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UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Sri Lanka

1. Ancient City Of Sigiriya (1982)

• Sigiriya is an ancient rock fortress located in the Matale District of Sri Lanka.
• It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most popular tourist destinations in Sri Lanka.
• The fortress was built by King Kashyapa I in the 5th century AD.
• It is known for its Lion’s Head, a gigantic rock formation that serves as the entrance to the fortress.
• The fortress also contains ruins of a palace, gardens, and a moat.
• Sigiriya is a fascinating place to visit, and it offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside.

Here are some additional facts about Sigiriya:

• The Lion’s Head is actually the remains of a staircase that led up to the palace.
• The palace was built on the top of the rock, and it was surrounded by a moat.
• The gardens at Sigiriya were famous for their water features, including fountains and pools.
• Sigiriya was abandoned in the 7th century AD, but it was rediscovered by European explorers in the 19th century.

Sigiriya is a truly unique and impressive place to visit. It is a reminder of the rich history and culture of Sri Lanka, and it is a must-see for any visitor to the country.

2. Sacred City Of Anuradhapura (1982)

• Anuradhapura is an ancient city in Sri Lanka, and it is one of the most important Buddhist pilgrimage sites in the world.
• The city was founded in the 5th century BC, and it was the capital of Sri Lanka for over 1,000 years.
• Anuradhapura is home to many important Buddhist ruins, including the Mahabodhi Temple, the Ruwanwelisaya Stupa, and the Jetavana Monastery.
• The city is also home to a number of natural attractions, including the Tissa Wewa reservoir and the Minneriya National Park.
• Anuradhapura was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1982.

Here are some additional facts about Anuradhapura:

• The city was founded by King Pandukabhaya, who was the first king of Sri Lanka.
• Anuradhapura was the capital of Sri Lanka during the golden age of Buddhism, and it was home to many important Buddhist scholars and monks.
• The city was abandoned in the 11th century AD, after it was sacked by the Chola invaders from India.
• Anuradhapura was rediscovered by European explorers in the 19th century, and it has since become a popular tourist destination.

Anuradhapura is a fascinating place to visit, and it is a must-see for any visitor to Sri Lanka. The city is full of history and culture, and it is a great place to learn about the Buddhist faith. The natural beauty of the area is also stunning, and there are plenty of opportunities to go hiking, biking, and bird watching.

3. Ancient City Of Polonnaruwa (1982)

• Polonnaruwa was the second capital of Sri Lanka, after Anuradhapura.
• It was founded in the 11th century AD by King Vijayabahu I, and it was the capital of Sri Lanka for over 200 years.
• Polonnaruwa is home to many important Buddhist ruins, including the Gal Vihara, the Lankatilaka Vihara, and the Vatadage.
• The city is also home to a number of natural attractions, including the Parakrama Samudra reservoir and the Minneriya National Park.
• Polonnaruwa was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1982.

Here are some additional facts about Polonnaruwa:

• The city was built on the ruins of the ancient city of Anuradhapura, which was destroyed by the Chola invaders from India.
• Polonnaruwa was a major center of Buddhist learning and culture, and it was home to many important Buddhist scholars and monks.
• The city was abandoned in the 13th century AD, after it was sacked by the invading army of Kalinga Magha from South India.
• Polonnaruwa was rediscovered by European explorers in the 19th century, and it has since become a popular tourist destination.

Polonnaruwa is a fascinating place to visit, and it is a must-see for any visitor to Sri Lanka. The city is full of history and culture, and it is a great place to learn about the Buddhist faith. The natural beauty of the area is also stunning, and there are plenty of opportunities to go hiking, biking, and bird watching.

4. Sacred City Of Kandy (1988)

• Kandy is a city in the Central Highlands of Sri Lanka, and it is the former capital of the country.
• It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most important Buddhist pilgrimage sites in the world.
• The city is home to the Temple of the Tooth Relic, which is one of the most sacred Buddhist relics in the world.
• Other important sites in Kandy include the Royal Palace, the Kandy Lake, and the Peradeniya Botanical Gardens.
• Kandy is a popular tourist destination, and it is a great place to experience Sri Lankan culture and history.

Here are some additional facts about Kandy:

• The city was founded in the 15th century by King Vimaladharmasuriya I.
• Kandy was the capital of Sri Lanka during the Kandyan Kingdom, which lasted from the 15th to the 19th centuries.
• The city was captured by the British in 1815, and it became the capital of British Ceylon.
• Kandy was granted city status in 1896.
• Kandy is a major center of Buddhist learning and culture, and it is home to many important Buddhist scholars and monks.

Kandy is a fascinating place to visit, and it is a must-see for any visitor to Sri Lanka. The city is full of history and culture, and it is a great place to learn about the Buddhist faith. The natural beauty of the area is also stunning, and there are plenty of opportunities to go hiking, biking, and bird watching.

5. Sinharaja Forest Reserve (1988)

• Sinharaja Forest Reserve is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a national park in Sri Lanka.
• It is the last remaining lowland rainforest in Sri Lanka, and it is home to a wide variety of plant and animal life.
• The forest is home to over 6,000 species of plants, including many that are endemic to Sri Lanka.
• It is also home to over 200 species of birds, 60 species of mammals, and 33 species of amphibians.
• Sinharaja Forest Reserve is a popular tourist destination, and it is a great place to go hiking, bird watching, and nature photography.

Here are some additional facts about Sinharaja Forest Reserve:

• The forest is located in the Southern Province of Sri Lanka.
• It covers an area of 1,889 square kilometers (728 square miles).
• The forest was declared a national park in 1988, and it was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1988.
• The forest is home to a number of endangered species, including the purple-faced langur, the Sri Lankan giant squirrel, and the leopard.
• Sinharaja Forest Reserve is a vital watershed for the region, and it helps to protect the water supply for millions of people.

Sinharaja Forest Reserve is a valuable and unique ecosystem, and it is important to protect it for future generations.

6. Old Town Of Galle And Its Fortifications (1988)

• The Old Town of Galle is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a historical city in Sri Lanka.
• It is located on the southwest coast of Sri Lanka, and it was founded by the Portuguese in the 16th century.
• The city is surrounded by a massive fort that was built by the Portuguese and later expanded by the Dutch.
• The fort is one of the best-preserved examples of European colonial architecture in Asia.
• The Old Town of Galle is a popular tourist destination, and it is a great place to explore the history and culture of Sri Lanka.

Here are some additional facts about the Old Town of Galle:

• The city was captured by the Dutch in 1640, and it remained under Dutch rule until 1796.
• The British captured the city in 1796, and it remained under British rule until 1948.
• The Old Town of Galle was heavily damaged by the 2004 tsunami, but it has since been restored.
• The city is home to a number of important historical sites, including the Dutch Reformed Church, the Old Gate, and the National Maritime Museum.
• The Old Town of Galle is a thriving commercial center, and it is home to a number of shops, restaurants, and hotels.

The Old Town of Galle is a fascinating place to visit, and it is a must-see for any visitor to Sri Lanka. The city is full of history and culture, and it is a great place to learn about the Portuguese, Dutch, and British colonial rule in Sri Lanka. The natural beauty of the area is also stunning, and there are plenty of opportunities to go hiking, biking, and bird watching.

7. Rangiri Dambulla Cave Temple (1991)

The Rangiri Dambulla Cave Temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a popular tourist destination in Sri Lanka. It is a complex of five caves that contain over 1,500 statues of Buddha and other deities, as well as intricate murals. The caves are located in the Dambulla Rock, which is a 160-meter-high (525 ft) granite rock that is surrounded by lush vegetation.

The Rangiri Dambulla Cave Temple was built in the 1st century BC and has been continuously used as a place of worship ever since. It is one of the most important Buddhist pilgrimage sites in Sri Lanka, and it is also a popular tourist destination. The caves are open to the public from 6:00 am to 6:00 pm, and there is a small entrance fee.

Here are some additional facts about the Rangiri Dambulla Cave Temple:

• The caves are named after the golden color of the rock that they are carved into.
• The largest cave, the Devaraja Vihara, contains over 500 statues of Buddha.
• The murals in the caves depict scenes from the life of Buddha, as well as other Buddhist stories and legends.
• The Rangiri Dambulla Cave Temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site because of its outstanding universal value.

The Rangiri Dambulla Cave Temple is a fascinating place to visit, and it is a must-see for any visitor to Sri Lanka. The caves are full of history and culture, and they are a great place to learn about Buddhism. The natural beauty of the area is also stunning, and there are plenty of opportunities to go hiking, biking, and bird watching.

8. Central Highlands Of Sri Lanka (2020)

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