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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 

Click to enlarge
 

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

Click to enlarge 

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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

Click to enlarge
 

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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

Click to enlarge
 

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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 

Click to enlarge