Excited about your upcoming trip to Sri Lanka, the emerald isle where many wonders lie? Sri Lanka has a proud history that dates over 2500 years and these top heritage sites will help you discover this illustrious past.
1. Sigiriya
This mammoth fortress was built during 477 to 495 CE by King Kasyapa. Declared as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Sigiriya Rock Fortress features stunning landscaped gardens, beautiful frescoes, the mirror wall, and an impressive stone carving of a pair of gigantic lion paws.
2. Galle Fort
Originally built by the Portuguese and then later fortified by the Dutch colonists, the Galle Fort is a spectacular UNESCO World Heritage Site that’s over 400 years old. The Galle Fort is home to a charming range of Dutch buildings the style of which many hotels in Sri Lanka like those by Earls Hotels, try to emulate to provide guests with an authentic experience. Some of the quaint buildings you can find within the Fort include the All Saints Church, National Maritime Archaeology Museum, The Lighthouse and many more.
3. Temple of the Tooth
Called the Dalada Maligawa in the local tongue, the Temple of the Tooth is a magnificent Buddhist temple which houses a relic believed to be a tooth belonging to the Gautama Buddha. Built according to the signature Kandyan architecture, the temple is festooned with stunning murals and even has an entire museum dedicated to a noble elephant called Maligawa Raja who had carried the casket of the tooth relic in the annual Kandy Esala Perahera for 50 years! The Kandy Esala Perahera or Parade is still being held every year from July to August, and if you’re visiting the city at that time, don’t forget to see it.
4. Anuradhapura
World famous for its excellently preserved ruins of an ancient Sri Lankan civilization, Anuradhapura is one of the greatest capitals in the history of the country. The city is home to a wide range of majestic monuments a few of which include the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi, Thuparamaya, Lovamahapaya, Abhayagiri Dagaba, Jetavanarama and the spectacular Ruwanwelisaya, which is one of the world’s tallest monuments.
5. Polonnaruwa
Sri Lanka’s second most ancient kingdom, Polonnaruwa is one of the best planned archaeological relic cities in the country. This UNESCO World Heritage site features a number of historical attractions such as the Vatadage, Hatadage, Rankoth Vehera, Nissanka Latha Mandapaya and the amazing Gal Vihara.n
Fritzjames Stephen is a travel writer, who writes content based on the myriad of experiences and indulgences that the world has to offer travellers across all walks of life. Google+
