Sri Lanka is the must-go country for you if you are interested in beautiful nature and have a strong belief in religion. In some way, the local people always try to preserve historically significant sites. Here is a list of 10 historical places in Sri Lanka you must visit when landing in this beautiful country. 

1. Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, Kandy 

The Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic (Sri Dalada Maligawa) is one of the most sacred Buddhist temples in the world. Here, the tooth of Buddha is nestled in a golden chamber within the premises of the royal palace complex.

Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic attracts hundreds of thousands of Buddhists every year

When you get there, you will be surprised because the ambiance inside is exceptionally cozy, with the smells of fresh flowers and coconut oil-lit candles and lamps. The temple grounds spread over many hectares, attracting thousands of Buddhist followers each year. 

The temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the Sri Lankan government holds the tooth relic as an essential thing in the country's governance and one of the best historical places in Sri Lanka. 

2. Dambulla Cave Temple, Sigiriya 

This attraction is a part of the 'Cultural Triangle' in Sri Lanka. The Dambulla Cave Temple (also known as the Golden Temple of Dambulla) is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, located in the Matale District of Sri Lanka. The tourist can be reached only on foot by climbing Dambulla Rock to have a brilliant view of the Sigiriya Rock Fortress. 

It is the country's best-preserved and most extensive cave temple complex, comprising 5 main caves, each possessing numerous statues of Lord Buddha and statues of Lord Vishnu. The 5 Dambulla rock caves have different names and hold a significance of their own embodied in the paintings and sculptures inside the caves. The reason why it is the most beautiful heritage site to visit is that all the caves were built at different periods of Sri Lanka's history and give one an insight into the evolving culture.  

3. Sigiriya, "Ancient Rock Fortress town" 

Sigiriya serves as a fine example of ancient urban planning, nowadays, this place is declared a world heritage site by UNESCO and is perhaps Sri Lanka’s most iconic historical destination. 

Sigiriya is located on a giant cliff 200m high jutting out from the middle of the old forest

Sigiriya is located in the Matale district near the Dambulla, also known as Lion Rock because it is a huge gateway shaped like a lion. This attraction is world-recognized for the remains of the ancient Sigiriya Rock Fortress. The complex hydraulic system at the fortress is a strong example of classical city planning.

This historical place in Sri Lanka was chosen by King Kasyapa to serve as his new capital. The highlight of the fortress is the colorful frescoes painted on the rock's western face. The fortress complex, constructed in the 5th century, includes attractions such as the Royal Gardens (one of the oldest landscaped gardens in the world), and the Mirror Wall, adorned with ancient graffiti. 

4. Pidurangala Rock, Sigiriya

The Pidurangala Rock is a few kilometers away from the Sigiriya Rock, which is why it is also called the Sister Rock of Sigiriya. This Rock also has a white temple called the Pidurangala Vihara, where the monks live and Buddha is worshipped. There is a huge reclining statue of Buddha under an ancient boulder. Remember to wear a sarong to cover your shoulders and legs when visiting the temple. 

Although the Pidurangala Rock is less famous among tourists, compared to the Sigiriya Rock, the sightseeing from the top there is no less magnificent, especially the breathtaking view of the sunrise. 

Pidurangala Rock is the Sister Rock of Sigiriya

5. Mihintale, Anuradhapura

Mihintale in the Sinhalese language means Mahinda’s hill (a Buddhist monk in the 11th century). More than 2200 years ago, this city was a wildlife sanctuary, and Ceylon rests on a beautiful landscape down south of India. 

According to history, Buddhism saw its conception in Sri Lanka in the rocky hills of Mihintale, when King Devanampiya Tissa met monk Mahinda on the hilltop. Ever since then, the Sri Lankans have had a stronghold of Buddhist teachings, which were later enriched by Islam and Hinduism.

In Mihintale, people's lives revolve around religious beliefs, making it a city with significant architecture, tranquil stupas, and sanctuaries. Therefore, a trip to Mihintale perhaps seems like a spiritual tour. 

Sri Lanka, - the Pearl of the Indian Ocean, is a rich history. Let's visit historical places in Sri Lanka and explore the opulence, might, and sophistication of the ancient kingdoms with the GTrip Sri Lanka tour, you will have a great experience in your life.