Beautiful Dumbara mountain range – Knuckles range

The Knuckles range has more that 35 rugged peaks which gives magnificent scenic view and t can be categorized as one of the most valuable heritages in Sri Lanka. This is called ‘Mini Alps’ for its formation. The name Knuckles is given it as it looks like the knuckles of a clenched fist with five prominent peaks and the five main peaks are Kirigalpoththa (1642m), Gombaniya

(1900m), Knuckles (1852m), Koboneelaga (1544m) and Dotulugala (1564m). The Knuckles range is about 90 square miles and it is rich with flora and fauna.

Peradiniya Botanical Gardens

Peradiniya botanical garden is situated 1500 feet above from the sea level and covers an area of 150 arches. Mahaweli river flows from North and West of the gardens making a beautiful place. This garden was used by King “ Keerthi Sri Rajasinghe” in the year of 1747 – 1780.

Peradiniya botanical Garden is home for so many plant species which are local and foreign. At the entrance of the garden you can see the species Amherstia nobilis which as flowers blossom all the time. Along the river banks of Mahaweli river there are many plant species from many different countries such as Japan, China and Java. The most attractive place of all is the orchid house.

The most suitable time to visit is from 8.00 to 13.00 and from 16.00 to 18.00. Contact Golden Lanka Travels for reservations.

Mihintale

A few miles east of Anuradhapura lies Mihintale, a 300m peak in a mountainous range with a splendid view of the countryside. The story of Mihintale goes way back to a full moon day in the month of June around 250 BC, when Arahat Mahinda was believed to have come from India to preach the doctrine of Buddhism. As the story goes, Arahat Mahinda met King Devanampiyatissa and converted the king and his court to Buddhism. Following this, the Mihintale Rock became a monastery and sanctuary.

To this day Mihintale is revered by all Buddhists alike. And especially on Esala Full Moon Day, which falls in the month of June, pilgrims make it a point to climb Mihintale and pay their respects.

Samadhi Statue

The Samadhi Statue in Anuradhapura is believed to be a masterpiece of sculptural art and dates back to around the 4th century BC. The statue is 8 feet high and made of granite. The statue shows the Buddha in a deep state of meditation.

Isurumuniya Rock Temple

Isurumuniya was built in the 3rd century BC as part of a monastic complex. This temple is best known for its rock carvings, the most popular being “the lovers”. The style of the sculpture resembles the Gupta Art of India.

Mirisaveti Stupa

This dagoba was built in the 2nd century by King Dutugemunu

Jetavanaramaya

Jetavanaramaya
The Jetavanaramaya is a dagoba located in the ruins of the Jetavana Monastery in Anuradhapura. At a height of over 120m, Jetavana Dagoba is the largest dagoba in Sri Lanka and among the tallest monuments in the world. A part of a sash or belt tied by the Buddha is believed to be enshrined here.