Sri Lanka Sightseeing Places
The Royal Cities
Anuradhapura
Anuradhapura was founded in the 4th century BC and was the first capital of Sri Lanka. For more than 1,000 years, Anuradhapura was the political and religious center of various royal dynasties. After excavations uncovered palaces, monasteries, and monuments, Anuradhapura once again became an important center. The Sri Mahabodhi tree (poppal fig) is of great significance.
It is said to originate from a branch of the tree under which Buddha Siddhartha Gautama attained enlightenment. The large dagobas such as Ruvanvelisaya, Jethawana, and Thuparama are also very striking. Anuradhapura has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1982.
Kandy
Kandy was the kingdom that managed to hold out for a long time against the numerous attempts at conquest by the colonial powers (Portugal, the Netherlands, Great Britain). It was not conquered by the British until 1815. Kandy is located in the central highlands at an altitude of almost 500 meters, surrounded by tea plantations and rainforests. The Mahaweli River, the longest river in Sri Lanka at 335 km, flows through here. The left upper canine tooth of Buddha Siddhartha Gautama is kept as a relic in the Temple of the Tooth. The tooth is said to contain the spiritual power of Buddha. It is a symbol of a good harvest and protects the country from drought. The Temple of the Tooth is considered one of the most important pilgrimage sites for Buddhists. In the morning, mid-morning, and evening, the shrine containing the tooth is opened in a ceremony and pilgrims are allowed to take a brief look at it.
Polonnaruwa
Polonnaruwa was the capital of Sri Lanka’s second oldest kingdom. The kingdom reached its heyday under Parakrama Bahu (1153-1186). During this period, the tooth relic of Buddha was also kept here, which is now located in the Temple of the Tooth in Kandy. Polonnaruwa Park is one of Sri Lanka’s tourist attractions. Visitors can reconstruct what the city once looked like. There are numerous Buddha figures, large dagobas, temples, gardens, and palaces to see. Four Buddha statues carved into the rock, the Buddha statues of Gal Vihara, are particularly famous.
Yapahuwa
Yapahuwa is the least known of the royal cities, as it did not exist for very long. It was the capital between 1273 and 1284. Similar to Sigiriya Fortress, Yapahuwa was built on a 90-meter-high rock to better protect itself against invaders. A staircase with 100 steps leads up to the rock, where you can see the remains of a stupa, a bodhi tree, and a Buddhist monastery.
National Parks
Gal Oya National Park
Gal Oya National Park is one of Sri Lanka’s most untouched national parks. The Senanayake Samudra reservoir is the centerpiece of the park and is nestled in an impressive tree landscape. The boat safari is unique, offering visitors the chance to observe elephants, crocodiles, monkeys, and a fascinating bird life, among other things.
Minneriya National Park
This national park has one of the largest elephant populations in Asia. This nature reserve covers an area of almost 90 km². During the dry season between June and September, you have the chance to see up to 300 animals at the water reservoir. Due to the huge water reservoir, the park is also one of the most important bird areas. In addition, you can see various species of monkeys, leopards, deer, and bears.
Udawalawe National Park
One of the most popular national parks is Udawalawa, mainly because of its large elephant population. But you can also see various bird species, crocodiles, water buffalo, monkeys, and much more.
Wilpattu National Park
Wilpattu National Park covers 1,317 km² and is characterized by water holes, ponds, and lakes. The uniqueness of this national park is marked by the “Willus” (natural lakes). This makes it an Eldorado for water birds. On the banks of the wetlands, you can observe axis deer and water buffalo. Wilpattu is also famous for its leopard population and the now rare sloth bear.
This national park has one of the largest elephant populations in Asia. This nature reserve covers almost 90 km², and during the dry season between June and September, you have the chance to see up to 300 animals at the water reservoir. Due to the huge water reservoir, the park is also one of the most important bird areas.
Yala National Park
There are several superlatives for Yala National Park. It is probably the best known, oldest, and largest national park in Sri Lanka.
It covers an area of approximately 1,500 km². With a little luck, you may see leopards here. With around 30 animals, this is the highest density of leopards in the world. Around 30 species of mammals, such as elephants and bears, as well as 130 species of birds can be admired here. Blue whales and sperm whales can be observed in the beach coves.
Sacred Temple Sites
Mihintale
Mihintale is considered the cradle of Buddhism in Sri Lanka. The monk Mahinda is said to have met King Devanampiyatissa of Anuradhapura here. He impressed him and his family so much with his stories about Buddhism that he and his subjects converted to Buddhism.
Anuradhapura
Anuradhapura was the center of various royal dynasties for more than 1,000 years. The Sri Mahabodhi tree (poppal fig) is said to have grown from a branch of the tree under which Buddha Siddhartha Gautama attained enlightenment. The large dagobas such as Ruvanvelisaya and Jethawana Dagoba are also very striking. Anuradhapura has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1982.
Polonnaruwa
During Polonnaruwa’s heyday, Buddha’s tooth, which is now kept in the Temple of the Tooth in Kandy, was kept in the Vadatage Temple. Today, Polonnaruwa is one of Sri Lanka’s most important archaeological sites. Numerous Buddha figures, large dagobas, and temples can be seen. Particularly impressive are the Buddha statues of Gal Vihara, which were carved into the rock.
Dambulla Cave Temple
The cave temples of Dambulla cover an area of 2,100 m² and are therefore the largest temple complex of its kind in Sri Lanka. The cave art is known far beyond the country’s borders. King Valagamba of Anuradhapura once used the temple as a place of exile when the city was occupied by the Indians. Paintings and statues can be admired in the cave temples. Dambulla has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1991.
Temple of Tooth (Sri Dalada Maligawa)
The upper left canine tooth of Buddha Siddhartha Gautama is kept as a relic in the Temple of the Tooth. The tooth is said to contain the spiritual power of Buddha. It symbolizes a good harvest and protects the country from drought. The Temple of the Tooth is considered one of the most important pilgrimage sites for Buddhists. In the morning, mid-morning, and evening, the shrine containing the tooth is opened in a ceremony and pilgrims are allowed to take a brief look at it.
Ambuluwawa Temple Site
This fascinating tower with its striking shape can be seen from afar. It is located on a mountain that can be easily reached by tuk-tuk. The entire complex represents all four world religions: Hinduism (Hindu temple), Buddhism (Buddhist temple), Christianity (church), and Islam (mosque).
Kataragama
Kataragama is a pilgrimage town for Buddhists, Hindus, and indigenous Vedda people. The temple is dedicated to the patron deity Skanda Kumara, also known as Kataragama Deviyo. The Bodhi tree is said to be more than 2,200 years old.
Kiri Vehara
This large dagoba dates back to the 3rd century BC. Before pilgrims visit the Maha Devale, flowers and coconuts are offered here.
Maha Devale
This is the holiest place in Kataragama and was built in a park-like setting. The wall is decorated with peacocks and elephants. During daily prayers, believers gather in front of the shrine of the main deity.
Hikes
Adam`s Peak
(from December until May)
Adam’s Peak is approximately 2,245 meters high and is the most famous mountain in Sri Lanka. It is renowned for Sri Pada (holy foot). This is located in a monastery at the summit of the mountain and is revered by Buddhists as the footprint of Buddha. The pilgrimage season begins in December on the day of the full moon and ends in May on the day of the full moon.
It is recommended to start around 2:00 a.m. to see the sunrise at the summit. The ascent is via approximately 5,200 steps. Depending on your ability, the ascent takes between 3 and 5 hours. At the summit, you will be rewarded with an impressive sunrise.
Horton Plains National Park
Horton Plains National Park is located not far from Nuwara Eliya and is part of the Central Highlands of Sri Lanka. It lies at an altitude of 2,000 meters, is the country’s most important watershed, and contains the most extensive cloud forest area. To enjoy clear visibility, it is best to set off on a hike early in the morning. There are around 750 plant species here, many of which are found only in this area. Animals such as sambar deer, amphibians, and bird species are also native to this area. World’s End, a steep slope over 870 meters high, offers a beautiful view that extends to the sea on a clear day. Baker’s Falls are also located in this national park and originate from the Belihul Oya River.
Knuckles Mountain Range
The Knuckles Mountain Range is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a biosphere reserve. There are around 34 hiking trails in this area, ranging from short routes (from 1 hour) to multi-day routes (up to 4 days). The fauna and flora are breathtaking, and there are several endemic species to admire.
Little Adam´s Peak
The climb to Little Adam’s Peak takes about 45 minutes, a short, leisurely hike with a magnificent view from the summit.
Sinharaja Rain Forest Reserve
The Sinharaja Rainforest is the last remaining contiguous tropical forest in Sri Lanka. It is classified by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site and a biosphere reserve. Over 60% of the trees found there are endemic, as are 95% of the bird species. Accompanied by a guide, visitors can enjoy impressive hikes of varying distances.