Cultural

Cave Complex of Dambulla
Dambulla houses the most elaborate and best preserved cave temples in the country. The complex is consist of five different caves dating back to the 2nd century that accommodates majestic idols and exotic carvings. Among all the caves, Maharaja Lena is the most famous and celebrated. Other two sites that earns Dambulla a global reputation are- Iron Wood Forest and Rose Quartz Mountains.

Sacred City of Anuradhapura
One of the most prominent cities of Sri Lanka, Anuradhapura has the distinction of being the first capital of Sri Lanka. It served as the capital from 5th century BC to 1017 AD. The highlight of the city is the fig from the Bodhi tree under which Lord Buddha had attained enlightenment. It was brought here by Sanghamitta, daughter of Indian emperor Ashoka in the 3rd century B.C.

Ancient City of Polonnaruwa
The Sri Lankan royal family shifted base to Polonnaruwa in 993 due to continuous invasions. The highlight of the city is a massive 12th century man-made reservoir named Sea of Parakrama. Other sites that make it as place to visit are King's Council Chamber, Lanka Thilaka Viharaya, Gal Viharaya (Rock Temple) and Lotus Bath. Apart from these, the Chola dynasty built the Brahmanic structures.

Ancient City of Sigiriya
Once the capital of Sri Lanka, Sigiriya also comes to the tourism map with lot to explore and wonder at. The remains of the city, built by King Kassapa rests on the slopes. The highlight of Sigiriya is perhaps the Lion’s Rock which stands at a height of 370 meters and overlooks a forest. Galleries and staircases emerge from the mouth of the gigantic lions. The Sigiriya Gardens present a fine fusion of symmetrical and asymmetrical aspects and attract lots of visitors.

Old Town of Galle
The Dutch Fort of Galle is a distinguished UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Fort is a fine amalgamation of the European and South Asian architecture styles. The port city founded by the Portuguese in the 16th century is in itself a place not to be missed out.

Sacred City of Kandy
The cultural hub of Sri Lanka, Kandy is renowned for the Temple of Tooth and the Old Royal Palace. While the former is a spiritual hotspot with one of the teeth of Lord Buddha as the main relic, the latter is a heritage palace turned to a museum. Popularly known as Senkadagalapura, Kandy also served as the nation al capital for over 2500 years.

Natural

Sinharaja Forest Reserve
The literal meaning of this wildlife reserve is ‘Lion King’. Essentially a tropical lowland rainforest, Sinharaja Forest Reserve hosts plenty of endemic wildlife, particularly birds as well as mammals, insects, reptiles, rare amphibians and butterflies.