Many a noted historians believe Sigiriya to have a connect with Ramayana’s Ravana. It is believed that the plateau top was the site of Ravana’s majestic palace, made of solid gold and crafted by Kubera, the God of Wealth, around 50 centuries ago. One look at the site, and you would know how big an architectural feat this place must have been. With around 1000 stairs to the top, it used to have a lift for Ravana and his visitors to get to the top. Imagine this place with a lift that worked some 50 centuries ago! Would have surely given Tesla a run for money back then.If you look closely towards the bottom of this rock plateau, you will find a number of caves. As believed, one of these caves is where Ravana imprisoned Sita, after abducting her. This story can very well be true for the cave walls have (still) brightly-colored paintings, depicting scenes from the age of Ramayana. Other than that, you will spot a number of women portraits, believed to be portraits of the many wives of Ravana.
HISTORY AND DEVELOPMENT
Sigiriya Has Striking Geological Profile Being Rocky Outcrop & One of Sri Lanka ‘S Ancient Political Capitals and Most Sensation Archaeological Heritage Site That Has Also Been Listed on World Heritage List. However, Interest in Sigiriya Today Is Focused on Constructional Activities of King Kashyapa Who Was a Son of Dhatusena Sigiriya Was Completely Abandoned and Was Swallowed Up by The Surrounding Jungle, Forgotten and Quite Alone in Its Glory
During King Kashyapa’s reign (477 to 495 AD), Sigiriya was developed into a complex city and fortress. Most of the elaborate constructions on the rock summit and around it, including defensive structures, palaces, and gardens, date from this period. The Cūḷavaṃsa describes King Kashyapa as the son of King Dhatusena.
INTERNATIONAL CONTACTS
Research Conducted in And Around Sigiriya Reveal That It Rulers Had Relations with Diverse Foreign Countries. Roman And Indo Roman Coins Found During Excavations Provide the Principal Supporting Evidence for This Summaries ,Earthenware Utensils Belonging to The Sassanian Dynasty of Ancient Persia Have Found At Least Three of The Graffiti Verse Mention Silk from China
CITY PLANNING AND LANDSCAPING
Sigiriya is considered to be one of the most important urban planning sites of the first millennium, and the site plan is considered very elaborate and imaginative. The plan combined concepts of symmetry and asymmetry to intentionally interlock the man-made geometrical and natural forms of the surroundings.
Sri Lanka is an island with a beautiful landscape located in the Indian Ocean. The island consists of mountains, plains, rivers, waterfalls, beaches and various types of vegetation as well as buildings, roads, tanks, industries and croplands built by man on this physical environment.
The Ancient City of Sigiriya was inscribed on the World Heritage List in 1982. It is a major archaeological site with a history that extends from prehistoric times to the eighteenth century, but is best known for its outstanding wall paintings dated to the fifth century AD.
The intricate and lavish gem studded jewelry that adorns the women in these paintings also suggest that they may have been members of the royal family, namely Kashyapa’s daughters. There is also a belief that the paintings depict apsaras, or goddesses, that are emerging from the heavens to bless the citadel.
THE MIRROR WALL AND GRAFFITI
Sigiriya mirror wall is a fifth-century brick wall that would have originally covered the whole stairway flanking the rock face. During King Kassapa’s time, the wall plaster was polished to create a mirror effect and hence the name.
These graffiti offer a fascinating insight into the history of Sigiriya and the evolution of language in Sri Lanka over a period of 800 years. The majority of the graffiti refer to the beautiful paintings the Sigiriya Frescoes, that once covered most of the western surface of Sigiriya Rock
WATER RESOURCES MANAGEMENT AND TECHNOLOGY
These water systems are considered an engineering marvel due to the use of hydraulic power, underground tunnel systems and gravitational force that creates a visually spectacular system of pools and fountains still functioning almost 1,500 years later.
Polonnaruwa Kingdom Was Considering Inner Citadel, Outer Citadel, Monastery Area and Inner Monatery Area.Polonnaruva Is Medieval Capital of Sri Lanka. The Rulers of The Polonnaruwa Period Built Vast Irrigation. Reservoirs The Parakramsamundra “Sea of Parakrama” Built by The Greatest of The Polonnaruwa Kings.Parakrambahu 1. Polonnaruwa With Many Important Examples of Ancient Architecture, Sculpture and Paintings Is a One of The Major Archaeological Sites in The Country.
AGRICULTURE
The Polonnaruva Period Is Regarded as Golden Age of Agriculture in Sri Lanka to King Vijay bahu Goes the Credit of Restoring Irrigation Works Damaged During Invasions at The End of The Anuradhapura Era.
RELIGIOUS BACKGROUND
Since The Beginning Period of Anuradhapura Era Religious Activities Were Going on In Polonnaruwa Hence Buddhism Religious Buildings Were Created. Hinduism Was Blended with Buddhism Is Another Factor at This Factor
ARCHITECTURE
In The Center of This Circular Building, Which Is Raised on A Granite Circular Terrace, Is the Dageba or Stupa, Which Is Made of Bricks. There Are Four Seated Buddha Images Facing the Four Entrances to The Upper Terrace Entrances. In Earlier Times, This Dageba Had Been Covered by A Roof, Resting on Stone Pillars.
Among The Historical Buildings Available at Polonnaruwa, Image House Were Included Beautiful Paintings and Also Potugalwehera and Other Buildings If Existing Factors for The Paintings There Are No Proper Evidences to Proof That. However, Thiwanka Image House Concern as The Place Where Highly Paintings Are Still Protected.
MEDICINE AND MEDICAL SCIENCE
The Monastic Hospital in The Precincts of Polonnaruva Alahana Parivena Complex Reveals a Mass of Fascinating Information About Mediaeval Indigenous Medical Science and Practices.
THE MINTING OF COINS
In Anuradhapura Era, There Is Evidence of Local as Well As Foreign Coins. The Abundance of Coins Mined by The Rulers in Polonnaruva Period Which Have Been Discovered Suggests That There Was Economic Prosperity at The Time Copper Was Widely Used for The Coinage and Though the Show Much Similarity, The Coins Were Inscribed with The Name of Ruler at The Time.
EARTHENWARE POTTERY
A Great Profusion of Pottery Has Been Discovered During Archaeological Excavations at Polonnaruvaas Compare to Polonnaruva Earth ware Anuradhapura Have Shown Earthenware with High Gloss & Quality, But Utensils Found in Polonnaruwa Sites Like Clay Lamps, Accessories & Part of Huge Lamps
INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
Due To Found Chinese Coins from Polonnaruva Connection Between Chinese “Sung” Royalty and Sri Lanka At 12Th Century, also ceramic Objects Found in This Era Showing That Economic Activities Were Conducted. Another Interesting Find Is Part of a Tea Pot Called “Timokka” Used Exclusively by Chinese Royalty.Polonnaruva Rulers Also Had Religious and Diplomatic Relations with Countries of South East Asia Such as Thailand
The Mall of Muscat is home to the first and largest aquarium in Oman and the Middle East. Spanning three floors and covering 8,000 square meters, the aquarium features a variety of marine life, including 1,000 types of Omani fishes, sharks, lobsters, turtles, rays, local corals, penguins, and crocodiles. Visitors can explore the main tank through a walk-through tunnel. The ticket prices are OMR 8.5 for adults and OMR 6.5 for children. Additionally, the Mall of Muscat offers other attractions such as the recreational city (Fabi Land), a cinema complex with 14 lounges, over 200 retail outlets, and an upcoming Snow Park.
Oman Aquarium is created based on the adventures of the famous Omani sailor Ahmed Ibn Majid. Ahmed ibn Majid was a skilled Arab sailor, mapmaker, and poet born in 1421 in Julphar, which is now called Ras Al Khaimah. Growing up in a family of sailors, he became an excellent navigator at the age of 17. His courageous acts gained popularity in the region, earning him the nickname “The Shooting Star.” Ibn Majid was the first Arab sailor and wrote several books about the ocean. One of his greatest works is “The Book of the Benefits of the Principle of Seamanship.” Additionally, he authored the “Book of Lessons on the Foundation of the Sea and Navigation.” He became well-known in the Western world for reportedly assisting Vasco da Gama in finding his way from Africa to India, establishing an important route between Portugal and India. Oman Aquarium takes us on Ibn Majid’s journeys across the Indian Ocean, reaching as far as Africa and Indonesia before returning to Oman. Join us at Oman Aquarium to experience the historical adventures of this renowned sailor in modern times.
Our journey begins in Salalah, where you’ll discover lush greenery and vibrant freshwater fish like Tilapia swimming through the flooded wadis during the Khareef season. Then, we’ll venture towards the mountains and deserts of Muscat, home to various land-based wildlife species. Next, encounter marine creatures such as sea turtles that inhabit Omani shorelines and the Post of Sur. Finally, sail through the Omani Seas towards the Asian Rainforests and the African coast, before diving into the deep blue sea. Embark on this thrilling adventure as we encounter the animals Ahmed Ibn Majid encountered during his voyages! Bon Voyage!
Explore Kenya’s Wildlife with Our Exclusive Package
#ChaloKenya 5 Nights/6 Days Starting from INR 1,09,860/- Per Person
Inclusions : *Hotel Accommodation *All Airport Transfers *Accommodation on Full Board Basis throughout your Safari *Services of an English Speaking Safari Driver Guide *All the Activities as Listed in the itinerary *All Park Entrance Fees *All Conservancy Fees *Complimentary bottled water & snack hamper in all our vehicles *Comprehensive tour documents and Wildlife Checklist *All Taxes (GST & TCS Extra)
Come and witness one of the Natural Wonders of the World
The Great Migration is the largest over-land migration and is one of the Wonders of the Natural World where over 1.5 million wildebeest move in vast herds within the Serengeti and Masai Mara ecosystems. This profusion of plains game attracts predators such as hyenas and the Big Cats, so game-viewing is particularly rewarding.
Photo and right by Porini Camps guest Paolo Torchio
Adler Tours & Safaris 