Heritage and Historical Places in Sri Lanka

Ancient kingdoms

Buddhism arrived in the 3rd century BC and shaped writing, art and building. Anuradhapura, the first great capital, survives as a large area of dagobas and monasteries. The rock fortress at Sigiriya still impresses with its engineering, and the painted caves of Dambulla are around two thousand years old. In Kandy, the Temple of the Tooth Relic remains the centre of Buddhist life.

Traders and colonial rule

Arab traders brought Islam, and the Portuguese, Dutch and British brought Christianity, new languages and new food, which is why mosques, churches, kovils and temples stand side by side across the island. The Portuguese built forts along the coasts that the Dutch later strengthened. Galle Fort is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The British era

The British started the tea industry that made Ceylon tea known worldwide, and built the railway that links the hill country with the rest of the island. They also introduced cricket, now the country's favourite sport.

Seeing it

City tours, walking tours and village visits are good ways in. The art and architecture page covers temples, murals and modern buildings in more detail.

Visiting temples

At Buddhist sites, cover shoulders and knees, remove shoes and hats before entering, and never pose with your back to a Buddha statue. Hindu kovils have similar rules, and some ask men to remove shirts in the inner shrine. Early morning visits are cooler and quieter.

Planning a heritage route

The classic route runs through the Cultural Triangle, linking Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa, Sigiriya and Dambulla, then south to Kandy. Galle is easy to add on the south coast. A ticket for each major site is bought separately at the entrance.