Major UNESCO sites and hidden ancient gems — Sri Lanka's heritage in full.
Sri Lanka is home to eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites — five cultural and three natural.
Featured UNESCO Site
Built by King Kasyapa I in the 5th century CE, Sigiriya is one of the world's most extraordinary ancient monuments. The 200 m granite monolith was transformed into a multi-tiered palace fortress with water gardens, frescoes, and a throne cut from the living rock at its summit. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1982.
UNESCO Site
Sri Lanka's first ancient capital. Houses the Sri Maha Bodhi (288 BCE) — the world's oldest authenticated tree — and the colossal Ruwanwelisaya and Jetavanaramaya stupas. UNESCO listed since 1982.
UNESCO Site
Medieval capital famous for the Gal Viharaya rock temple, the Parakrama Samudra reservoir, and ornate moonstoned shrines. UNESCO listed since 1982.
Sacred Site
Holiest Buddhist shrine in Sri Lanka, housing the Sacred Tooth Relic of Lord Buddha. Part of the Sacred City of Kandy, UNESCO listed since 1988. Host of the spectacular Esala Perahera.
UNESCO Site
The largest and best-preserved cave temple complex in Sri Lanka. Five caves contain 153 Buddha statues and 1,500 sq. m of magnificent ceiling and wall murals dating back to the 1st century BCE. UNESCO listed since 1991.
UNESCO Site
South Asia's finest surviving example of a European colonial fortified city. Originally Portuguese (1588), extensively rebuilt by the Dutch East India Company (1663). A living city of churches, mosques, mansions, and ramparts. UNESCO listed since 1988.
Ancient Ruins
A sprawling 1,000-acre ancient monastic complex dating back to the 2nd century BCE, featuring over 500 ancient ruins including stupas, inscriptions, and caves deep within a dense forest. A true hidden gem of the Eastern Province.
Sacred Site
An ancient Buddhist temple in Lahugala. Historically renowned as the legendary location where King Kavan Tissa married Princess Viharamahadevi in the 2nd century BCE. Features beautifully preserved ancient moonstones and stupa ruins.
Heritage Fort
Originally built by the Portuguese in 1618 and later expanded by the Dutch into a majestic star fort. Located on the northern peninsula, it stands as a resilient symbol of Jaffna's history and colonial architecture.
Beyond the famous Cultural Triangle lie dozens of extraordinary sites that few visitors ever reach — all the more rewarding for their solitude.
A 13th-century rock fortress rising 90 m from the North Western plains. It briefly held the Sacred Tooth Relic and features a magnificently carved ornamental stairway rivalling Sigiriya in artistic detail. Located in Kurunegala District.
Swathed in mist and ancient forest, Ritigala is a haunting monastery complex (2nd century BCE–10th century CE) built by forest-dwelling ascetic monks. Its unique double-platform meditation walkways (padhanaghara) are found nowhere else on earth. Anuradhapura District.
Seven colossal rock-relief figures carved from a single granite face near Wellawaya. Dating to the 9th century CE, the central standing Buddha still bears traces of its original orange paint. The Bodhisattva Maitreya figure holds a flame-shaped stupa. Monaragala District.
The only known structure in Sri Lanka built in the South Indian style, yet incorporating Buddhist and Hindu iconography seamlessly. Dating to the 8th–12th centuries CE, this unique gedige (hollow brick structure) was moved and reassembled above the Nalanda reservoir. Matale District.
Deep in the jungles of Kurunegala, Arankele is one of Sri Lanka's finest surviving forest hermitages (5th–6th century CE). Its double-platform meditation walkways, ponds, and rock-cut caves hidden among ancient trees create an atmosphere of extraordinary peace. Kurunegala District.
The mountain peak near Anuradhapura where Mahinda Thera first preached Buddhism to King Devanampiya Tissa in 247 BCE. A flight of 1,840 granite steps leads to the Mahaseya Dagoba and ancient cave cells. Anuradhapura District.
Fees for foreign nationals (2026). Local nationals enjoy subsidised rates. Prices subject to change — always verify with the Central Cultural Fund (CCF) Sri Lanka.
| Heritage Site | Province | Entry Fee (USD) | Entry Fee (LKR) | Opening Hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sigiriya Rock Fortress | Central | USD 30 | LKR 9,000 | 07:00 – 17:30 |
| Anuradhapura Ancient City | North Central | USD 25 | LKR 7,500 | 06:00 – 18:00 |
| Polonnaruwa Ancient City | North Central | USD 25 | LKR 7,500 | 07:30 – 17:00 |
| Sri Dalada Maligawa, Kandy | Central | USD 6.50 | LKR 2,000 | 05:30 – 20:00 |
| Dambulla Cave Temple | Central | USD 6.50 | LKR 2,000 | 07:00 – 19:00 |
| Galle Dutch Fort | Southern | Free | Free | Open Access |
| Yapahuwa Rock Fortress | North Western | USD 5 | LKR 1,500 | 08:00 – 17:00 |
| Buduruwagala Rock Carvings | Uva | USD 3 | LKR 1,000 | 08:00 – 18:00 |
Explore the majestic prehistoric locations associated with the mighty King Ravana, celebrating Sri Lanka's deep ancient identity.
Ravana's Kingdom
Located in Ella, this spectacular 25m cascading waterfall is named after King Ravana. According to legend, Ravana hid Princess Sita in the caves behind this waterfall, now known as the Ravana Ella Caves.
Sacred Temple
Situated in Seetha Eliya, Nuwara Eliya. This vibrant Hindu temple marks the exact spot where Sita was held captive by King Ravana. The nearby stream is said to be where she bathed, and giant footprints on the rocks are believed to be of Hanuman.
Mythical Mountain
A lush green headland in Unawatuna. Legend says when Hanuman was sent to fetch life-saving Sanjeewani herbs from the Himalayas for Lakshmana, he forgot the herb's name and brought a whole chunk of the mountain, dropping a piece here.
Experience the majesty of ancient Ceylon through breathtaking aerial footage and documentaries.