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Kataragama Devale
The main objects of veneration are statues of the gods Kataragama, Saman and Vishnu. Uniquely, the devale was constructed in Kandyan style rather than South Indian Tamil style, with a long wooden shrine hall painted with murals depicting a perahera.
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Henerathgoda Botanic Gardens
The Henerathgoda Botanic Gardens near Gampaha, off the Colombo–Kandy road about 30km northwest of Colombo, are where the first rubber trees planted in Asia were grown. Some original plantings dot the 37-acre gardens, together with 400 other plant varieties.
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St Peter’s Church
Reached along the arcade on the north side of the Grand Oriental Hotel, this converted Dutch governor’s banquet hall was first used as a church in 1821. Inside it has an original wood ceiling and myriad plaques attesting to its work with seamen through the years.
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Golden Temple
At the foot of the cave temples hill stands the modern Golden Temple, a kitschy structure completed in 2000 using Japanese donations. On top of the cube-shaped building sits a Buddha image in the dhammachakka mudra (wheel-turning pose) and a huge neon sign.
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Saskia Fernando Gallery
Some of the best contemporary Sri Lankan artists are displayed in this white-washed compound. Look for the huge elephant sculpture, created from old mechanical parts. The namesake owner is the daughter of local design maven Shanth Fernando of Paradise Road fame.
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Shiva Devale No 2
Shiva Devale No 2 is the oldest structure in Polonnaruwa and dates from the brief Chola period, when the Indian invaders established the city. Unlike so many buildings in the Ancient Cities, it was built entirely of stone, so the structure today is much as it was when built.
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Hindu Temples
During the harvest festival of Thai Pongal (held in January), devotees flock to Sri Ponnambalam Vanesar Kovil , which is beautifully built of South Indian granite, and Sri Muthumariamman Kovil . The latter’s namesake goddess is thought to be responsible for many miracles.
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Cave
This cave is associated with the Ramayana story. The cave, located in a cleft in the mountain that rises to Ella Rock, is reputed to be where the king of Lanka held Sita captive. Boys will show you where the steep, overgrown and slippery track up to the cave starts.
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Stairway
In a series of flights, 1843 ancient granite slab steps lead majestically up the hillside (if you lose count, you have to go back to the bottom and start over). The first flight is the widest and shallowest. It’s possible to avoid more than half the steps by driving up Old Rd.
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Thurkkai Amman Kovil
Beside the KKS road at the 13km marker, in the ‘new’ village of Tellippalai, the vast Thurkhai Amman Kovil is set behind a fairly deep, stepped pool. The temple celebrates the goddess Durga and draws relatively large crowds of women on Tuesdays. Puja occurs at 7am, 11am, 4pm and 6p
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Galle International Cricket Stadium
Once a racecourse for wagering British colonials, Galles cricket grounds were established over 100 years ago. Since 1998 it has been used for international matches; in 2010 it was the site of the legendary last appearance of Sri Lankas great cricket player, Muttiah Muralitharan.
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St Pauls Church
Construction of this red brick colonial-era church began in 1843 and was completed five years later. It originally served as a garrison church for British troops based nearby. Today it stands in solemn contrast to the boisterous comings and goings in the next door Temple of the Sac
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Hatadage
Erected by Nissanka Malla, the Hatadage monument is said to have been built in 60 hours. Its in poor condition today but was originally a two-storey building (and may have once housed the Buddha Tooth Relic). Stand at the entrance and admire the symmetry of the pillars receding int
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Cave III (Maha Alut Viharaya)
This cave, the New Great Temple, was said to have been converted from a storeroom in the 18th century by King Kirti Sri Rajasinghe of Kandy, one of the last Kandyan monarchs. It is also filled with Buddha statues, including a beautiful reclining Buddha, and is separated from Cave I
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Kosgoda Turtle Centre
Located behind a group of new homes built by a German woman for tsunami victims, this very basic place is hands-on and has some charming staff. There’s an old albino turtle that has survived both man (nets) and nature (tsunami). Look for a sign on the west side of Galle Rd, 500m so
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Et Vihara
At an even higher elevation (309m) than the Mahaseya Dagoba are the remains of a dagoba called Et Vihara (literally, ‘Elephant Monastery’). The origin of the name is open to conjecture, but it may have been named after the monastery nearby. The Mihintale tablets mention Et Vihara a
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Madukanda Vihara
The quietly charming Madukanda Vihara is a Rs 200 three-wheeler ride from central Vavuniya, beyond the 3km post southeast on the A29. It was reputedly the fourth resting point in the journey of the sacred Buddha tooth relic from Mullaittivu to Anuradhapura during the 4th-century re
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Parey Dewa
A pedestrian bridge near the bus station leads to a small island, Parey Dewa (Rock in Water), which is home to a tiny Buddhist temple with a very fancy modern bridge leading out to it. The beach on which it sits is a great place to go for an evening walk and enjoy an ice cream with
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Kathiresan Kovil
On Sea St, the goldsmiths’ street, Old Kathiresan Kovil and New Kathiresan Kovil, both dedicated to the war god Murugan (Skanda), are the starting point for the annual Hindu Vel festival held in July/August, when the huge vel (trident) chariot is dragged to various kovils on Galle
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Geoffrey Bawa House
At the end of this quiet little street is the house where the renowned architect Bawa lived from 1960 to 1970. The house combines his usual love for traditional local forms with the stark white architectural palette he favoured. Tours take in the interior, with his custom furnishin
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