Sri Lanka contains an astonishing seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites
within its compact shores,the same number as heritage-packed Egypt.
Six cultural sites are testament to a civilization with over 2,000
years of recorded history, while a seventh natural site boasts some
of the highest biodiversity found outside the Amazon basin.
From colossal ancient monuments and serene rock carvings in sprawling
ruined cities, to a 5th century AD king's palace in the clouds, the
World Heritage Sites showcase the island's rich history and contribution
to civilization. The largest and most dramatic of these are located in
the so-called Cultural Triangle, the area formed by linking the ancient
capitals of Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa and Kandy. It's a living heritage,
where the visitor will see Buddhist monks and reverent devotees and hear
the hypnotic murmur of religious invocations - all of which bring the
crumbling brick temples, granite statues and towering dagobas of Sri Lanka'
s ancient cities to life.
Through the heritage sites the visitor can re-live some of the seminal
episodes in the island's past - the introduction of Buddhism, which
inspired kings to undertake astounding feats of engineering; the complex
palace intrigues; the repeated invasions and conquests; and ultimately,
the capitulation to the European colonial powers.
Experiencing Sri Lanka's heritage sites takes you on a spiritual journey
that will uplift and amaze, inspire and refresh. The island's compact
dimensions mean that it is possible to combine a visit to several of these
marvels in the Cultural Triangle during even the briefest of visits.
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