide, and driver

JETHAWANARAMAYA STUPA

From Hotel :

The Jetavanaramaya is a stupa, located in the ruins of Jetavana monastery in Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka. It height reaches to 122 metres and it was the world's tallest stupa and the third tallest structure in the world when it was built by King Mahasena of Anuradhapura (273–301) and also the second tallest non-pyramidal buildings after...

[ Read More ]

THE GREAT RUWANWELISAYA STHUPA

From Hotel :

The Ruwanwelisaya is a stupa, a hemispherical structure considered sacred to many Buddhists all over the world. This was built by King Dutugemunu during 140 B.C. He was famous for uniting Sri Lanka by defeating the Chola King Elara, This is one of the the 8 places of veneration in the ancient sacred city of...

[ Read More ]

THE ABHAYAGIRI MONESTERY & DAGABA

From Hotel :

The Abhayagiri Monastery and the big Stupa or Dagaba was built by King Vattagamini Abhaya, He ruled Sri Lanka during the first century BC. and chose this site on his triumphant return after having had to flee from invaders. It is believed that over 5,000 monks dwelled there and it act as meditation and learning...

[ Read More ]

THE SRI MAHABODHI TREE

From Hotel : 1 h 15 min

The sacred Jaya Sri Maha Bodhiya (Bo Tree) – which originates from the Sri Maha Bodhiya Bo Tree, in Bodhi Gaya India, which is said to have provided shelter for Lord Buddha as he attained enlightenment . This is one of most sacred worship place in island and  thousands of Buddhist pilgrims  flock to Anuradhapura...

[ Read More ]

POLONNARUWA ANCIENT SITE

07Jul

Polonnaruwa , which is Sri Lanka’s oldest city after Anuradhapura, situated in the North Central Province a UNESCO World Heritage Site,  . Polonnaruwa is remarkable  in Sri Lanka’s history due to that time great ruler king Parakramabahu, the first king who reigned in the kingdom,
He was a visionary King who constructed the ‘Parakrama Samudra’  ,one largest ancient reservoirs in Sri Lanka and also many irrigation systems that support the region’s cultivations specially paddy. In Polonnaruwa, there are spectacular ruins of  gigantic temple structures, megalith statues of Lord Buddha as well as stupas, tombs, and palaces.

Polonnaruwa’s is an attractive site which is rich with ancient artifacts and historical treasures. The Polonnaruwa Museum, the Lankatilaka, and Gal Vihara, as well as Minneriya, and Kaudulla national parks are the places to visit near Polonnaruwa.

Tour details

  • Time of departure: Best time to depart from Tropical Life is at 7:30 a.m. due to hot sun
  • Tour duration: 3 hrs
  • Travel Time: 1 hr
  • Distance from the hotel: 70 km via Kandy-Trinco Hwy
  • Tour inclusions:  water, juice, guide, and driver
  • OPTIONAL TOUR DURING RETURN JUORNEY ( After 3.00PM)
    • Visit Mineriya National wildlife park for jeep safari to see elephant gathering