Sri Lanka, known as “the tear of India”, is a little yet amazing island with lots of history and rich culture. There are eight world heritage sites assigned by UNESCO in Sri Lanka. These sites are rich in history and still very attractive to see. Each place is very rich in history. Today we are going to discuss all the eight world heritage sites of Sri Lanka in this piece of information.
Here is the list of Top 8 UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Sri Lanka:
1. Antiquated City of Sigiriya (1982)
Sigiriya, the eighth marvel of the old world. Sigiriya also called “The Lion Rock”, is both a stone fort and castle built by King Kashyapa at the finish of the fifth century. There is a large passage of lion shape. Therefore, it is also called the Lion Rock.
On the top of the castle, there are very brilliant canvases. These canvases make the Sigiriya the most fascinating place in Sri Lanka. Sigiriya is famous for its extraordinary plant nursery. Some of the plants of the nurseries are from the time of the eighth century.
Top Tip: Climbing the Sigirya Rock is certainly not a simple task. You need a proper pair of shoes and other important equipment to climb that rock.
2. Hallowed City of Anuradhapura (1982)
Anuradhapura is the support of ancient Sri Lankan development and the holy center point of the Buddhism island. There are lots of religious communities and other traditional stuff that are the main focus of the tourists. It further contains the blessed 2,000-year-old Bo Tree, developed from a sapling of the Bhodi tree
It is said that under this tree the ruler Buddha achieved illumination. This old city is most famous one of the world’s major archeological destinations and flaunts the most uncovered Buddha’s traditions and history.
Top Tip: Some of these cities are getting destroyed slowly. You must visit these things before they completely disappear.
3. Ancient City of Polonnaruwa (1982)
Polonnaruwa is generally the second most old city of Sri Lanka. It was the primary capital of Anuradhapura. Its deeply done work, awesome middle age design, incredible water system offices, and green climate present an extraordinary Polonnaruwa to tourists.
Furthermore, the ancient city of Polonnaruwa is considered one of the most outstanding archeological artifact destinations in Sri Lanka. Include the Brahmanic landmarks worked by the Cholas and the great religion of nursery city developed by Parakramabahu I in the twelfth century.
Top Tip: Polonnaruwa is a small city. You must take a bicycle on rent to explore the ancient city more.
4. Holy City of Kandy (1988)
The temple of the Tooth is respected by Buddhists around the world. This temple is present in this city only. Kandy is known as Sri Lanka’s traditional capital and home to the Temple of the Tooth Relic of Lord Buddha. It is one of Sri Lanka’s holiest sanctums.
If you visit the city by the month of July or August then you may experience the Kandy Esala Perehera, a yearly custom of the Sacred Tooth Temple.
Top Tip: Cover the distance of Colombo to Kandy. You can experience Kandy’s famous traditional dance also.
5. Old Town of Galle and its Fortifications (1988)
Galle is famous for its European architecture. Galle is the principal city and port on the south coast. Worked by Europeans, the Old Town of Galle and its Fortifications show the association of European design and South Asian customs. There are two main entries to the Fort, containing the Dutch Coat of Arms on one side and the British on the other.
Houses with deep work are made from Dutch and British time frames. A lot of houses have become store shops and hotels or rental apartments. Dutch Reformed Church, National Maritime Museum, Old Dutch Hospital, and the New Orient Hotel are the famous spots to visit under the fortification.
Top Tip: An amazing method for seeing the old town is from on the fort dividers at sunset.
6. Sinharaja Forest Reserve (1988)
Also known as “Realm of the Lion”, Sinharaja Forest Reserve is an important public park of Sri Lanka and has been pronounced a Biosphere Reserve because of its importance to the island’s environment. Sinharaja is the nation’s last undisturbed area of essential tropical rainforest.
It is home to a lot of uncommon endangering species. It includes warm-blooded animals, butterflies, birds, fish, reptiles, and creatures of land and water.
Top Tip: Without rainy months (August to September, and January to early April) are the best times to visit.
7. Brilliant Temple of Dambulla (1991)
Dambulla Cave sanctuary is Sri Lanka’s biggest rock cave sanctuary based on a 600-feet high stone. The brilliant Temple of Dambulla is the biggest and best-saved sanctuary in Sri Lanka. It has five hollow caves and 157 sculptures of the Lord Buddha. The caves, rocks, and sanctuary are from all the way back to the first century BC.
Visitors can see the value in many-sided and fragile artworks covering the roof and dividers in the sanctuary. Its archeological arrangements make this place different
Top Tip: Make sure to take your shoes off before entering the cave region. It is their rule but beware of stones.
8. Focal Highlands of Sri Lanka (2010)
It has three places to visit that are, the Peak Wilderness Protected Area, the Horton Plains National Park, and the Conservation Forest. Adam’s Peak is the most elevated point, which has turned into a huge place for Buddhist travelers.
It’s a biodiversity area of interest with an amazing scope of endangered species. For example the western-purple-confronted langur, the slim loris, and the Sri Lankan panther.
Top Tip: The weather is cool from January to April and is the best time to visit the place.
These were the eight heritage sites of Sri Lanka. Each site has its own importance and attraction to see. The sites are rich in history and you can hire a guide at each site to explore the place more. You will hear lots of history stories there. Must visit these places on your next visit to Sri Lanka.
