List of World Heritage Sights in Sri Lanka

The rock fortress that was impeccably designed by King Kashyapa is of utmost significance to Sri Lanka and is visited by millions of locals and foreigners all year round. The gardens of this marvel are one of the oldest landscaped gardens in the world. The frescoes, mirror wall and the lion paws carved out of stone are a signature of this historic wonder.

Ruled and built by the kings, this beautiful city is one of the anchors of the cultural triangle of Sri Lanka. This is an archaeological splendour and boasts beautifully constructed stupas, statues and the ruins of brick palaces. This city offers a variety of sights and iconic Buddha statues. This is a must visit site for those with an eye for places that tell a story of the past.

This is the greatest monastic city in Sri Lanka and one of South Asia’s most evocative sights. Anuradhapura is an anchor of the cultural triangle in the island. This historic city is one of the most famous tourist attractions and has significant importance to the Buddhist population in the island. This is a city that is steeped in culture and historical value and immense beauty in its brick walls and constructions. Sri Maha Bodiya, Thuparamaya, Jetawanaramaya and Ruwanwelisaya are a few of the must visit stupas here.

This city is home to the world-famous Sri Dalada Maligawa, the Temple of the Tooth that adds a charm to the entire city and can be toured. Companies like Diethelm Travel Sri Lanka offer cultural tours to these sites in Sri Lanka. If you’re a first time traveller, this is a good way to ensure that you see all the right things and make the best of your trip. Take a walk around the serene and beautiful Kandy Lake, known as the Bogambara Lake which will offer you some candid pictures of the cityscape.

This is also known as the Dambulla Cave Temple and boasts intricate paintings that flaunt the artistic talents of the people of the past. The frescoes at the Dambulla Cave Temple are part of the new school of Sinhalese artistry. Although not as lavish as the Polonnaruwa and Sigiriya paintings and architecture, this Cave Temple offers beauty and a lavish history. Consisting of 5 shrine rooms and a total of 150 Buddha images, this place is a mine full of treasures that are a definite must see.

One of the most splendid beauties constructed by the Portuguese and fortified by the Dutch, the Galle Fort is a must visit site and a World Heritage Site. The cobblestoned streets down Peddler St. are perfect for that Instagram worthy capture. The stunning sapphire blue waters are inviting for a dip and the golden sands are ideal for a game of beach volleyball. Most of the restaurants and bars in the Galle Fort offer a romantic setting and it’s perfect for a night out with your special someone.

This is one of the two natural World Heritage Sites in the island and is the last viable primary rainforest. It is also home to more than 50% of the country’s endemic mammals and butterflies etc. Being a major bio diversity hotspot, this rainforest attracts lots of tourists and nature and animal lovers. This trek through the forest is best done with a tour company, as they will advise you about safety measures that are essential in this adventure.

This is the most recent World Heritage Site and was named so in 2010. The property consists of the Horton Plains National Park, the Peak Wilderness Protected Area and the Knuckles Conservation Forest. This is a super bio-diversity hub and provides a home to lots of endangered species including the Sri Lankan leopard. It is also home to a variety of flora and fauna that can only be found in Sri Lanka.