Anuradhapura is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in the North Central part of the island was the First Capital (5th century BC – 9th century AD), the Center of the Island’s Buddhist Civilization and undoubtedly the Grandest Ancient City of Sri Lanka. The city was said to be a model of planning – there were hostels and hospitals and a water supply was assured by the construction of reservoirs. By the middle of the third century BC the fame of the island’s first capital had spread to the distant lands of the Mediterranean.

Anuradhapura was to continue as the National Capital for over 1300 years up to the 10th century AD when repeated innovations by Indians and a struggle for royal succession resulted in the capital being withdrawn to Polonnaruwa. It still remains home to the Sacred Bo Tree, the Oldest Historically Authenticated Tree in the world which was brought to Sri Lanka over 2000 years ago by the sister of Mahinda who introduced the Buddha’s Teachings to the country. Today the monuments of Anuradhapura’s heyday survive for you to visit surrounded by the solemn umbrage of trees and an ancient parkland – it is essential viewing!

This medieval city, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Sri Lanka, rose to fame as the Capital (10th – 12th century AD) after the decline of Anuradhapura. The Second Seat of Rule and a Medieval Capital: 11-12th century. The city in its day was fortified with three concentric walls, beautified with parks and gardens and sanctified by many a shrine and sacred place. The majestic king’s council chamber, the rock cut lotus bath, the statue of Parakrama Bahu (one of the great kings of Sri Lanka), the rock-cut sculptures of Gal Viharaya (Temple) and the Sea of Parakrama Samudra (a vast man-made reservoir) are really memorable sights.

This UNESCO World Heritage Site, a spectacular Rock Fortress, is one of Sri Lanka’s major attractions. The most impressive facets of the unique complex are the water gardens, the frescoes of beautiful maidens, the mirror wall with ancient graffiti, the lion platform and the summit of 1.6 hectares, which was completely covered by buildings during the period of Sigiriya’s glory. Built by King Kashyapa (477-495 A.D), the “Lion’s Rock” is a citadel of unusual beauty rising 200m from the scrub jungle. The rock was the innermost stronghold of the 70 hectare fortified town and the base is ringed by a moat, rampart, and extensive gardens. The World Renowned Frescoes (originally 500, of which only 19 remain today) which are in a sheltered pocket of the rock approached by a spiral stairway are painted in earth pigments on plaster. The old stairway to the top led through the mouth of a crouching lion but today only the huge paws remain giving an indication of the massive proportions of the head. Remains of the handsome royal citadel are on the summit and several caves for meditation, audience platforms and baths complete the unique site.

Dambulla UNESCO World Heritage Site which is an Archaeological Treasure. It is a famous cave temple, 500 feet high and dating back to the 1st century BC when King Valagambahu, driven out of Anuradhapura, took refuge here. When he regained his throne he converted the caves into a magnificent rock temple. Later kings made further improvements to the temple, including gilding of the interior, earning the name Ran Giri (Golden Rock). With its series of spectacular caves and a painted area of cover 20,000 sq. of Buddhist murals. Dambulla is an amazing place.

Kandy is a lovely exotic city, the Hill Capital and Last Stronghold of the Sinhala Kings is a UNESCO World Heritage Site which retains an aura of grandeur, time has not affected. Encircled by hills, with a tranquil lake in its center, it is the site of the renowned temple that enshrines the Tooth Relic of the Buddha and the Royal Botanical Gardens – home to one of the world’s best collections of orchids. A cultural sanctuary where many legends, traditions and folklore are still lovingly kept alive, Kandy and its satellite villages are the center of the islands handicraft industry (items of wood, brass & silver) exquisite silver or gold jewelry and precious gems of many varieties including the World’s Best Blue and Star Sapphires. The highlight of the city’s calendar is the Esala Perahera, when a replica of the casket enclosing the Tooth Relic is taken in procession for ten glittering nights in July/August by exotically costumed dancers, drummers and approximately 100 elephants.

In the early 13th century Yapahuwa was the Capital of the Country and it housed the Sacred Tooth Relic of the Buddha for 11 Years. King Bhuvanekabahu I, the son of the King Parakramabahu who ruled at Dambadeniya, was stationed at Yapahuwa in order to protect the country from invaders; built the palace and the temple. After the fortress was abandoned monks converted it into a monastery and monks still reside among the ancient ruins. Even today signs of early defense mechanisms can still be seen among the ruins. On top of the rock the remains of a stupa, a Bodhi Tree, and a rock shelter/cave used by Buddhist monks are visible. A couple of caves are seen at the base of the rock, one of which is a Buddhist Shrine whereas another cave has some inscriptions on it. The rock fortress has a strong resemblance to the Sigiriya Rock Fortress.