Sri Lanka

1. Ariyapala Mask Factory Museum

• What is the Ariyapala Mask Factory Museum?
  • The Ariyapala Mask Factory Museum is a museum in Ambalangoda, Sri Lanka, dedicated to preserving and celebrating the traditional craft of mask making, which has been in the Wijesuriya family for generations.
• What is the significance of traditional Sri Lankan masks?
  • Sri Lankan masks were historically used in Sanni Yakuma (Devil Dance) and other traditional performances, serving cultural and spiritual purposes.
• How are the masks made?
  • The masks are carved from wood, carefully shaped into elaborate faces and expressions, and then colorfully painted to depict characters from traditional tales and stories.
• What can visitors experience at the museum?
  • At the Mask Museum and Workshop, visitors can see hundreds of carved masks and learn about their historical significance in Sri Lankan culture.
• Where is the museum located?
  • The museum is located in Ambalangoda, Sri Lanka, a town famous for its traditional mask-making heritage.
• What is the address and contact information?
  • Main St, Ambalangoda, Sri Lanka, Phone: +94-9-12-25-83-73.

2. Borella Kanatte General Cemetery

• What is this historic cemetery in Colombo?
  • This beautiful cemetery, established in the 19th century, serves as the final resting place for many residents of Colombo, Sri Lanka’s commercial capital.
• Who is one of the most famous people buried here?
  • The cemetery is the burial site of Sir Arthur C. Clarke, the famous science fiction writer and author of 2001: A Space Odyssey. His grave is often visited by fans of his works.
• Does the cemetery accommodate different faiths?
  • Yes, the cemetery has burial sections for multiple faiths, including Christianity, Buddhism, Hinduism, and Islam.
• What is the architectural style of the cemetery?
  • The cemetery features elaborately built mausoleums and temples, creating a stunning yet eerie setting.
• Is the cemetery rumored to be haunted?
  • Yes, the cemetery is reportedly haunted by restless spirits, adding to its mysterious and historical appeal.

Borella Kanatte General Cemetery, /1 93, 93 1/1 93 Elvitigala Mawatha, Colombo, Sri Lanka

3. Dambulla Cave Temple

• What is the Dambulla Cave Temple?
  • The Dambulla Cave Temple, also known as the Golden Temple, is a historic Buddhist monastery located inside a system of caves in Dambulla, Sri Lanka.
• What can visitors see inside the temple?
  • Inside the five caverns, visitors will find a collection of over 150 pieces of historic Buddhist art, including statues and paintings, all housed within a beautifully decorated temple carved from the rock of the caves.
• Is the Dambulla Cave Temple a UNESCO World Heritage Site?
  • Yes, the temple is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its historical, cultural, and artistic significance.
• How old is the temple?
  • The site has been used as a Buddhist temple for more than 2,000 years, with the artwork inside the caves expanding and evolving over the centuries.
• Why is the temple significant?
  • The Dambulla Cave Temple is an important religious and artistic site, representing centuries of Buddhist devotion and serving as one of the best-preserved cave temple complexes in Sri Lanka.
• Where is the Dambulla Cave Temple located?
  • Kandy - Jaffna Hwy, Dambulla, Sri Lanka.

4. Dutch Period Museum

• What is the Dutch Period Museum?
  • The Dutch Period Museum is a historical museum in Colombo that explores the history of Dutch colonization in Sri Lanka and its impact on the country's cultural development.
• Where is the museum located?
  • The museum is situated in a historic building that was once the residence of the Dutch governor. Over the years, the building has served various purposes before becoming a museum.
• What does the museum exhibit?
  • The Dutch Period Museum houses a collection of over 3,000 objects from the Dutch colonial era, providing insight into the history and influence of Dutch rule in Sri Lanka.
• What can visitors learn at the museum?
  • Guests can explore the history of Dutch colonization in Sri Lanka and learn about the significance of the objects on display, as well as the evolution of Sri Lankan culture during and after the Dutch rule.
• When was Sri Lanka under Dutch rule?
  • Sri Lanka was a Dutch colony for most of the 17th and 18th centuries, during which Dutch influence significantly shaped the country's governance, trade, and culture.
• What is the address and contact information?
  • Prince Street, Colombo 01100, Sri Lanka, Phone: +9-41-12-44-84-66.

5. Fa Hien Cave

• What is Fa Hien Cave?
  • Fa Hien Cave, also known as Pahiyangala Cave, is a historically significant site in Sri Lanka, named after the legendary Buddhist monk Fa Hien, who is believed to have lived there for months.
• What is unique about the rock formation?
  • The cave is said to be formed from the largest natural rock in Asia, making it a remarkable geological feature in the region.
• Why is Fa Hien Cave historically important?
  • In the 1960s, excavators discovered prehistoric human remains in the cave, dating back approximately 37,000 years, providing evidence of early human habitation.
• How far back does human habitation in the cave date?
  • Research indicates that the cave was used as a human dwelling during the Pleistocene period, making it one of the oldest known prehistoric sites in Sri Lanka.
• What major discoveries have been made in the cave?
  • In 2012, archaeologists unearthed a complete human skeleton along with stone tools, beads, and weapons. This skeleton is considered the oldest ever found in South Asia.

6. Galle Fort

• What is Galle Fort?
  • Galle Fort is a historic coastal fortification built during the 16th century by the Portuguese settlers. It was later expanded and heavily fortified by the Dutch during their colonization of Sri Lanka.
• Why is Galle Fort a UNESCO World Heritage Site?
  • The fort is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its unique blend of European architecture and South Asian traditions in its design and construction.
• Where is Galle Fort located?
  • Galle Fort is situated at the location where the Dutch settlers first landed in Sri Lanka. It was once one of the largest trading ports in the world.
• What historical elements remain intact?
  • Today, visitors will find the fort largely intact, with evidence of the different colonial influences, including the Portuguese moat, the Dutch drawbridge, and the British gate area.
• What is the address of Galle Fort?
  • 59 Church St, Galle 80000, Sri Lanka.

7. Horton Plains National Park

• What is Horton Plains National Park?
  • Horton Plains National Park is a stunning natural reserve in Sri Lanka, famous for its breathtaking landscapes, diverse ecosystems, and its renowned trail to World’s End.
• What is World’s End?
  • World’s End is a dramatic plateau within the park that suddenly drops over 880 meters, offering visitors a breathtaking view of the surrounding mountains, valley, and distant villages.
• When is the best time to visit World’s End?
  • The best time to visit is early in the morning, as a thick mist often covers the landscape later in the day, creating an ethereal and eerie atmosphere but obscuring the view.
• How long is the hike to World’s End?
  • The hike to World’s End and back is a 9.5 km round trip, taking visitors through grasslands, forests, and past Baker’s Falls, offering a scenic and rewarding journey.
• What other attractions are in Horton Plains National Park?
  • In addition to World’s End, visitors can explore the park’s diverse ecosystems, including misty grasslands, dense forests, and Baker’s Falls, a beautiful cascading waterfall.

8. Koneswaram Temple

• What is Koneswaram Temple?
  • Koneswaram Temple is a historic Hindu temple located near Trincomalee on the eastern coast of Sri Lanka. It is dedicated to the god Shiva and is renowned for its stunning location and deep spiritual significance.
• Where is Koneswaram Temple located?
  • The temple sits at the edge of the Trincomalee Cliffs, providing breathtaking 360-degree views of Koddiyar Bay and the surrounding cliffs.
• When was Koneswaram Temple built?
  • The construction of the temple dates back to approximately 400 BC. In its prime, it was a vast and magnificent structure, much larger than what remains today.
• What happened to Koneswaram Temple during the 17th century?
  • In the 17th century, the Portuguese destroyed much of the temple, reducing its size significantly. Despite this, the site remains a place of great religious and historical importance.
• Are there any artifacts from the original temple?
  • During the Portuguese invasion, worshippers and priests made efforts to hide and bury sacred treasures. Some of these artifacts have been recovered and are now on display in the temple for visitors.
• What is the address and contact information?
  • Trincomalee, Sri Lanka, Phone: +9-47-78-79-14-63.

9. Kumbuk River Resort

• What is Kumbuk River Resort?
  • Kumbuk River Resort is a 14-acre eco-resort located in Buttala, Sri Lanka. It offers a unique stay in a villa shaped like a giant elephant, providing a one-of-a-kind experience for visitors.
• Where is Kumbuk River Resort located?
  • The resort is situated on the banks of the Kumbuk River, near the famous Yala Wildlife Sanctuary, allowing guests to enjoy breathtaking scenery and impressive wildlife.
• What kind of wildlife can visitors see?
  • Guests staying at the resort may encounter amazing wildlife, including bears, elephants, and other animals native to the area.
• What makes the accommodation unique?
  • The main attraction of the resort is the two-story thatched villa, designed in the shape of a giant elephant, offering an unforgettable experience.
• Does the villa have modern amenities?
  • Yes, despite its eco-friendly concept, the villa is fully equipped with modern comforts such as electricity, indoor plumbing, and hot water.
• How many people can stay in the villa?
  • The elephant villa can accommodate groups of up to 12 people, making it a perfect getaway for families and friends.
• What is the address and contact information?
  • Buttala, Sri Lanka, Phone: +9-45-54-92-12-18.

10. National Art Gallery

• What is the National Art Gallery?
  • The National Art Gallery is an art museum in Colombo, located next to the National Museum. It showcases a mix of classical and contemporary Sri Lankan art.
• Where is the National Art Gallery located?
  • The gallery is situated in a small, unassuming building near the center of Colombo, making it easily accessible to visitors.
• How is the gallery organized?
  • The National Art Gallery consists of three main wings where visitors can explore various art exhibitions.
• What type of artwork is displayed?
  • The main section of the gallery features a permanent collection of classical and contemporary portraits and landscapes.
• Are there temporary exhibits?
  • Yes, the other two sections of the gallery showcase rotating exhibitions featuring works by local Sri Lankan artists.
• What are the opening hours?
  • The National Art Gallery is open daily from 11 AM to 8 PM.
• What is the address and contact information?
  • 106 Ananda Coomaraswamy Mawatha, Colombo 00700, Sri Lanka, Phone: +9-41-12-69-39-65.