Historical Places in Sri Lanka: The Top 12 List For Your Next Trip

Sri Lanka has a history that goes back 2500 years. Sri Lanka tourism offers an array of attractions filled with historical significance. Kandy, Sigiriya, Anuradhapura, Galle, Polonnaruwa, Cave Temple Dambulla, Sinharaja Forest, and the Central Highlands of Sri Lanka are all top historical sites. Anuradhapura is one of the world’s oldest continuously populated settlements. The Sacred Bodhi Tree, which is at the heart of this city’s spiritual significance, grew from a cutting brought from India’s Bodh Gaya. Sigiriya is an ancient fortress whose ruins are regarded as the most evocative of ancient sites. The location serves as both a castle and a stronghold. Kandy is home to the Temple of the Tooth, which has profound sacred meaning for Sri Lankans and visitors from all over the world. Dambulla is well-known for the Golden Temple. It also has a number of ancient caves and temples. Here is our list of the top historical places in Sri Lanka. To have a hassle free trip book a Sri Lanka tour packages with us!

Also read: Best Places to Visit in Sri Lanka for a memorable Vacation

Top Historical Places in Sri Lanka

1. Adam’s Peak
2. Dambulla Cave Temple
3. Tooth relic temple
4. Anuradhapura
5. Polonnaruwa Vatadage
6. World’s End, Horton Plains
7. Jaffna Fort
8. Belilena
9. Buduruvagala
10. Sigiriya Rock Fortress
11. Yapahuwa 
12. Galle Fort

1. Adam’s Peak

The towering summit of Adam’s Peak, standing at an incredible 2,243m, is hidden within the emerald forests of Sri Lanka’s hill country. This striking natural landmark is veiled in mystery, and folklore has it that the Buddha’s footprint can be found at the summit. As a result, it is one of the most well-known pilgrimage sites in Sri Lanka. Adam’s Peak in Sri Lanka is usually better approached at night, as the stunning sights are less obscured by fog and mist. It is one of the recommended Historical Places in Sri Lanka that you must not miss. Get a budget trip by booking a Sri lanka budget tour packages with us!

2. Dambulla Cave Temple

Over the past 22 years, the Golden Dambulla Cave Temple has become a pilgrimage site. It is also the island’s oldest and best-preserved cave shrine (there are others). In order to conserve the impressive wall paintings and over 150 sculptures in and around the shrine, the Dambulla Cave Temple was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1991. It is one of the top Historical Places in Sri Lanka to visit.

3. Tooth relic temple

The temple of the tooth relic, which houses Buddha’s tooth relic, is also a significant world heritage site in Sri Lanka. The temple is located near the modern part of the Kandy region, next to Kandy Lake. Visitors are unable to see the legendary tooth because it is locked away in a gold casket that is part of a collection of six caskets that decrease in size. However, the complex is indeed beautiful to visit, with lovely temples and shrines overlooking the glistening Kandy Lake. Every day, thousands of international and domestic tourists visit the temple.

Also read: Temples in Sri Lanka: Your guide to the must-visit temples in Sri Lanka

4. Anuradhapura

Anuradhapura is one of the most significant historical places in Sri Lanka, with many heritage monasteries, palaces, and monuments. It is famous for its massive dagobas (brick stupas), ancient ponds and lakes, and majestic temples. In 377 BC, the city was founded as Sri Lanka’s first capital. It was also during this time that Anuradhapura came to prominence as a political and economic powerhouse. For your hassle free vacation book your Sri lanka luxury tour packages with us!

5. Polonnaruwa Vatadage

Polonnaruwa is a city in Sri Lanka. Vatadage is a well-preserved Vatadage in the famed Dalada Maluwa quadrangle of Polonnaruwa, an ancient city of ruins. Vatadages are common Buddhist institutions in Sri Lanka. These are square, made of stone and brick, and have elaborate stone carvings and a wooden roof. They were constructed to defend stupas. There are currently ten Vatadages in Sri Lanka that also represent the country’s heritage, with the most famous being the Polonnaruwa Vatadage.

6. World’s End, Horton Plains

The World’s End cliff drops 880 meters from the base of the Horton Plains plateau. The vision is breathtaking, and tea plantation villages can be seen from the ridge’s side. The World’s End climb is 9.5 kilometers round trip (via a spectacular tumbling waterfall), but the perfect time to arrive at the escarpment is between 6 and 9 a.m., before the dense white fog sets in.

7. Jaffna Fort

The famed Jaffna Fort, a remnant of Sri Lanka’s colonial history, overlooks the city’s gleaming lagoon, where you can discover its decaying walls, moats, and spectacular gateways. Built by the Portuguese in 1618, the fort was redesigned by Dutch colonists in 1680 into a pentagon shape, reflecting a symbol of classic Dutch architecture. After years of fighting, the fort is gradually being rebuilt to strengthen this valuable piece of the country’s heritage.

8. Belilena

Belilena is one of the well-known historical places in Sri Lanka among archaeology enthusiasts. Evidence of prehistoric humans identified as the Balangoda Man was discovered at the site and has been dated back to 32000 years. Belilena, located 8 kilometres from Kitugala, was designated an Archaeological Reserve by the Archaeological Department of Sri Lanka. The site also revealed signs of fire use as early as 30000 years ago, as well as some old tools and bones from game animals such as deer, boars, and others.

9.  Buduruvagala

A historic place in Srilanka, a Buddhist temple from the 10th century with some of the most detailed statues of Buddha and his disciples. About the fact that much of its existence remains obscure, including its true name, the temple was called ‘Buduruvagala,’ which means ‘Rock of Buddhist Sculptures,’ due to the temple’s large number of sculptures. The temple, which is located in the Monaragala district, also houses one of Sri Lanka’s largest Buddha statues, which stands 16 meters tall.

10. Sigiriya Rock Fortress

The UNESCO-listed ancient rock fortress of Sigiriya is one of Sri Lanka’s most recognizable and probably dramatic historical places. Sigiriya, which rises majestically from the emerald trees, was constructed in 495 AD and acted as a palace with colourful frescoes for King Kasyapa. Hiking to the peak of Sigiriya to visit the ancient ruins is recommended, as is climbing the opposite Pidurangala Rock for the most stunning views of Sigiriya Rock itself.

11. Yapahuwa

Yapahuwa is located in the North Western Province of Sri Lanka. This place is rich in history as it was the capital of Sri Lanka during the 13th century. History enthusiasts searching for historical places to visit in Sri Lanka must pay a visit to Yapahuwa, where they can witness the rock fortress which will be situated on top of a massive granite rock that rises unexpectedly from the surroundings. King Buwanekabahu I made this place as the capital of Sri Lanka during the late 13th century, thereby giving it historical significance.

12. Galle Fort

Galle Fort which is located along the southwestern coast of Sri Lanka, stands as a strong proof to Sri Lanka’s colonial past. This fort is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and it has been influenced by the Dutch, Portuguese as well as the British, thereby it is rich in history. Galle fort, which was built in the 16th century. Galle Fort is home to charming streets filled with historical buildings. While on your Sri Lanka tour exploration, you can also spend time exploring the many boutique shops, cafes as well as art galleries present in Galle fort. This fort is without a doubt among the top places to visit in Sri Lanka.

Plan your trip with Pickyourtrail

With the list of top historical places in Sri Lanka in hand, It is always recommended to take the help of a reputed travel agency when you start planning your journey.  Whether you want to plan a solo adventure to Sri Lanka, family trip or even Sri Lanka honeymoon packages with your loved one, get professional guidance from the Global travel agency Pickyourtrail and you can plan a hassle-free vacation with ease. Log on to Pickyourtrail.com for more information. 

Also read: The Do’s and Don’ts guide for your Sri Lanka vacation