Your Travel Partner in Sri Lanka-Walkers Tours

Sri Lanka ’s famous historical sites have become the staple of many a travel programme. The ruined old capitals of Polonnuruwa and Anuradhapura, the lion rock of Mount Sigiriya, and the Dambulla rock temple, possess a real sense of history.

But, with Walkers Tours, you can experience Sri Lanka's magnificent heritage in much more imaginative style. We are also enthusiastic about taking you to impressive ruins off the major tourist beat.

Anuradhapura , Sri Lanka ’s first capital, was the greatest monastic city of the ancient world. It was royal capital for more than 100 Sri Lankan kings and at its heights was home to thousands of monks from dozens of monasteries. Originally founded by a minister called Anuradha, in the 4th century BC, it became the capital of Sri Lanka two centuries later. After a long and sometimes bloody history, it was abandoned in 1073 and is now today the most important religious and cultural site in Sri Lanka. Anuradhapura’s ancient, spiritual ruins can leave you in awe. It can be an inspiring visit at all times of year but attending one of the festivals held through out the year is a special, once in a life-time experience.

(Send your enquiry to info@walkerstours.com)

Polonnaruwa - Cultural Triangle

Polonnaruwa became Sri Lanka’s royal medieval capital in 1073. For nearly a century it had been a military base for invading Chola tribes, from southern India, until they were overthrown by the Sinhalese king, Vijayabahu I in 1070. The next king, Parakramabahu I, was the main driving force behind the development of Polonnaruwa. It remained Sri Lanka’s capital until the late 13th century, but became increasingly susceptible to Chola invasions and it became lost to the jungle once more as the capital drifted south-west. Today, the ancient city’s ruins remain in remarkably good nick, and are a fascinating site to visit. Perhaps preferable to Anuradhapura because the Polonnaruwa’ buildings still stand in a state to distinguish their original purpose, the site is well-visited and definitely rewarding. .

(Send your enquiry to info@walkerstours.com)

Aukana - Cultural Triangle

One of Sri Lanka’s most perfect and elegant statues, the Aukana Buddha lies to the west of the large Kala Wewa tank. Creation of both the temple and the tank (reservoir) is attributed to King Dhatusena in the 5th century. The statue stands 12m high, carved from a single rock and is completely free-standing. It is an example of the Abhayamudra Buddha, showing superhuman qualities. The right handed gesture, raised to the right shoulder with the palm spread, signifies lack of fear. The left hands position draws the worshipper to Buddha for release from their earthly bonds. The statue has gained significance in recent times due to the destruction of similar Buddha in Afghanistan. The Aukana Buddha can be visited en route to Anuradhapura and can easily be combined with the ancient monastery site of Sasseruwa. It only takes a maximum of 45 minutes to visit the site. The nearby Kala Wewa tank (reservoir) is also an excellent place to stop off and have a picnic with a most satisfying view.

Mihintale, one of Sri Lanka’s most significant cultural sites, lies 13kms east of Anuradhapura and is where Buddhism originated on the island. In 247 BC King Devanampiya Tissa of Anuradhapura, was deer hunting on the plains beneath Mihintale, and met Mahinda, son of the Indian Buddhist emperor, and chose the path of Buddhism for the Sinhalese nation following Mahinda’s persuasion. Despite this, Mihintale is less famous than many cultural triangle sites, but those who visit are rewarded with a beautiful location with magnificent views, along with the experience of visiting a working Buddhist temple, the intriguing excavated ruins of a former monastery, a stunningly set dagoba and arguably the most religious rock in Sri Lanka- where Mahinda preached Buddhism to the deer-hunting King Tissa below. Well-worth a visit and easily combined in a day with Anuradhapura, Mihintale is a little-known gem that will enthral all culture-junkies.

Ritigala nestles deep inside the Ritigala Strict Nature Reserve, found just off the Anuradhapura-Habarana road, and is the partially excavated ruins of an extensive Buddhist Monastery. It was abandoned following invasions in 10th and 11th centuries and today holds special appeal with its curious blend of nano-safari and archaeology. Walking around the beautiful ruins does certainly give you a feeling of adventures in search of mythical pasts; it is easy to imagine yourself as Indiana Jones whilst clambering over the overgrown relics of a forgotten time.

Sigiriya, a world heritage site, is one of the most dramatic, inspiring and beautiful his torical locations in the world. A mythical past of feuding dynasties suits Sigiriya’s striking setting- it was built in 5th century AD by the playboy king, Kasyapa, as a fortress-palace. Legend says that King Kasyapa murdered his father, Dhatusena, and claimed the thrown for himself. However, Kasyapa was not the direct heir; his mother was one of Dhatusena’s concubines, and he was fearful that his half brother, Prince Moggallana, would return from exile in India and rightfully claim his crown. Moggallana did return to find Sigiriya in its full-glory and Kasyapa’s army waiting for him. Despite building an impenetrable stronghold, Kasyapa was defeated. Abandoned by his army, Kasyapa killed himself and left his half-brother to reign from his castle paradise. Worthy of being called the “8th wonder of the world”, Sigiriya is Sri Lanka’s answer to the Taj Mahal and will astonish anyone with its outstandingly beautiful views, staggering engineering and peerless design.

Nalanda Gedige (Buddhist Image House) is a curious site found halfway between Dambulla and Matale. Built in the 8th century, Nalanda Gedige, uniquely, blends the architecture of Hindu temples in south India and the more traditional Sri Lankan Buddhist architecture. It also has a number of stone carvings of the Karma Sutra, which can only just be made out due to centuries of weathering. Nalanda Gedige is visited very little, despite being on the Cultural Triangle round ticket, which is surprising as it stands next to a beautiful reservoir and is a very atmospheric spot.

Dambulla Golden Temple and Cave Temple are two engrossing cultural historical sites in one place. For the serious culture junkies, they offer hours of exploration. Your first sight of Dambulla will be the giant gold Buddha sitting on the roof of the Golden Temple. Built in 2001 it is said to be the largest o f its kind in the world. Aside from this eye-catching, if slightly tacky, recent addition, the ancient caves reward immediately those who’ve endured a steep climb up to them with a fine panorama of surrounding jungle, tanks and Sigiriya Rock, 19km away. The caves at first came into use as a refuge for King Valagambahu in 1st century BC. Concealed by the local monks, upon returning from exile to his throne at Anuradhapura, he had the magnificent cave temple built for them. There are five main caves, created by a cliff overhang, fronted by an assortment of monastic buildings surrounding a ceremonial courtyard. Each cave is spectacularly painted and different from the next.

After the fall of the great city of Polonnuruwa, the Kandyan kings fled to a succession of inaccessible crags, bearing with them the sacred tooth relic of the Buddha. One of them was Yapahuwa, a huge, yet little-visited rock fortress a little way off the Kurunegala-Anuradhapura road, and one of the great architectural sites of the island. This early 13th century stronghold is reminiscent of Sigiriya, a massive granite outcrop, set in a shady location, and rising 100m above the plains below. King Bhuvanekabahu I developed Yapahuwa, building a palace and a temple which housed the famous tooth relic for 11 years. After Yapahuwa was abandoned, Buddhist monks took it over and still remain today. Yapahuwa is worthy of a visit as it is relatively quick to see, interesting and beautiful. Although not as significant as other Cultural Triangle sites it does have a special individual charm

Kandy , the last royal capital of Sri Lanka is a major tourist destination. ( 115kM from Colombo at 465 meters above sea level). Famous for the Temple of the Tooth and many other temples the city could be called the cultural capital of the island.

Kandy Perahera, the pageant of the temple of tooth where Buddha's tooth is kept is held either in July or August each year to parade the golden caskets is a must see itenary if one is visiting Sri Lanka during these months. The final night procession is the most spectacular event of the country. More than 50 elephants parade the city accompanied by the drummers, dancers and chieftains.

he city established in the 15th century was the last royal capital where 2500 years of royal rule ended. This bustling market town is rich in cultural diversity has plenty of iteneries to offer to the tourists from songs dances and handy crafts to ancient temples and adventure activities. Kandy is a good transit point to the cultural triangle to the north or hill country to the south. The city is also a good source of souvenirs or to experience many cultural performances at it's various hotels in the city.

Also known as the City of Gems, Ratnapura is 100 km south-east of Colombo and is famous for gems. The Gem Museum on the Pothgulvihara Mawatha, Getangama is a good display of gems as well as information on mining and polishing. Apart from gems, the scenery around the city is pretty; in fact the place gives you the best position to view the Adam’s Peak since here you see it from below whereas at Hatton you see it from below whereas at Hatton you see it from the same level.

Kataragama a popular pilgrimage destination frequented by adherents of all religions in Sri Lanka. The main shrine devoted to Skanda popularly described in eulogies as God having six faces and twelve arms whose assistance is sought for worldly gain. The history of the shrine dates back to 2 century BC. The annual procession held in July or August is the main event of the shrine with fire walkers and Kawadi dancers. Offering to the got are made at 4.30am 10.30am and 6.30pm daily.