Sri Lanka Tapestries

Galle had been a prominent seaport long before western rule in the country. Persians, Arabs, Greeks, Romans, Malays, Indians, and Chinese were doing business through Galle port. In 1411. The "modern" history of Galle starts in 1502, when a small fleet of Portuguese ships, under the command of Lourenço de Almeida, on their way to the Maldives, were blown off course by a storm. In 1640, the Portuguese had to surrender to the Dutch East India Company. The Dutch built the present fort in the year 1663. They built a fortified wall, using solid granite, and built three bastions, known as "Sun", "Moon" and "Star". After the British took over the country from the Dutch in the year 1796, they preserved the Fort unchanged, and used it as the a...

The Ruwanwelisaya is a stupa in Sri Lanka, considered a marvel for its architectural qualities and sacred to many Buddhists all over the world.1 It was built by King Dutugemunu c. 140 B.C., who became lord of all Sri Lanka after a war in which the Chola King Elara, was defeated. It is also known as Mahathupa, Swarnamali Chaitya, Suvarnamali Mahaceti (in Pali) and Rathnamali Dagaba. This is one of the Solosmasthana (the 16 places of veneration) and the Atamasthana (the 8 places of veneration in the ancient sacred city of Anuradhapura). The stupa is one of the world's tallest monuments, standing at 103 m (338 ft) and with a circumference of 290 m (951 ft).2 The Kaunghmudaw Pagoda in Sagaing, Myanmar is modeled after this stupa.3 The stupa ...

Galle had been a prominent seaport long before western rule in the country. Persians, Arabs, Greeks, Romans, Malays, Indians, and Chinese were doing business through Galle port. In 1411. The "modern" history of Galle starts in 1502, when a small fleet of Portuguese ships, under the command of Lourenço de Almeida, on their way to the Maldives, were blown off course by a storm. Realising that the king resided in Kotte close to Colombo Lourenço proceeded there after a brief stop in Galle. In 1640, the Portuguese had to surrender to the Dutch East India Company. The Dutch built the present fort in the year 1663. They built a fortified wall, using solid granite, and built three bastions, known as "Sun", "Moon" and "Star". After the British...

Sigiriya (Lion Rock) is an ancient rock fortress located near the town of Dambulla in the Central Province of Sri Lanka. The name refers to a site of historical and archaeological significance that is dominated by a massive column of rock nearly 200 metres. According to the ancient Sri Lankan chronicle the Culavamsa, this site was selected by King Kasyapa (477 – 495 CE) for his new capital. He built his palace on the top of this rock and decorated its sides with colourful frescoes. On a small plateau about halfway up the side of this rock he built a gateway in the form of an enormous lion. The capital and the royal palace was abandoned after the king's death. It was used as a Buddhist monastery until the 14th century. Present day Sri la...

'Today the ancient city of Polonnaruwa remains one of the best planned archaeological relic sites in the country, standing testimony to the discipline and greatness of the Kingdom's first rulers. Polonnaruwa is the second largest city in North Central Province, but it is known as one of the cleanest and more beautiful cities in the country. The green environment, amazing ancient constructions,' says the blurb.

Safaris in Sri Lanka provide you with an excellent insight into the wildlife, scenery and culture of Sri Lanka. Whilst on safari you should be lucky enough to see lots of animals- Elephant, Water Buffalo, Deer, Sambhur, Peacock and various birds. It can be a memorable adventure for you. This shot taken on jeep safari from Sigiriya village. Be very careful with booking these anywhere. Make sure you get in writing what is to be provided, for how long, how much and what happens if they fail to provide in full. Generally, the drivers are amateurs and have little knowledge of 4 wheel drive. My group were stuck for an hour in some mud. I had to advise them how to get out!

Jaffna Clock Tower is one of the landmarks of the Jaffna city. It is located very close to Jaffna town and the railway station. It was built to commemorate the visit of Albert Edward, Prince of Wales to Ceylon (now Sri Lanka) in 1875. The tower was badly damaged in the late 1980s by the civil war. When Charles, Prince of Wales visited Sri Lanka in 1998, he offered British assistance in restoring the tower. The British government donated Rs.1 million. The renovated tower was re-opened on 19 June 2002.

Ambasthala Dagaba is situated on the plain close to the peak of the mountain, and is said to have been built by King Makalantissa. The ruins show that there has been a house built encircling the stupa. The Dagaba itself is said to enshrine the relics of the great Apostle Mahinda. It is here that King Devanampiyatissa first met Arahant Mahinda. The traditional spot where this meeting took place is marked by the Ambasthala Dagaba. It is not known for sure what the pillars were used for. Some suggest offerings.

Kandy is a major city in Sri Lanka, located in the Central Province. It is the second largest city in the country after Colombo. It was the last capital of the ancient kings' era of Sri Lanka. The city lies in the midst of hills in the Kandy plateau, which crosses an area of tropical plantations, mainly tea. Kandy is both an administrative and religious city and is also the capital of the Central Province. Kandy is the home of The Temple of the Tooth Relic (Sri Dalada Maligawa), one of the most sacred places of worship in the Buddhist world. It was declared a world heritage site by UNESCO in 1988. However, I didn't think much to it, or indeed the rest of the country. Overpriced and over rated.

Ambasthala Dagaba is situated on the plain close to the peak of the mountain, and is said to have been built by King Makalantissa. The ruins show that there has been a house built encircling the stupa. The Dagaba itself is said to enshrine the relics of the great Apostle Mahinda. It is here that King Devanampiyatissa first met Arahant Mahinda. The traditional spot where this meeting took place is marked by the Ambasthala Dagaba. It is not known for sure what the pillars were used for. Some suggest offerings.

Polonnaruwa, Sri Lanka’s splendid medieval capital was established as the first city of the land in the 11th Century, A.D. It replaced Anuradhapura, which was plundered, made desolate and laid hopelessly bare to the invading armies from South India. At the southern end of the city, i.e. 100m south of the statue of King Parakramabahu, outside the Royal Garden of Nandana Uyana is the Potgul Vehera, or the Library Monastery’. A central square terrace houses the principal monument, a circular shrine or library where the sacred books were deposited. It is surrounded four small dagobas. The superior acoustics of Potgul Vehera leads to the conclusion that the library had doubled up as an auditorium on occasions to read the books, read the tene...

Safaris in Sri Lanka provide you with an excellent insight into the wildlife, scenery and culture of Sri Lanka. Whilst on safari you should be lucky enough to see lots of animals- Elephant, Water Buffalo, Deer, Sambhur, Peacock and various birds. It can be a memorable adventure for you. This shot taken on jeep safari from Sigiriya village. Be very careful with booking these anywhere. Make sure you get in writing what is to be provided, for how long, how much and what happens if they fail to provide in full. Generally, the drivers are amateurs and have little knowledge of 4 wheel drive. My group were stuck for an hour in some mud. I had to advise them how to get out!

Southern most major town in Sri Lanka and the terminus of the coastal rail line has also been under the Portuguese and Dutch rule. The star shaped fort at Matara is an unusual and a unique structure. There are several beautiful and less crowded beaches along the coast between Galle and Matara and the closest to the town is at Polhena. Matara fort built by the Dutch around 1640 is a fortification of a Portuguese garrison. The old Dutch church is an interesting and one of the oldest structures in the Fort. There are many other structures in the Dutch and the British era most of which have undergone many changes. The star fort built in a shape of a star has been built to provide additional protection to the main fort across the river. The ...

The Ruwanwelisaya is a stupa in Sri Lanka, considered a marvel for its architectural qualities and sacred to many Buddhists all over the world. It was built by King Dutugemunu c. 140 B.C., who became lord of all Sri Lanka after a war in which the Chola King Elara, was defeated. It is also known as Mahathupa, Swarnamali Chaitya, Suvarnamali Mahaceti (in Pali) and Rathnamali Dagaba. The stupa was an ancient ruin in the 19th century. After fundraising efforts by Sinhalese bhikkhu, the stupa was renovated in the early 20th century. The Ruwanveli Seya Restoration Society was founded in 1902 and the final crowning of the stupa took place on 17 June 1940.

Negombo is located approximately 37 km north of the commercial capital of Colombo in Sri Lanka. It is located at the mouth of the Negombo lagoon. The wide sandy beaches and the safe sea are the main attractions of Negombo. Negombo has a small port, and its economy is mainly based on tourism and its centuries-old fishing industry. Negombo is a traditional fishing town in Sri Lanka. Negombo also produces spices, ceramics and brassware. The town has a majority of Roman Catholics along with Buddhists, Hindus and Muslims while it has been given the name “Little Rome” due to the highly ornate Portuguese-era Roman Catholic churches found within the township. The town has several buildings that date back to the Dutch and Portuguese colonial er...

Dilapidated, but still going strong it seems. An old cinema found on walkabout in Negombo. Negombo is located approximately 37 km north of the commercial capital of Colombo in Sri Lanka. It is located at the mouth of the Negombo lagoon. The wide sandy beaches and the safe sea are the main attractions of Negombo. Negombo has a small port, and its economy is mainly based on tourism and its centuries-old fishing industry. Negombo is a traditional fishing town in Sri Lanka. Negombo also produces spices, ceramics and brassware. The town has a majority of Roman Catholics along with Buddhists, Hindus and Muslims while it has been given the name “Little Rome” due to the highly ornate Portuguese-era Roman Catholic churches found within the tow...

Local woman at Negombo near fish market spreading out the fish for drying. Seems to be a woman's job. Negombo is located approximately 37 km north of the commercial capital of Colombo in Sri Lanka. It is located at the mouth of the Negombo lagoon. The wide sandy beaches and the safe sea are the main attractions of Negombo. Negombo has a small port, and its economy is mainly based on tourism and its centuries-old fishing industry. Negombo is a traditional fishing town in Sri Lanka. Negombo also produces spices, ceramics and brassware. The town has a majority of Roman Catholics along with Buddhists, Hindus and Muslims while it has been given the name “Little Rome” due to the highly ornate Portuguese-era Roman Catholic churches found wit...

Safaris in Sri Lanka provide you with an excellent insight into the wildlife, scenery and culture of Sri Lanka. Whilst on safari you should be lucky enough to see lots of animals- Elephant, Water Buffalo, Deer, Sambhur, Peacock and various birds. It can be a memorable adventure for you. This shot taken on jeep safari from Sigiriya village. Be very careful with booking these anywhere. Make sure you get in writing what is to be provided, for how long, how much and what happens if they fail to provide in full. Generally, the drivers are amateurs and have little knowledge of 4 wheel drive. My group were stuck for an hour in some mud. I had to advise them how to get out!

Taken on walkabout among Colombo's side streets.

Tellippalai or Thellippalai is a small town in the northern Jaffna District of Sri Lanka. It is located about 15 kilometers north of Jaffna town along the Kankesanthurai road An Indian princess from Tamil Nadu Maaruthap Piravaakavalli or Maruthapura Veeravalli got cured of her disease at Keerimalai springs Naguleswaram temple and settled down at Tellippalai for some time. Because of this the place was named as thallipalli. Thalli means young and palli means small village. Over the time the name became Thellipalli. During the time of King Thondaiman in Tamil Nadu, three families with following family names apparently settled down at Tellippalai: Sampaka mappanan, Santhirasekara maappanan and Kanakarayan .

Taken on walkabout among Colombo's streets.

Looking South. The Galle Face is a five hectare ocean-side urban park, which stretches for a half kilometre along the coast, in the heart of the financial and business district of Colombo, Sri Lanka. The promenade was initially laid out in 1859 by Governor Sir Henry George Ward, although the original Galle Face Green extended over a much larger area than is seen today. The Galle Face Green was initially used for horse racing and as a golf course, but was also used for cricket, polo, football, tennis and rugby while today it is used to fly kites.

This large stupa known as the Maha Seya is on the summit of the Mihintale hill, built by King Mahadathika Mahanaga (7-19 AD) the base of which is41 m in diameter. The stupa which was in a dilapidated condition was completely restored. Mihintale is a mountain peak near Anuradhapura in Sri Lanka. It is believed by Sri Lankans to be the site of a meeting between the Buddhist monk Mahinda and King Devanampiyatissa which inaugurated the presence of Buddhism in Sri Lanka. It is now a pilgrimage site, and the site of several religious monuments and abandoned structures.

Rankoth Vehera built by King Nissankamalla, is the largest dagoba in Polonnaruwa. Rankoth Vehera had followed the traditions of early stupas built in Anuradhapura. The enormous dagoba that measures 550 ft. in girth belongs to the Alahana Pirivena monastery complex. Around the enormous dagoba are image houses and flower alters set in the wide sand terrace surrounding the stupa. At the four central points are Vahalkadasa or front entrance enclosures built of brick, with four flights of steps providing admission to devotees. The inscription on the stone-seat in front of the dagoba says that King Nissankamalla used to supervise the construction of the Rankoth Vehera. Another inscription on the platform to the south narrates that King Nissa...

Safaris in Sri Lanka provide you with an excellent insight into the wildlife, scenery and culture of Sri Lanka. Whilst on safari you should be lucky enough to see lots of animals- Elephant, Water Buffalo, Deer, Sambhur, Peacock and various birds. It can be a memorable adventure for you. This shot taken on jeep safari from Sigiriya village. Be very careful with booking these anywhere. Make sure you get in writing what is to be provided, for how long, how much and what happens if they fail to provide in full. Generally, the drivers are amateurs and have little knowledge of 4 wheel drive. My group were stuck for an hour in some mud. I had to advise them how to get out!

The Ruwanwelisaya is a stupa in Sri Lanka, considered a marvel for its architectural qualities and sacred to many Buddhists all over the world. It was built by King Dutugemunu c. 140 B.C., who became lord of all Sri Lanka after a war in which the Chola King Elara, was defeated. It is also known as Mahathupa, Swarnamali Chaitya, Suvarnamali Mahaceti (in Pali) and Rathnamali Dagaba. The stupa was an ancient ruin in the 19th century. After fundraising efforts by Sinhalese bhikkhu, the stupa was renovated in the early 20th century. The Ruwanveli Seya Restoration Society was founded in 1902 and the final crowning of the stupa took place on 17 June 1940.

Thuparamaya dagoba has been built in the shape of a bell. This dagoba was destroyed from time to time. During the reign of King Agbo II it was completely destroyed and the King restored it. What is seen presently is the construction of the dagoba, done in 1862 AD. The monument has a diameter of 18 m, at the base. The dome is 3.45 m in height from the ground, 50.1 m in diameter. The compound is paved with granite and there are 2 rows of stone pillars round the dagaba. Anuradhapura is believed that from the fourth century BC until the beginning of the 11th century AD it was the capital of the Sinhalese. During this period it remained one of the most stable and durable centers of political power and urban life in South Asia. The ancient ...

Galle had been a prominent seaport long before western rule in the country. Persians, Arabs, Greeks, Romans, Malays, Indians, and Chinese were doing business through Galle port. In 1411. The "modern" history of Galle starts in 1502, when a small fleet of Portuguese ships, under the command of Lourenço de Almeida, on their way to the Maldives, were blown off course by a storm. Realising that the king resided in Kotte close to Colombo Lourenço proceeded there after a brief stop in Galle. In 1640, the Portuguese had to surrender to the Dutch East India Company. The Dutch built the present fort in the year 1663. They built a fortified wall, using solid granite, and built three bastions, known as "Sun", "Moon" and "Star". After the British...

Tellippalai or Thellippalai is a small town in the northern Jaffna District of Sri Lanka. It is located about 15 kilometers north of Jaffna town along the Kankesanthurai road An Indian princess from Tamil Nadu Maaruthap Piravaakavalli or Maruthapura Veeravalli got cured of her disease at Keerimalai springs Naguleswaram temple and settled down at Tellippalai for some time. Because of this the place was named as thallipalli. Thalli means young and palli means small village. Over the time the name became Thellipalli. During the time of King Thondaiman in Tamil Nadu, three families with following family names apparently settled down at Tellippalai: Sampaka mappanan, Santhirasekara maappanan and Kanakarayan .

Tellippalai or Thellippalai is a small town in the northern Jaffna District of Sri Lanka. It is located about 15 kilometers north of Jaffna town along the Kankesanthurai road An Indian princess from Tamil Nadu Maaruthap Piravaakavalli or Maruthapura Veeravalli got cured of her disease at Keerimalai springs Naguleswaram temple and settled down at Tellippalai for some time. Because of this the place was named as thallipalli. Thalli means young and palli means small village. Over the time the name became Thellipalli. During the time of King Thondaiman in Tamil Nadu, three families with following family names apparently settled down at Tellippalai: Sampaka mappanan, Santhirasekara maappanan and Kanakarayan .

Anuradhapura and the city of Polonnaruwa are the vitally important "must visit" twin tourist attractions of Sri Lanka Holidays Cultural Triangle. Anuradhapura, the greatest monastic city of the ancient world that date from the middle of the 5th century B.C. remained the proud seat of kingdom of Sri Lanka until the 11th century A.D. Today Anuradhapura, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is replete with renovated monuments, restored edifices, preserved ruins and historical sites where the archeological excavations are still being continued.

Safaris in Sri Lanka provide you with an excellent insight into the wildlife, scenery and culture of Sri Lanka. Whilst on safari you should be lucky enough to see lots of animals- Elephant, Water Buffalo, Deer, Sambhur, Peacock and various birds. It can be a memorable adventure for you. This shot taken on jeep safari from Sigiriya village. Be very careful with booking these anywhere. Make sure you get in writing what is to be provided, for how long, how much and what happens if they fail to provide in full. Generally, the drivers are amateurs and have little knowledge of 4 wheel drive. My group were stuck for an hour in some mud. I had to advise them how to get out!

Galle had been a prominent seaport long before western rule in the country. Persians, Arabs, Greeks, Romans, Malays, Indians, and Chinese were doing business through Galle port. In 1411. The "modern" history of Galle starts in 1502, when a small fleet of Portuguese ships, under the command of Lourenço de Almeida, on their way to the Maldives, were blown off course by a storm. Realising that the king resided in Kotte close to Colombo Lourenço proceeded there after a brief stop in Galle. In 1640, the Portuguese had to surrender to the Dutch East India Company. The Dutch built the present fort in the year 1663. They built a fortified wall, using solid granite, and built three bastions, known as "Sun", "Moon" and "Star". After the British...

This is Sri Lanka's oldest light station dating back to 1848, but the original 24.5-metre-high lighthouse built by the British was located about 100 metres from the current site; however, it was destroyed by fire in 1934. The existing 26.5-metre-high lighthouse was erected here in 1939. The original light was furnished with a glass prism lens floating in a bath of mercury (to reduce friction) and was powered by a weight driven machine. The light station is within the walls of the ancient Galle Fort, a UNESCO world heritage site. The lighthouse is strategically located at the southern end of the promontory, built approximately 6 metres above the road level on the ramparts, at what is known as the Point Utrecht Bastion, giving it full v...

Galle had been a prominent seaport long before western rule in the country. Persians, Arabs, Greeks, Romans, Malays, Indians, and Chinese were doing business through Galle port. In 1411. The "modern" history of Galle starts in 1502, when a small fleet of Portuguese ships, under the command of Lourenço de Almeida, on their way to the Maldives, were blown off course by a storm. Realising that the king resided in Kotte close to Colombo Lourenço proceeded there after a brief stop in Galle. In 1640, the Portuguese had to surrender to the Dutch East India Company. The Dutch built the present fort in the year 1663. They built a fortified wall, using solid granite, and built three bastions, known as "Sun", "Moon" and "Star". After the British...

Ceylon vintage map