Learn about and enjoy the rich cultural heritage that Sri Lanka has to offer you!
Sri Lanka has perhaps the finest collection of archaeological treasures in South Asia. Many of the site locations are easily accessible by road but the most spectacular sites are within an area that is known as the Cultural Triangle. This Triangle is formed by connecting the ancient capital cities of Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa and Kandy and is doubly important as it includes the majority of Sri Lanka’s world heritage sites.
The ‘MUST VISIT’ United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) list of world heritage sites in Sri Lanka –
Sacred City of Anuradhapura
Ancient City of Polonnaruwa
Ancient City of Sigiriya
Sacred City of Kandy
Golden Temple of Dambulla
Old Town of Galle and its Fortifications
Sinharaja Forest Reserve
The following brief highlights give an exciting flavor of what awaits you in the Cultural Triangle and beyond…
Anuradhapura –
The most historically significant cultural and religious location in Sri Lanka
Dates prior to 5th century BC
Sri Lanka’s first capital for nearly 15 centuries
A ruined city with major monasteries and ancient man-made lakes
Must see colossal Stupa’s
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Polonnaruwa -
The 2nd capital of Sri Lanka from the 11th to the 13th century
Ancient ruins of a walled inner and outer city
See incredible sculptured masterpieces at the ‘Gal Viharaya’
Beautiful monasteries and temples
Visit the man made ‘Parakrama Samudraya’ lake constructed by King Parakramabahu
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Dambulla -
World heritage rock temple site with ancient rock and wall paintings
Perhaps the largest rock cave temple complex in South Asia
Monastery complex established in the 3rd century BC
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Kandy –
The ‘hill capital’ of Sri Lanka. Enjoy the salubrious climate of this wonderful city
Capital of the last kingdom in Sri Lanka from the 15th through the 19th century
Home to the sacred temple of the tooth, housing the tooth relic of the Buddha
Must see traditional ritual festival of the ‘Perahera’ with the exposition of the sacred tooth relic in the month of August each year
Botanical gardens that includes acres upon acres of carefully managed plant life
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Sigiriya –
Also known as the ‘Lion Rock’ is a rock fortress that was built in the 5 century AD by King Kasyapa
Great destination with incredible frescos and a site that depicts structured urban planning
Climb this massive and sheer rock fortress which rises into the sky some 370 meters
Amazing landscaped gardens that are some of the most ancient in the world
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Old Town of Galle and its Fortifications –
Located in the City of Galle along the southern coastal stretch of Sri Lanka
Established in the 16th century by Portuguese
A great example of a fortified city
Let your imagination run riot and enjoy a breathtaking view of the Indian Ocean while walking the ramparts
Sinharaja Forest Reserve –
Visit one of the best preserved virgin tropical rain forests in South Asia
Covers a land extent of approximately 11,200 hectares and is located in the South West wet zone
An amazing location for general wildlife enthusiasts, Flora and Fauna lovers
Treasure trove of endemic species that include amphibians, reptiles, insects and plant life
Click to enlarge
Sinharaja Forest Reserve
Visit one of the best preserved virgin tropical rain forests in South Asia
Covers a land extent of approximately 11,200 hectares and is located in the South West wet zone
An amazing location for general wildlife enthusiasts, Flora and Fauna lovers
Treasure trove of endemic species that include amphibians, reptiles, insects and plant life