4 Best Cultural Sites To Visit In Sri Lanka – Ideal Spots To Get Your Cultural Fix

The capital of the hill country, Kandy has long been regarded as the nucleus of Sri Lanka's culture. The highlight of the city is, of course, the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic. Constructed inside the premises of the royal palace, the temple stores the tooth of Lord Buddha. The Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic regularly attracts pilgrims from all corners of the world who come to pay their respects and it is a major reason that the city was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A few meters away is the Kandy Lake; a man made lake, it played a major role in Sri Lanka's history.

Spoken of as the 8th wonder of the world by many, Sigiriya is a breathtaking rock fortress built all the way back in the fifth century. Standing nearly two hundred meters high, this rock fortress also doubles as a palace and at the top, visitors can view the Sky Palace that is still well preserved. There are plenty of ponds and gardens that surround both the palaces; the upper palace and the lower palace. If you are looking for a unique view and experience of this majestic structure, consider an aerial tour. Many companies such as Cinnamon Air offer services such as air taxi tours in Sri Lanka. Two massive lion paws flank the base of the steep rocks, which make for some dramatic photographs. While you are at the top, do not forget to feast your eyes on the frescoes that adorn the palace walls.

The first capital of Sri Lanka, Anuradhapura is one of the oldest cities in the country. Safe to say, every inch of the city is steeped in centuries of history, making this a gold mine for a history lover. Much is spoken about the ruins in the old city and how well they have been preserved, even thousands of years later while some structures are still in use. The capital of the country for around millennia, it played a major role in establishing Buddhism in the country and is home to Sri Maha Bodhi. For those who do not know, the tree was once part of the original bo tree. The old city is dotted with an abundance of massive dagobas, such as the Ruwanweli and Thuparama, which is proof of the influence Buddhism has had in the city. The city is not close by any means, sitting two hundred kilometres from the capital of Sri Lanka, but if ancient ruins and an insight into the country's culture is what you are seeking, there is no better location to visit.

This is the second most ancient kingdom of Sri Lanka and another essential experience if you find yourself on this captivating island. It was first declared as the capital of Sri Lanka by King Vijayabahu I after defeating Chola invaders in 1070. Despite this, the 'hero of Polonnaruwa' is considered to be King Parakramabahu I, under whose reign the capital prospered greatly.