Ancient Cities

 

Sri Lanka’s ancient cities are incredible places full of history, culture, and stunning architecture. Tourists from all over the world come to explore these fascinating sites, which offer a glimpse into the past, where kings ruled, Buddhism thrived, and beautiful craftsmanship flourished. These ancient cities are key to understanding Sri Lanka’s rich heritage and why they hold such an important place in the island’s identity.

For Sri Lankans, these cities are a source of pride. They represent the country’s deep history, religious traditions, and architectural skills, allowing people to connect with their heritage. For tourists, visiting these cities feels like stepping back in time. They get to learn about ancient South Asian civilizations and see how Buddhism shaped Sri Lanka’s culture.

Tourists who visit these ancient cities can explore stunning UNESCO World Heritage Sites like Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa, Sigiriya, and Dambulla Cave Temple. These places are not only important for Sri Lanka’s history but are also essential in preserving the island’s culture. They are a must-visit for anyone wanting to experience Sri Lanka’s rich past and its lasting global impact.

The First Capital

Anuradhapura

Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka’s first capital, is one of the most important ancient cities in the country. Founded in the 4th century BCE, it became a hub of political and religious power. The city was home to early Sinhalese kings and is deeply connected to Buddhism, with historical records showing how Buddhism flourished under the royal patronage.

The city is dotted with stupas (dagobas), palaces, and monasteries, making it a key pilgrimage site. The Ruwanwelisaya stupa, a massive structure built by King Dutugemunu in 140 BCE, is revered for its immense size and spiritual significance. The Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi, the sacred fig tree in Anuradhapura, is another iconic site. Planted from a cutting of the tree under which Lord Buddha attained enlightenment, it is considered the oldest living tree in the world planted by humans.

For locals, Anuradhapura is not just a historical site but a symbol of Buddhist devotion and resilience. Visitors are drawn to its spiritual aura, where the past seems to come alive through its still-standing monuments.

The First Capital

Polonnaruwa

 

Polonnaruwa became the capital of Sri Lanka during the 10th to 12th century AD, following the decline of Anuradhapura. This ancient city is a fascinating blend of South Indian Hindu influence and Sinhala Buddhist art and architecture, seen in its scattered shrines and monuments. Due to its historical importance and technological marvels, UNESCO declared Polonnaruwa a World Heritage Site in 1982 under the name "Ancient City of Polonnaruwa."

A must-visit in Polonnaruwa is Gal Vihara, a site considered the height of the city's artistic and architectural achievements. Other key attractions include the King's Council Chamber, the floral stone pillars of Nissanka Latha Mandapaya, and the Kumara Pokuna (royal baths). The Thuparama is noted for its original vaulted roof, and the Circular Relic Chamber is adorned with intricate moonstones and guard stones. The Lankathilaka Image House, with its towering Buddha statue, is another remarkable highlight.

One of Polonnaruwa’s most impressive features is the Parakrama Samudra, an artificial lake created by King Parakrama. The king believed that not a single drop of water from the sky should go to waste and insisted on using every resource to develop the land. The irrigation systems in Polonnaruwa are considered far more advanced than those of Anuradhapura, showcasing the ingenuity of ancient Sri Lankan engineering.

Polonnaruwa is a must-visit for anyone interested in Sri Lanka’s history, offering a rich experience of its artistic, architectural, and engineering achievements.

The 8th Wonder of the world?

Sigiriya

Sigiriya, one of Sri Lanka's most famous UNESCO World Heritage sites, is renowned for its towering Lion Rock fortress. Built by King Kashyapa in the 5th century, Sigiriya is a remarkable blend of natural beauty and human innovation. The fortress, perched 200 meters above the surrounding jungle, features a royal palace complex at the summit, Sigiriya frescoes of celestial maidens, and beautifully landscaped water gardens below. These elements showcase the brilliance of ancient urban planning.

For Sri Lankans, Sigiriya holds deep cultural significance, reflecting the ancient kingdom's architectural ingenuity and the legends of King Kashyapa. For visitors, Sigiriya is not only a historical marvel but also offers breathtaking panoramic views from the summit, making it a must-visit destination.

Often called the Lion Rock, Sigiriya was once a royal citadel, combining royal palaces, fortified towns, and stunning water gardens. These gardens are considered to be on par with some of the finest in the ancient world, demonstrating the advanced knowledge of engineering and architecture of that era.

A highlight of Sigiriya is the Sigiriya frescoes, located in a sheltered pocket accessed by a spiral stairway. These frescoes, which depict celestial maidens, are the earliest surviving examples of Sri Lankan pictorial art and are comparable to the famous Ajantha frescoes in India. At the summit of the rock, the remains of the foundation reveal what was once a grand palace, complete with pavilions, ponds, and audience halls.

Sigiriya is often regarded as the 8th wonder of the ancient world, and its artistic, historical, and architectural significance make it one of Sri Lanka's most impressive attractions. Whether for its historical value or its awe-inspiring views, Sigiriya continues to captivate both locals and tourists alike.

Home of Culture and the Esala Perahera

Kandy

The city of Kandy is located 1,500 feet above sea level at the gateway to Sri Lanka's central hills. It is a culturally vibrant city that served as the capital of the last Sri Lankan kingdom until the British took control in 1815. The city's ancient art and architecture are still alive today, and Kandy’s layout offers a glimpse of what older capitals once looked like. Seen from the hills above its scenic lake, Kandy's architectural beauty reflects the style and heritage of Sri Lanka's historic civilization.

The Dalada Maligawa (Temple of the Tooth), which houses the sacred tooth relic of the Buddha, brings spiritual significance to Kandy. This temple attracts both locals and tourists throughout the day, offering flowers and incense as they observe the ancient traditions of drumming, sacred chanting, and pooja (offerings) held three times daily to honor the relic.

Kandy is also famous for hosting the Kandy Esala Perahera, one of the most spectacular festivals in Asia, held every July and August. This grand procession features beautifully decorated elephants, traditional dancers, drummers, and torchbearers, parading through the streets in a vibrant display of Sri Lankan culture. The Perahera is an important religious and cultural event, honoring the sacred tooth relic and showcasing the country’s rich traditions. For both locals and visitors, the festival is an unforgettable experience.

Colonial Charm and Timeless Heritage at Galle Fort

Galle

Located in the southwest of Sri Lanka, Galle is a charming town that still holds the atmosphere of its colonial past. One of its most iconic landmarks is the Galle Dutch Fort, a well-preserved fortress that showcases the architectural styles of the Portuguese, Dutch, and British eras. The fort is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is a testament to the rich history of the region.

Galle’s history took a significant turn in 1505 when the Portuguese arrived at its harbor by accident. They built the first fortress here to protect their trading interests. Later, in 1640, the Dutch took control of Galle and expanded the fortifications, building the sturdy walls that remain standing today. The Dutch also established a colonial quarter within the fort, which has retained its historical charm. When the British took over Galle in 1796, they added their own touches to the town’s architecture, but the Dutch influence remained dominant.

Today, visitors can explore the well-preserved fort, which is filled with narrow streets, colonial buildings, and old churches. The fort is not just a historical site but also a living city where people live, work, and run businesses. Walking through its streets, you can visit museums, cafes, art galleries, and shops, all housed within centuries-old buildings. You can also climb the fort’s ramparts for stunning views of the ocean and the town.

Colonial Charm and Timeless Heritage at Galle Fort

Dambulla

The Dambulla Cave Temple, also known as the Golden Temple of Dambulla, is one of Sri Lanka’s most significant religious sites and a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1991. Located in the central part of the country, it is 148 kilometers east of Colombo, 72 kilometers north of Kandy, and 43 kilometers north of Matale. This complex is the largest and best-preserved cave temple in Sri Lanka, renowned for its rich history, religious significance, and impressive art.

The temple gets its name "Golden Temple" due to the gilded interiors of its caves and the large golden Buddha statue that sits outside the complex. The golden hues reflect the temple's wealth of Buddhist treasures and highlight its importance as a sacred site. The temple’s history dates back to the 1st century BC when King Valagamba, fleeing from South Indian invaders, took refuge in the caves. After reclaiming his throne, he converted the caves into a magnificent temple as an expression of his gratitude.

The temple complex consists of five main caves, each filled with stunning statues and paintings. Over 150 Buddha statues in various postures can be found throughout the caves, along with statues of deities and Sri Lankan kings. The walls and ceilings of the caves are covered with intricate murals depicting scenes from Buddha’s life and important events in Sri Lankan history. These paintings, along with the Buddha statues, showcase the rich artistic heritage of Sri Lanka.

Other Destinations

Ancient Cities

Ancient Cities

Explore ancient cities and kingdoms dating back to the 5th century BC

See all tours
Beaches

Beaches

Discover Pristine Beaches

See all tours
Mountain Ranges

Mountain Ranges

Discover the Majestic Mountain Ranges of Sri Lanka

See all tours
National Parks

National Parks

Witness incredible diversity of animal life

See all tours
Waterfalls

Waterfalls

Discover Sri Lanka: The Nation of Stunning Waterfalls

See all tours

Our Popular Tours

Tell us about your ultimate vacation fantasy, and watch it come true!​