Anuradhapura
The oldest tank in Anuradhapura, probably dating from around the 4th century BC, is the 120-hectare Basawak Kulama (the Tamil word for tank is kulam).
Must-see attractions in The Ancient Cities
The Ancient Cities
This modern building houses an ornate golden relic casket flanked by elephant tusks. The trail to the Mahinda Cave starts from the back of the courtyard.
The Ancient Cities
This small museum on the road leading to the stairway base is worth a short visit for its modest collection of artefacts collected from Mihintale.
The Ancient Cities
The remains of a quincunx of buildings, laid out like the five dots on a die, sits beside the path leading from the museum to the stairway.
Polonnaruwa
This minor monastery consisted of a stupa, relic house, image house, refectory and dispensary.
Polonnaruwa
This minor ruined Hindu temple is one of many Indian-influenced temples in Polonnaruwa.
Polonnaruwa
This minor Hindu temple is one of Polonnaruwa's many Indian-influenced temples.
Polonnaruwa
The ruins of Nissanka Malla’s palace have almost been reclaimed by the earth.
Polonnaruwa
This minor ruin is one of Polonnaruwa's many Indian-influenced Hindu temples.
The Ancient Cities
This crafts centre draws on the rich traditions of the area, producing quality batik and embroidery, which visitors can see being made on site. The future…
The Ancient Cities
Behind the Indikatu Seya is this hill that’s been dubbed Rajagirilena (Royal Cave Hill) after the caves found here with Brahmi inscriptions in them. One…
Anuradhapura
A little south of the Jetavanarama Dagoba, on the other side of the road, there is a stone railing built in imitation of a log wall. It encloses a site…
Polonnaruwa
This minor Hindu site is outside the main archaeological area and can easily be skipped.
Polonnaruwa
This minor Hindu site is outside the main archaeological area and can easily be skipped.
