Anuradhapura

Anuradhapura is a major city located in the north central plain of Sri Lanka. It is the capital city of North Central Province. The city lies 205 kilometers (127 mi) north of the current capital of Colombo. The city is now a World Heritage Site famous for its well-preserved ruins of the ancient Sinhalese civilization.

Here are some of the must-visit places in Anuradhapura:

Sri Maha Bodhi

This sacred fig tree is said to be a sapling from the tree under which the Buddha attained enlightenment. It is one of the oldest authenticated trees in the world, and a place of immense significance for Buddhists.

Ruwanwelisaya

This white dagoba (stupa) is one of the largest stupas in Sri Lanka, and a marvel of engineering for its time. It is believed to enshrine relics of the Buddha.

Thuparamaya

This dagoba is considered to be the oldest dagoba in Sri Lanka, and is said to enshrine the Buddha’s collarbone.

Jetavanaramaya

This vast monastery complex was once the largest monastery in the world. The ruins include the impressive remains of the Jetavanaramaya dagoba, which was once the third-tallest structure in the ancient world.

Mihintale

This rocky outcrop is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and is considered to be the cradle of Buddhism in Sri Lanka. It is said to be the place where Mahinda, the son of Emperor Ashoka, introduced Buddhism to Sri Lanka in the 3rd century BC.

Isurumuniya

This rock temple complex is famous for its beautifully carved statues, including the “Elephant Pond” which depicts a herd of elephants descending to bathe in a water trough.

Anuradhapura is a treasure trove of ancient ruins and history, and these are just a few of the many places that can be explored.

Polonnaruwa

Poḷonnaruwa is the main town of Polonnaruwa District in North Central Province, and the second oldest of all Sri Lanka’s kingdoms. This ancient city also has been declared as a World Heritage Site.

Here are some must-visits in Polonnaruwa:

Gal Viharaya

This crown jewel of Polonnaruwa features a trio of exquisitely carved rock-cut Buddha statues. Each statue depicts the Buddha in a different posture – reclining, seated, and standing. Their intricate details and artistry leave visitors in awe.

Pothgul Vihara

A short distance from the Gal Vihara lies Pothgul Vihara, a captivating rock-cut temple complex. Explore its caverns to discover a reclining Buddha statue and various other carvings that offer a glimpse into the artistic expressions of the past.

Nissanka Latha Mandapaya

This exquisitely crafted structure was a royal audience hall.  It is renowned for its four-sided pavilion with intricately carved stone pillars and a unique roof design.

Vatadage

This unique circular building was a shrine that once housed a sacred relic of the Buddha. Its design is captivating, featuring a conical roof supported by elegantly carved stone pillars.

Parakrama Samudra

The Parakrama Samudra, is a vast artificial lake built by King Parakramabahu the Great in the 12th century.  This ingenious feat of irrigation continues to be a vital source of water for the surrounding area.

King Parakramabahu statue

The King Parakramabahu statue is an intriguing piece of Sri Lankan history. This is carved into a large rock near the Pothgul Vehera monastery and close to the Parakrama Samudra.

Sigiriya

Sigiriya, is an ancient rock fortress located in the northern Matale District near the town of Dambulla in the Central Province. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site which provides a valuable glimpse into the history and culture of Sri Lanka.

According to an ancient Sri Lankan chronicle, this area was once a large forest, but after storms and landslides, it became a hill and was chosen by King Kashyapa as his new capital in the fifth century. He built his palace on top of this rock and painted the sides with colorful frescoes. On a small plateau about halfway up the side of this rock, he built an enormous lion-shaped gateway. This location’s name is derived from its structure, Sinhagiri, the Lion Rock.

Dambulla Cave Temple

Dambulla Cave Temple, also known as the Golden Temple of Dambulla, is a World Heritage Site located in the country’s central region. This is Sri Lanka’s largest and best preserved cave temple complex. There are over 80 documented caves in the surrounding area. The main attractions are spread across five caves, which contain statues and paintings. These paintings and statues are about Gautama Buddha and his life.

Prehistoric Sri Lankans are thought to have lived in these cave complexes before the arrival of Buddhism in Sri Lanka, as there are burial sites with human skeletons approximately 2700 years old in this area, at Ibbankatuwa, near the Dambulla cave complex.

Kandy

Kandy is a major city in the Central Province of Sri Lanka. From 1469 to 1818, it served as the last capital of the Sinhalese monarchy, the Kingdom of Kandy. The city is located in the hills of the Kandy plateau, which runs through a region of tropical plantations, primarily tea. Kandy is both an administrative and religious city and the capital of the Central Province. Kandy is the home of the Temple of the Tooth Relic (Sri Dalada Maligawa), one of the most sacred places of worship in the Buddhist world.

Sri Dalada Maligawa

Sri Dalada Maligawa, also known as the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, is a Buddhist temple in Kandy, Sri Lanka. It is located in the Royal Palace Complex of the former Kingdom of Kandy, which houses the Buddha’s tooth relic. Since ancient times, the relic has played an important role in local politics because it is believed that whoever holds the relic has control over the country. The relic was traditionally held by Sinhalese kings. The Temple of the Tooth is a World Heritage Site, primarily because of the temple and the relic.

Tissamaharama

Tissamaharama is a town in the Southern Province of Sri Lanka with a rich history dating back to the 3rd century BC. During this period, it served as the capital of the Kingdom of Ruhuna. The town has historical traces from its past, including the Tissa Wewa, a large, ancient reservoir, and the Tissamaharama Raja Maha Vihara, a significant Buddhist monastery built around the same time. The monastery is one of the oldest and largest Buddhist educational facilities in southern Sri Lanka.