Sigiriya drawings
John Still in 1907 suggested, "The whole face of the hill appears to
have been a gigantic picture gallery... the largest picture in the world
perhaps". The paintings would have covered most of the western face of
the rock, covering an area 140 metres long and 40 metres high. There are
references in the graffiti to 500 ladies in these paintings. However,
many more are lost forever, having been wiped out when the Palace once
more became a Monastery so that they would not disturb
meditation.[citation needed] Some more frescoes different from the
popular collection can be seen elsewhere on the rock surface, for
example on the surface of the location called the "Cobra Hood Cave".
Although the frescoes are classified as in the Anuradhapura period, the
painting style is considered unique,[citation needed] the line and style
of application of the paintings differing from Anuradhapura paintings.
The lines are painted in a form which enhances the sense of
voluminousness of figures. The paint has been applied in sweeping
strokes, using more pressure on one side, giving the effect of a deeper
colour tone towards the edge. Other paintings of the Anuradhapura period
contain similar approaches to painting, but do not have the sketchy
lines of the Sigiriya style, having a distinct artists' boundary
line.These ladies in the pictures below are known as the daughters of
king Kashyapa.He painted them in gold and black color so,they can be
remembered.The King was very fond of his daughters.that's why he painted
their portaits on the Sigiriya cave walls.
Sunday, November 17, 2013
Saturday, November 9, 2013
Most Beautiful Beaches In Sri Lanka
Most Beautiful Beaches In Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka is very famous for its beaches. The entire island is surrounded by blue crystal clear ocean. As a matter of fact, a lot of hotels are based near the beaches.Some beaches even have a historical significance. The beautiful, breath-taking and panoramic views of the western, southern, eastern and northern coastlines are yet another proof of choosing this island as your ultimate holiday destination. Sun-bathing and sea-bathing all year round due to the fact that the country is a tropical one. The beaches around the northern coastline are fringed with palm trees whereas the rest of the coastlines are bordered with coconut trees and thereby providing a best chance to learn how to produce toddy.
Mount Lavinia Beach
The more popular place for beach parties since it is located pretty close to the commercial capital, Colombo. The beach is noted for its idyllic beauty and history. Beach sports such as , beach volleyball, windsurfing, beach rugby are very famous among the locals even. DJ nights take place frequently at MT Lavinia. proximity to the capital.
Mount Lavinia |
Mount Lavinia |
Hikkaduwa Beach
Majority of beach parties in Sri Lanka are held here. Known for its great resorts lining the coast and sandy beaches situated 98 kilometers south of Colombo. Scuba diving is much in demand in Hikkaduwa because of its legendary coral gardens
Negombo Beach
The famous fishin town located 35 km north of Colombo, very popular among locals for buying fresh sea food. Delicacies such as squid and lobsters are made in nearby hotels and restaurants , you can literally taste the ocean. It is one of the beaches with a long history where during the Dutch colonization churches and forts were built, most of these structures are still seen today.
Unawatuna Beach
Is ranked as the 12th best best in the whole world. About 5 km south of Galle is the golden beach. It is one of the safest beaches in Sri Lanka since it is protected by a reef. Surfing, snorkeling & diving are some of the water sports you can do for recreation here.
Arugam Bay Beach
116 km from Colombo is another fishing village known as Arugam Bay. Identified as the best surfing beach in Sri Lanka and the 4th best beach in South-East Asia and is also among the 10 best surfing beaches in the world. The Bird Santuary is also at close proximity to it so bird-watches / surf fanatics can spend a great time at the beach. Buddhist and hindu temples are also located closeby.
Bentota Beach
The best beach for a romantic honeymoon or holiday. The most ideal place for water sports. Its located about 62 km sounth of Colombo.
Kalutara Beach
Situated 42 km south of Colombo. Kalutara is famous for it beach as well as for the Kalutara bodiya which is considered a sacred place for buddhist pilgrims. The best thing about the Kalutara beach is that the river is also at close proximities to it so sports like water rafting can be done.
Nilaveli Beach
Located in east of the country 120 km from Colombo and 14 km from Trincomalee. The natural habour and beach is one of finest in world. Nelaveli is ideal place for water sports like scuba diving.
Alankuda Beach (Kalpitiya)
The best beach for whale and dolphin watching along with snorkeling amongst beautiful corals. Canoeing, sailing, wind surfing also take place along this beach. It's a 3 hour drive from Colombo itself which is very convenient for tourists who stay in Colombo for the vacation. However Alankuda itself offers cottages and hotels along the beach for those who want to spend a romantic fun-filled day/night at this beautiful getaway. The Beach is paradise itself.
Friday, November 8, 2013
Sigiriya
Sigiriya
Sigiriya is an archelological site in North Central Sri Lanka. It contains the ruins of an ancient palace complex, built during the regin of King Kasyapa (477AD - 495 AD). It is one of the 7 world heritage sites in Sri Lanka and is one of it's most popular tourist destinations.The History of Sigiriya
Sigiriya may have been inhabited through Pre-Historic times. It was used as a rock-shelter mountain monastery from about the 3rd century BC, with caves prepared and donated by devotees to the Buddhist Sangha. The garden and the palace was built by Kasyapa 477 - 495 AD. Then after Kasyapa's death it was a monastery complex upto about the 14th century after which it was abandoned. The ruins were discovered in 1907 by British Explorer John Still.Ruins of the Royal Court
The Mahavamsa, the ancient historical record of Sri Lanka, describes King Kasyapa as the son of King Dhatusena. who murdered his father by walling him alive and then usurping the throne which rightfully belonged to his brother Mogallan. Mogallan fled to India to escape being assasinated by Kasyapa but vowed revenge. In India he raised an army with the intention of returning and retaking the throne of Sri Lanka which was rightfully his. Knowing the inevitable return of Mogallan, Kasyapa is said to have built his palace on the summit of Sigiriya as a fortress and pleasure palace. Mogallana finally arrived and in the battlefield Kasyapa's armies abandoned him and he committed suicide by falling on his sward. Mogalan returned the capital back to Anuradapura and turned Sigiriya to a Moastory complex.Thursday, November 7, 2013
Yala natonal parck
Sri Lanken Wild Elephants
Yala National park
Sri Lankan elephants are the largest subspecies reaching a shoulder height of between 2 and 3.5 m (6.6 and 11.5 ft), weigh between 2,000 and 5,500 kg (4,400 and 12,100 lb), and have 19 pairs of ribs. Their skin color is darker than of indicus and of sumatranus with larger and more distinct patches of depigmentation on ears, face, trunk and belly.
Only 7% of males bear tusks. According to the elephant census conducted in 2011 by the Wildlife Conservation Department of Sri Lanka, only 2% of the total population are tuskers.
Sri Lankan elephants are somewhat diminutive when compared with historical accounts dating back to 200 BC and with photographs taken in the 19th century during the time of colonial British rule of the island. The smaller size could possibly be the end result of a long-continued process of removing the physically best specimens from the potential breeding-stock through hunting or domestication .
Wednesday, November 6, 2013
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