Joanna James
A drop of paradise amidst the wide-open Indian Ocean, the island nation of Sri Lanka is a land of everything. While the tiny teardrop is certainly blessed with a whole lot of fascinating treasures and wonders, its centuries-old cultural attractions are some of the best things about the country.
Nestled in the heart of Sri Lanka’s cultural triangle, Sigiriya, better known as the “Lion Rock” among tourists to the island country, hardly needs any introduction, for it is arguably the island’s most popular historical and cultural attraction. The ancient rock fortress is well known even outside Sri Lanka and has long been drawing crowds in droves to the South Asian nation. The world-renowned UNESCO World Heritage Site is undoubtedly a wonder to behold, but the real treat lies 180 metres high at the peak of the massive rock column, where summiteers are greeted by breathtaking panoramic scenery.
Heading back from Sigiriya, Royal Cave Temple in the heart of the nearby town of Dambulla is certainly an unmissable sight, thanks to the massive golden Buddha that sits atop the temple. While the majestic Buddha is what draws impromptu visitors to the sacred site, the temple is best known for its series of ornate caves, making it one of the best-preserved cave temples in the country. A host of striking wall paintings and intricate Buddha statues adorn the caves, leaving visitors to the temple in absolute awe.
Your exploration of Sri Lanka’s cultural gems wouldn’t be complete without the charming Galle Dutch Fort on your itinerary, especially for those holidaying in southern Sri Lanka and the vicinity. The majestic fort complex in the Bay of Galle is undoubtedly one of the top places to visit in Sri Lanka and rightfully so. Spend your day exploring the sprawling UNESCO World Heritage Site and retreat to one of the finest hotels or resorts offered by popular chains such as Aitken Spence Hotels.
The crown jewel of the central highlands, the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic is the one attraction that single-handedly put Kandy on the map as the cultural capital of Sri Lanka. The golden-roofed temple set alongside the beautiful Kandy Lake sees droves and droves of white-clad devotees every single day and is renowned around the world for having arguably what is the most precious relic of all Buddhists, an actual tooth of the Lord Buddha himself, in its sanctum.
Taking up the northernmost position of the cultural triangle of Sri Lanka, the ancient city of Anuradhapura is unlike any other in the Indian Ocean island country. While the South Asian nation has seen massive development from the days of its kings, the Sri Lanka of centuries past is still alive in Anuradhapura. The city is home to ancient temples, palaces, ponds and other historical sites galore. While some of them might be in ruins in the present day, they never fail to offer a glimpse into the bygone days of the tiny island country.
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.
