Rich History & Culture

Sri Lanka has old cities, temples and forts that you can visit during the same journey. Some places are ruins, while others are still part of daily life. Taking time to hear their stories helps you understand what you are looking at, beyond the photographs.

At Sigiriya, paths through gardens lead to the climb up the rock and the palace remains above. Polonnaruwa has temple ruins and detailed stone carvings spread across a large area. In Kandy, the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic remains a busy place of worship. Galle offers something different again, with homes and shops inside an old coastal fort.

Dress respectfully at religious sites and follow the rules about shoes and photographs. Plan breaks between visits, especially where there are steps or little shade. You can mix these places with markets and local meals to see more than the main monuments.