A Journey Through Rich History: UNESCO World Heritage Sites In Sri Lanka
Currently, there are eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Sri Lanka. These historical sites range from historical cities to sacred shrines to beautiful woods and incredible caves. The historical sites in Sri Lanka stand strong as a mesmerising representation of Sri Lanka's distinct blends/combinations of culture and legacies, spirituality and religion, breath-taking natural charm and attractions and much more! These locations play a huge role in making Sri Lanka what is known today as the ‘Pearl in the Indian Ocean’. Let's dive into detail about understanding the mesmerising UNESCO World Heritage Sites situated in Sri Lanka!
The Ancient City Of Sigiriya
When visiting Sri Lanka for a historical journey to learn about the nation's imperial historical significance and influence on the world, it is recommended that travellers begin their educational journey by paying a visit to the Ancient city of Sigiriya. Due to high popularity and prominence in today's time, this location is highly regarded as The World's Eighth Wonder.
This UNESCO-deemed Global Heritage Site in Sri Lanka is extremely famous for its housing qualities of glorious gardens and native water management systems. The most awe-inspiring destination to explore in the Ancient city of Sigiriya is undoubtedly the Mirror Wall. This site's most notable features are the gorgeous frescoes. This is simply because these frescoes represent the age-old artistic style and value of Sri Lanka. The lion-shaped gateway is also a popular destination in this historical site.
Where is this site located?
Central Province, Sri Lanka.
What are the timings of this site?
This site can be visited anytime throughout the day.
The Sacred City Of Anuradhapura
Do you know what the Sacred city of Anuradhapura is known as? It's known as the Sacred City of Temples. This historical site in Sri Lanka is extremely important for Buddhism believers from across the globe! In the past, this destination was a glorious capital of Sri Lanka.
However in today's time, this city still houses numerous monastic constructions and gigantic brick stupa. The belief behind the Bodhi tree is that:- The tree under which the Lord Buddha gained enlightenment then became a source of the birth of the Bodhi/Sri Maha Bodhi Tree. This tree now stands tall as a vital representation of the important religious practices in Sri Lanka.
Where is this site located?
Anuradhapura, North-Central, Sri Lanka.
What are the timings of this site?
This site can be visited anytime throughout the day.
The Sacred City Of Kandy
A highly significant historical destination, situated in Sri Lanka, is the Sacred city of Kandy. This city has now become one of the most vital tourist/visitor attractions in Sri Lanka. The main reasons why the Sacred city of Kandy is given so much importance is that:- A. It holds massive amounts of spirituality and religious importance. B. This destination is overflowing with imperial history. And vibrant culture.
The most popular and top-rated spiritual/tourist destination in this historical city is:- The Sri Dalada Maligawa Temple. This temple is referred to as the ‘Temple of the Tooth Relic’. This temple is situated in the heart/centre of the metropolitan sector. This temple holds massive significance in Sri Lanka as it houses a valuable relic which is:- The tooth of the Lord Buddha. This is however just a popular belief among Buddhism followers.
The Esala Perahera is this city's most significant festival. Apart from a rich historical background, the Sacred City of Kandy also shows-off spectacular natural beauty in the form of Peaceful Kandy Lake, Divine flower gardens and much more!
Where is this site located?
Kandy, Sri Lanka.
What are the timings of this site?
5:30 A.M to 8:00 P.M.
The Sinharaja Forest Reserve
Sinharaja Forest Reserve is a notable tropical rainforest/natural attraction in Sri Lanka. This natural destination has been deemed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its vital housing quality of wildlife and many other aspects. The Sinharaja Forest Reserve is a majestic hub for viewing a plethora of flora and fauna species which are rarely spotted in any other parts of the planet. While wandering/strolling through the Sinharaja Forest Reserve, visitors can spot many:-
- Exotic bird species
- Playful monkeys
- Uniquely patterned reptiles and much more
The best way to make the most of your trip to this mesmerising site is by taking a hike through the woody areas with a knowledgeable/expert tourist guide. This will allow visitors to not only learn about the inhabitants of the reserve. But it will also allow/enable them to learn about the detailed balance of the natural world/ecosystem.
Where is this site located?
Ratnapura District, Sri Lanka.
What are the timings of this site?
6:00 A.M to 6:00 P.M.
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The main purpose of a Tourist e-Visa for Sri Lanka is to permit international travellers to enter and stay in Sri Lanka for a short period for the purpose of tourism and leisure. This legal document is generally used for going on a vacation or enjoying holidays in Sri Lanka. The most common activities that can be done in Sri Lanka with this e-Visa type is exploring the various landmarks and tourist spots in the country, visiting friends and family members, attending cultural and religious events/occasions, sightseeing, etc.
The Ancient City Of Polonnaruwa
Polonnaruwa is an essential age-old/ancient capital of Sri Lanka. This city was at the highest level of success during the eleventh and thirteenth century. The Gal Vihara is a spectacular feature/highlight of this beautiful ancient city in Sri Lanka. Gal Vihara is basically:- A mind-blowing group of 04 gigantic Buddha statues. It is believed that these statues were made from just one rock of granite.
While visiting and exploring this UNESCO-deemed Global Heritage Site in Sri Lanka, visitors get to learn about the successful communities that once existed in the city. The Ancient city of Polonnaruwa housed ornamented structures that were created through well-planned irrigation systems/methods. The beautiful royal villas, assembly halls, spiritual institutions and much more are a depiction of the success of Polonnaruwa as the greatest metropolis in Sri Lanka.
Where is this site located?
Sudarshanaramaya Puranagama Road, Polonnaruwa, Sri Lanka.
What are the timings of this site?
7:00 A.M to 5:00 P.M.
The Rangiri Dambulla Cave Temple
The Golden Temple of Dambulla is a popular representation of the nation's religious/spiritual structures and architectural designs. The construction/build-up of this religious location is done on a rocky outcrop. This historical compound/region has been a home to over one hundred and fifty statues of the Lord Buddha.
These statues are more ancient than people think as their existence goes way back to two thousand years ago. Here, visitors attain the highest level of spiritual/religious enlightenment. Along with that, this is a great destination to view some of the most breath-taking Sri Lankan artwork and craft. The Dambulla Golden Temple stands powerfully as the greatest representation of how religion, art and nature can work in perfect partnership.
Where is this site located?
Dambulla, Matale District, Sri Lanka.
What are the timings of this site?
7:00 A.M to 7:00 P.M.
The Old Town Of Galle (And Its Fortifications)
The Old Town of Galle was constructed in the sixteenth century by the Portugal nationals. After some years, the Dutch imposed reinforcements for it. This historical site plays a major role in making people aware of the nation's colonial period. The architecture of the Galle Fort is a unique blend/combination of:-
A. Native components. B. European influences/styles and design inspirations. While touring the historical city of Galle, visitors will be able to spot many boutique locations, historical churches, lavish homes and much more! Galle is an unmissable tourism spot for all those travellers who wish to:-
- Understand Sri Lanka's colonial period history.
- Dig deep into the nation's blooming culture and diversity.
- Relax at Galle's most iconic beaches.
Where is this site located?
Galle, Sri Lanka.
What are the timings of this site?
This site can be visited anytime throughout the day.
The Central Highlands Of Sri Lanka
The major reason why the Central Highlands of Sri Lanka is recognized as a UNESCO-deemed Global Heritage Site is tha this destination is the home to glorious biological and ecological diversity. The main highlights of this destination are Grand tea plantations, Towering mountainous ranges and Divine waterfalls, etc.
The Horton Plains National Park is a mesmerising natural attraction in Sri Lanka which should be explored to understand the authentic natural essence of the country. The Knuckles Conservation Forest is a must-visit top-rated natural attraction in Sri Lanka which should be visited at least once to understand the country's natural heritage and diversity.
Where is this site located?
South-Central Region, Sri Lanka.
What are the timings of this site?
This site can be visited anytime throughout the day.
Conclusion
The mesmerising UNESCO-deemed Global Heritage Sites in Sri Lanka is a beautiful depiction of the nation's imperial historical background, cultural importance, natural charm and elegance and social/political growth and development. A detailed itinerary or travel plan should be created by all visitors for visiting each of these majestic UNESCO-deemed Global Heritage Sites in Sri Lanka to ensure that no location is missed out!
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Sri Lanka is undoubtedly known for its stunning natural attractions, lush landscapes, scenic beauty and pristine beaches/islands. However, at the centre of all tourist destinations lies the mesmerizing cities in Sri Lanka.
Check Eligibility for Sri Lanka e-Visa and apply for Sri Lanka e-Visa 72 hours in advance of your flight. Citizens from France, Canada, Germany, New Zealand and Australia can apply online for Sri Lanka e-Visa.