Joanna James
Sri Lanka is a tiny island with a history disproportionate to its size. The sheer volume of UNESCO world heritage sites the country boasts of stands testament to it.
The city of Kandy, known by the locals as the hill capital of Sri Lanka, was the last kingdom of the country. Today, it remains a quaint city nestled in the mountains of the central highlands of the island. What makes Kandy one of the most visited destinations in the country is the Sri Dalada Maligawa, better known by travellers as the Temple of the Tooth Relic. This once-upon-time palatial residence is home to what is believed by the locals to be the tooth relic of the Buddha; it is a mythical object, which signified kingship in times past and is still revered as a symbol of Sri Lanka's age-old historical and cultural legacy.
Galle is one of the most picturesque beach destinations in the south of Sri Lanka. However, it is the old-world charm of this beautiful city that truly sets it apart. The draw of Galle is the old Dutch Fort that stands elegant but imposing over the old city. The fort was built by the East-India Dutch Company in the 16th Century and is a true testament to the combination of colonial and Asian architectural styles. The Fort now overlooks the Galle International Cricket Stadium – the current home of Sri Lankan Test Cricket; a sport beloved by the locals and another legacy of the island's colonial past. The entire Galle Fort Complex was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1988 and is today one of the most visited attractions in the country.
Sigiriya, or 'Lion Rock', is to most a mystery and a reason for much historical debate. Accepted history dates this monument of ingenuity to the 5th Century AD. However, mythology attributes the palace atop Sigiriya Rock to King Ravana – the villain in the epic poem 'The Ramayana'. Regardless of the history and myth surrounding this iconic structure, it is impossible to disregard the ingenuity of the ancient people who built it and not be overwhelmed by its sheer brilliance of it. Sigiriya is a great architectural feat, and the frescos that adorn the walls as you ascend to the top of the rock and the reservoirs that still collect rainwater to this day are indeed wonders of an ancient forgotten world.
Anuradhapura was the first true kingdom of the island and is a city of great importance to the many Buddhists in the country. Anuradhapura is home to a large number of ancient temples and amazing stonework. The city is also home to the Sri Maha Bodhiya – a sapling of the Bo tree that gave shade to the Buddha as he attained enlightenment. There are just too many sites to see in Anuradhapura and discovering them is a big part of the adventure.
Sinharaja Forest Reserve is the last rainforest on the island and home to a large number of endemic species of flora and fauna. The Forest Reserve is about an hour or two away from Mirissa, and if you're staying at one of the amazing boutique hotels, Sri Lanka has to offer, such as Lantern Boutique Hotel, you can very easily find a ride and a guide to take you to visit this miracle of nature, which was named a world heritage site by UNESCO in 1988.
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