Sri Lanka is one of the island nations, immersed in rich history and culture, with ancient traditions, grand architectural buildings, ancient ruins, temples and natural wonders. From ancient temples and buildings to modern cities and breathtakingly beautiful countryside villages, Sri Lanka is a treasure box for travelers wishing to have a fascinating cultural experience.
Cultural highlights of Sri Lanka, what makes it special?
Sri Lanka is rich in culture because of its influence of different cultures: the traditional practices of the islands, Buddhism, Hinduism, and the colonial rule. The island offers an array of experiences, from ancient ruins to scared temples and colonial buildings built during the rule of the British. Tourists will have a wonderful time knowing about its rich history and cultural heritage.
Sri Lanka Tours offers the best cultural experience, here is a guide to visit the top 20 places in Sri Lanka, where history and culture come together, letting you know more about the region.
- The Sigiriya Rock Fortress
Sigiriya is popularly called the Lion Rock and is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It has the famous rock fortress which is an iconic landmark of the region, built in 5th century by King Kashyapa. The rock fortress comprises of complex architectural design with carvings, and has mirror wall, and perfectly well-planned gardens.
How to Reach?
To reach Sigiriya it will take around 4-5 hours from Colombo by car or bus.
What to expect?
Tourists will have a wonderful time knowing about the history and culture of the region. Enjoy climbing up to the fort and appreciate its mirror walls, complex carvings on the fort and the splendid architectural design.
- Polonnaruwa, another ancient capital of Sri Lanka
Polonnaruwa is another important place and is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and was in fact the ancient capital of Sri Lanka during the medieval period. The important places to visit in Polonnaruwa include the Gal Vihara rock-carved Buddha statues, ruins of the Royal Palace and the Vatadage.
How to Reach?
To reach Polonnaruwa it will take around 3 hours from Anuradhapura by bus.
What to expect?
Visitors will have a wonderful time exploring the Gal Vihara rock-carved Buddha statues, ruins of the Royal Palace and the Vatadage.
- Anuradhapura, ancient capital of Sri Lanka
Anuradhapura is another spiritual and cultural place to visit in Sri Lanka; it is in fact the ancient capital of Sri Lanka. It is an important center of Buddhist culture, and is home to the sacred Sri Maha Bodhi tree, a tree which grew from the cutting of the tree where Lord Buddha attained enlightenment. Because of its special spiritual and cultural significance, it is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visitors can also explore many ancient monasteries and stupas like the Ruwanwelisaya, which gives you a glimpse of the past.
How to Reach?
To reach Anuradhapura it will take around 4 hours from Colombo by train or bus.
What to expect?
With the best Sri Lanka Cultural Tour operators, visitors will have a wonderful cultural experience visiting the sacred Sri Maha Bodhi tree, and explore the ancient monasteries and stupas like the Ruwanwelisaya, which will let you know about the history of the region as well.
- Kandy, referred to the cultural center of Sri Lanka
Kandy is referred to as the cultural center of Sri Lanka as it is home to Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic. As the name suggests, this temple has a tooth of Buddha and hence the name. Millions of tourists visit every year to visit this Budhha temple. Kandy is also famous for celebrating the annual Esala Perahera festival that is accompanied with vibrant processions, dancers, drummers and decorated elephants.
How to Reach?
To reach Kandy it will take around 3 hours from Colombo by train.
What to expect?
Visitors will have a chance to have a cultural experience, visit the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic and watch the traditional Kandyan dance.
- Mihintale, birthplace of Buddhism in Sri Lanka
Mihintale is a spiritual mountain where Buddhism was first introduced, so it is often referred to as the birthplace of Buddhism in Sri Lanka. It was this place that Ashoka’s son Mahinda, introduced Buddhism to King Devanampiyatissa.
How to Reach?
To reach Mihintale it will take around 30 minutes from Anuradhapura by bus.
What to expect?
Here tourists will have an immersive cultural experience knowing about the culture of the region, exploring the ancient stupas, temple, and caves.
- Dambulla Cave Temple, an ancient complex of five caves
Dambulla Cave Temple is famous for its five caves, and is designated as an important UNESCO World Heritage Site. This ancient complex has many splendid statues of Buddha and intricate carvings on the cave.
How to Reach?
To reach Dambulla Cave Temple you will have to take a ride from either Sigiriya or Kandy.
What to expect?
With Sri Lanka Tours, visitors are going to have a wonderful time exploring the five caves comprising of intricate carvings and grand Buddha statues. Once you reach the top of the cave, simply admire the breathtaking views.
- Colombo, the vibrant capital city of Sri Lanka
Colombo is the capital of Sri Lanka, wherein you are going to have a mix of modern and traditional experiences. It is home to not only traditional temples like Gangaramaya Temple, but also has many colonial buildings, built by the British during the colonial rule.
How to Reach?
Tourists can easily reach Colombo from any international country via flight.
What to expect?
Visitors will have an amazing cultural experience visiting the Gangaramaya Temple, Independence Memorial Hall, Colombo’s National Museum (know about the rich history of the region) and the lively Pettah Market.
- Galle Fort, an old fort built by the Portuguese
Galle Fort was built by the Portuguese rulers and was later expanded by the Dutch and is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
How to Reach?
To reach Galle Fort it will take around 2 hours from Colombo by taxi.
What to expect?
Visitors can explore the fort, visit the cobblestone streets, and charming cafes, all located within the complex of the fort. Have a wonderful time appreciate the architectural design of the fort.
- Jaffna, center of the Tamil community in Sri Lanka
Jaffna can be referred to as the center of Tamil community, rich in Hindu traditions, culture and history. One of the highlight of this place is the Nallur Kandaswamy Temple, comprising of Dravidian architectural design.
How to Reach?
To reach Jaffna it will take around 6 hours from Colombo by train.
What to expect?
Visitors will have a rich cultural experience visiting the Nallur Kandaswamy Temple, and ancient Jaffna Fort, and trying the traditional cuisines of the Tamils.
- Adam’s Peak (Sri Pada), sacred mountain respected by many religions
Adam’s Peak, referred to as Sri Pada, it is the sacred mountain respected by many religions, as each religion have their own association, the Buddhist belive that the footprints at Adam’s Peak belong to Buddha, while the Christians connect it with Adam.
How to Reach?
To reach Adam’s Peak, take a train to Hatton, then a bus to Dalhousie, which is the base of Adam’s Peak, from here you have to trek. Have a hassle-free Sri Lanka Cultural Tour experience with the help of the experts!
What to expect?
Tourists can opt for a trek to the peak and enjoy the sunrise in the morning.
- Nuwara Eliya, referred to as Little England of Sri Lanka
Nuwara Eliya is an enchanting hill-station blessed with natural beauty, colonial buildings, and tea estates, and hence referred to as Little England of Sri Lanka.
How to Reach?
To reach Nuwara Eliya it will take around 4 hours from Kandy by train.
What to expect?
Visitors will have a wonderful time exploring the tea estates’, the colonial buildings and exploring Gregory Lake area.
- Trincomalee, coastal town of Sri Lanka
Trincomalee is a coastal town of Sri Lanka; here you can visit the Koneswaram Temple (Hindu temple) and the Fort Frederick, built by the Portuguese.
How to Reach?
To reach Trincomalee it will take around 6 hours from Colombo by bus.
What to expect?
Visitors can visit the Koneswaram Temple and explore the Dutch Fort built by the Portuguese.
- Yapahuwa, an ancient rock fortress
Yapahuwa was a temporary capital of Sri Lanka during the 13th century. It comprises of an ancient rock fortress with splendid carvings and stairs curved from stone.
How to Reach?
To reach Yapahuwa it will take around 2 hours from Colombo by bus.
What to expect?
Visitors will have a thrilling experience, walking the stone carved stairs to reach the top of the fort.
- Kataragama, a sacred pilgrimage site
Kataragama is an important sacred pilgrimage site of the Buddhists, Hindus, and Muslims. One of the important places to visit is the Kataragama Temple.
How to Reach?
To reach Kataragama it will take around 5 hours from Colombo by bus.
What to expect?
Visitors will have a wonderful time visiting the Kataragama Temple.
- Ratnapura, the center of gemstone mining
As the name goes, Ratnapura is the main center of gemstone mining in Sri Lanka and is also an important cultural center. Ratnapura has an ancient temple, Maha Saman Devalaya, dedicated to God Saman.
How to Reach?
To reach Ratnapura it will take around 3 hours from Colombo by bus.
What to expect?
Visitors can learn about gemstone mining and also visit the Maha Saman Devalaya temple.
- Matara, a coastal city with colonial history
Matara is famous for the Weherahena Temple, a Buddhish temple and the Star Fort and Matara Fort that takes you back to the colonial era.
How to Reach?
To reach Matara it will take around 2.5 hours from Colombo by taxi.
What to expect?
Visitors can explore the Star Fort and Matara Fort and pay visit to the Weherahena Temple, a Buddhish temple.
- Batticaloa, offers a natural and cultural experience
Batticaloa offers places to visit like Batticaloa Fort and Dutch-era colonial buildings and the beautiful lagoon.
How to Reach?
To reach Batticaloa it will take around 7 hours from Colombo by train.
What to expect?
Visitors can explore the Batticaloa Fort and Dutch-era colonial buildings, visit the village and enjoy a boat ride on the lagoon.
- Arugam Bay, famous surfing and cultural experience
Arugam Bay is famous for surfing and providing cultural experience. Must visit places include ancient Magul Maha Viharaya (Buddhist temple), and explore the Pottuvil Lagoon.
How to Reach?
To reach Arugam Bay it will take around 7 hours from Colombo by taxi.
What to expect?
Visitors can visit the Magul Maha Viharaya (Buddhist temple) and have wildlife experience in Pottuvil Lagoon.
- Kalpitiya, blessed with history and natural beauty
Kalpitiya is a beautiful coastal region blessed with history and natural beauty. The famous spots include the Dutch Fort and St. Anne’s Church, and the mangrove forests and the surrounding waters home to many dolphins.
How to Reach?
To reach Kalpitiya it will take around 3 hours from Colombo by taxi.
What to expect?
Visitors can visit the Dutch Fort and St. Anne’s Church, explore mangrove forests and watch the dolphins.
- Aluvihara Rock Cave Temple
The Aluvihara Rock Cave Temple is located in Matale, which is situated near Kandy. The rock cave is the first place where Buddhist scriptures were written down.
How to Reach?
To reach Matale it will take around 30-minutes from Matale, near Kandy by taxi.
What to expect?
Visitors can explore the cave; check the first Buddhist scriptures written down here, ancient paintings and statues.
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Read More blog In Sri Lanka :-
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A Traveler’s Guide to Sri Lanka Tour: Culture, Cuisine, and Natural Beauty
