Crossing off items from your travel bucket list is a high that all travelers chase, and visiting UNESCO World Heritage Sites is a surefire way of knowing you’re in the right place. These are places that are classified as “a natural or man-made site, area, or structure of outstanding international importance and therefore as deserving special protection”. These sites are nominated to and designated by the World Heritage Convention of UNESCO. And…Sri Lanka has eight of them. Read on to learn more about these special sites that seem too fascinating to be true.
Sacred City of Kandy:
Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1988, the Sacred City of Kandy is a national treasure, to say the least. This used to be an ancient kingdom, that ruled from 1592 to 1815, and was extremely important as it was believed that whoever possessed the sacred Tooth Relic of Buddha would stay in power. Being the home of the Temple of The Tooth Relic is the main reason that Kandy is a World Heritage Site, and a popular tourist attraction. You go for that, but you stay because the city is also a beautifully quaint town that is centered around a gorgeous lake, ancient architecture, great food, and a tranquility that provides a welcoming escape from ordinary life.
Sacred City of Anuradhapura:
The city of Anuradhapura was the first ancient capital of Sri Lanka, and it is still a sacred Buddhist religious center, that seamlessly blends a modern day’s civilization into the ancient archaic timelessness of the kingdom. The peak season to visit Anuradhapura is in June, when Poson Full Moon Poya falls as it is believed that Mihindu Thera arrived at Mihintale on that day, which led to the spread of Buddhism in Sri Lanka. Anuradhapura has well-preserved ruins of temples, stupas, and structures that still stand to this day. It is also home to the the sacred and holy Sri Maha Bodhi, which is a descendant of the same tree Buddha achieved enlightenment under. Anuradhapura has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1982.
Ancient City of Polonnaruwa:
Second only to Anuradhapura in historical value, the ancient land of Polonnaruwa is a sight to behold. The remnants of the proud civilisation and the kingdom of this medieval capital have left traces in the form of beautiful architecture that anyone would marvel at. The structures that were built in the 11th Century are proof of how technologically advanced Sri Lanka used to be, and for this reason, it was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1982. Parakrama Samudrya which resembles an ocean is the crown jewel of Polonnaruwa.
Ancient City of Sigiriya:
Sigiriya like the two previously mentioned sites, joined the prestigious UNESCO World Heritage Sites list in 1982. The rocky outcrop of Sigiriya (also known as Lion Rock) holds the ancient remains of King Kassapa’s palace from the 5th century AD. The top is reachable by stairs built on the side of the mountain and features the remains of the palace and fortress, which includes incredible water gardens, boulder gardens, world-famous cave drawings, and a mirror wall. What was built to be a formidable hiding ground, became the eighth wonder of the ancient world, and you have to see it to believe that Sigiriya is unlike anything you’ve seen before.
Old Town of Galle and its Fortifications:
What trip to Sri Lanka would be complete without a visit to the amazing Galle Fort? Galle Fort, a beautifully preserved fortress dating back to the colonial era, is one of Sri Lanka’s most prestigious and popular historical and architectural sites. The fort, owing to its European style of architecture which was built by the Portuguese, fortified by the Dutch and made advancements to by the British, resembles a harmony of cultures where Europe meets different lifestyles of the locals. For all these reasons and much more, it was deemed a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1988.
Dambulla Cave Temples:
Once a sacred refuge, and a UNESCO world heritage site since 1991, Dambulla Rock Temple carries an aura of calmness. This is the largest and the best-preserved cave complex in the country, which stands as evidence to the advanced architecture and the innovativeness of the ancient Ceylonese civilization. There are five Buddhist shrine rooms that are open to visitors, and these caves comprise of regal statues of Lord Buddha and other deities. The ceiling murals at Dambulla are truly a work of art, in every sense of the word.
Sinharaja Forest Reserve:
We’re moving onto the first of the natural sites to have made it onto the list: Sinharaja Forest Reserve. Sri Lanka’s only biodiversity hotspot, Sinharaja was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1988. Hikers would have the opportunity to witness many endemic species on the trail through the forest. Leopards, elephants, vipers and birds are among the many breeds of animals that you would be lucky to feast your eyes on. You could also take a tour of the villages at the end of the forest to get a taste of the local life. Pro travel trip: always wear knee high socks or boots to shield yourself from the leeches.
Central Highlands:
Naturalists, this one’s for you! The Central Highlands of Sri Lanka includes Horton Plains National Park, the Knuckles Conservation Forest and the Peak Wilderness Protected Area. At over 2,000m (6,562 feet) above sea level, this natural UNESCO World Heritage Site joined the others in 2010. There are plenty of hiking trails in the Central Highlands, and it’s a biodiversity haven for those that find comfort, excitement and happiness in being in nature.
Photos sourced from Sudarshan Narayanan, Amila Tennakoon and Arian Zwegers.
