Presently there are seven World Heritage Sites
in Sri Lanka. These range from ancient cities like Anuradhapura to
Sinharaja rainforests.
Sacred City of Anuradhapura
Anuradhapura is acclaimed as the greatest monastic city of the
ancient world and has served as the royal capital of 113 kings.
Located in the North-Central part of the island, Anuradhapura was
originally founded by a King's minister named Anuradha in 500 BC.
The 'tree of enlightenment'-the Buddha's fig tree-brought there in
the 3rd century B.C. by Sanghamitta was planted in Anuradhapura. The
city flourished for 1300 years. In 993 AD, Anuradhapura was fought
over and abandoned when the capital was moved to Polonnaruwa.
Hidden away in dense jungle for many years, the splendid site, with
its palaces, monasteries and monuments, was re-discovered in 19th
century and is now accessible once again.
Ancient City of Polonnaruwa
Polonnaruwa was the second capital of Sri Lanka after the
destruction of Anuradhapura in 993. In its time, a 6 km rampart
protected the city. Even during the time when Anuradhapura was the
capital Polonnaruwa was an important city because it strategically
commanded all the crossings over the Mahaveli River and acted as a
buffer against the invading armies. It comprises, besides the
Brahmanic monuments built by the Cholas, the monumental ruins of the
fabulous garden-city created by Parakramabahu I in the 12th
century.
Ancient City of Sigriya
Sigiriya was the capital city, built by parricidal King Kasyapa who
reigned from 477-495 AD. The ruins of the city lie on the steep
slopes and at the summit of a granite peak standing some 370 m high.
The rock was transformed into a recumbent lion, which dominates the
jungle from all sides. A series of galleries and staircases emerging
from the mouth of a gigantic lion constructed of bricks and plaster
provide access to the site.
Sacred City of Kandy
Kandy is also known as the cultural capital of Sri Lanka. This
sacred Buddhist site, popularly known as the city of
Senkadagalapura, was the last capital of the Sinhala kings. It is
also the site of the Temple of the Tooth Relic (the sacred tooth of
the Buddha), which is a famous pilgrimage site.
Golden Temple of Dambulla
Dating back to the 1st Century BC, this is the most impressive cave
temple in Sri Lanka. The cave monastery, with its five sanctuaries,
is the largest, best-preserved cave-temple complex in Sri Lanka.
Inside the caves, the ceilings are painted with intricate patterns
of religious images, following the contours of the rock. There are
images of the Lord Buddha and bodhisattvas, as well as various gods
and goddesses.
Old Town of Galle and its Fortification
The port town of Galle is Sri Lanka's fourth biggest town with a
population of around 1lakh. The town was founded by the Portuguese
in 16th century. In 1598, the Portuguese built a small fort which
was later extended. However, when the Dutch took over in 1640, they
destroyed all traces of the Portuguese presence. In 1663, the Dutch
built the 36-hectare Fort, which is now a World Heritage Site. Galle
is the best example of a fortified city built by Europeans in South
and South-East Asia, showing the interaction between European
architectural styles and South Asian traditions.
Sinharaja Forest Reserve
Sinharaja is Sri Lanka's last existing tropical rainforest. More
than 60% of the trees are endemic and many of them are considered
rare. There is much endemic wildlife, especially birds, but the
forest is also home to over 50% of Sri Lanka's endemic species of
mammals and butterflies, as well as many kinds of insects, reptiles
and rare amphibians.
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