An approximately 180-metre-high granite peak dominates the ancient city of Sigiriya: the city lies on its steep slopes and at its summit. Galleries and staircases lead from the mouth of a giant lion built from brick and plaster to the complex. As a rock fortress and the ruins of a castle or palace in Matale District, Sigiriya offers a striking insight into Sri Lanka’s history and architecture.
Ancient Cities and Fortified Architecture
The succession of early capitals can be traced through Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa. Anuradhapura was founded around the 5th century BC and was Sri Lanka’s first capital. Its restored remains lie in parks north and west of the modern city. After Anuradhapura was destroyed in 993, Polonnaruwa became the country’s second capital. Its monumental ruins include a garden city laid out by Parakramabahu I in the 12th century. At Gal Vihara, four Buddha statues are carved from a granite rock face.
The old town of Galle, founded by the Portuguese in the 16th century, tells a different architectural story. Galle Fort is also known as Dutch Fort or Ramparts of Galle and is described as a historic, archaeological and architectural monument. The fortified city is considered an outstanding example of European architecture in South and Southeast Asia, showcasing the interplay between European architectural styles and South Asian traditions.
Pilgrimage Sites and Traditions in Kandy and Dambulla
Rangiri Dambulla Cave Temple has served as a sacred pilgrimage site for 22 centuries. The complex comprises five shrines and is considered Sri Lanka’s largest and best-preserved cave temple complex. Its features include Buddhist murals covering 2,100 square metres and 157 statues. In Kandy, the Temple of the Tooth Relic is an important Buddhist pilgrimage site. Sri Dalada Maligawa is located within the city’s ancient royal palace complex.
The Kandy Esala Perahera also shapes the city’s cultural life. The festival takes place every year during the Esala full-moon month, which coincides with July or August, and lasts for ten days. It culminates in a procession featuring Kandyan drummers and decorated elephants. Since the exact dates follow the lunar calendar, it is worth checking the dates for the relevant year before travelling.
Rainforest, Highlands and National Parks
Sri Lanka’s landscapes include the tea plantations of the central highlands, punctuated by individual waterfalls, and the Cultural Triangle in the centre of the country. This traditional cultural landscape encompasses the ruins of ancient kingdoms, monumental tanks, hidden rock caves and old sacred temples. Sinharaja, meanwhile, is the last remaining continuous area of Sri Lanka’s primary tropical rainforest. More than 60 percent of the trees in Sinharaja Forest Reserve are endemic.
The ecosystems of Yala National Park range from wet monsoon forests to freshwater and marine wetlands. Sri Lanka’s national parks offer visitors scientific, educational, recreational and aesthetic opportunities. Entry requires a permit and is subject to the conditions set by the relevant conservation authority.
Coast, Sea and Spices
Hikkaduwa brings together two distinct coastal attractions: it is a surfing area with four designated surf spots, and surfing here is a seasonal activity. Offshore there is also a shallow coral sanctuary, a reef-enclosed marine area with colourful fish and large turtles. Off Mirissa, blue whales, Bryde’s whales, sperm whales and fin whales, as well as several dolphin species, can be spotted within 8 to 10 nautical miles of the harbour.
Spice gardens offer another way to experience Sri Lanka. Visitors can see, smell and taste cinnamon, pepper, cardamom and nutmeg where they originate. Visits also provide insight into the country’s centuries-old spice production. In this way, nature and cultural experiences complement each other without having to be confined to the same part of the trip.
Travel Planning Guide
Trains connect Colombo with all of Sri Lanka’s major tourist cities. The main routes include an Intercity Express between Colombo and Kandy. Since timetables and the rolling stock in use may change, it is advisable to check the current timetable for a specific train journey. Historic sites, coastal landscapes and natural areas offer different focuses for travel planning; which ones you combine depends on your interests.
Discover More Destinations
Discover more destinations: Central Province, Southern Province, Western Province, Eastern Province, Uva Province, North Western Province, North Central Province, Sabaragamuwa Province, Northern Province
