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A teardrop-shaped island cast adrift
in the Indian Ocean, Sri lanka is filled with cultural and natural
treasures. Indians, Portuguese, Dutch and British have all left
their marks here, making for a delightful mix of ancient cities,
monuments and atmospheric colonial architecture.
Be amazed by Sri Lanka's best-known attraction, UNESCO-listed
Sigiriya Rock Fortress. This stunning fifth-century
palace-fortress perches atop a towering rock outcrop above the
plains in the country's centre. Steps lead up from water gardens
below and past murals of heavenly nymphs.
Visit Kandy, a picturesque town that was the last stronghold
of the Kandyan Kings. It is now a cultural sanctuary where age-old
customs, arts, crafts, rituals and ways of life are well preserved.
Its fabulous UNESCO-listed Temple of the Tooth (Dalada Maligawa)
shelters the sacred tooth relic of the Buddha.
Wonder at the extraordinary civilization that ruled from the ancient
capital of Anuradhapura thousands of years ago. Its majestic
remains testify to an advanced city carefully planned and filled
with beautiful palaces, temples and giant stupas.
In Colombo, root out bargains
in the Pettah market, marvel at the blossoms in the Vihara Maha Devi
Park between March and early May, and sample the offerings of some
of the country's best restaurants. |
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