The island of Sri Lanka beckons with mystical
and mesmerizing locales.
An idyllic coastal landscape.
The inviting sea is never far wherever one roams.
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Colorful boats are ready for another fishing venture.
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And even four-legged creatures enjoy an outing by the shore.
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The Dutch, one of many colonizers, left their
trace with innumerable inland waterways, and canals.
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Maneuvering inland with goods to transport. |
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Boats moored along a canal at dusk after a busy day of fishing.
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Canals are not only boons to transport, but scenic spots to behold. |
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Away from canals, bicycles are an omnipresent, eco-friendly way to traverse across town.
The country is home to various religions,
with Buddhism, Hindu, and Islam predominating. |
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Places of worship are ubiquitous, including this Hindu temple.
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And this Mosque in the heart of the capital's commercial district. |
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Stunning architectural edifices amaze, such as the Jaffna library. |
Sunrises and sunsets are a marvel to observe,
as they have been for all prior civilizations.
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And the geologic landscapes that attracted earlier kingdoms
remain magnificent to behold, such as at Sigiriya. |
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Up in these rock formations of Dambula, cave temples were constructed millennia ago.
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With astonishing sculptural masterpieces. |
The inhabitants of ancient Sri Lankan cities have long gone, but their astounding works of art and architecture remain. |
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The historic kingdom of Polonnaruwa is one of many UNESCO world heritage sites in the country.
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An image of the seated, meditating Buddha, at Gal Vihare, a sculptural masterpiece at Polannaruwa. |
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Reclining Buddha sculpture at Polonnaruwa. |
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Kiri Vehera Dagoba. |
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Tea estates pervade the central highlands. |
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Elephants steal the show, as they dance and march around Kandy in the annual Esala Perahera.
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This event celebrates a Buddha's tooth, said to reside in an eponymous Kandy temple,
and paraded around the city in a casket atop dancing elephants, glowing in lights
and sparkling regalia, and entertaining crowds from around
the globe for 8 nights with their spectacular show. |
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During the daytime, Kandy remains a tranquil town,
where one can find joy and solitude on a walk around the lake. |
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And smiles dot one's footsteps.
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