Dambulla Cave Temple, Sri Lanka

A sacred pilgrimage site for 22 centuries, this cave monastery, with its five sanctuaries, is the largest, best-preserved cave-temple complex in Sri Lanka. The Buddhist mural paintings are of particular importance, as are the 157 statues. These paintings and statues are related to Lord Buddha and his life. THere are 153 Buddha statues, 3 statues of Sri Lankan kings and 4 statues of gods and goddesses. UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1991.

Many thanks to dear Oliver who surprised me, once again, with wonderful postcard from the one of his trips all around the world! 

Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka is a strategic naval link between West Asia and South East Asia. It was an important stop on the ancient Silk Road. Sri Lanka has also been a center of the Buddhist religion and culture from ancient times, being the nation where the Buddhist teachings were first written down as well as the oldest continually Buddhist country. It is also one of the few remaining abodes of Buddhism. Sri Lanka boasts a diverse range of cultures, languages and religions. The Sinhalese people form the majority of the population; Tamils, who are concentrated in the north and east of the island, form the largest ethnic minority. Other communities include Moors, Burghers, Kaffirs, Malays and the aboriginal Vedda people.

Thanks Thenuka!

Sri Lanka

Elephants in Sri Lanka... This country sounds so exotic but gorgeous to me... I want to go there!!! :) Thanks you Thenuka for beautiful postcard!