Marvel at the sway and sweep of Buddhism seen in temples and shrines in the ancient cities. Scores of beautiful shrines, lavishly ornamented, speak of the deep affection and esteem for Buddhism. The magnificence of the architecture in the ancient cities--Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa, Sigiriya, Kandy, is still evident. Handsome palaces, buildings, baths, stone bridges, Intricately carved guardstones and moonstones speak of high affluence and skilled  craftsmanship.

Discover the tradition of temple frescoes continuing from medieval times to the present day at Polonnaruwa, Dambulla, Kandy, Kathaluwa, Mulgirigala, Kelaniya and Colombo. Pause awhile before the striking sculpture at Gal Vihare and Aukana. Mediate if you wish to, before the Samadhi Statue at the Maha Megha Park. Anuradhapura - the world's oldest sanctuary.

Watch the piety of devotees as they  hang prayer flags around the Sacred Bodhi Tree at Anuradhapura - 2200 years old, the oldest historically documented tree in the world - grown from a branch of the very tree under which the Buddha attained enlighenment. Visit the Dalada Maligawa in Kandy, Buddhism's most sacred temple, where is enshrined the Tooth Relic of the Buddha.

See the rituals of mask dancing in the South and the vigorous Kandyan dancing of the Hills, both continuing raditions coming down from the dawn of history. See cists, urns and dolmen that speak of life in pre-historic times. Believe in the faith of Hindus after seeing the rituals of penance at Kataragama and Udappuwa.

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