Sri Lanka: Cultural Heritage, Rainforest and Coast

An ancient city stands on a granite peak about 180 metres high at Sigiriya; ruins of former capitals, sacred pilgrimage sites and historic fortifications offer further glimpses of Sri Lanka’s cultural heritage. Add tropical rainforest, wetland habitats in Yala National Park, coral reefs off Hikkaduwa and whale watching off Mirissa. When planning your trip, first consider whether architectural history, religious sites, nature or coastal experiences should take centre stage.

Cultural Heritage and Historic Sites

Anuradhapura was founded around the 5th century BCE and was Sri Lanka’s first capital. The restored remains of the ancient city lie in parks north and west of the modern city. Polonnaruwa became the second capital after Anuradhapura was destroyed in 993. Its monumental ruins include a garden city commissioned by Parakramabahu I in the 12th century. At Gal Vihara, four Buddha statues are carved from a granite rock face.

Sigiriya is an ancient rock fortress and the ruins of a castle or palace in Matale District. The city lies on the steep slopes and summit of a granite peak about 180 metres high. Galleries and stairways lead from the mouth of a giant lion built of brick and plaster to the complex. Sigiriya thus combines a striking rocky landscape with a distinctive architectural layout.

The Rangiri Dambulla Cave Temple has served as a sacred pilgrimage site for 22 centuries. The cave temple complex comprises five shrines and is considered the largest and best-preserved of its kind in Sri Lanka. Its Buddhist murals cover 2,100 square metres, and it also houses 157 statues. In Galle, the old town was founded by the Portuguese in the 16th century. It is an outstanding example of a fortified city built by Europeans in South and Southeast Asia. European architectural styles meet South Asian traditions there. Galle Fort, also known as the Dutch Fort or Ramparts of Galle, is a historic, archaeological and architectural monument.

The Temple of the Tooth Relic in Kandy is an important Buddhist pilgrimage site. Sri Dalada Maligawa is located within Kandy’s ancient royal palace complex. The annual Kandy Esala Perahera also shapes the city’s religious and traditional life. It takes place during the Esala full-moon month, which falls in July or August, and lasts ten days. It culminates in a procession featuring Kandyan drummers and decorated elephants. As the exact dates follow the lunar calendar, it is a good idea to check them before planning your trip.

Rainforest, National Park and Coast

Sinharaja is Sri Lanka’s last remaining continuous tract of primary tropical rainforest. More than 60 percent of the trees there are endemic. In Yala National Park, ecosystems range from wet monsoon forests to freshwater and marine wetlands. The park is home to 215 bird species, including six endemic to Sri Lanka; future surveys may change these figures. The two forest areas offer different perspectives on Sri Lanka’s nature: Sinharaja represents continuous rainforest, while Yala encompasses a wide range of habitats.

Hikkaduwa is a surfing area with four designated surf spots. Offshore, there is also a shallow coral reserve surrounded by a reef, with colourful fish and large turtles. In the waters off Mirissa, blue, Bryde’s, sperm and fin whales, as well as several dolphin species, can be spotted within 8 to 10 nautical miles of the harbour. Hikkaduwa therefore centres on designated surf spots and a coral reserve, while Mirissa is associated with sightings of various whale and dolphin species.

Spices, Highlands and Rail Connections

Visits to spice gardens offer insight into Sri Lanka’s centuries-old spice production. There, you can see, smell and taste cinnamon, pepper, cardamom and nutmeg where they originate. The central highlands, meanwhile, are characterised by emerald-green tea plantations and occasional waterfalls. The Cultural Triangle in central Sri Lanka is home to the ruins of ancient kingdoms, monumental reservoirs, hidden rock caves and ancient sacred temples. These themes appeal to different interests: spice gardens offer a glimpse of production, while the highlands and the Cultural Triangle each offer their own landscape and cultural heritage highlights.

Trains connect Colombo with all of Sri Lanka’s major tourist cities. The main routes include an Intercity Express between Colombo and Kandy. If rail connections are important to your plans, check the timetable before travelling, as schedules and rolling stock may change.

Discover more destinations: Central Province, Southern Province, Western Province, Eastern Province, Uva Province, North Western Province, North Central Province, Sabaragamuwa Province, Northern Province.

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