The 8 historical places to visit in Sri Lanka

Country rich in traditions and history, Sri Lanka is home to numerous amazing historical places to visit that provide an overview into its storied past. Island nation invites visitors to take trip through time, with sights like old rock palace of Sigiriya, which is set beautifully atop towering plateau, and holy city of Anuradhapura, which has been enriched with buildings and ruins dating back over two millennia. Walk into cave temples of Dambulla, which are decorated with beautiful Buddhist murals and statues, or discover colonial beauty of Galle Fort, UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring Dutch-era architecture. Every location tells a story of past times, allowing visitors to become completely lost in the colourful weave of Sri Lanka’s past.

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Here are the 8 historical places to visit in Sri Lanka:

1. Polonnaruwa Vat adage, Polonnaruwa Overview:

Polonnaruwa In the well-known Dalada Maluwa quadrangle of the old city of ruins, Polonnaruwa, there is a well-preserved Vat adage. In Sri Lanka, vat adages are common Buddhist constructions. These are round, made of brick and stone, have a wooden roof, and beautiful stone carvings.

2. Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic:

The world’s most sacred Buddhist temple is called Sri Dalada Maligawa, or the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic. It is situated inside the earlier Kingdom of Kandy’s royal palace complex. Within the grounds of the royal palace complex, the temple contains the sacred tooth of the Buddha, which is nested in a decorated box.

3. Adam’s Peak:

Situated among the lush vegetation of Sri Lanka’s hill country lies the beautiful 2,243-meter top of Adam’s Peak. There is secrecy surrounding this impressive natural feature, and there is a legend that the footprint of Buddha can be located at its highest point. It is therefore among Sri Lanka’s most well-known pilgrimage destinations.

4. Dambulla Cave Temple:

Golden Dambulla Cave Temple has developed into a pilgrimage site in the last 22 years. Although there are other cave temples on the island, this one is the oldest and best-preserved. The remarkable wall paintings and more than 150 sculptures within and outside the shrine were preserved when Dambulla Cave Temple was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1991. It is among the most highly recommended historical sites in Sri Lanka.

5. Anuradhapura:

With multitude of mediaeval churches, palaces, and monuments, Anuradhapura is one of Sri Lanka’s most important historical locations. It is well-known for its huge dagobas, or brick stupas, historic lakes and ponds, and imposing temples. City was established as Sri Lanka’s first capital in 377 BC. During this period, Anuradhapura emerged as an important political and economic force.

6. World’s End, Horton Plains:

The Horton Plains plateau’s base is 880 metres below the World’s End cliff. Tea plantation communities may be viewed from the side of the ridge in this beautiful view. There is a beautiful waterfall route to the 9.5-kilometer World’s End climb. The best time to reach the escarpment is between 6 and 9 a.m., as this is when the dense white fog starts to drop.

7. Jaffna Fort:

Remaining from Sri Lanka’s colonial past, the famous Jaffna Fort commands an incredible view of the city’s glittering lagoon, where you can explore its cracking walls, moats, and beautiful entrances. Constructed by the Portuguese in 1618, the fort was modified by Dutch colonists in 1680 to take on the shape of a pentagon, which is a representation of traditional Dutch architecture.

8. Belilena:

For those who are interested in archaeology, Belilena is one of the most well-known historical sites in Sri Lanka. Site has evidence of ancient people dating back 32,000 years, which have been identified as the Balangoda Man. Eight miles from Kitugala, Belilena was declared an Archaeological Reserve by the Sri Lankan Archaeological Department.

Conclusion:

Sri Lanka presents wonderful journey through time for visitors, since it is treasure mine of historical beauties. Every historical location creates lasting impression on visitors, they are amazed by architectural beauty of ancient kingdoms, following in footsteps of colonial powers, or feeling spiritual resonance of sacred locations. Historical sites act as guardians of rich and varied past, exhibiting island’s past while also paying witness to its lasting cultural impact. Travelers are encouraged to explore historical places to visit that have molded Sri Lanka into attractive destination it is now with each step they take.