Cultural & Religious Sites

Sri Lanka’s historical and cultural history is impressively different in terms of preserved ruins, traditions, clothes, food, arts and crafts, and so on, with influences from nearby India and ruling colonial powers like as the British, Dutch, and Arabs.

The Sacred City of Anuradhapura

The ancient capital of Sri Lanka was Anuradhapura. Buddhism was brought to the country during this time period. Devotees still respect sites of worship built during the period, such as Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi, Samadhi Buddha Statue, and Ruwanweliseya.

The Sacred City of Anuradhapura

The ancient capital of Sri Lanka was Anuradhapura. Buddhism was brought to the country during this time period. Devotees still respect sites of worship built during the period, such as Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi, Samadhi Buddha Statue, and Ruwanweliseya.

Ruwanwelisaya

Between 161 BC and 137 BC, Great King Dutugemunu governed the island and built the spectacular Ruwanweliseya, which is considered one of the world’s tallest ancient monuments. It stands 103 meters tall and has a 290-meter circumference.

Jetavanaramaya Monastery, Anuradhapura

The Jetavanaramaya monastery is one of Sri Lanka’s largest monasteries, located in the heritage city of Anuradhapura. This majestic structure was the ancient world’s third-largest construction. According to legend, a piece of Lord Buddha’s sash or belt was tied and preserved at the Jetavanaramaya monastery.

Jetavanaramaya Monastery, Anuradhapura

The Jetavanaramaya monastery is one of Sri Lanka’s largest monasteries, located in the heritage city of Anuradhapura. This majestic structure was the ancient world’s third-largest construction. According to legend, a piece of Lord Buddha’s sash or belt was tied and preserved at the Jetavanaramaya monastery.

Temple of the Tooth Relic, Kandy

The Temple of the Tooth Relic, also known as Sri Dalada Maligawa, is located in Kandy, Sri Lanka’s most famous city. It houses a relic of Buddha’s tooth and attracts thousands of pilgrims throughout the year.

Thuparamaya

The oldest dagaba in Sri Lanka is Thuparamaya, which is thought to have been built during the reign of King Devanampiyatissa, who governed the island between 247 BC and 207 BC. It is recognized as an archaeological site and is located in Mahamewna Park.

Thuparamaya

The oldest dagaba in Sri Lanka is Thuparamaya, which is thought to have been built during the reign of King Devanampiyatissa, who governed the island between 247 BC and 207 BC. It is recognized as an archaeological site and is located in Mahamewna Park.

Lovamahapaya

Anuradhapura is home to Lovamahapaya, also known as Lohaprasadaya or Brazen Palace. The roof of this structure is thought to have been made of bronze tiles. In ancient times, it was the island’s tallest structure for a millennium.

Lankaramaya

During the Anuradhapura period, King Valagamba constructed the majestic Lankaramaya. The large “Ath Pokuna,” or Elephant Pond,” which is next to Lankaramaya, heightens the appeal of the site by great degrees.

Lankaramaya

During the Anuradhapura period, King Valagamba constructed the majestic Lankaramaya. The large “Ath Pokuna,” or Elephant Pond,” which is next to Lankaramaya, heightens the appeal of the site by great degrees.

Matale Alu Viharaya

After accepting the peaceful teachings of Buddhism, King Devanampiyatissa is believed to have built Matale Alu Viharaya, popularly known as Aluvihare Rock Temple. On site, there are caves with colorful artwork.

Mihintale

King Devanampiyatissa visited the Buddhist monk Mahinda atop Mihintale, a sacred mountain summit in Anuradhapura. Buddhism was brought to the island as a result of this interaction. Among the island’s Buddhists, it is a revered place of worship.

Mihintale

King Devanampiyatissa visited the Buddhist monk Mahinda atop Mihintale, a sacred mountain summit in Anuradhapura. Buddhism was brought to the island as a result of this interaction. Among the island’s Buddhists, it is a revered place of worship.

Kelaniya Temple

Kelaniya Temple, which dates back to 500 BCE, is a well-known place of worship. Lord Buddha is said to have visited this sacred place during his third and final journey to the island, when he spoke to the public while seated on a gem-encrusted throne.

Kataragama

Kataragama town is considered sacred by Buddhists, Hindus, and the country’s indigenous Vedda people. The Kataragama Temple, devoted to the Kataragama Deity, as well as the exquisite Buddhist stupa of Kiri Vehera, are both located in the town.

Kataragama

Kataragama town is considered sacred by Buddhists, Hindus, and the country’s indigenous Vedda people. The Kataragama Temple, devoted to the Kataragama Deity, as well as the exquisite Buddhist stupa of Kiri Vehera, are both located in the town.

Kalutara Temple

Kalutara Bodhiya is a sacred bo tree that is one of Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi’s 32 saplings. The Kalutara Chaitya and the Kalutara Viharaya are both adjacent to the bo tree. Throughout the year, a large number of worshippers visit the place.

Captains Gardens Kovil

Captains Gardens Kovil, also known as Sri Kailasanathar Swami Devashthanam, is the oldest Hindu temple in Colombo. Shiva and Ganesh, Hindu deities, are worshipped here. The kovil’s ceiling is covered with exquisite paintings.

Captains Gardens Kovil

Captains Gardens Kovil, also known as Sri Kailasanathar Swami Devashthanam, is the oldest Hindu temple in Colombo. Shiva and Ganesh, Hindu deities, are worshipped here. The kovil’s ceiling is covered with exquisite paintings.

Ashok Vatika

Ravana kidnapped Sita and took her to Ashok Vatika, where she was held hostage by him. The current location of Ashok Vatika is thought to be Hakgala Botanical Garden. The Sita Amman Temple is a popular tourist destination in the area.

Koneswaram Kovil

Koneswaram Kovil is one of Sri Lanka’s most important Hindu temples. This temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is thought to have been erected about 1580 BC. It’s in the Eastern Province, in the city of Trincomalee.

Koneswaram Kovil

Koneswaram Kovil is one of Sri Lanka’s most important Hindu temples. This temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is thought to have been erected about 1580 BC. It’s in the Eastern Province, in the city of Trincomalee.

Nallur Kovil

This is yet another significant Hindu pilgrimage site in the country. Lord Murugan, also known as Katharagama Deviyo, is honored at the Nallur Kandaswamy Temple. It is located in Nallur, Sri Lanka’s Northern Province.

Bahirawakanda Vihara Buddha Statue, Kandy

Theravada Buddhist shrine Sri Maha Bodhi Viharaya is located on a hill in Kandy. It is a massive and imposing statue of Lord Buddha that stands guard over the princely realm of Kandy. It depicts Lord Buddha in the Dhyana Mudra, which was the pose in which he acquired enlightenment.

Bahirawakanda Vihara Buddha Statue, Kandy

Theravada Buddhist shrine Sri Maha Bodhi Viharaya is located on a hill in Kandy. It is a massive and imposing statue of Lord Buddha that stands guard over the princely realm of Kandy. It depicts Lord Buddha in the Dhyana Mudra, which was the pose in which he acquired enlightenment.

Wolvendaal Church

Wolvendaal Church is one of the oldest Protestant churches in Sri Lanka and is located in the town of Pettah in Colombo. It is one of the most notable remnants of the Dutch Colonial era. Wolvendaal, built in 1757 with Roman and Greek architectural influences, is definitely a sight to behold.

Isurumuniya

Isurumuniya, an old Buddhist temple near Tissa Wewa, is famous for its beautiful sculptures. In this temple, the Isurumuniya Lovers carving is highly popular. It was built by King Devanampiyatissa.

Isurumuniya

Isurumuniya, an old Buddhist temple near Tissa Wewa, is famous for its beautiful sculptures. In this temple, the Isurumuniya Lovers carving is highly popular. It was built by King Devanampiyatissa.

Mirisaweti Stupa

During the Anuradhapura period, King Dutugemunu also built the exquisite Mirisaweti Stupa. The stupa is thought to have been extensively renovated under the patronage of Kashyapa I and Kashyapa V.

Japanese Peace Pagoda, Unawatuna

The Peace Pagoda is a beautiful and serene site to visit on the foothills of the Galle Fort. The Peace Pagoda was created by the Mahayana sect as a peace project in the Sri Lankan conflict zone. The Pagoda is a sight to behold, especially when viewed from Unawatuna’s side, where it appears to have grown out of the jungle.

Japanese Peace Pagoda, Unawatuna

The Peace Pagoda is a beautiful and serene site to visit on the foothills of the Galle Fort. The Peace Pagoda was created by the Mahayana sect as a peace project in the Sri Lankan conflict zone. The Pagoda is a sight to behold, especially when viewed from Unawatuna’s side, where it appears to have grown out of the jungle.

Dambulla Cave Temple

The Dambulla Cave Temple, commonly known as the Golden Temple of Dambulla, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Sri Lanka’s central province, Matale. It is the country’s best-preserved and largest cave temple complex, consisting of five main caves with countless statues of Lord Buddha, as well as images of kings and statues of Lord Vishnu.

Gangaramaya

The Gangaramaya Temple is a Buddhist study and worship center with a unique blend of architecture and culture. It also contributes to societal welfare in a significant way. It was started by the eminent scholar-monk Hikkaduwe Sri Sumangala Nayaka Thera in the 19th century. The temple incorporates architectural styles from Sri Lanka, Thailand, China, and India in a unique way.

Gangaramaya

The Gangaramaya Temple is a Buddhist study and worship center with a unique blend of architecture and culture. It also contributes to societal welfare in a significant way. It was started by the eminent scholar-monk Hikkaduwe Sri Sumangala Nayaka Thera in the 19th century. The temple incorporates architectural styles from Sri Lanka, Thailand, China, and India in a unique way.

Abhayagiriya

In Anuradhapura’s atmospheric surroundings, the Abhayagiri Vihara is one of the most magnificent and intriguing monuments. It is thought to have been constructed by King Valagamba between 89 BC and 77 BC, during his second reign on the island. The monastery ruins’ great grandeur is very beautiful, and they may be seen at the break of dawn or dusk. The Abhayagiri Vihara has a lovely gleam to it.

Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi

The Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi stands tall in the Mahamewna Gardens in Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka, and is one of the world’s oldest living trees. The tree is thought to have originated from a cutting brought from Bodh Gaya, India, where Lord Buddha attained enlightenment. The tree has an authentic and living link to Lord Buddha, and it is often regarded as the world’s oldest tree with a documented date of planting.

Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi

The Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi stands tall in the Mahamewna Gardens in Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka, and is one of the world’s oldest living trees. The tree is thought to have originated from a cutting brought from Bodh Gaya, India, where Lord Buddha attained enlightenment. The tree has an authentic and living link to Lord Buddha, and it is often regarded as the world’s oldest tree with a documented date of planting.

St. Lucia’s Cathedral, Colombo

St. Lucia’s Cathedral is named after St. Lucia, a saint martyr who is revered in Colombo as the guardian of persons who suffer from vision problems. The St. Lucia’s Cathedral church is Sri Lanka’s oldest parish church and the seat of the Archbishop of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Colombo. The Gothic-style St Lucia’s Cathedral was built in 1760 and features excellent architecture. The cathedral is a major tourist attraction in Colombo because of its rich culture and tradition.

Dutch Reformed Church, Galle

De Groote Kerk, or the Dutch Reformed Church, is a church within the Galle Fort. It is Sri Lanka’s oldest Protestant church, having been built in 1755 and still in use today. The interiors of the Dutch Reformed Church are particularly noteworthy. Interesting artifacts, such as an organ, pulpit, and exquisite stained glasswork, are housed in this piece of colonial architecture as a tribute to its extensive histories. Former Galle commanders’ memorial tablets serve as a reminder of the Dutch colonialists’ presence.

Dutch Reformed Church, Galle

De Groote Kerk, or the Dutch Reformed Church, is a church within the Galle Fort. It is Sri Lanka’s oldest Protestant church, having been built in 1755 and still in use today. The interiors of the Dutch Reformed Church are particularly noteworthy. Interesting artifacts, such as an organ, pulpit, and exquisite stained glasswork, are housed in this piece of colonial architecture as a tribute to its extensive histories. Former Galle commanders’ memorial tablets serve as a reminder of the Dutch colonialists’ presence.

Seeta Amman Temple, Nuwara-eliya

The Seetha Amman Temple is a modest temple in Sri Lanka’s Seetha Eliya village. It’s around a kilometer from the Hakgala Botanical Gardens and 5 to 6 kilometers from Nuwara Eliya’s core city. It is a shrine dedicated to Sita Devi, the daughter of Mother Earth and Lord Rama’s wife, as depicted in the Ramayana. The shrine stands on the place where King Ravana is said to have imprisoned Sita Devi. Lord Hanuman’s footprints can also be found on the temple grounds, as well as the river Seetha, from where several deities were recovered.

Pathirakali Amman Temple, Trincomalee

Pathirakali Amman Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to the goddess Kali, who is said to be an incarnation of goddess Kali Amman, and is located in Trincomalee, Sri Lanka’s eastern province. The temple is constructed in the classical Dravidian architectural style, which is similar to that of temples in South India. The temple boasts a lovely design and interior, as well as stunning sculptures that are nothing short of outstanding. Along with the temple style, there is a suitable description and a plethora of stories depicted in the statues.

Pathirakali Amman Temple, Trincomalee

Pathirakali Amman Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to the goddess Kali, who is said to be an incarnation of goddess Kali Amman, and is located in Trincomalee, Sri Lanka’s eastern province. The temple is constructed in the classical Dravidian architectural style, which is similar to that of temples in South India. The temple boasts a lovely design and interior, as well as stunning sculptures that are nothing short of outstanding. Along with the temple style, there is a suitable description and a plethora of stories depicted in the statues.

Mahamevnama Monastery, Ella

The Mahamevnama Monastery is one of a group of monasteries that began in Sri Lanka and have spread to nine countries, including Canada, the United States of America, and Australia. The fundamental goal is to make Gautama Buddha’s spiritual teachings as simple as possible for people to understand. Polgahawela is home to the most famous and important Mahamevnama Monastery. You can also pay a visit to the sacred Bodhi tree complex and the Dhammachakkha stupa, make offerings to the shrine, explore an educational book shop for teachings, or join in the nightly chant.

Jami Ul Alfar (The Red Mosque)

Colombo Red Mosque, also known as Jami Ul-Alfar Masjid, is a world-class architectural marvel that will wow you with its odd color patterns and unique but wonderful architecture. This oldest mosque, located in Pettah area, rises over the houses and streets in the neighborhood with its tall minarets and was previously a dependable marker for sailors heading into Colombo port. Both men and women are permitted entry, but you must dress appropriately, cover your head, and follow local customs. The unusual crimson tone has earned this wonder the moniker “red mosque.”

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