There are six cultural UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Sri Lanka, three of which make up the well trodden tourist trail known as the Golden Triangle. They do not disappoint, especially if you get to the likes of Sigiriya for sunrise, or watch the sunset over the ocean in the historic city of Galle. In between all of these are the glorious hill stations and tea plantations, as well as heritage railways such as the stunning journey through the highlands from Colombo, or the coast line to Galle.
1. Anuradhapura
This ancient city is revered as the capital of Buddhism and, therefore, a very sacred site. You also instantly feel how majestic it was two millennia ago with the Brazen Palace where 1,600 stone columns still stand. Dotted with monasteries, pilgrims also come to honour the only living shoot taken from the sacred Bo tree under which Buddha was enlightened. Its leaves are represented on the national flag.
2. Dambulla
A sacred network with 80 documented caves forming a temple complex dating back to 1st century BCE. Now there are five open to the public, where you can see their collection of Hindu and Buddhist statues as well as royal treasures. With beautiful hand painted walls, they were also where a Sinhalese king hid from Tamils. Visit them in reverse order, with 1 and 2 the most impressive.
3. Galle
Many people come here via the iconic coastal train journey from Colombo, and this old fort and port town was put on the map by the Portuguese in the 16th century. It is now a cool, waterside hub of funky hotels, restaurants and artisan shops. One of the country’s most atmospheric places to stay to get to grips with Sri Lanka’s cornucopia of culture, rightly rewarded with UNESCO World Heritage status.
4. Kandy
On a very crowded day it isn’t so sweet, but time your visit right to enjoy this former capital ruled by the Kings of Kandy since 15th century. Although it fell to British colonists in 1815, it is still a cultural beating heart. And a sacred one too, with its famous Temple of the Tooth, containing a sacred tooth belonging to the Buddha (so Kandy isn’t bad for teeth, then).
5. Polonnaruwa
This collection of 10th century temple and palace ruins was constructed by the Chola Kings of southern India who had a penchant for Polonnaruwa. It took over from nearby Anuradhapura as capital. Compact and accessible, it presents a good idea of how grand life was for these ancient nobles with their royal baths, monasteries and temples. This is a point of pilgrimage for many to see the Buddha rock carvings.
6. Sigiriya
This stunning citadel sits atop a humungous, 200m-high rock, known as Lion Rock, as it was thought, way back, that lions inhabited the caves around it. There are no lions nowadays, sadly, but there are plenty of monkeys jumping over this great UNESCO site, once King Kasyapa’s fort overlooking the jungle plains below. The climb takes you past ancient frescoes, and the views from the top paint a pretty picture too.
