Ancient Cities, Sri Lanka

About 205 km north of Colombo is Anuradhapura, the first capital of Sri Lanka established in the 4th century BC that remained the Royal Capital for over ten centuries. The sacred Bo Tree otherwise called The Sri Mahabodhi Tree grown from a branch of the Bodhi tree under which the Buddha tained enlightenment is situated in this city. In its vicinity are the remains of Brazen Palace, the wering Ruwanveliseya Dagaba, The Thuparama Dagaba, The Seated Buddha, The uttam Pokuna, Temples, Palaces and Parks - all of which bear testimony to a proud and imaginative people. Among the extensive ruins covering the city of Anuradhapura are Buddha images, temples, palaces, bathing ponds, monasteries, hospitals, alms halls and beautiful stone carvings and irrigation tanks.The city of Kandy lies at an altitude of 488.6 meters (1629 feet) above sea level in the center of the island and surrounded by the ranges of mountains. It is still very much a focal point of Sri Lankan culture. It was the capitol of last generation of Sri Lanka`s kings until it fell in to the hands of British in 1815.Kandy was ginally known as Senkadagala pura after a hermit named Senkada who lived there. Many of Sinhalese people call it “Mahanuwara” meaning the "Great City”. But the name Kandy was derived from the Word Kanda, which means mountain. Due to it's geographical location Kandy was not an easy target for the foreign invaders who could gain the control of coastal area of the island. Thus Kandyan culture was abler to foster and maintain its own social structure, mode of living, Art & Architecture. The kings of Kandy ensured the safety and sovereignty of the hill capitol and it's great culture until the British finally captured the city in 1815.The royal palace in Senkadagala was built by King Vikramabahu the 3rd of Gampola on the advice of a Brahmin who selected the site as a lucky ground for a Capital city. The first king to ascended the throne of Senkadagala was Sena Sammata Wickramabahu.