top of page

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 

119-A-9-road-14.jpg
Jaffna-gallery-pop-up-8.jpg

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.

​

​

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

​

image (1).png

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

Cycling The A9 

We first cycled the A9 starting from Colombo in 2017 and called it Yaal 400 , 20 cyclists rode day and night to make this ride happen . â€‹

image.png

race star9

bottom of page