Heritage Sites of Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka boasts a history of more than 2500 years.  Historically acclaimed monuments and sites can be found in many parts of this beautiful island destination. However, most artefacts have been discovered within the areas of Polonnaruwa, Kandy and Anuradhapura that is also called the cultural triangle of the country. Most historic masterpieces are found in the form of palaces, temples, water tanks and manmade lakes. All these sites bear evidence of Sri Lanka’s astounding early civilization.

The first capital of Sri Lanka, Anuradhapura itself is a world heritage site. With over 2500 years of documented history, this unique ancient city is also one of the world’s best planned cities. It was in Anuradhapura that the country first received the faith of Buddhism with King Dewanampiyatissa initially embracing the religion.  The Sri Maha Bodhi is the oldest historically recorded tree in Sri Lanka is also found in Anuradhapura. The Bo Tree which grew from a branch of the orinal Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi in Bodhi Gaya, was where the Lord Buddha meditated and attained enlightenment. Thuparamaya, the country’s foremost Stupa is also found here.

Polonnaruwa was at the beginning, the empire of the Cholas of India. In 1055AD a Singhalese King overcame the invaders and thereby declared Polonnaruwa to be the second capital city of the country. Numerous artefacts can be seen even today with a touch of Sri Lankan and Indian cultures.   Today this fine city is home to well planned Archaeological sites such as the Parakrama Samudraya, an enormous lake built during 1200 A.C.

The cave temples of Dambulla, was where King Valagamba found shelter when he escaped from Anuradhapura because of South Indian invasions. During the 14 years of finding refuge here, the king developed the caves in to temples and presented it to the monks. The enchanting cave temples of Dambulla are also identified a World Heritage Site.

The City of Kandy was the final kingdom of Sri Lanka that is also named a world heritage site. Kandy is home to the sacred Temple of the Tooth, which is the main feature of this unique and vibrant city.

Other significant world heritage sites in Sri Lanka include the Sigiriya rock fortress, the Dutch fortifications at Galle and the Sinharaja forest reserve. With immense cultural, archaeological and historical importance, these sites have become some of the world’s most admired and visited heritage sites.

Adventure in Sri Lanka