World Heritage Sites in Sri Lanka

 1. Ancient City of Sigiriya.

Sigiriya is an ancient rock fortress constructed in the 5th century by King Kasyapa. The entrance of the palace is built in the form of an enormous lion, which gives the site its name – Lion’s Rock. Highlights: colorful frescoes decorate the rock, a mirror wall engraved with verses as old as the 8th century and some of the oldest landscaped gardens in the world.

 2. Sacred City of Anuradhapura.

Anuradhapura is where ancient civilization began in Sri Lanka and is the hub for Buddhism. Several well preserved ruins of monasteries, monuments and other ancient places are explored by tourists. Highlights: 2000 year old holy Bo Tree under which Lord Buddha attained enlightenment and also, Anuradhapura has discovered most number of Buddha’s relics according to historical records. 

 3. Sacred City of Kandy.

 Also known as Sri Lanka’s cultural capital, Kandy is home to the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic which is visited by Buddhists worldwide and other tourists too.  Temple of the Tooth, Esala Perahera held in July/August as an annual ritual of the Temple, Kandyan cultural dance, natural beauty such as forested hills and tea plantations.