Cultural Heritage

From the enormous dagobas (dome-shaped structures) and ruins of ancient buildings in the ruined cities of Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa, to the awesome stairway to the temple at Dambulla and the sensual frescoes of heavenly maidens at the palace on the rock of Sigiriya, visitors can experience these World Heritage Sites within a compact area known as the Cultural Triangle.

The former royal capital of Kandy, located in the hill country, is home to the Dalada Maligawa, also known as the Sacred Temple of the Tooth, which houses the sacred tooth relic of the Buddha. Kandy is a bastion of traditional culture, as seen by its distinctive architecture, art, and music.

In contrast, travel south to the Dutch fort at Galle, which dates back to the mid-17th century and is the best maintained Dutch fortification in Asia, to learn about the country's colonial legacy. With 14 enormous bastions, a grid system of streets, and some old Dutch homes, the fort bustles with life, just as it did when Galle was the country's primary port. It is without a doubt one of the most unusual tourist attractions in Sri Lanka.

Sri Lanka's rich cultural heritage has been recognized by the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), which has designated six archaeological World Heritage Sites in the country:

The sacred city of Anuradhapura
The ancient city of Polonnaruwa
The golden temple of Dambulla
The ancient city of Sigiriya
The sacred city of Kandy
The old town of Galle and its fortifications