Discover the rich cultural heritage of Sri Lanka through its ancient temples, UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and vibrant festivals. Explore the majestic ruins of Anuradhapura, the sacred city of Kandy, and the iconic Sigiriya rock fortress. Immerse yourself in the spiritual ambiance of sacred sites such as the Temple of the Tooth and the Dambulla Cave Temple. Experience the warmth of Sri Lankan hospitality and witness colorful cultural performances that celebrate the island’s diverse traditions. Delve into a world of history and tradition as you explore the cultural sites of Sri Lanka.
Sacred City of Anuradhapura
Anuradhapura is the first capital of Sri Lanka located in north central province of Sri Lanka. It is one of the ancient capitals of Sri Lanka which was the center of Theravada Buddhism for many centuries. Due to its ruins of an ancient Sri Lankan civilization UNESCO named it as a UNESCO world heritage site in 1982 under the name of Sacred City of Anuradhapura.
The sacred places are known as Jaya Sri Maha Bodhiya, Ruwanwelisaya, Thuparamaya, Lovamahapaya, Abhayagiri Dagaba, Jetavanarama, Mirisaveti Stupa and Lankarama. They are situated in Anuradhapura, the capital of the ancient Anuradhapura Kingdom.
Ancient City of Polonnaruwa
With the fall of Anuradhapura in 993, Polonnaruwa replaced it as the capital of Sri Lanka. It includes the magnificent remains of Parakramabahu I’s 12th-century Garden City in addition to the Brahmanic monuments constructed by the Cholas.
Attractions in and around Polonnaruwa include the Royal Palace, the Audience Hall, the Holy Quadrangle, the Swimming Pool, the Dagaba Kiri Vihara, the Pabalu Vehera, the Buddha statue at Lankatilaka, Lord Buddha images at Gal Vihara, the Rankot Vihara, and the Polonnaruwa Tank (Parakrama Samudraya).
Sigiriya
Sigiriya, one of Asia’s most significant archaeological sites, showcases a remarkable aggregation of urban planning, architecture, gardening, engineering, hydraulic technology, and art from the fifth century. Sigiriya is a stunning and historically significant setting, centred on a huge rock that rises 200 metres above the surrounding plain.
The paintings from the 5th century that were discovered in a depression on the rock face more than 100 metres above ground are the most well-known parts of the Sigiriya complex. These murals, which may be accessed via a contemporary spiral staircase, are all that remain of a massive background that originally covered the rock’s western face in a broad swath. About 140 metres in length and, at its broadest, around 40 metres in height, the painted band seems to have continued to the north-eastern corner of the rock.
Dambulla
Dambulla Rock Temple, also known as Jumbukola Vihara (the primary Pali Chronicle of Sri Lanka) is located on the main route to Anuradhupura, 47 miles northwest of Kandy (the final capital of the Sinhalese monarchs).
The temples, which make this spot famous, are located in a large cavern on the west side of the cliff, 350 feet above the plain. It is now difficult to identify whether the cavern in which these temples are created is entirely natural, just partially natural, or only partially natural and partly manufactured. Dambulla temple is comprised of five separate caves, or shrine chambers. There are several Buddha sculptures and other figures from Buddhist history that may be found in all of these caves. These caverns house one-hundred-fifty statues of the Buddha.
Kandy
Kandy, often known as the Hill Capital, is Sri Lanka’s last remaining royal stronghold and a picturesque city with a rich history. Kandy is sometimes cited as Sri Lanka’s only other “city” outside of the capital, Colombo. The laid-back hill country capital has a lot to offer: museums, forests, and a small city vibe. Kandy is a beautiful city year-round, but in August, the Festival of the August Moon draws millions of visitors from all over Sri Lanka and the world to the Hill City to experience a spectacular cultural event unlike any other in Asia.
Among the many tourist hotspots in and around kandy City are the Temple of the Sacred Tooth, Culture Show, Gem Museum, Kandy Lake, Kandy View Point, Kandy Museum, Knuckles, Hanthana Mountain, Lankatilaka Temple, Gadaladeniya Temple, and Monastaires.
Yapahuwa
One of Sri Lanka’s most significant historical landmarks is the Yapahuwa Rock Fortress. The Buddha’s tooth relic was first discovered in Yapahuwa before being moved to the Temple of the Tooth in Kandy.