Sri Lanka’s cultural depth is recognized by UNESCO, which has declared seven archaeological World Heritage Sites in the country:

+ Ancient City of Polonnaruwa

+ Ancient City of Sigiriya

+ Central Highlands of Sri Lanka

+ Old Town of Galle and its Fortifications

+ Rangiri Dambulla Cave Temple

+ Sacred City of Anuradhapura

+ Sacred City of Kandy

+ Sinharaja Forest Reserve

From the enormous dagobas (dome-shaped structures) and ancient ruins in Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa, to the awe-inspiring stairway to the temple at Dambulla and the sensual frescoes of heavenly maidens at Sigiriya's rock palace, visitors can explore these World Heritage Sites within the compact area known as the Cultural Triangle.

In the hill country lies the former royal capital of Kandy, home to the Dalada Maligawa, or Sacred Temple of the Tooth, which houses the sacred tooth relic of the Buddha. With its distinctive architecture, art, and music, Kandy is a bastion of traditional culture.

In contrast, the colonial heritage of Sri Lanka can be experienced by heading south to the mid-17th century Dutch fort at Galle, the best-preserved in Asia. With 14 massive bastions, a grid system of streets, and some original Dutch bungalows, the fort bustles with life just as it did when Galle was the country’s main port, making it one of Sri Lanka's most unique attractions.