World Heritage Sites of Sri Lanka

This ancient land is blessed with a slew of sites which have immense historical and archaeological significance. Some of these sites have made way into the UNESCO’s map of World Heritage Sites. These places have emerged as the hub of tourists from all across the globe fascinating the beholders at the very first glimpse.

Anuradhapura
206 kms from Colombo, it was the original capital of Sri Lanka established around a cutting from Buddha's fig tree, brought there in the 3rd century B.C. by Sanghamitra. This sacred city flourished for 1,300 years, until when it was reduced into rubbles in an invasion in 993. The city, with its fascinating palaces, monasteries and monuments, lay hidden in the thick jungles until it was rediscovered and made accessible for visitors.

Polonnaruwa
This was second capital of Sri Lanka established after the destruction of Anuradhapura in 993. The crowning glory of Polonnaruwa is upheld by the Brahmanic monuments built by the Cholas, the monumental ruins of the fabulous garden-city created by Parakramabahu I in the 12th century. It is 216 kms from Colombo.



Sigiriya
This ancient city which dates back to about 7000 years is the best preserved city centre in Asia from the first millenium. “The Lion Mountain”, the gardens and the pockets of paintings surviving on the rock face are the centres of attraction in this site which stands at the threshold of being declared as the 8th wonder of the world. An array of galleries and staircases emerging from the mouth of a prodigious lion constructed of bricks and plaster provide access to the site. It lies 169 kms away from Colombo.

Kandy
This last capital of the Sinhala Kings is a very sacred Buddhist site and known popularly as the city of Senkadagalapura. It is also home to the famous site of the Temple of the Tooth Relic (the sacred tooth of Buddha). It is183 kms from Colombo.

Galle
Founded in the 16th century by the Portuguese, the glory of Galle reached its apotheosis in the 18th century, on the eve of the of the British era. It is the quintessence of a fortified city built by Europeans in South and South-East Asia, and an intricate blend of European architecture and South Asian traditions. Galle is 114 kms away from Colombo.

The Golden Temple of Dambulla
148 kms from Colombo, this cave monastery has been held as sacred by the Sri Lankans for 22 centuries. It contains five sanctuaries and is the largest and best preserved cave-temple complex in the entire island. The Buddhist mural paintings, covering an area of 2,100 square metres, and 157 statues hold immense value.

Accessibility
Trains are the best modes for the tourists to commute within Sri Lanka. Access to these sites have been facilitated by regular train services. You can also hire a tourist cab, but be sure to fix the fare beforehand.

Accomodation
A reasonably good standard of accomodation is available in the hotels and guest houses in and around these sites.