Sri Lanka contains no less than seven UNESCO world heritage sites. Six of these sites are testament to the country’s rich history of over 2000 years.
Most of Sri Lanka’s heritage sites are located within the “cultural triangle” which falls within the ancient cities of Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa and Kandy. Due to the size of the island most of these sites can be visited within a few days of travel.
Ancient City Anuradhapura 206kms from Colombo showcases the Golden age of Buddhist rulers, featuring some of the oldest infrastructural treasures in Sri Lanka. The city was established in 4th century BC, with the arrival of Buddhism the city was transformed in to a major centre of Buddhist worship and learning. Until the 10th century BC Anuradhapura was a thriving hub featured in writings from ancient Greece, Rome and China.
Ancient City Polonnaruwa 142kms from Colombo The islands capital during the Middle Ages was also one of South Asia’s greatest cities. Attractions include the ruins of the ancient city mainly constructed by the King Parakramabahu the great, he is also credited with building the massive artificial lake knows as “Parakrama Samudra”
The Cave Temple of Dambulla 116kms from Colombo Hewn in to a 160m outcrop of granite this ancient cave monastery dates back to 1st Century BC. The caves contain mural paintings, covering an area of 2,100 square meters, and 157 statues depicting scenes from Lord Buddha’s life.
Sigiriya 116kms from Colombo is Sri Lanka leading tourist attraction which many Sri Lankans proudly claim to be the 8th wonder of the world. The site was built by King Kasyappa during his reign from 477 to 495 AD; it consists of a rock that rises over 200m with the ruins of a palace on the top and a vast garden complex at the bottom. The gardens include a series of symmetric pools, channels and fountains which still spurt out water. The palace includes the famous Sigiriya frescoes, giant lion paws forming the entrance and many other marvels of art and engineering.
Sacred city of Kandy 116kms from Colombo is nestled amidst the lush mountains in Sri Lankas hill country. Kandy was Sri Lanka’s last independent kingdom resisting two centuries of colonial incursion by the Portuguese and Dutch before falling to the British in 1815. In the city is the famous “temple of the tooth” which is home to Lord Buddha’s only surviving relic, a tooth. Kandy also hosts the “Kandy Esala Perahara” which is a spectacular procession of elephants/Kandyan dancers/drummers etc; this event holds great significance in Buddhist and Srilankan culture. Other attractions in the city include the Royal botanical gardens and the beautiful Kandy lake, not to mention the various other temples around the city.
Dutch Fortress – Galle 140kms from Colombo is a well preserved sea port built by the Dutch who ruled most of the island from 1640. Visitors can relive the colonial era by visiting some of the many colonial buildings including the Dutch reformed church and some of the museums around the fort. Boutique accommodation is available close to the port in colonial villas.
Singharaja Forest reserve 120kms from Colombo is ecological treasure trove. An expanse of virgin forest spread over 11,000 hectares of thick vegetation. More than 60% of the trees are endemic and many of them are considered rare. Over 130 species of bird are found in the reserve which is also sanctuary to many species of mammals and butterflies.
