A SMALL ARTICLE ABOUT PLACES I HAVE VISITED 🏝️🌊🏖️👀

"A SMALL ARTICLE ABOUT PLACES I HAVE 
                               VISITED"
                              🏝️🌊🏖️👀

I have visited many places in Sri Lanka..among them I will bring a description of the places I have recently visited in this way.


1. POLHENA BEACH MATARA 🌊💦


Polhena Beach is located in Matara, Sri Lanka. It is renowned for its unique natural swimming pool formed by coral reefs, providing a safe and enjoyable swimming experience. The beach is known for its calm and clear waters, making it ideal for snorkeling. Visitors can witness vibrant marine life, including colorful coral formations and various fish species. The laid-back atmosphere and scenic surroundings make Polhena Beach a popular destination for both locals and tourists seeking relaxation and water activities.

2. DONDRA LIGHT HOUSE 🕯️


      Dondra Lighthouse, situated in Dondra Head near Matara, Sri Lanka, is the tallest lighthouse in the country. Standing at a height of around 160 feet, it offers stunning panoramic views of the Indian Ocean. The lighthouse was built to guide ships through the challenging waters around Dondra Head, a strategic point along the maritime routes.

Constructed in the late 19th century, Dondra Lighthouse has a classic cylindrical design. Visitors can climb to the top to enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding coastline and the vast ocean. It serves as both a functional navigational aid and a popular tourist attraction, drawing those interested in maritime history and scenic vistas.

3. MIRISSA COCONUT TREE HILL 🏝️⛱️


Mirissa, located on the southern coast of Sri Lanka, is a picturesque coastal town known for its pristine beaches, vibrant nightlife, and whale watching opportunities. The main beach in Mirissa stretches along a crescent-shaped bay with golden sands and turquoise waters, offering a perfect setting for relaxation and water activities.

One of the highlights of Mirissa is its reputation as a prime whale watching destination. Visitors can embark on boat excursions from the Mirissa Harbor to spot majestic blue whales, sperm whales, and dolphins in the surrounding waters. The thrill of witnessing these marine giants in their natural habitat contributes to Mirissa's allure.

Apart from its marine attractions, Mirissa is known for its laid-back atmosphere and lively beach bars. As the sun sets, the beach comes alive with a mix of locals and tourists enjoying the vibrant nightlife, with beachfront restaurants offering delicious seafood and other culinary delights.

Mirissa is also a popular surfing spot, attracting surf enthusiasts to its consistent waves. Beginners can take advantage of the numerous surf schools that offer lessons, while experienced surfers can ride the waves at well-known surf points.

The coconut tree-lined shores and the tranquil ambiance make Mirissa an ideal escape for those seeking a peaceful beach retreat. The town's welcoming locals and the blend of traditional and modern elements contribute to the charm that has made Mirissa a favored destination along Sri Lanka's stunning coastline. Whether you're seeking adventure, relaxation, or a bit of both, Mirissa has something to offer for every type of traveler.

4. GALLE FORT 👀



Galle Fort, located in the historic city of Galle in Sri Lanka, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the best-preserved examples of a fortified city built by European colonizers in South Asia. The fort was originally constructed by the Portuguese in the 16th century, later fortified by the Dutch in the 17th century, and eventually modified by the British.

Enclosed by sturdy walls, Galle Fort features narrow streets lined with colonial-era buildings that reflect a blend of European and South Asian architectural styles. Within the fort, you'll find attractions such as the Galle Fort Lighthouse, old churches, museums, boutique shops, and charming cafes. The fort provides a captivating glimpse into Sri Lanka's colonial past and is a popular destination for history enthusiasts and tourists exploring the southern coast.

5. KATARAGAMA ☸️🕉️  

Kataragama is a sacred pilgrimage site in Sri Lanka, revered by multiple religious communities. Located in the southeastern part of the island, it is primarily associated with the Hindu god Murugan, also known as Skanda or Kataragama Deviyo. The site holds great significance for Buddhists, Hindus, and even some indigenous Vedda communities.

For Buddhists, Kataragama is linked to the deity Kataragama Deviyo, who is believed to be a guardian of the island. The Buddhist tradition associates Kataragama Deviyo with Lord Buddha's previous lives, emphasizing the site's spiritual importance.

Hindus, on the other hand, identify Kataragama as a place where Lord Murugan performed various feats. The annual Kataragama Esala Festival is a major Hindu pilgrimage and attracts devotees from across the country. The temple complex includes shrines dedicated to various deities, reflecting the syncretic nature of religious practices in Sri Lanka.


6. THE SHRINE OF OUR LADY CHURCH 
MATARA⛪















Shrine of Our Lady of Matara is a Roman Catholic church devoted to the Virgin Mary, in the town of Matara, Sri Lanka. The shrine houses a statue of the Virgin Mary holding the infant Jesus. Though the statue's origins are unknown, church officials claim that it is 400 years old. The statue has been damaged, lost and recovered more than once, most recently during the 2004 tsunami in Asia, which damaged the shrine and killed 24 people attending Sunday Mass.The church celebrated its centenary year in 2007.

7. GINIPETTI BRIDGE MURUTHAWELA 💚


Muruthawela Ginipetti Palama is a great place to bathe and be happy in the South. The canal that carries water from the Julampitiya Muruthawela Reservoir in the Hambantota District has been constructed in this manner. The bathing area is about 1 km away from the Ginipetti Palama along the same road. This Muruthawela reservoir starts from the tributaries of the Kirama Oya. There's a matchbox bridge here. This is not the only matchbox bridge in Sri Lanka but there are others. The bridge got its name because it is built in the shape of a matchbox.


8. TEMPLE OF THE SCARED TOOTH ☸️🙏




A visit to the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic is a must when you are in Kandy. The most revered site in Sri Lanka, it is locally known as the Sri Dalada Maligawa and is a place of worship established in the 16th century AD. Situated adjacent to the royal palace complex of the former Kingdom of Kandy, the shrine overlooks the vast expanse of the Kandy Lake.

Preserving the Relic of Buddha in this haven of refuge, it was declared that whoever houses and protects it is automatically given the power to rule the country. The artefact serves as a significant symbol of Sinhalese identity and pride. Everyday thousands of white-clad pilgrims make their way to this hallowed space, bearing lotus blossoms and frangipani for their offerings and prayers, known as pujas. While the tooth stays hidden within a gold casket, visitors and devotees always visit the Temple during puja just to have a look at the well protected inner shrine where it is kept.

Annually, during the Esala Perahera procession, the Relic casket gets paraded through the streets atop a male elephant. The 10-day festival is one of the largest Buddhist festivals in the world and the most significant in Sri Lanka.

9. MULKIRIGALA TEMPLE ☸️🙏 


Mulkirigala Raja Maha Vihara is an ancient Buddhist temple in Mulkirigala, Sri Lanka. It has been built on a 205 m (673 ft) high natural rock, surrounded with another four rocks known as Benagala, Kondagala, Bisogala and Seelawathiegala. The temple site is located about 2 km from the Mulkirigala junction and can be reached from either Dikwella or Tangalle towns. The temple has been formally recognised by the Government as an archaeological site in Sri Lanka. 

10. KONESHWARAM KOVIL TRINCOMALEE 🕉️


Koneshwaram Kovil, located in Trincomalee, Sri Lanka, is a significant Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. With a history dating back over two millennia, it holds both religious and historical importance. The temple is situated atop Swami Rock, overlooking the Indian Ocean, providing a breathtaking backdrop to its spiritual ambiance.

Legend has it that Koneshwaram Kovil was originally established by the ancient sage Agastya, and later reconstructed by Rishi Pulastya. The temple's name, "Koneshwaram," is derived from the words "Kona" (meaning end) and "Eeswara" (meaning Lord Shiva), signifying its location at the easternmost point of the island.

Throughout its existence, Koneshwaram Kovil has witnessed various phases of construction and destruction. The temple reached its zenith during the Chola dynasty, with impressive architecture and intricate sculptures. However, it faced periods of decline, including destruction during colonial times

Happy reading 🫂

Warmly,

Chathu....😘❤️





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