Route A9
The A9 Is Not Another road but, A Deep Story And A Continuing Journey..!​
A9 Route
Did you know that the A9 Road we use in Race The Pearl, is the artery that connects Jaffna and Dambulla and was not accessible to the public from 1990 until it's reopening in 2009? This period marks a significant chapter in the country's history, a painful story, and the growing hope of connecting two cultural and economic hubs of Sri Lanka, Jaffna and Dambulla
Connecting Cultures Over 250 km
The 250 km stretch between Jaffna and Dambulla along the A9 Road showcases a vibrant tapestry of kovils (Hindu temples) and Buddhist temples, illustrating the deep-rooted spiritual and cultural heritage of Sri Lanka. These religious sites are not just places of worship but are pivotal to the cultural identity of the communities they serve, hosting vibrant festivals and rituals that draw participants from across the island. One of the most prominent among these is the Nallur Kandaswamy Kovil in Jaffna, a significant center for Hindu worship and cultural gatherings.
The 250 km Of A9 From Jaffna to Dambulla
The first 250 km covers 9 key cities with cultural and historical significance. The 9 cities will be called the STAR9
Jaffna
Our journey begins in Jaffna, a city rich in Tamil culture, and renowned for its intricate temples including the Nallur Kandaswamy Kovil. This temple, significant for its elaborate festivals and architecture, draws thousands of devotees, particularly during its annual festival which is one of the longest in the region.
Elephant-Pass
Elephant Pass has been a strategic military base since 1760 when the Portuguese built a fort, which was later rebuilt and garrisoned by the Dutch in 1776 and later by the British.
Kilinochchi
.The Kilinochchi town was established in 1936 as part of a colonization project that sought to ease overpopulation and unemployment in Jaffna. A crucial city during the civil war ended in 2009 today is seeing dividends of peace.
Omanthai
Omanthai offers a glimpse into the past as the former checkpoint that marked divisions, it is now a symbol of the journey toward unity.
vavuniya
In Vavuniya, the cultural melting pot of Sri Lanka, we witness the diverse cultural influences that bridge the northern and southern parts of the island. Vavuniya is earmarked to become an economic hub for the North
Mihintale
Mihintale emerged as a beacon of Sri Lanka's Buddhist heritage. Known as the cradle of Buddhism in Sri Lanka, this ancient site is where Buddhism was first introduced to the island. The area is famed for its spiritual significance and archaeological marvels, including a large stupa and several ancient sculptures and relic
Anuradhapura
A short detour off the A9 brings us to Anuradhapura, once a major center of Sri Lankan civilization and now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This ancient city is celebrated for its well-preserved ruins of an ancient Sri Lankan civilization, including enormous dagobas, ancient pools, and imposing temple ruins.
Sigiriya
Continuing the journey, another Short detour leads to Sigiriya, often referred to as the "Eighth Wonder of the World." This ancient rock fortress is famous for its massive column of rock nearly 200 meters high, originally selected by King Kasyapa (AD 477-495) for his capital. Visitors can explore the frescoes, the mirror wall, and the landscaped gardens, which blend harmoniously with the surrounding nature.
Dambulla
Dambulla, is renowned for the Golden Temple of Dambulla. This UNESCO World Heritage site features a series of spectacular cave temples and a massive collection of Buddha statues and murals dating back to the 1st century BC. The temple serves as a significant religious site and a beacon of Buddhist heritage, drawing pilgrims and tourists from around the world.
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Traveling the A9 Road is to traverse through the living history and vibrant culture of Sri Lanka. Each town and site along this restored highway tells a story of heritage, struggle, and renewal. The road itself is a thread that weaves together the diverse stories of resilience, linking ancient cities, sacred sites, and communities in a narrative of reconciliation and unity. Join us on the A9, where every mile tells a story of resilience and every destination opens a new chapter in the beautiful narrative of Sri Lanka
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race in the A9
On the 4th of Feb 2019 Independence Day, history was made by Yasas Hewage from Colombo and Rajan Thanyanagam from Jaffna set the record for Race The Pearl Ultra Endurance Race, cycling from Dondra Head the Southern tip of Sri Lanka to Point Pedro to the Northern Tip covering a large part of the A9. Today the Race is on its 7th Edition