The Sri Lanka cultural triangle is an essential part of every Sri Lanka heritage tour. Many UNESCO World Heritage Sites have found their homes in the cultural triangle of Sri Lanka. These historical monuments depict the majesty of Sri Lanka’s ancient, flourishing culture. Imposing Dagobas, palaces, Buddhist temples, hospitals, gardens, reservoirs, and a variety of other constructions dating back many thousands of years rest here.
Table of Contents
- 8 Historical Places in Sri Lanka for a Memorable Sri Lanka Heritage Tour
- Sri Lanka as a holiday location
- Visiting historical sights during a Sri Lanka history trip.
- Historical Sites in Sri Lanka’s Cultural Triangle
- How long does a cultural triangle tour last?
- What does Sri Lanka’s cultural triangle look like?
- Which are the most popular historical sites in Sri Lanka?
- Most Popular 5 Sri Lanka Heritage Tours
- 1 Day trip to Sigiriya
- 2 Days Sri Lanka heritage tour to Sigiriya, Kandy and Dambulla
- 4 Days Sri Lanka Heritage Tour to the cultural triangle of Sri Lanka
- 3 days Sri Lanka Heritage Tour with Kandy and upcountryuntry
- Sri Lanka culture cocktail tour 6 days tour with historical monuments
- Simply Sri Lanka 8 days Sri Lanka Heritage Tour
- The historic city of Anuradhapura
- What are the eight most important monuments to see in Anuradhapura’s old city?
- Nature of the ruins discovered in Polonnaruwa
- The historical site of the Sigiriya Rock Fortress
- Pidurangala cave Temple
- Visiting Pidurangala temple during a one-day visit in Sri Lanka.
- Visit the Dambulla cave temple on the Sri Lanka Heritage Tour.
- The historical city of Kandy
- Kataragama Temple, a multi-religious historical site in Sri Lanka.
- A few famous Sri Lanka trips that allow you to witness popular historical sites in Sri Lanka.
- Historical Hindu monuments
- Adams Peak
- Sri Lanka Heritage Tour
- What historical sites are featured in the Heritage Tour?
- Itinerary of Sri Lanka Heritage Tour
8 Historical Places in Sri Lanka for a Memorable Sri Lanka Heritage Tour
I had wanted to write this article with the title “8 Historical Places in Sri Lanka for a Memorable Sri Lanka Heritage Tour” for a long time because visiting historical sites is one of the most popular activities among travelers and is included in most Sri Lanka tour packages, such as a four-day Sri Lanka cultural tour. But, with so much work and a packed schedule, I had to postpone it. But this time, I decided to finish the piece because the number of inquiries for Sri Lankan excursions with historical attractions is increasing by the day.
Sri Lanka is a tropical island in the Indian Ocean and one of only a few countries in the world with continuous human occupancy. Sri Lanka is a country rich in history and culture, from the magnificent stupas of Anuradhapura in the north-central region to the 15th-century living city of Galle Fort, which has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Attractions steeped in history and cultural heritage can be found throughout Sri Lanka, allowing visitors to explore one of the world’s oldest cultures and learn the stories that have shaped the region.
There are cities around the world that are considered bits of living history, with visitors able to view not just the presence of everyday life but also actual structures ranging from old temples to forts and castles. Many centuries of human occupancy are obvious in such antique structures, yet global requirements such as highways and cables must be carefully constructed to avoid destroying the precious past. Here is a list of eight historical places in Sri Lanka that could be included in most Sri Lanka heritage tour packages. These ancient destinations in Sri Lanka are famed for their historical monuments and fascinating histories.
This page focuses on historical landmarks in Sri Lanka that are featured in Sri Lanka Heritage Tours. I believe you came to our page because you were looking for information on historical places in Sri Lanka. I plan to write only about the most popular historical sites in Sri Lanka. Because if I try to include all of Sri Lanka’s historical sites in this post, I will not be able to do it in a few hours; in fact, it may take years due to the sheer number of historical sites in the country.
Sri Lanka as a holiday location
Sri Lankan tourism is booming on a large scale, with an increasing number of visitors each day. Sri Lanka was traditionally a beach vacation destination, but it is currently expanding into other sectors such as eco-tourism, adventure vacations, and cultural excursions. I believed this post couldn’t be delayed any longer because we receive a great number of emails from travelers all over the world asking questions such as “What are the popular historical places in Sri Lanka?” and “What historical places can we visit during our Sri Lanka heritage tour?” and so on.
Visiting historical sights during a Sri Lanka history trip.
After conducting extensive study, we have selected the historical sites listed below as key historical sites to see on a Sri Lanka tour. We will only cover these few historical sites in Sri Lanka. By far, these are the most popular historical sites in Sri Lanka.
All of the historical monuments mentioned in the blog article have a significant historical background. They are spread all around the island. If you want to see them all, it’s best to create a customized Sri Lanka vacation that includes everything.
If you don’t have enough time to devote 5 days to a vacation, you can take a short trip and see a few destinations. For example, a one-day Sri Lanka trip to Sigiriya allows you to see both Sigiriya Rock and Dambulla Temple. More than half of the island’s historical sites are religious and thus sacred.
To respect religious beliefs, all visitors to these important sites are required to dress in a specific manner. Every visitor to holy sites in Sri Lanka follows a set of regulations when visiting sacred areas.
Historical Sites in Sri Lanka’s Cultural Triangle
Any essay about Sri Lanka’s historical sites will be incomplete without mentioning the cultural triangle of Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka’s cultural triangle contains hundreds of ancient monuments, and more than half of Sri Lanka’s most important historical sites are located inside its borders. Almost all visitors to Sri Lanka visit the cultural triangle to learn about the country’s rich history.
This cultural triangle of Sri Lanka is located in the central province of Sri Lanka, 200 kilometers from Colombo, and runs parallel to the A9 main route that connects Kandy and Jaffna. This is one of the most popular routes on the island, connecting northern Sri Lanka to the rest of the country. For decades, the A9 route served as a geographical and cultural crossroads, a hub for meetings and exchange. It was significant for travelers and drew visitors from all over the world; however, the A9 route was mostly neglected from 1983 to 2009 because to the armed war in northern Sri Lanka, and has been doing so since 2009.
The iconic historical tourist attractions in the cultural triangle, such as Sigiriya rock fortress, Dambulla golden temple, and Polonnaruwa ancient city, have been identified as critical components of an ambitious development program aimed at attracting three million visitors in the coming years and making Sri Lanka one of Asia’s most appealing holiday destinations.
How long does a cultural triangle tour last?
The Sri Lanka heritage tour might span anywhere from two days to several weeks, depending on how many historical places you choose to visit. If you choose the 2-day Sri Lanka heritage trip, you will have the opportunity to visit the most important sites in Sri Lanka’s cultural triangle. If you want to get a good picture of the cultural triangle, plan to spend at least 5 days here.
If you are a leisure traveler who wants to see the most essential parts of the cultural triangle, a three-day tour will suffice. The 5-day Sri Lanka heritage tour visits Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa, Sigiriya, Dambulla, and Kandy.
What does Sri Lanka’s cultural triangle look like?
Many UNESCO World Heritage Sites have found their homes here. These historical monuments depict the majesty of Sri Lanka’s ancient flourishing culture. Imposing Dagobas, palaces, Buddhist temples, hospitals, gardens, reservoirs, and a variety of other constructions dating back many thousands of years rest here.
The most spectacular antique structures amaze modern engineers. Despite the lack of cutting-edge technologies that we use today, ancient engineers were able to construct many superior structures in terms of design and technology. For example, in the third century BC, ancient engineers invented the sluice of the contemporary reservoir, which they termed BISOKOTUWA. The Bisokotuwa uses the same mechanism as a modern sluice.
Many old constructions have existed for thousands of years. Some of the ancient constructions in the cultural triangle were massive structures at the time, surpassing the intimidating scale of many modern buildings. For example, the Jetwanaram stupa, completed in the 4th century AD, was the 4th highest brick edifice in the world, standing 400 feet tall.
Which are the most popular historical sites in Sri Lanka?
Sri Lanka has hundreds of historical sites, which are distributed around the country. The majority of these historical sites are associated with Buddhism and may be found in Sri Lanka’s northern, eastern, southern, and western provinces. However, this article is intended to provide important information about major tourist destinations with historical significance. As a result, we’ve decided on the following locations. Most Sri Lanka trip packages include visits to the following destinations.
• Anuradhapura, an ancient city located 200 miles away.
• Polonnaruwa, a historical city located 229 kilometers away.
• Sigiriya Rock – 176 kilometers
• Dambulla Golden Temple (160 km)
• The tooth relic temple is located approximately 115 miles away.
• The Kataragama temple is about 300 kilometers away.
• Seetha Temple (173 kilometers)
• Adams Peak.
Most Popular 5 Sri Lanka Heritage Tours
1 Day trip to Sigiriya
This is the shortest travel to Sri Lanka’s cultural triangle. If you’re in a rush and only have a few hours to see historical monuments, this is your best option. The excursion visits Dambulla’s golden cave temple and the Sigiriya rock castle. The excursion begins at 5:00 a.m. from Colombo and ends about 6:00 p.m.
2 Days Sri Lanka heritage tour to Sigiriya, Kandy and Dambulla
This two-day journey will take you to three of Sri Lanka’s most famous historical sites: Sigiriya, Kandy, and Dambulla. This is an ideal Sri Lanka heritage tour that only requires two days of your time.
4 Days Sri Lanka Heritage Tour to the cultural triangle of Sri Lanka
This is an ideal itinerary for travelers who are interested in culture; with this tour itinerary, you will be able to visit Sigiriya Rock, Polonnaruwa, Dambulla Temple, and Kandy Tooth Relic Temple in Sri Lanka’s Cultural Triangle.
3 days Sri Lanka Heritage Tour with Kandy and upcountryuntry
This is a three-day Sri Lanka historical tour that includes the tooth relic temple and the Sita Amman shrine. The tour is quite popular among Indian tourists who want to visit the main sites mentioned in the Ramayana. The journey includes visits to the Pinnawala elephant orphanage, tea gardens, waterfalls, and Nuwara Eliya.
Sri Lanka culture cocktail tour 6 days tour with historical monuments
This is a round-trip tour of Sri Lanka that visits all of the country’s significant historical sites. The itinerary also covers wildlife reserves, beaches, tea gardens, and Sri Lankan mountains.
Simply Sri Lanka 8 days Sri Lanka Heritage Tour
Another popular multi-day vacation in Sri Lanka that includes visits to the country’s significant historical landmarks. It also includes a scenic tour of Colombo, the southern coast of Sri Lanka, Galle, and Sri Lanka’s upcountry.
The historic city of Anuradhapura
If you want to see historical sites in Sri Lanka, the first location you should go is Anuradhapura, which is at the heart of Sri Lankan history. Anuradhapura is an essential stop on every Sri Lanka journey to experience the country’s historical landmarks. It served as Sri Lanka’s capital for over a millennium, beginning in the third century BC.
Anuradhapura is one of Sri Lanka’s oldest cities. It was the first capital of ancient Sri Lanka and is regarded as the birthplace of Sinhalese culture. Numerous Dagobas, stupas, and palaces gleam brightly on the historic city’s plains, overlooking the surrounding ancient tank “Nuwara Wewa”. The monuments of Anuradhapura are easily recognisable and revered as symbols of Classical Sinhalese architecture. Anuradhapura has dozens of archaeological sites, temples, ancient tanks, and museums where archaeologists study ancient Sinhalese art, culture, and architecture.
Many antique buildings in the ancient city are still in fine condition after being excitant for many centuries. Ruwanweli Stupa and Thuparama dagoba are in good condition, whereas other old structures have been destroyed to ruins by the sun, rain, and wind.
The historical portion of Anuradhapura is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The ancient district of Anuradhapura features notable structures like as Isurumuniya, Sri Maha Bodhi, Ruwanweli Stupa, Kuttam Pokuna, and numerous more sites and museums.
What are the eight most important monuments to see in Anuradhapura’s old city?
These eight sites, also known as “Atamasthana,” are considered exceedingly sacred, and every Buddhist should visit them at least once in their lives.
1.Sri Maha Bodhi
2.Ruwanweli Stupa or Dagoba
3.Isurumuniya
4.Jetawanarama Dagoba or Stupa
5.Abhayagiri Dagoba/Stupa.
6.Meirisaweltiya Stupa
7.Lankarama Stupa
8.Lovamahapaya
Visiting Sri Maha Bodhi.
At the core of the historical monument stands Sri Maha Bodhi, the world’s oldest documented tree, at 2247 years old. The complete narrative of the tree is recorded in ancient chronicles. It is regarded as one of the most sacred sites for Buddhists worldwide.
Every day, thousands of locals and foreigners visit this temple. According to historical evidence, the Bo Tree was planted at its current location in the second century BC.
Previously, there were numerous Buddhist temples built around the sacred tree. The country’s monarch is responsible for protecting the sacred tree. And it is overseen by the Peradeniya Botanical Garden and the monastery’s monks.
Thuparama stupa and Ruwanweli stupa.
Ruwanweli Stupa, another famous Buddhist structure, was built by King Dutugemunu in the second century BC. The Thuparama Dagoba, located around a hundred meters from the Ruwanweli Stupa, is thought to be Sri Lanka’s oldest stupa, having been built in the second century BC by King Devanampiyatissa.
Anuradhapura offers a plethora of historical sites to visit, including Twin Pond, Lankarama Dagoba, Samadhi Buddha statue, Jetawanarama Dagoba, museums, Moonstone, and more. A guided tour of the city is popular in Sri Lanka.
Historical places in Sri Lanka – Isurumuniya
Isurumuniya is a popular historical place in Sri Lanka, located near Tisawesa (Tisa Lake), just south of “Ranmasu Uyana”. According to historical records, it is one of the earliest Buddhist temples in Sri Lanka. This historical temple was occupied by monk Mahinda, who arrived from India in the second century BC and brought Buddhism to the island. According to Mahawamsa, this historical Buddhist temple was constructed under the supervision of King Devanampiyatissa. Visitors to Isurumuniya can see several granite caverns with “Kataraya” or drip ledges, as well as a few buildings. When the sacred tooth relic was transported to Sri Lanka from India in the fourth century, it was initially placed at this medieval temple. According to historical records, King Kashyapa restored the ancient temple in the fifth century.
Despite the Buddhist temple’s millennia-long history, several of the buildings in the current temple are contemporary. For example, the picture of houses and museums dates back only a few decades. The Isurumuniya Museum displays some of the masterpieces of stone sculpture created by Sri Lanka’s ancient artists. The Anuradhapura monarchy produced beautiful stone sculptures depicting lovers and the royal family. Archaeologists believe that these stone inscriptions date back to the fourth or fifth century based on their characteristics.
Aukana Buddha Statues
Aukana is a significant historical location in Sri Lanka due to the existence of the Aukana Buddha statue. The Aukana Buddha statue is under the supervision of monks from the Aukana Buddhist temple. The Aukana statue and temple are considered off-the-beaten-track tourist attractions. Despite its historical importance, the temple receives comparatively few visitors as compared to other ancient temples such as the tooth relic temple and the Dambulla cave temple. The rock-cut Buddha statue began in the fifth century AD. It is one of Sri Lanka’s largest Buddha sculptures, carved from a single enormous rock and standing over 40 feet tall, representing the country’s great ancient sculptural technology.
Polonnaruwa: A significant historical site in Sri Lanka.
Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa, and Kandy form the three corners of Sri Lanka’s cultural triangle. Polonnaruwa, one of the cultural triangle’s major cities, is recognized as one of the island’s most popular archaeological sites.
Every Sri Lanka cultural journey must include a visit to the historical site of Polonnaruwa. The historical city of Polonnaruwa was the second governing capital of the Sri Lankan kingdoms, serving as the capital of Sri Lanka for several decades in the 10th and 11th centuries until falling into disrepair due to south Indian invasions.
The Sri Lanka cultural cocktail trip is ideal for visiting all of the island’s key historical monuments. This exciting 6-day Sri Lanka vacation includes a wildlife safari, visits to highlands, tea gardens, gorgeous beaches, and city tours.
Nature of the ruins discovered in Polonnaruwa
The historical sites of Polonnaruwa are much younger than the ruins of Anuradhapura, therefore the temples, places, hospitals, parks, and other historical places of Polonnaruwa are in much better shape than the historical places of Anuradhapura. As a result, when time is of the essence, many tourists choose Polonnaruwa over Anuradhapura.
What are the seven most significant historical sites in Polonnaruwa?
1.Parakrama Samudra.
2.The Palace of Parakramabahu (12th Century)
3.Galvihara with three massive granite statues (12th century and).
4.Vatadage (12th Century)
5.Thuparama
6.Rankoth Vehera (Stupa
7.Pothgul Vehera
These are some of the most notable locations in the historical site of Polonnaruwa. Don’t miss out on visiting Polonnaruwa’s historical museum, which is located near Parakrama Samudra and is the ideal site to learn about the city’s great history.
The historical site of the Sigiriya Rock Fortress
As one of Sri Lanka’s most visited historical monuments, the Sigiriya rock fortress receives about one million tourists each year, and it should be on every traveler’s bucket list who enjoys exploring ancient places on their vacations.
Sigiriya Rock is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Sigiriya, another UNESCO World Heritage Site on the island, is one of the world’s oldest designed gardens. The well-planned landscape includes swimming pools, palaces, tunnels, guardrooms, fortified walls, and a ditch.
King Kashayapa erected the Sigiriya rock stronghold in the fifth century AD. Sigiriya’s frescoes are world-renowned and resemble paintings from the Ajanta caves. The paintings also date back to the fifth century AD. They were painted in natural colours, but they remain bright and clear.
Restoration work on this archeological site began during British control in Sri Lanka (18th century). Still, excavations and restoration activities are taking place at the site under the supervision of the archaeological department.
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According to archaeologists, the King and his entourage lived on the rock. The rock still has the King’s throng, a wrecked building, a swimming pool, and numerous other features.
The rock rises like a mushroom from the surrounding jungle, reaching 500 meters above sea level. Climbing the rock in 1200 steps is a demanding endeavor, but the reward is spectacular, and the breathtaking view from the top will leave an indelible impression in your memory.
On top of the rock, there was a palace (only the foundation remains now), which was occupied by the monarch; a few steps away is a large pond or bathing pool.
Pidurangala cave Temple
You might have heard of Sigirya, Polonnaruwa, Dambulla, and many other ancient sites in Sri Lanka, but I doubt you’ve heard of the Pidurangala rock cave temple. Because, despite its historical significance, most foreign and domestic travelers are unfamiliar with this shrine. Most tourists miss this historic temple because it is unpopular. This old cave temple is a few hundred meters from the famous tourist attraction Sigiriya Rock. King Kashayapa, who erected the Sigiriya rock stronghold, is thought to have patronized the construction of the Pidurangla temple as well. Pidurangala temple shares many characteristics with Sigiriya rock, and it is likewise a big rock structure.
Visiting Pidurangala temple during a one-day visit in Sri Lanka.
Seerendipity Tours offers a popular one-day tour to Sigiriya, Dambulla, and Pidurangala temples from Colombo. This one-day tour can be scheduled all year. This personalized tour can be arranged not just in Colombo but also at over 400 beach resorts on Sri Lanka’s west and south beaches. Due to the long distance between Colombo and Sigiriya, the excursion often begins around 5:00 a.m. If you’re interested in this one-day Sri Lanka excursion to Sigiriya, Dambulla, and Pidurangla, click here.
Pidurangala Old Cave Temple is popular among tourists because it offers a spectacular view of the surrounding area. Many people climb the rock early in the morning to watch the sunrise from the summit. The view from the summit of Pidurangala Rock is breathtaking; tourists are rewarded with a 360-degree aerial vista for their efforts in ascending the rock. Hiking Pidurangala Rock for sunrise is a must-do activity in Sri Lanka on your next vacation.
Visit the Dambulla cave temple on the Sri Lanka Heritage Tour.
The Golden Cave Temple in Dambulla is one of the world’s oldest Buddhist sanctuaries. The old temple dates back to the first century BC. The temple is located in Dambulla, a metropolitan metropolis in Sri Lanka’s central province.
The temple is located on the western face of Dambulla Mountain, approximately halfway up from the foothills. Dambulla Golden Cave Temple is one of the oldest cave temples on the island and is still in excellent shape. The temple consists of five huge natural caves. These caves conceal a great number of artwork and statues.
Because of its strategic location on the main Jaffna-Kandy highway (A-9 road), it is easily accessible from anywhere in Sri Lanka. Due to its religious and historical significance, the temple attracts a considerable number of both local and foreign tourists.
The temple is overseen by the Central Cultural Fund. Dambulla Golden Cave Temple is one of the many major historical sites in Sri Lanka’s cultural triangle, and it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site; therefore, it is a must-see on any multi-day Sri Lanka tour.
Initially, the temple was known as the Dambulla Cave Temple. In the 12th century, King Nissanka Malla installed additional Buddha statues and coated them with gold, and the cave temple became known as the Dambulla golden cave temple. The temple is mostly dedicated to Buddhism, although there are also some Hindu God statues can be seen.
During a south Indian invasion in the first century BC, one of the Buddhist rulers known as Walagambahu is thought to have sought refuge within the temple. It is reported that the king took refuge at the site for 14 years, during which time he organized his army. Later, the king removed the foreign soldiers from the kingdom and reclaimed the throne.
When the monarch reclaimed the throne from the invaders, he transformed the caves into a Buddhist temple, installing a huge number of Buddha statues and decorated them with exquisite artwork.
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The temple was frequently repaired by the country’s succeeding rulers, who added many more Buddha statues and god figures as well as repainted the caverns’ walls and ceilings.
The Dambulla Temple has become the most historical temple on the island, with 150 Buddha sculptures in total. Today, this cave temple is regarded as a significant antiquarian, epigraphic, and archaeological site on the island.
A vast number of exquisite ceiling and wall murals represent scenes from Buddha’s life. The murals can be observed on the caverns’ inner walls and ceilings.
The first cave contains a massive Buddha statue in a reclining position. This Buddha statue is one of the largest on the island, reaching 14 meters in length.
The tooth relic shrine is one of the most visited historical sites in Sri Lanka.
The historical city of Kandy
Kandy is one of Sri Lanka’s most important historical sites and a must-see destination for all visitors. It is especially important for local travelers (Buddhists) because of the existence of Buddha’s tooth relic.
Kandy, home to the tooth relic shrine, is a must-see city for foreign visitors to the island. Kandy has several interesting locations to visit, including the tooth relic temple, the Pinnawala elephant orphanage, the Peradeniya botanical garden, tea estates, and more. Kandy is another UNESCO World Heritage Site located around 500 meters above sea level.
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Kandy was the last kingdom of the Sri Lankan monarchy and the island’s ruling capital prior to the British takeover of Sri Lanka in 1796. The city boasts a wonderful mix of historical monuments, colonial architecture, and modern structures.
The famous building of the Temple of the Tooth Relic (once the King’s Palace) is the city’s oldest structure and is still in excellent condition. There are numerous structures constructed by the British authority in the 18th century, all of which are located in the city’s historic district.
Kataragama Temple, a multi-religious historical site in Sri Lanka.
Travellers visiting southern Sri Lanka may visit this multi-religious location near the island’s southern tip. This is a significant religious site as well as one of Sri Lanka’s most historic locations. Most importantly, the temple exemplifies religious unity among Sri Lanka’s diverse ethnic groupings.
Although the Kataragama temple goes back to the 6th century BC, it is better known as a religious site than a historical monument. The majority of visitors to the Kataragama temple are Buddhist and Hindu pilgrims who come to participate in religious ceremonies. There aren’t many foreign travelers here. If you are a foreign traveler looking to observe the religious side of Sri Lankan life, this is the place to go. Here you can witness Sri Lankans’ sincere dedication to their religion.
Kataragama Temple is one of Sri Lanka’s most historical sites, and it is thought to be one of the places Buddha visited in the sixth century BC. Kirivehera stupa is believed to be the location where Buddha meditated during his visit to Kataragama.
Today, Kataragama is well known for the Kataragama Devala, where God Kataragama or God Skanda is worshipped. The believers think that the god of Kataragama can grant their requests. A big number of local devotees are present, each bearing a plate of fruit as an offering. They go to the Altar with fruits, offer them to God, and make a wish.
On long weekends and public holidays, it is normal to see thousands of devotees with fruit dishes forming a line. The queue is normally several kilometers long. The devotees have been standing in line for several hours, clutching fruit dishes in their hands. However, followers are well-prepared to bear the anguish because they believe God can grant their prayers.
Why is Kataragama one of Sri Lanka’s most important historical sites? Here is the answer: “KATARAGAMA TEMPLE”.
Sita Temple is one of the Hindu historical places in Sri Lanka.
The Sita Amman temple, located in the central hills of Sri Lanka, is the only historical monument on our list that is directly associated with Hinduism. Because most historical sites in Sri Lanka are associated with Buddhism, there are numerous historical monuments in northern and eastern Sri Lanka dedicated to Hinduism.
A few famous Sri Lanka trips that allow you to witness popular historical sites in Sri Lanka.
- Sri Lanka trekking tours, Adventure places in Sri Lanka,
- Bentota tour, Ramayana tour, Sri Lanka hiking tours
- Bentota to Kandy, Sri Lanka Beach Holiday, Sri Lanka driver guide,
- Colombo walking tour, Sri Lanka road trip
Historical Hindu monuments
If you are looking for historical sites in Sri Lanka with a Hindu impact, you should visit the east coast and northern regions, where the majority of historical sites have a significant Indian influence.
According to the Ramayana, the Sita Amman Temple is where King Ravana kept Sita. The temple is dedicated to Sita and other Hindu deities. According to the information, the temple has existed for many decades, but the current temple is only a few decades old.
The Sita Amman temple is frequently visited by Hindu worshipers. This is one of the world’s few temples dedicated to Sita. The temple is featured in most Ramayana excursions offered to Indian tourists.
Why do tens of thousands of Hindu devotees from India visit this temple? Here is the answer: “SRI LANKA TRIP FROM INDIA-RAMAYANA, SEETHA AMMAN TEMPLE, AND ASHOK VATIKA”.
Adams Peak
Adams Peak is another significant historical site on the island, located in the western portion of the central mountain range. Adams Peak’s history dates back to the sixth century BC, which coincides with Buddha’s first visit to the island. Adams Peak is a popular Buddhist pilgrimage location, and Catholics, Hindus, and Muslims are all conquering the mountain.
Adams Peak is the island’s fifth tallest mountain, rising 2,243 meters (7,359 feet) above sea level. A considerable number of Buddhist devotees climb the mountain, particularly during the peak pilgrimage season, which runs from November to April. If you go to Adams Peak on a long weekend from November to April, you will undoubtedly encounter hundreds of local tourists.
You may be wondering why people climb this revered mountain despite the trials. The 5-hour trek is very challenging and exhausting; read more about “ADAMS PEAK SRI LANKA”.
Sri Lanka Heritage Tour
The Sri Lanka culture tour described below has been meticulously planned to see the most important historical sites in Sri Lanka’s cultural triangle. You will travel in a private luxury car that is fully air-conditioned and driven by our expert Sri Lanka driver/guide.
This Sri Lanka historical tour is a private program, which means you are not part of a large group of tourists from all over the world, and you are not required to follow a predetermined tour plan. Even though there is a tour itinerary for this trip, you have complete freedom because it is a private program.
If you’re looking for a Sri Lanka private tour, I’d recommend the 9-day Sri Lanka private vehicle tour. This tour package includes all historical sites, tea gardens, Sri Lanka’s mountains with stunning landscapes, wildlife reserves, beaches, and much more. For additional details about this vehicle tour, see “Sri Lanka Private Car Tour”.
What historical sites are featured in the Heritage Tour?
1.Anuradhapura Historical City
2.Polonnaruwa Historical Site
3.Sigiriya Rock Fortress.
4.Dambulla Golden Cave Temple.
5.Kandy Tooth Relic Temple
Itinerary of Sri Lanka Heritage Tour
Day 1 of the Sri Lanka Heritage Tour
Colombo / Anuradhapura / Sigiriya
Places to Visit Anuradhapura
Arrive at Bandaranaike International Airport, meet and greet “Seerendipity Tours” representatives, and proceed to the hotel in Sigiriya. En route, explore the historical site of Anuradhapura.
Anuradhapura is Sri Lanka’s first capital, dating back to the third century BC. Anuradhapura was Sri Lanka’s capital for almost 1000 years, and more than 100 Kings and Queens ruled the kingdom from there. Today, both local and foreign tourists visit Anuradhapura. Some of the city’s most prominent attractions are Buddhist temples, palaces, museums, parks, and lakes.
Overnight hotel stay in Habarana/Sigiriya.
Day Two of the Sri Lanka Heritage Tour
The second day of the Sri Lanka vacation includes visits to Sigiriya and Polonnaruwa, as well as a safari to Minneriya National Park.
Sigiriya or Polonnaruwa
Breakfast at the hotel, then depart for the historical city of Polonnaruwa and the Sigiriya Rock Fort.
Sigiriya
Sigiriya is one of the world’s oldest designed gardens, dating from the fifth century AD. King Kashayapa erected the Sigiriya, which consisted of several components, including the Sigiriya water park, the Sigiriya castle, a gallery with paintings, and a mirror wall with archaic writings. Sigiriya’s paintings date back to the fifth century AD. The paintings are still in extremely good condition.
Polonnaruwa
Polonnaruwa is Sri Lanka’s second-most important historical city. Many kings controlled the island from Polonnaruwa, with the most prominent being three Buddhist kings: Vijayabahu, Parakramabahu, and Nissankamalla. Today, Polonnaruwa is home to numerous temples, palaces, parks, hospitals, and other historically significant buildings.
Minneriya National Park (Optional)
Minneriya National Park Safari is an optional activity that can be incorporated into your Sri Lanka cultural triangle tour. The Minneriya safari lasts approximately two hours. During the safari, tourists can see a variety of animals, including wild elephants, deer, monkeys, crocodiles, and buffaloes.
Minneriya National Park is the most popular national park for wild elephant observation, and there is a good chance of seeing big herds of elephants here. A big number of wild elephants have been observed gathering in the park’s grasslands near the Minneriya tank. In some cases, a wild elephant herd can number several hundred.
Overnight hotel stay in Habarana/Sigiriya.
Day 3 of the Sri Lanka Heritage Tour
Sigiriya/ Kandy/Colombo
What do we see on the third day of our Sri Lanka cultural triangle trip: Dambulla Cave Temple, Spice Garden, and Kandy’s Tooth Relic Temple?
After breakfast, depart for Kandy and Colombo, stopping along the way to visit the spice garden and tooth relic temple.
Dambulla Cave Temple
Dambulla Golden Cave Temple is another noteworthy historical and religious landmark. The temple dates back to the first century BC. During a south Indian invasion in the first century BC, King Walagambahu is thought to have sought refuge at the temple. After recovering power, the King erected the temple. Today, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with over 100 statues. The temple’s ceiling and wall paintings encompass an area of over 2100 square feet.
Spice Garden
Spices have been a valuable product for the island for generations, and they continue to earn a significant amount of hard currency. Matale is well-known as a spice trading hub. You will see several spice gardens here, and you can visit one of them to learn about the local spices.
Tooth Relic Temple
The temple of the tooth relic is an important world heritage site in Sri Lanka, housing Buddha’s tooth relic. The temple is located opposite to Kandy Lake, near the modern area of Kandy City. Every day, thousands of tourists, both foreign and local, visit the temple.
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