6 Best Places to Discover Sri Lanka’s Culture and History

Known for its Buddhist ruins and ancient temples overlooking deep jungles, Sri Lanka is an exceptional country for lovers of history and nature. Here is our selection of the historical and cultural sites of Sri Lanka that you cannot miss.

From the kingdom of Anuradhapura to Sigiriya the “Lion’s Rock”, from the remains of Polonnaruwa to the processions of Esala Perahera, we take you to explore the must-see places of Sri Lankan history and culture.

Buddhist temples, to get into this religion

Visiting the country’s ancient Buddhist temples is a truly mystical and cultural experience. There are several mandatory stops, such as Mihintale, which houses the oldest stupa on the island. The site commemorates Sri Lanka’s conversion to this religion by a huge Buddha, built on a hill overlooking dense jungle and palm trees.

Approximately 130 km to the south, the Temple of the Tooth of Kandy offers you to attend various traditional rituals, including the purification of the relic of the Buddha’s tooth with scented water called Nanumura Mangallaya.

The Naga Pooshani Ambal Kovil temple, to immerse yourself in a different culture

In northern Sri Lanka, Tamils ​​are more represented than Sinhalese. The influence of nearby India explains the differences in architecture with the monuments that can be seen in other regions. The Naga Pooshani Ambal Kovil Temple, for example, is distinguished by its multi-colored sculptures and ornate columns dedicated to the goddess Parvati.

Jaffna, the second-largest city in the country, is a bustling, multicultural megalopolis. History buffs can explore the great fortress as families relax on Casuarina Beach.

The remains of the Anuradhapura kingdom, to start in meditation

At the heart of the island, the remains of the kingdoms of Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa, and Kandy form what is known as the “cultural triangle”. Emerging from thick vegetation where palm trees abound, the ancient capital of the Sinhalese kings can be explored by bike or on foot.

A good plan: explore the Jetavanaramaya stupa and meditate at the Thuparamaya temple or under the Sri Maha Bodhi, a fig tree said to come from the tree under which the Buddha experienced enlightenment.

Sigiriya, to visit the most famous monument in Sri Lanka

160 km from Colombo, Sigiriya is an important archaeological and cultural site. Surrounded by a thick jungle, it consists of a huge rock surmounted by a fortress built by King Kassapa in the 5th century. As you climb its 1,200 steps, you will have the opportunity to admire frescoes depicting graceful female figures, views of the jungle, gardens, and swimming pools, as well as huge statues of feline legs, which give the place its nickname of “lion’s rock”.

Yapahuwa Citadel, to admire its traditional medieval architecture

In northwestern Sri Lanka, Yapahuwa is known to have been the country’s capital during the medieval period. The traditional architecture of many temples, consisting of a majestic staircase leading to a fortress-palace atop a rock, can be found here. In this place, it is the staircase itself that deserves your full attention.

Lined with lion statues, it is finely carved and perfectly preserved from the damage of time. Do not miss the archaeological museum at the entrance of the site, which reveals a collection of artifacts found in the surroundings.

The walled city of Galle, to learn more about the colonial heritage

Located on the south coast of the island, Galle is a timeless stop on your trip to Sri Lanka. This beautiful fortified colonial city has a charm that you will discover strolling through its streets lined with white houses with wooden balconies. It has known two great influences: the Spanish and the Dutch.

They left behind a number of houses listed as World Heritage by UNESCO, such as the old town of Galle and its fortifications. Behind their facades, they hide shady patios, now converted into cafes and restaurants.

So, that ends our list here. There’s no doubt that these places are good enough to make your trip to Sri Lanka a memorable one. If you haven’t planned your trip, then get in touch with the Travel Agent Sri Lanka at Jeromwintours.com and book your trip. You are going to enjoy these places and explorer more places in Sri Lanka.