Sri Lanka’s Ancient Cities: A Journey Through History

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    Sri Lanka is a treasure trove of ancient cities filled with history and culture, showcasing the island’s stunning architecture and more. If you’re a history buff or an architecture enthusiast, here are the top 6 ancient cities in Sri Lanka that will take you on an unforgettable journey through time!

    1. Anuradhapura

    This ancient city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. One of the oldest cities in the world and is known for its well-preserved ruins of ancient Sri Lankan civilization. Key attractions include the Ruwanwelisaya Stupa built by King Dutugemunu, The Sacred Bodhi Tree (Sri Maha Bodhi) which is a direct descendant of the original Bodhi tree under which the Lord Buddha attained enlightenment, the towering Abhayagiri built by King Valagamba and the Jetavanaramaya Stupa built by King Mahasena.

    Except for these there are many more sites that represent Sri Lanka’s glorious past. The Thuparamaya Stupa, Isurumuniya Vihara, Lovamahapaya (Brazen Palace), Twin Ponds (Kuttam Pokuna), Samadhi Buddha Statue, Royal Pleasure Gardens (Ranmasu Uyana) are such.

    2. Polonnaruwa

    Another UNESCO World Heritage Site and served as the capital of Sri Lanka following the decline of Anuradhapura and thrived under the succession of remarkable rulers. Known for its well-preserved archeological relics, including the Royal Palace, the Quadrangle with its intricate carvings, The Gal Vihara rock temple with its impressive Buddha statues, Parakrama Samudra, Lankathilaka Vihara and more.

    3. Sigiriya

    Another UNESCO World Heritage Site and known as the “Lion Rock” or “The Sigiriya Rock Fortress”. This ancient rock fortress and palace features a Lion’s gate, a mirror wall, extensive water and terrace gardens and is a significant archeological site. The climb to the top offers breathtaking views and insights into ancient engineering.

    This was built by King Kashyapa I. According to the history books, King Kashyapa built Sigiriya after assassinating his father, King Dhatusena, and seizing the throne from his brother, Moggallana. Moggalana then fled to India and later returned with an army to reclaim the throne. Kashyapa, facing defeat, committed suicide. After Kashyapas death, Sigiriya reverted to a Buddhist monastery until the 14Th century. Sigiriya stands today as a testament to the creativity, power and rich culture of the ancient Sri Lankan civilization.

    4. Dambulla

    The Dambulla Cave temple is another UNESCO World Heritage Site and is also known as the Golden Temple of Dambulla. It is the largest and best-preserved cave temple complex in Sri Lanka. The site comprises 5 main caves and contains over 150 Buddha statues and beautiful paintings covering the walls and ceilings.

    The temple is located amidst greenery and stunning landscapes, enhancing its spiritual aura and making it a great place for meditation and reflection.

    The temple hosts various festivals and religious ceremonies, attracting pilgrims from all over Sri Lanka and beyond. The most notable festival is the Vesak Festival, celebrating the birth, enlightenment, and the demise of The Lord Buddha. A must-visit for anyone interested in ancient history and the country’s religious traditions.

    5. Kandy

    Another UNESCO World Heritage Site and is the home to the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic (Sri Dalada Maligawa) which houses a tooth relic of Buddha and is one of the most sacred sites in Buddhism. The city also features the stunning Kandy Lake and the Royal Botanical Gardens.

    The temple was built in the late 16th century under King Vimaladharmasuriya I to enshrine the tooth relic of Buddha which is believed to be one of the actual teeth of Buddha which was brought to Sri Lanka in the 4th century. The temple’s shrine room houses the tooth relic and it is placed within a series of gold caskets shaped like stupas.

    The grand annual Esala Perahera features the carrying of the sacred tooth relic along with decorated elephants, traditional dancers and drummers.

    6. Mihintale

    Mihintale is the site where the monk Mahinda, the son of Emperor Ashoka in India, is said to have met King Devanampiyatissa of Sri Lanka in ancient times and introduced Buddhism to the island. It features ancient stupas, caves and other structures built by successive kings. Such as Mihintale Stupa, Mahinda’s Cave (Mihindu Guha) and more.

    Travel Tips for Exploring The Ancient Cities

    ● Hire a Guide: Knowledgeable guides can provide valuable historical context and enrich your understanding of the sites.
    ● Respect Sacred Sites: Dress modestly and follow local customs when visiting temples and religious sites.
    ● Stay Hydrated: Carry water and wear comfortable clothing and shoes, as exploring these sites often involves a lot of walking and climbing.

    Each stone and statue whispers tales of the country’s ancient civilization. From the majestic stupas of Anuradhapura to the timeless rock fortress of Sigiriya, and the ruins of Polonnaruwa, these historic sites are not mere relics but living testaments to a rich cultural legacy. Embark on this journey through time and discover the soul of Sri Lanka, where history breathes and echoes in every corner, inviting you to unravel its mysteries and marvels.