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UNESCO World Heritage sites in Sri Lanka

Each of the three entries is a World Heritage site in its own right, and together they form the core of Sri Lanka's Cultural Triangle. Sigiriya, the rock fortress with its frescoes and Lion Gate, has by far the most tours. Polonnaruwa, the medieval royal capital, is easiest to cover by bicycle, and Anuradhapura, the older capital, spreads its dagobas and monasteries over a wide area. Dambulla, between them, works as a base. Climb Sigiriya at opening time to avoid the midday heat and the queues on the stairs.

#SiteCountryFounded
1 Sigiriya Sri Lanka AD 477
2 Polonnaruwa Sri Lanka 1070
3 Anuradhapura Sri Lanka 350 BC

Sigiriya

Sigiriya, Sri Lanka

Sigiriya is a granite rock about 180 metres high in central Sri Lanka, crowned by the ruins of a palace that King…

525 tickets & tours

Polonnaruwa

Polonnaruwa, Sri Lanka

Polonnaruwa was the royal capital of Sri Lanka from the late 11th to the 13th century, and its ruins spread for several…

89 tickets & tours

Anuradhapura

Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka

Anuradhapura was the first great capital of Sri Lanka and the centre of Theravada Buddhism for more than a thousand…

71 tickets & tours

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