Spread the love

Sri Lanka possesses a rich cultural heritage spanning more than 2,500 years and has been enriched by various cultural influences. One of the few countries with a vast and rich cultural diversity, the island boasts 49 sites classified as unique attractions, six of the 300 ancient monuments in the world and an astonishing seven UNESCO world heritage sites.

The awe-inspiring natural attractions of this diverse country, coupled with its rich history guarantee to amaze and delight the most well-travelled individuals. Due to the country’s compact size, visitors are able to experience an impressive number of these marvels, regardless of the length of their stay.

Cave Temples of Dambulla

Buddhism is evident in almost every aspect of Sri Lanka’s heritage and traditions, and the Golden Temple of Dambulla is no exception. Listed as a world heritage site, it is the largest and best-preserved cave complex in Sri Lanka. Located 148km from Colombo, the cave temples are masterpieces of Buddhist art, each filled with murals depicting scenes from the Buddha’s life. Walking through these caves is a humbling experience and one not to be
missed.

Sacred City of Anuradhapura

The ruins of the sacred city of Anuradhapura, located in the North Central Province, is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. This magical place features some of the most ancient archaeological treasures in Sri Lanka. The sheer size of ancient Anuradhapura adds to its fascinating offering of architectural wonders, ancient temples and pools. A deeply spiritual place and a key part of the island’s history, worshippers continue to visit the city’s monasteries to mediate.

Sigiriya

Considered by many as the eighth wonder of the ancient world, the 200 metre-high Sigiriya rock fortress is a must-see site when visiting this stunning country, and is considered to be one of the oldest tourist attractions in the world.

Remnants from a 5th century castle showcase the incredible history of the fortress, with walls,
gardens, moat and a series of symmetric pools to explore.

Sinharaja Forest Reserve

Those seeking an interactive experience should visit the Sinharaja Forest Reserve, situated 120km south-east of Colombo. Those exploring Sinharaja are recommended to do so on foot for an authentic jungle experience. Nature lovers will be well and truly in their element with an array of flora and fauna, and over 130 bird species, with many endemic to Sri Lanka. As a designated UNESCO Heritage Site, it truly is a unique rainforest to visit.