6 Top Historical Sites to Visit – Exploring the Rich Culture of Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka is a country rich in cultural heritage. It has a written history that dates back 2500 years. The country is popular for its fascinating historical and cultural landmarks. Sri Lanka is filled with ancient ruins, colonial architecture, and natural beauty. The country inherits a huge diversity of cultures, which makes a visit to Sri Lanka an extraordinary experience for anyone who loves culture and history.

Here are some of the top historical sites to visit in Sri Lanka.

1. Sigiriya

2. Anuradhapura

3. Polonnaruwa

4. Kandy

5. Galle fort

6. Koneshwaram Kovil

Sigiriya – The 8th World Wonder

Sigiriya if not the “lion rock” is an ancient rock fortress located in the Matale district of Sri Lanka. It got its name because of the two lion paws carved into the rock at the entrance.

It is believed to be built around the 5th century by King Kashyapa. Sigiriya has been recognized as a UNESCO world heritage and it is one of the most popular historical destinations among tourists.

What is special about Sigiriya

The rock is about 600 meters high. The palace of King Kashyapa has been built on the top of the rock and to this day ruins are visible.

The ancient architecture, gardens, and infrastructure of the palace still amaze archeologists. The technology of transporting water to the top of the rock was remarkable.

Sigiriya was not just a fortress but also a fine work of art. It can be proved by the Sigiriya frescoes. In ancient times there has been around 500 paintings and poems. In the present, only a few were able to be preserved

You can witness not only the ruins of the palace, garden, and ponds but also the paintings if you decide to climb up the rock. Don’t worry there are stairs, so you will be safe. Plus it is quite an adventure to go and see to catch a glimpse of the indescribable beauty of the site.

Therefore Sigiriya is undoubtedly a marvelous work of ancient technology, art, and engineering.

The Ancient City of Anuradhapura

Anuradhapura is an ancient city that was the capital of Sri Lanka during the 10th century. It is also a UNESCO-identified cultural heritage.

Anuradhapura is home to ancient monuments including stupas, temples, and palaces,  and also to Sri maha bodhi which is recognized as the world’s oldest tree.

The places you must visit in Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka

The best places to visit in Anuradhapura are, Sri Maha Bodhiya, Lovamahapaya, Jethawana Stupa, Abhayagiri Stupa, Kuttam Pokuna(Twin Ponds), Ruwanweli Stupa, Aukana Buddha Statue, Thuparamaya, and Isurumuniya.

Archeological excavations are being continued in this area. The rock carvings such as the Sandakadapahana, and Muragala showcase the ancient archeological masterpieces.

The lakes of Tissawewa, Nuwarawewa, and Basawakulama are ancient irrigation marvels.

Polonnaruwa

Polonnaruwa is a city in the North Central province of the country which is home to numerous historical sites displaying ancient architecture, sculpture, and art. It is also a UNESCO world heritage site due to its historical and cultural value.

Some of the notable attractions of the area include,

• Polonnaruwa  Main Archeological site – This is a site featuring the well-preserved ruins of the buildings of the royal palace. Also, ancient rock carvings such as Sandakadapahana, stone pillars, and Muragala can be seen on the site.

Buddha statues and Buddhist temples are prominent structures in the area. With the Chola invasions in this era, the influence of Hindu culture also can be seen such as in the ruins of Hindu temples, Statues of Hindu Gods, and Goddesses.

• Gal Vihara – It is a complex of rock-cut Buddha statues. They have been carved out of Granite. It mainly consists of three Buddha statues in different positions; standing Buddha, seated Buddha, and reclining Buddha. These showcase the beauty of the ancient sculpture

• Polonnaruwa vatadage – It is a circular structure built as the house for the sacred Tooth Relic. Its stone pillars are remaining still to this day

• Rankoth Vehera – One of the largest Buddhist monuments in Polonnaruwa

• Gal potha – It is an ancient script written on a rock slab. It provides valuable information about the history of Sri Lanka. It is the oldest written document found in Sri Lanka.

• Polonnaruwa Museum- It exhibits ancient artifacts providing a deeper understanding of the ancient history and civilization during the era.

Kandy – The capital of last kingdom

Kandy is a city located in the Central province and is considered the cultural capital of the country. It is home to the Temple of Sacred Tooth Relic which has a relic of the Buddha. Therefore it is considered one of the most sacred Buddhist sites in the country. It is a famous Buddhist pilgrimage.

The architecture of the temple and King’s palace is also quite interesting making it a must-visit site for those who are interested in ancient culture and history.

Kandy is also popular for its annual Esala Perehera which is a grand cultural festival with hundreds of dancers and a lot of tuskers showcasing the rich culture of Sri Lanka.

It usually takes place in the month of August. If you get the chance to watch it you won’t regret it since it is the biggest cultural festival in Sri Lanka. It will be an amazing experience with a lot of surprises.

Apart from that, Kandy the city is quite picturesque with surrounding hills, including Kandy Lake. You can get an iconic view of the whole city if you climb up to the viewpoint. Also, queens hotel is a famous Instagram spot. 

Galle Fort & Galle City

The fort was originally built by the Portuguese in the 16th century. Therefore you can witness Portuguese architecture throughout the fort. It was originally built to defend Galle from intruders but in the present, it has been transformed into a place of culture, and history.

After the Dutch invasion of the fort, Dutch colonial buildings were also built in the Galle Fort.

Due to its historical importance, the site was identified as a UNESCO world heritage.

The Fort is filled with ancient mosques, churches, charming shops cafes, and galleries. The view of the ocean above the fort is simply spectacular. Also can’t forget the famous lighthouse which is at one end of the fort.

Overall the fort is not only a historical site but also an amazing place for a romantic date.

Koneshwaram Hindu Temple

Koneshwaram kovil if not Thirukoneshwaram kovil is a Hindu shrine located in the Eastern province city of Trincomalee. It is one of the oldest Hindu temples in Sri Lanka and is considered one of the five historic temples that are dedicated to the Hindu God, Lord Shiva. According to the pieces of evidence of the resources, the Kovil has been built around the 3rd century BC

However, according to Hindu mythology, Koneshwaram Kovil is believed to be built by Lord Ravana who was a devotee of Lord Shiva and the demon in legendary Hindu literature Ramayanaya.

The temple also has texts of ancient Tamil literature including Sangam literature. A gigantic statue of Lord Shiva can be seen at the entrance of the temple.

When mentioning the location of the temple, it is situated on the top of a huge rock making it stand out in the whole area. If you visit the place you can get a spectacular view of the endless turquoise ocean overlooking the Indian Ocean. Also, you can get to experience the vibrant Hindu culture of the country.