Sri Lanka, the pearl of Indian Ocean, is a historical, cultural and natural beauty land. With the ancient rock citadels to the enormous kingdoms that used to dominate the island, the history of the country is interesting to any visitor of Sri Lanka. Visiting the ruins of its ancient civilizations and, in particular, the breathtaking locations of Sigiriya, Polonnaruwa and Anuradhapura enables the visitors to go back in time and see the beauty of a long gone past. Such historical wonders do not only provide an insight into the architectural and artistic merits of Sri Lanka, but it also shows the spiritual cultural ethos which influenced the island throughout the centuries. As a history lover or a traveler who likes exploring new places and times, the exploration of the Ancient Sri Lanka history is an experience that leaves an unerasable trace.
This is due to the fact that traveling to such ancient sites has to be well planned such as knowing the visa requirements. Visitors to Sri Lanka have to obtain a valid Sri Lanka travel visa in order to visit the marvels of the island without any trouble. Visitors can get to explore these historical treasures without any interruption once they are properly documented. Such websites as GoKite Oman can provide a complete service to get a Sri Lanka visa and help you to begin your cultural experience. Between strolling in the grandeur of frescoes of Sigiriya and the stone carvings of Polonnaruwa, the historical background of Ancient Sri Lanka makes the journey more interesting since a sightseeing visit is turned into a voyage of discovery into the craftiness and religious dedication of human beings.
Sigiriya: The Lion Rock of Sri Lanka.
One of the most recognizable monuments of the Ancient Sri Lanka history is Sigiriya or Lion Rock. This great rock fortress that was constructed by king Kasyapa during the 5th century AD rises 200 meters above the surrounding plains. The location was a royal palace and a fortress that was very powerful, and this reflected the high level of engineering and architecture. Tourists now have the opportunity to climb the high staircases and have breathtaking sceneries of the fertile Sri Lankan terrain.
The feature that is the most noticeable with Sigiriya is the elaborate frescoes which cover the rock walls. These paintings which are in the form of celestial maidens in elegant positions are an indication of the advanced artistry that thrived during the reign of King Kasyapa. Another symbol of the strength and greatness of this ancient kingdom is the Lion Gate whose paws are carved on the rock and made gigantic. The large gardens also recognize Sigiriya, which comprises terraced lawns, water gardens and boulder gardens- evidencing a high level of urban planning and aestheticism of ancient Sri Lanka.
Sightseeing in Sigiriya needs a Sri Lanka travel visa which must be obtained beforehand as this way the tourists will be able to view this historical site without any disturbances. GoKite Oman gives step-by-step instructions on how to get a Sri Lanka visa, and it is easy to travel in the country. The background of the historical context of Sigiriya, the political intrigue, and the advances in architecture make this UNESCO World Heritage Site even more admirable.
Polonnaruwa: The Royal Capital of the Medieval Sri Lanka.
Polonnaruwa became the prosperous royal city in the 11 th century following the fall of the Anuradhapura. The city is as representative of the urban civilization and magnificence of the medieval Sri Lankan civilization. As opposed to Sigiriya, Polonnaruwa is a large urban centre, with temples, palaces and reservoirs well designed to meet the administrative and religious demands of the kingdom.
The biggest attraction in Polonnaruwa is the Gal Vihara complex where there are enormous stone Buddha figures that have been cut and fashioned in one block of granite just standing in still posture. These statues are the high standards of art and religious piety of the time. Other significant buildings would be the Parakrama Samudra, a huge artificial lake built under King Parakramabahu I, which is evidence of the high level of hydraulic expertise in that era. When walking through the old city streets, a visitor can imagine how active the life of a strong kingdom that used to have enormous power and influence over the territory was.
All those touring Polonnaruwa are required to have a valid Sri Lanka travel visa. The process of acquiring a Sri Lanka visa is simplified with the services of GoKite Oman that explains to the applicants the process in a systematic manner. The history of ancient Sri Lanka makes the visit even richer as visitors are able to associate themselves with the stories behind every single monument, statue and temple in Polonnaruwa.
Anuradhapura :Root of the Sri Lankan Civilization.
Being one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, Anuradhapura provides an unmatched insight into the early origins of the history of Ancient Sri Lanka. This city, formed in the 4 th century BC, was the hub of Theravada Buddhism and continues to be an important pilgrimage destination to the present day. Large ruins that are represented in the city comprise stupas, monasteries, and elaborate sculptures that show the spiritual and cultural attainments of the early Sri Lankan society.
One of the most sacred monuments of Anuradhapura is the Ruwanwelisaya Stupa, which is a huge hemispherical building. It was built by King Dutugemunu and it is a representation of the strong traditions of Buddhism that influenced the identity of the island. Sacred Bodhi trees, ancient reservoirs, royal palaces are also the part of the city that can tell much about the ingenuity and the faithfulness of people living there. Anuradhapura is not merely a historical place, but a living legend of the continuity of the culture and spirituality that has characterized Sri Lanka.
As a visiting international, a Sri Lanka travel visa is a must to visit Anuradhapura. Using GoKite Oman, tourists will be able to sail through the visa procedure and concentrate on the splendor of the ancient city. Knowing about the historical value of Anuradhapura helps one to have the perspective of the watershed monument architecture of the city and turn a sightseeing trip in the country into a learning and cultural enriching adventure.
The place of religion and culture in ancient Sri Lanka.
The history of Ancient Sri Lanka was greatly influenced by religion in terms of drawing its landscapes and architectural exploits. Buddhism that was brought to the island in the 3rd century BC not only inspired the spiritual life, but also the art, the government, and the everyday life. Stupas, monasteries and complexes of temples were created as a part of the devotion, political ambition and interaction of the community. A number of these religious constructions are still extant today, providing the clues to the philosophical and moral principles of the ancient Sri Lankan culture.
Frescoes and sculptures, city planning and water control were commonly related to religious activity. As an illustration, the gardens of Sigiriya were created not only to enjoy the beauty of nature but also to demonstrate the relationship to nature, which is closely connected to the Buddhist philosophy. On the same note, the reservoirs of Polonnaruwa and the religious places of Anuradhapura also bring out the seamless integration of technology and spirituality. These features of exploration give a comprehensive picture of the Ancient Sri Lanka history, which reflected a civilization, which was neither overly religious nor artistic, but practical.
Travel tips: Visa and Travel Planning.
Tourists who wish to have a glimpse of the historical marvels of Sri Lanka must think in advance. The first step is to have a Sri Lanka travel visa which could be obtained online or before the visa services authorized. An authentic Sri Lanka visa guarantees easy access and enables the visitors to concentrate on the cultural and historical experience that they should get.
It is suggested that when designing the itinerary, one should spend a lot of time at each historical site. Sigiriya, including rock climb, and gardens, could take half a day to enjoy to its full extent. The ruins that Polonnaruwa has to offer can likely consume an entire day of time, whereas Anuradhapura with its sacred temples and extensive archeological park can possibly take several days to be fully explored. By employing local guides or taking part in guided tours, it can be possible to gain a better understanding of the history of the Ancient Sri Lanka and become more engaged with the cultural meaning of individual sites.
Conserving the Ancient Sri Lanka Heritage.
The fact that ancient places are preserved is very vital in preserving the history of the rich Sri Lanka. UNESCO World Heritage status has assisted in conserving these wonders although more efforts should be made to make them less susceptible to natural and human forces. Through the cultural and religious importance of these places, the visitors will help in the conservation of the Ancient Sri Lanka history to the upcoming generation.
Education programs, archeological studies and sustainable tourism are some of the major factors that have helped in the protection of these historical wonders. Tourists can contribute to responsible tourism by obeying the rules of the sites, not littering them, and contributing to the conservation of the local sites. This conscious effort means that the history of Sigiriya, Polonnaruwa, and Anuradhapura remain the source of awe and admiration even today.
Conclusion
A visit to Sigiriya, Polonnaruwa, and Anuradhapura is an excellent discovery of the history of Ancient Sri Lanka. All these sites reflect the architectural genius, spirituality and cultural wealth of the island that has been developed through thousands of years. The dramatic rock fortress of Sigiriya is interconnected with the grandiose stone temples of Anuradhapura each one of which narrates the story of human power, devotion and persistence. To the travelers, this kind of knowledge of these historical contexts makes the experience more enjoyable and will enable the traveler develop a significant relationship with the past of Sri Lanka.
Obtaining a Sri Lanka travel visa is a necessary process in ensuring that this trip goes through. Through the help of services such as Go Kite Oman, tourists will be in a position to sail through the visa procedures, a process that will mean that the tour of these ancient marvels will have no interruptions. Touring the historical sites of Sri Lanka does not only make it a sightseeing adventure but it is a full-scale experience that glorifies the legacy of a civilization that still remains interesting to the world. Thinking smart and treating these locations with respect allow the travelers to explore the richness and magnificence of the Ancient Sri Lanka history more deeply and form lifelong memories.