Sri Lanka, a beautiful island in the Indian Ocean region, is a country has a rich past, beautiful people and stunning geography. This is a home to several UNESCO World Heritage Site which will afford travelers an opportunity to visit ancient city, temples and natural attractions. Starting from the ancient city of Anuradhapura, through the famous rock fortress of Sigiriya up to the sacred kingdom of Kandy the history of Sri Lanka is brought to life by the numerous sites there. These sites are especially for those who are interested in the history of the ancient civilisations as well as for those people who enjoy the beauty of the nature.
To avoid any form of complications, plan your Sri Lanka Tour Packages or Sri Lanka Holiday Packages to include the following destinations. These planned tours can help the visitor to cover all the places of interest without any inconvenience of wrong routes or guidances. No matter if you want to look at the Galle Fort, observe the BCS-accessioned paintings in a Dambulla cave temple or get a first sight of the Sinharaja Forest Reserve the curated itinerary will enrich your experience in Sri Lanka.
Here are the 4 Ancient UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Sri Lanka
1. Sigiriya – The Majestic Lion Rock
Sigiriya which means Lion Rock is a remarkable archaeological site that is located in Sri Lanka and the rock rises up to 200 meters above the ground. This is the same as Bulan Sri Kasyapa’s building that was constructed in the fifth century AD and is celebrated for its stunning paintings, gardens and the giant lion statues at the entrance. It eventually leads to the top from where one can see the surrounding dense forests and remnants of the royal palace.
It will be interesting to know that Sigiriya is an ideal place for the history buffs and the ones who love adventure. It has been one of the most valued UNESCO sites in Sri Lanka because of the rich history, artistry and excellent architectural designs. Do not leave without visiting the Mirror Wall where people have been leaving writings for the last few hundred years.
2. Anuradhapura – The Sacred Ancient City
Anuradhapura city is one of the oldest populated cities in the world, with history of over 2 500 years. This city is historcal which was the capital of Sri Lanka and contains the remains of palaces, monasteries and temples such as Ruwanwelisaya and Jetavanaramaya.
Anuradhapura attracts the pilgrims and tourists through the Sri Maha Bodhi tree which is a direct descendant of the tree under which Lord Buddha attained enlightenment. Visiting this site will always be a colorful experience as it gives the visitor a true view of the ancient Sri Lanka.
3. Polonnaruwa – The Medieval Marvel
Another important archeological site in Sri Lanka, which may be of interest to the tourists is again a World Heritage Site – Polonnaruwa. This city reached its peak in the 11th and the 13th centuries and lots of splendid pieces of the Sri Lankan architecture have been preserved here including the largest temple of Gal Vihara with the statues of Buddha.
Prehistoric attractions include the Royal Palace, the Audience Hall and the Parakrama Samudra which was a fabulous piece of engineering during the bygone era. In this case Polonnaruwa provides a successful historical insight as well as a trip back to the Medieval Age for people who have an interest in historical monuments and archeological sites.
4. Dambulla Cave Temple – A Sanctuary of Buddhist Art
The Dambulla cave temple or the Golden Temple of Dambulla is situated in Sri Lanka is the one of the largest and well preserved cave temple complex in the country. It is an astonishing place with five separate caves containing over 150 statues of Buddha and beautiful paintings illustrating Buddhist ideology and religious history of Sri Lanka.
Conclusion:
Visiting UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Sri Lanka is learning about the place’s history, culture and even nature in a single trip. Each site, from the majestic Sigiriya Rock Fortress to the sacred city of Kandy, offers a unique glimpse into the island’s glorious past. These mesmerizing destinations are perfect for history, religion, or nature lovers; they leaves a lasting image on visitors’ heart. The beautiful island country of Sri Lanka has much more than the historical and archaeological values, the people, their customs and traditions, and the history that is as old as the world are also part of the Sri Lankan heritage.
To fully enjoy these sites, it is advisable that you take a Sri Lanka Tour or Sri Lanka Holiday that include the above mentioned sites. The fact that sites have been earmarked, you are able to visit these places in a relaxed manner, accompanied by knowledgeable tour guides and well arranged for tours. The purpose of these packages is simply to give ease to those who travel to Sri Lanka alone, those who travel with their families, or those who travel on a cultural trail. Here is the brief about the country: Welcome to this wonderful island country and make your journey a unique one!
