How I Learned to Build a Website for Sacred Places in Sri Lanka

Creating a website can be an exciting journey, especially when it's about a topic as fascinating as sacred places in Sri Lanka. Here’s how I went from exploring existing websites to crafting my own, using HTML and CSS.

Step 1: Exploring Existing Websites

Before starting, I visited several websites to gather ideas. These sites helped me understand:

• Design Trends: How colors, layouts, and fonts are used to create a serene and spiritual ambiance.
• Content Organization: How pages are structured, from homepages to detailed sections about each sacred place.
• Imagery and Visuals: The types of images used, such as temples, ancient ruins, and natural landscapes.

Step 2: Collecting Images

Images are crucial for bringing a website to life. I collected high-quality images of sacred places such as:

1. Athkada RajaMaha Viharaya.
2. Ridi Viharaya
3. Aththanagalla RajaMaha Viharaya
4. Siyabalanduwa Wattarama RajaMaha Viharaya
5. Dambagalla Bingoda RajaMaha Viharaya
6. Pethanmalu RajaMaha Viharaya
7. Wendaruwa Kiri Vehera RajaMaha Viharaya
8. Weligama Rajakulawadana RajaMaha Viharaya
9. Uddakandara RajaMaha Viharaya
10. Kurunegala Rankirimada RajaMaha Viharaya

These visuals helped me set the tone for my website and ensured it had a strong visual appeal

Step 3: Learning HTML and CSS

Once I had a clear idea of the website’s design, I started learning the technical side:

• HTML (HyperText Markup Language): It’s the backbone of any webpage. I learned how to structure content using elements like <header>, <section>, and <footer>.
• CSS (Cascading Style Sheets): This is where the magic happens! I used CSS to style the website, focusing on:

Colors: Choosing calming and spiritual tones.

Typography: Using elegant fonts to enhance readability.

Layout: Creating a responsive design that looks great on all devices.

Step 4: Building the Website

With the basics of HTML and CSS in hand, I started building:

• Homepage: A welcoming page with an introduction and featured sacred sites.
• Individual Pages: Dedicated sections for each location, with detailed descriptions and images.
• Contact Page: Allowing visitors to reach out for more information.

Conclusion

Learning web development through this project was both rewarding and enjoyable. By exploring existing websites, collecting inspiring images, and mastering HTML and CSS, I was able to bring my vision to life. Whether you're building a personal project or something professional, start small, stay curious, and keep experimenting!