Unesco World Heritage Sites in Sri Lanka

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Packed devotees early in the morning at Ruwanweli Seya

Sri Lanka boasts eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites, showcasing the island’s diverse heritage, ranging from ancient cities like Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa, which reveal sophisticated urban planning and remarkable architectural achievements, to the iconic Sigiriya rock fortress, a masterpiece of engineering and art. The sacred city of Kandy, with its Temple of the Tooth Relic, while the historic city of Galle, with its well-preserved Dutch fort, reflects the island’s colonial past. The Dambulla Cave Temple, with its stunning collection of Buddha statues and murals, exemplifies Sri Lankan religious art.

Natural wonders are also recognized, including the Central Highlands, a biodiversity hotspot, and the Sinharaja Forest Reserve, a treasure trove of endemic species. These World Heritage Sites collectively offer a captivating journey through Sri Lanka’s fascinating past and present.

Unesco World Heritage Site Name	Declared Year
Sacred City of Anuradhapura (5th century BCE to 11th century)	1982
Ancient City of Polonnaruwa (11th century to 13th century)	1982
Sigiriya Rock Fortress (5th century)	1982
Sinharaja Forest Reserve	1988
Sacred City of Kandy (15th century to 19th century)	1988
Old Town of Galle and its Fortifications (16th century to 20th century)	1988
Rangiri Dambulla Cave Temple (1st century BCE)	1991
Central Highlands (Peak Wilderness Protected Area, the Horton Plains National Park and the Knuckles Conservation Forest)	2010

1] Sacred City of Anuradhapura

Anuradhapura Thuparamaya Chapter House (අනුරාධපුර ථුපාරාම උපෝසථාගාරය)

The sacred city of Anuradhapura is located 200 kilometers from Colombo. If you travel by private vehicle, the journey takes roughly 4.5 hours. Buses depart from the Pettah Bus Terminal every 30 minutes, and the bus ride lasts about 5.5 hours. Meanwhile, train travel takes between 4.5 and 6 hours, depending on the number of stops along the route.

For More details on the Anuradhapura Ancient City see here

2] Ancient City of Polonnaruwa

Gal Viharaya - Polonnaruwa — Gal Viharaya – Polonnaruwa

Polonnaruwa, the former second capital of ancient Sri Lanka, is located 230 kilometers from Colombo. Traveling by private vehicle typically takes around 4 hours and 40 minutes to 5 hours, while bus journeys can take between 6 and 8 hours. Additionally, there are three daily train services from Colombo to Polonnaruwa, with travel times ranging from 4 hours and 30 minutes to 6 hours depending on the number of stops.

For More details on the Ancient Capital of Polonnaruwa see here

3] Sigiriya Rock Fortress

Sigiriya Rock Fortress is ideally situated between Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa, making it a convenient stopover when visiting these ancient cities. However, be sure to set aside at least half a day for exploring the site, as the ascent is both steep and gradual. Located 170 kilometers from Colombo, reaching Sigiriya by private vehicle takes approximately 3.5 to 4 hours, while public bus services typically require 5 to 7 hours.

For More details on the Sigiriya Rock Fortress see here

4] Sinharaja Forest Reserve

Karamal Bodilima (The Hump-nosed Lizard) - Sinharaja — Karamal Bodilima (The Hump-nosed Lizard) – Sinharaja photo by Danushka Senadheera (CC BY-NC-ND 2.0)

Situated in the southwest of Sri Lanka, 175 kilometers from Colombo, Sinharaja is the country’s last remaining primary tropical rainforest. Over 60% of its trees are endemic, with many classified as rare. The forest is rich in endemic wildlife, particularly birds, and is home to more than half of Sri Lanka’s endemic species of mammals, butterflies, insects, reptiles, and rare amphibians.

For More details on Sinharaja Rainforest see here

5] Sacred City of Kandy

Dalada Maligawa (Temple of Tooth) of Kandy

Kandy, the final capital of Sri Lanka before its capture by the British in 1815, is home to the most sacred site for Buddhists worldwide—the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic of Buddha. The city is also renowned for the annual Esala Perahera, a grand cultural event that attracts tourists from around the globe.

Nestled in the central hills, Kandy is located 110 kilometers from Colombo. A private vehicle journey takes approximately 3.5 to 4 hours. Buses frequently depart from the Colombo Fort Bus Terminal, with travel times ranging from 4 to 4.5 hours. Trains are another popular option, taking between 2.5 and 4 hours, depending on the number of stops.

For More details on the Historic City of Kandy see here

6] Old Town of Galle and its Fortifications

Galle, founded by the Portuguese in the 16th century, flourished in the 18th century before the British took control. It stands as the finest example of a fortified city in South and Southeast Asia, showcasing a blend of European architectural styles with South Asian cultural and architectural traditions.

Galle is located 120 kilometers south of Colombo along the southern coast. Traveling by private vehicle typically takes about 2 to 2.5 hours. There are regular buses and trains operating between Colombo and Galle. Buses using the highway cover the distance in a similar timeframe, while trains take approximately 2.5 to 3 hours, depending on the number of stops along the route.

For More details on the Galle and its Fortifications see here

7] Rangiri Dambulla Cave Temple

Rangiri Dambulu Viharaya / Dambulla Cave Temple — Rangiri Dambulu Viharaya

Built-in the 1st century BCE, the Dambulla cave complex that consists of the five temples has a spectacular setting on a massive rock some 1118 ft. above sea level and is surrounded by the plains of Kurunegala on one side and the rock of Sigiriya and the mountain of Ritigala on the other.

The temple lies 150 km away from Colombo before Sigiriya Rock Fortress. Travel time on a private vehicle is 3.5 to 4 hours while public bus services typically require 5 to 7 hours.

For More details on the Rangiri Dambulla Cave Temple see here

8] Central Highlands

View from top of Sri Pada – Photo by Dr. Ashan Geeganage

The Central Highlands, designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, include the Peak Wilderness Protected Area, Horton Plains National Park, and Knuckles Conservation Forest. These montane forests, rising over 2,500 meters above sea level, are renowned for their exceptional biodiversity, hosting a variety of flora and fauna, including endangered species like the western purple-faced langur, Horton Plains slender loris, and Sri Lankan leopard. This region is recognized as a significant biodiversity hotspot.

The Peak Wilderness Protected Area encompasses the sacred Sri Pada mountain, which is believed to bear the footprint of the Buddha at its summit. Horton Plains, a designated Wildlife National Park, features landmarks such as the famed World’s End. The Knuckles Mountain Range, characterized by peaks resembling the knuckles of a hand, offers numerous attractions, including Deanston Mini World’s End.