Sri Lanka’s Amazing Beauty – Adams Peak & Anuradhapura!

📍Adams Peak, Sri Lanka

Adams Peak is located in Ratnapura District near Sripada Province on the southwestern border of Sri Lanka. It is 2,243 meters to 7,358 feet high and angular in shape. Not only Muslims, Hindus, Christians, Buddhists – this peak or hill is also very sacred to the followers of these three religions. Father Hazrat Adam (A.S.) descended directly from heaven on Adam hill. The peak is surrounded by vast expanses of greenery, with occasional high hills. There are a huge number of small rivers and mountain springs around the hilltop. All in all a magical sight.

Adam’s Peak has a huge boulder. Its height is 8 feet. Above it is believed to be the footprint of Adam (pbuh). You will be surprised to know that the footprint measures about 5 feet 7 inches in length and 2 feet 6 inches in width. Buddhism is said to have discovered footprints around 300 BC. The footprints were cordoned off after they were discovered. Hundreds, millions of tourists and researchers have visited the peak over the ages. Not only Sri Lankans, but all Muslims outside believe that when Hazrat Adam (A.S.) was sent to earth, he first set foot on that hill in Sri Lanka.

Muslims look at that mountain with immense respect for this reason. And for this reason it is named Adam’s Peak or Hill. Each of these mountains has a secret. Going to the top of this mountain is a very risky adventure which is not possible for everyone. But many have gone there taking risks. Those who took the risk were surprised and surprised to see the footprints in their own eyes. Also see Sacred Footprints, Bhagava Caves, Vishwa Shanti Pagoda and Unearthly sunrises that will leave you awestruck.

Climbing Adams Peak is very dangerous. That forest is dangerous in many ways. There are poisonous insects. But do you know there is a metal staircase near on the top. It has like 5000 steps. Not every step of this is safe. It takes at least five to seven hours to venture on the top. You can climb this mountain during three to four months of the year. At other times of the year it becomes very impossible to climb it. Because poets have said that this mountain is hidden in the clouds. Cloudy from all sides.

when will you go

Peak time for pilgrims is from December full moon to April full moon. Besides, it is most crowded during holidays and full moon. Many people start their hike at night so that they can watch the sunrise in the morning clearly. You can go hiking during the day & accommodation in the cave at night. Take sleeping bag and food.

how to go

One can catch a bus from Colombo Bus Stand or board a bus from Good Shed Bus Department near Kandy City Post Office. Several buses ply from Hatton to the foothills, covering a distance of about 33 km.

This second path is used only for tracking. There are a few food stalls along the way where water and food are available. Reaching Hatton by train can be reached by bus or Tuktuk to Dalhousie. It takes about an hour and a half to reach by bus and an hour by tuk-tuk.

where will you stay

Dalhousie town in Ratnapura district is the nearest place to Adams Peak. All types of hotels are available near the main road of this city.

For budget travelers –

White House – Great location and sparkling rooms.
Grand Adams Peak – Only 350 feet from Adams Peak. Every room has a balcony.

Also for mid range travelers there is –

White Elephant Hotel – Great location. The peak can be seen from the balcony of the room.
Punsisi Rest – Great location as well as great view.

For luxury travelers

Mandira Craig Appin Bungalow

📍Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka

It is famous for its ancient civilization & archaeological sites in Sri Lanka. UNESCO has declared it as a list of World Heritage Site. This city is located 206 k.m. north of the present capital Colombo on the banks of the historical Malvathu Wa. River. Anura…. is one of the cities in the world that is still inhabited since ancient times. The city was the capital from the 4th century BC to the 11th century AD. Covering an area of about 16 square kilometers, the ancient city is considered sacred to Buddhists.

As a result of archaeological excavations, it is known that settlements were established here at the dawn of history in the 10th century BC. Human society in this area mastered the use of iron. Between 700 and 600 BC, the population began to grow here. For the reason the land in the river basin was fertile & had irrigation facilities. This city was built here like 500 & 250 BC. It is mentioned in the Sri Lankan history book ‘Mahabamsa’ that King Pandukabhoy planned this city.

In the Mahavamsa, it is said about Anuradhapura, King Pandukabhaya constructed dighi dighi, common burial ground, slaughter ground, queen’s temple, Mahabalisthana etc. here. He built a guest house for monks. He established an ashram for Brahmins and a hospital and rest center for patients.

It is said that Maharaja Pandukabhoy established his capital at Anuradhapura in the 4th century BC. He built the capital and the outskirts of the city according to a well-planned plan and constructed a reservoir called Abhayabapi. He also established temples dedicated to yakshas named ‘Kalbela’ and ‘Chittaraja’. During his reign Das and Chandals lived in separate villages on the outskirts of the city. He fixed the boundaries of cities and villages.

Buddhism began to spread in Sri Lanka during the reign of King Devanampriyo between 250 and 210 BC. King Devanampriyo was a contemporary of the legendary Indian emperor Ashoka. Anuradhapura’s importance as a city increased with the spread of Buddhism. From this time all the famous buildings started to be built. The city wall was built during the reign of King Kutkanbatishya. Later, during the reign of King Basava, the height of the wall was increased and the guard house was built, the ruins of which are still there today.

Among the monuments that tourists marvel at in Anuradhapura, eight places are called the Eight Mahasthapanas. These eight Mahasthapanas are Sri Mahabodhi, Ruanvelishwa, Thuparamaya, Lovmahapaya, Abhaygiri, Dagab, Jetavanaram, Mirisavetistupa and Longkaram. Raja Basab greatly increased all kinds of benefits to the citizens of Anuradhapura. He dug many dighis for the citizens. There was a garden in the city.

Among the ancient structures of Anuradhapura which tourists are still interested in are the Ratna Palace, Dakshinastupa, Ishurumunya, Magul Uana, Queen’s Palace and Temple, Selasetia, Kiribath Vihar, Nakvihar, Kuttam Pakuna, Samadhi Murthy, Toluila Murthy etc. There are 3 types of structures within the ruins which is so beautiful. 1st type of structure is the bell-shaped temple building & the 2nd one is type of structure is the palace & 3rd one type of structure is the dighii with elaborate embankment. There are sitting altars & various sculptures in the ghat. These ponds are spread in different parts of the city and in the surrounding forests.

Here you can see the 13 meter high granite Buddha statue Aokna Buddha and built during the reign of King Dathusena. You will find Isruminia temple built in the third century. This temple is famous for rock carvings. Not to be missed here is the carving named ‘Lovers’, inspired by the story of King Dutugamanu’s son Salia and his lover. This is a wonderful engraving. one more special attraction Anuradhapura is its monasteries and stupas. Abhaygiri is the largest monastery complex here. Also worth visiting here are Mihintal Temple, Jethawan Monastery, Wanveni Seeya.

Every day numerous tourists visit this ancient city and are mesmerized by the unparalleled feats of the ancient civilization of Sri Lanka.

checkout this article: Sri Lanka Travel – Places, foods & time to visit!