Heritage and Culture

Sathmahal Prasada

This pyramid-shaped, seven storied building called Satis thought to be an unusually shaped stupa built during the Polonnaruwa Period (11th -13th century). It is said that similar Stupa’s can be seen in Cambodia and in Siam.

Parakrama Samudra

Sri Lanka has two large monsoon seasons, each lasting about three months. The rest of year remains dry and hot, except for a few short heat induced thunderstorms at night.

Nelum Pokuna

Sri Lanka has history in theatrical productions for over 2500 years. Centuries ago, theatrical arts were patronized by those of royal lineage and good artistes were rewarded generously. However after the fall of the kings, theatrical productions were patronized by the state anymore and the performers suffere

Nissanka Malla’s Palace

Remains of palace of Nissanka Malla lies behind the current Polonnaruwa Rest House along with the Audience Hall of of King Nissanka Malla. This place has been probably built mainly with bricks during the reign of King Nissanka Malla (1187-1196) thus there is only very little of this palace complex remains.

Cultural Triangle

The North Central Plains of Sri Lanka which belongs to the dry zone of the island is mainly covered in thick shrubbery forests and isolated mountainous outcrops which are surrounded by flat land.

Sigiriya Rock Fortress

According to inscriptions found in the caves which honeycomb the base of the rock fortress, Sigiriya served as a place of religious retreat as far back as the third century BC, when Buddhist monks established refuge in the locale. It wasn’t until the fifth century AD, however, that Sigiriya rose briefly to supremacy in Sri Lanka, following the power struggle which succeeded the reign of Dhatusena (455-473) of Anuradhapura.

World Heritage Sites

Sri Lanka is one of Asia?s richest treasure troves of both natural and man-made wonders. Royal and sacred cities, colonial strongholds, temple caves and virgin forests with no fewer than seven World Heritage Sites in Sri Lanka declared and listed by UNESCO.

Museums

Museums in Sri Lanka offer a rich insight in to the history and evolution of Sri Lanka as one of the most distinctive countries in the world. As in any other place in the world, one gets to know all about the past of a country through the exhibits housed in the museums.

Moonstones and Guard Stones

Moonstones and guard stones are being considered as some of the most important sculptures among the classical Sinhalese sculptures. Some of them rated among the world’s best artistic achievements.

Galle Fort

Galle Fort, in the Bay of Galle on the southwest coast of Sri Lanka, was built first in 1588 by the Portuguese, then extensively fortified by the Dutch during the 17th century from 1649 onwards

Ambalangoda Mask Factory and Museum

Mask making is a popular tradition in Sri Lanka. Many Sri Lankan mask artisans ply their trade along the Western, South Western and Southern coasts of the island. Of these, the Ambalangoda area on the South Western coast of Sri Lanka is renowned for its talented artisans.

Colombo Lighthouse and Clock tower

Old Colombo Lighthouse or Colombo Fort Clock Tower is a clock tower and was a lighthouse in Colombo. The lighthouse is no longer operational, but the tower remains and functions as a clock tower. It is located at the junction of Chatham Street and Janadhipathi Mawatha (formerly Queens Road) in Colombo fort.

Colombo Harbor

The Port of Colombo (known as Port of Kolomtota during the early 14th Century Kotte Kingdom) is the largest and busiest port in Sri Lanka as well as in South Asia.

National Museum

The National Museum of Kandy in Kandy, Sri Lanka is located next to the Temple of the Tooth in part of the former Royal Palace of Kandy. The primary exhibits are housed in the Palle Vahala building, which was the former home of the King’s harem.

Ape Gama

From the hustle and bustle of the City of Colombo, the commercial hub of the island you are now in the national Capital Sri Jayawardenepura, Kotte, once the seat of the kings and the centre of poets and artistes.

Old Parliament Building

The Old Parliament Building, is the building that houses the Presidential Secretariat of Sri Lanka. Situated in the Colombo fort facing the sea, it is in close proximity to the President’s House, Colombo.

The Prison of the Last King of Ceylon

The prison cell of the last king of Sri Lanka, is one of the unnoticed historic monument located at the heart of Colombo. Many of you have passed this location, without noticing the historic value of this small structure, which is currently in middle of the car park in Colombo Ceylinco Headquarters premises.

Independence Memorial Hall

Independence Memorial Hall (also Independence Commemoration Hall) is a national monument in Sri Lanka built for commemoration of the independence of Sri Lanka.

Lunuganga Estate

Lunuganga Estate was the country home of the renowned Sri Lankan architect Geoffrey Bawa. Started in 1947, the garden led Bawa, a lawyer called to the Bar at the Inner Temple in 1940, to decide to become an architect. As he went on to become Sri Lanka‘s and one of Asia’s most prolific and influential architects, the garden at the Lunuganga estate remained his first muse and experimental laboratory for new ideas.

Nuwara Eliya Post Office

The Nuwara Eliya Post Office is located in the centre of Nuwara Eliya and is one of the oldest post offices in Sri Lanka.

Galle Lighthouse

Galle Lighthouse (also known as Pointe de Galle Light) is an onshore Lighthouse in Galle, Sri Lanka and is operated and maintained by the Sri Lanka Ports Authority.

Udugampola

Udugampola is a small town in the Gampaha District of Sri Lanka and was a sub kingdom during reign of the King Sakala Kala Wallabha of Kotte Era.

Beruwala Light House

One of my dreams has been to climb a lighthouse and enjoy the sunset from the tower. This dream came true during a lighthouse tour of Sri Lanka.

Fa Hien Cave

Fa Hien Cave, also Pahiyangala Cave is situated in the district of Kalutara, Western Province, Sri Lanka and according to a rural legend, named after an alleged resident during historical times, namely Buddhist monk Faxian (also Fa-Hien, or Fa Hsien).

Richmond Castle

Richmond Castle is a Edwardian mansion, located near Kalutara. Built between 1900 and 1910, it was formally the country seat of Mudaliyar Don Arthur de Silva Wijesinghe Siriwardena (1889–1947).

Old Colombo Dutch Hospital

The Old Colombo Dutch Hospital (known as The Dutch Hospital ) is considered to be the oldest building in the Colombo Fort area dating back to the Dutch colonial era in Sri Lanka. Colombo Fort Railway Station

Fort railway station is a major rail hub in Colombo, Sri Lanka. The station is served by Sri Lanka Railways, with many inter-city and commuter trains entering each day.

Central Point

Central Point. The Central Point is a completely refurbished building behind Dutch Hospital, run by the Central Bank. It’s a beautiful space which…

Old Town Hall

Old Town Hall. Colombo’s vivid white and domed 1928 Old Town Hall overlooks Viharamahadevi Park.

Dutch Period Museum

Dutch Period Museum. This two storied large building reflecting the features of a 17th century Dutch Urban house was built by Thomas Van Rhee,..

Khan Clock Tower

Khan Clock Tower. The Khan Clock Tower was built in Colombo, Sri Lanka by the Khan Family of Bombay. The Clock Tower is a popular landmark…

World Trade Center

World Trade Center. The World Trade Center, Echelon Square, Colombo has the infrastructure and amenities to satisfy all your business needs…

Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall

Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall. The Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall being the very first purpose built…

J.R.Jayewardene Centre

J.R.Jayewardene Centre. AN ACT to provide for the establishment of an archival depository called the J. R. Jayewardene Centre for historical research…

National Art Gallery

National Art Gallery. The grandest thing about the National Art Gallery is its name. Next to the National Museum, it has a small collection of portraits…

Gem Museum

Gem Museum. What is the Crown Jewel Philosophy? It is our pledge to deliver products of impeccable quality and unmatched value through ethical business…

Traditional Puppet Art Museum

Traditional Puppet Art Museum. The ‘rukada’ figures have been handcrafted by traditional puppet artists with remarkable attention to detail.

J.R.Jayewardene Centre

Martin Wickramasinghe Folk Museum Complex. The house in which Martin Wickramasinghe was born has inspired the Martin Wickramasinghe Trust to established…

Galle Clock Tower

Galle Clock Tower. The Galle Clock Tower (or Anthonisz Memorial Clock Tower) is located within the Galle Fort in Galle, Sri Lanka. The Clock Tower…

National Maritime Museum Galle

National Maritime Museum Galle. The National Maritime Museum in Galle, Sri Lanka is situated within Galle Fort. It was first opened to the public…

Historical Mansion

Historical Mansion. More of an antique store than a museum, this Fort townhouse (which dates back to the Dutch days) contains the private collection…

Black Fort Galle

Black Fort Galle. Black Fort, also called Zwart Fort, which can be reached after walking along the Galle fort wall is the oldest built bastion…

Ceylon Tea Museum

Ceylon Tea Museum. The Ceylon Tea Museum at Hantane, three kilometres from Kandy city is served by a motorable road that circles the museum, provides…

International Buddhist Museum

International Buddhist Museum. International Buddhist Museum is the world’s first International Buddhist Museum. It is located next to the…

Raja Museum

Raja Museum. Raja, the great tusker, which carried the Sacred Relic Casket for more than half a century, is honoured by the Dalada Maligawa by preserving…

Royal Palace of Kandy

Royal Palace of Kandy. The Royal Palace of Kandy (Maligawa) in Kandy, was the royal residence of the Sinhalese monarchy of the Kingdom of Kandy…

Ran Avuda Mandapaya

Ran Avuda Mandapaya. Reflecting majesty and grandeur of Sri Lanka’s magnificent history and rich traditions, the Ran Avuda Mandapaya stands tall…

Balana Fort

Balana Fort. Balana fort was built by the Kingdom of Kandy near Alagalla Mountain Range, Sri Lanka. The fort was functioned as a strategic rock fortress…

Kadugannawa Rock Tunnel

Kadugannawa Rock Tunnel . Kadugannawa Rock Tunnel is a significant landmark located in central province kandy District. on Colombo Kandy road. Kadugannawa…

Dolmen of Padavigampola

Dolmen of Padavigampola. About four miles to the north of Rambukkana, in the heart of a village on the plain beside a plantation of jak, is a curious…

Balana Railway Station

Balana Railway Station. Balana Railway station is 42nd railway station on the Main line between Kadugannawa and Ihala Kotte railway station in Kegalle…

Molagoda Pottery Village

Molagoda Pottery Village. Believed to be one of the oldest pottery villages in the country whose history, according to folklore, runs back to the…

Fort Fredrick

Fort Fredrick. Fort Fredrick, also known as Trincomalee Fort or Fort of Triquillimale, is a fort built by the Portuguese at Trincomalee, Eastern Province…

Hoods Tower Museum

Hoods Tower Museum. The Hoods Tower Museum is a naval museum of the Sri Lanka Navy in Trincomalee. Located at Ostenburg, in the Trincomalee…

Trincomalee War Cemetery

Trincomalee War Cemetery. Trincomalee British War Cemetery (also known as the Trincomalee War Cemetery) is a British military cemetery in Trincomalee…

Jaffna Fort

Jaffna Fort. Jaffna Fort is a fort built by the Portuguese at Jaffna, Sri Lanka in 1618 under Philip De Olivera following the Portuguese invasion of Jaffna.

Demodara Railway Station

Demodara Railway Station. Demodara railway station is the third last station on the Main Line, and is 277.71 km (172.56 mi) away from Colombo…

Jaffna Public Library

Jaffna Public Library. Jaffna Public Library is located in Jaffna, Sri Lanka. It is one of Jaffna’s most notable landmarks, and is run by the Jaffna…

Cargills Square

Cargills Square. Cargills Square is a shopping mall in the city of Jaffna in northern Sri Lanka. The mall is located in the heart of the city…

Jaffna Archaeological Museum

Archaeological Museum. Jaffna Archaeological Museum is located in Nallur, Jaffna, Sri Lanka. The land was given to museum by Arumuga Navalar Foundation…

Isurumuniya

Isurumuniya. Isurumuniya is a Buddhist temple situated near to the Tissa Wewa (Tisa tank) in Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka. There are four carvings of special…

Kuttam Pokuna

Kuttam Pokuna. One of the best specimen of bathing tanks or pools in ancient Sri Lanka is the pair of pools known as Kuttam Pokuna (Twin Ponds/Pools)…

Ranmasu Uyana

Ranmasu Uyana. Ranmasu Uyana is a park in Sri Lanka. It sits on approximately 40 acres (16 ha), and is a noted example of Sri Lankan garden architecture…

Royal Palace of King Vijayabahu

Royal Palace of King Vijayabahu. King Vijayabahu I ascended to throne in 1055 in the Rohana and 18 years after that and 3 years after defeating…

Trincomalee Harbour

Trincomalee Harbour. Trincomalee Harbour is a seaport in Trincomalee Bay or Koddiyar Bay, a large natural harbour situated on the north-east coast…

Galle Harbour

Galle Harbour. Galle Harbour is a natural harbour, located in Galle, on the south-western coast of Sri Lanka. Currently Galle port serves as one…

Magampura Mahinda Rajapaksa Port

Magampura Mahinda Rajapaksa Port. The Hambantota Port (also known as the Port of Hambantota) is a maritime port in Hambantota, Sri Lanka…

Kandy Garrison Cemetery

Kandy Garrison Cemetery. British Garrison Cemetery (also known as the Kandy Garrison Cemetery) is a British cemetery in Kandy, Sri Lanka, for British nationals who died in Ceylon.

Commonwealth War Cemetery

Commonwealth War Cemetery. The Kandy War Cemetery is a British military cemetery in Kandy, Sri Lanka, for soldiers of the British Empire who were killed during World War II as well as a soldier who died during World War I.

Thivanka Image House

Thivanka Image House. If you are looking for ancient art in Polonnaruwa I suggest you take a drive to the Tivanka Pilimage or the Tivanka…

Gal Potha

Gal Potha. Gal Potha (Stone Book) is one of the famous works of King Nissanka Malla (1187-1196) which describes himself, his rule and the eligibility…

Kandyan Art Association & Cultural Centre

Kandyan Art Association & Cultural Centre. This is the busiest dance-show venue and in high season it can be overwhelmingly crammed with tour groups…