WAY
Timeless wonders preserved for future generations
Sri Lanka’s UNESCO World Heritage Treasures
Sri Lanka is home to eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites, each a masterpiece of history, culture and nature. From the ancient cities of Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa to the rock fortress of Sigiriya and the sacred city of Kandy, these sites reflect the island’s rich heritage. The colonial charm of Galle Fort, the sacred Sinharaja Rainforest, the dramatic Dambulla Cave Temple and the Central Highlands’ biodiversity showcase Sri Lanka’s unmatched diversity. Each location tells a unique story, shaped by centuries of tradition and natural splendour. Exploring these treasures offers a journey through time, where every stone and tree whispers of the island’s legacy.
Ancient City of Anuradhapura
Closest Town
Anuradhapura
Once a thriving ancient capital, Anuradhapura is famed for its towering stupas, sacred Bodhi Tree and millennia old ruins, showcasing Sri Lanka’s Buddhist heritage and advanced ancient engineering.
Ancient City of Polonnaruwa
Closest Town
Polonnaruwa
The medieval capital features grand stone temples, colossal Buddha statues and sophisticated irrigation systems, offering a vivid window into Sri Lanka’s golden age of cultural and urban development.
Central Highlands of Sri Lanka
Closest Town
Nuwara Eliya
This UNESCO listed biodiversity hotspot boasts misty peaks, lush tea plantations, Horton Plains and the Knuckles Range, sheltering rare flora and fauna found nowhere else in the world.
City of Galle and its Fortifications
Closest Town
Galle
Built by the Portuguese and fortified by the Dutch, Galle Fort blends colonial charm with coastal beauty, featuring cobblestone streets, boutique shops and vibrant cultural life.
Dambulla Cave Temple
Closest Town
Dambulla
Sri Lanka’s largest cave temple complex, Dambulla houses vivid murals and over 150 Buddha statues within rock caverns that have been sacred pilgrimage sites since the 1st century BC.
Old Town of Kandy
Closest Town
Kandy
The cultural capital and last royal city, Kandy is home to the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, scenic lake views and annual Esala Perahera processions.
Sacred City of Sigiriya
Closest Town
Sigiriya
Known as the Lion Rock, Sigiriya features ancient frescoes, landscaped gardens and a royal citadel atop a massive rock column, built by King Kasyapa in the 5th century AD.
Sinharaja Forest Reserve
Closest Town
Deniyaya
Sri Lanka’s last viable area of primary tropical rainforest, Sinharaja is a biodiversity treasure trove teeming with endemic species, dense canopies and guided nature trails for immersive jungle exploration.
