Joanna James
Sri Lanka is often considered to be one of the most beautiful and exciting locations to visit in South Asia. If you have any doubts about this, all you need is to take a look at all the World Heritage Sites found on the island – here are some of the best.
Anuradhapura is found in the central northern reaches of Sri Lanka. The region's fertile soil and predictable weather pattern made it an ideal location for agriculture back during the dawn of Sri Lankan civilization. Unsurprisingly, the region would go onto being the capital city of Sri Lanka's first major kingdom! Following the introduction of Buddhism to Sri Lanka, several prominent Buddhist shrines and structures were erected all over the city. Once a shoot of the sacred Bo Tree – the Sri Maha Bodiya as it's called now – arrived on Sri Lanka, it was planted at the very centre of Anuradhapura. The area surrounding the site was called the "Sacred City". Over the years, an array of Buddhist structures was constructed in the Sacred City – these include the towering Ruvanvelisaya stupa and the once majestic Brazen Palace.
The forest reserve of Sinharaja is one of the most biodiverse locations in all of Sri Lanka. Often stated to be the last viable tract of tropical rainforest left in Sri Lanka, it has been designated as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Sinharaja is often stated to be the last viable tract of tropical rainforest left in Sri Lanka, and as such, it contains a variety of unique flora, over 60% of which is endemic to the country.
The Central Highlands of Sri Lanka offers some of the most beautiful landscapes and scenery found anywhere in the country. From towering mountains covered in thick forests to massive waterfalls that hurl thousands of gallons of water every second! There are several World Heritage Site found here in the hills. This includes the expansive Horton Plains, the Knuckles Mountain Range, and the Adam's Peak Wilderness Protected Area.
The rock fortress that sits atop Sigiriya has long been one of the most enduring images associated with Sri Lanka, and it continues to be one of the most must-visit attractions you'll find on the island. Sigiriya has also been named as a world heritage site and has been declared one of the best-preserved examples of urban planning in the ancient world. The location's popularity among tourists also means that you won't have any problem finding a good Kandalama hotel that is near Sigiriya for your stay. There's a great selection too, from budget boutique hotels to luxurious options like the Heritance Kandalama.
The Dambulla Cave Temple is one of the region's most famous and fascinating attractions. The temple is made up of five main caves that are linked together and a shrine room. The first cave is known as the Cave of the Divine King. Its most prominent feature is a 14m reclining Buddha statue that's been carved into the ancient rock. A carving of the god Vishnu, whose divine power is said to have created these caves lies at the head of the statue, while the likeness of Buddha's helper, Ananda, lies near the feet.
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
