Cultural & Historic Attractions
Located in Sri Lanka’s North Central Province,
Set amidst a serene forested landscape, Medirigiriya, a stunning ancient structure dating back to the Anuradhapura period, offers a remarkable glimpse into Sri Lanka’s early Buddhist civilisation and stone artistry. Admired for its unique architectural design, which features concentric stone pillars surrounding a central stupa, the circular Medirigiriya Vatadage relic house was built to enshrine sacred Buddhist artefacts. It is believed to have been enhanced during King Aggabodhi IV’s reign in the 7th century. The site also includes remnants of image houses and monastic buildings.
Rich in legend and artistry, the Dowa Rock Temple, located near Bandarawela, is a small yet historically significant site dating back over 2,000 years to the era of King Valagamba. Nestled amidst lush surroundings, the temple is renowned for its unfinished 38-foot rock-cut Buddha statue, carved into a cliff face, which showcases the intricate craftsmanship of the Anuradhapura period. The temple also features ancient murals, cave shrines, and serene meditation spaces.
With origins tracing back over two millennia, and best known for the Kataragama Devalaya, dedicated to the warrior deity Skanda (Murugan), Kataragama is one of the island’s most sacred multi-religious pilgrimage sites revered by Buddhists, Hindus, Muslims, and the indigenous Vedda communities, symbolising spiritual unity and remains a powerful testament to Sri Lanka’s deep-rooted religious diversity and devotion, the site hosts vibrant rituals, daily pujas, and the annual Esala Festival that is renowned for fire-walking and devotional acts.
An important cultural and religious site set amidst rocky hills, the Aluvihara temple features ancient cave shrines, historic murals, and preserved manuscripts that date back to the 3rd century BC and is famous as the place where the Buddhist scriptures (Tripitaka) were first written down on ola leaves during the 1st century BC under the patronage of King Walagamba.
Nestled near Kala Wewa and carved from a single granite rock during the 5th century AD, the towering 40-foot Aukana Buddha Statue is a masterpiece of Sinhalese stone craftsmanship. Believed to have been created during King Dhatusena’s reign, the statue reflects the serenity and perfection of the Anuradhapura period. Its intricate detailing, especially the robe’s folds and the calm expression, showcases the artistic and spiritual excellence of ancient Sri Lanka.
A remarkable ancient rock fortress, positioned on a large granite rock, Yapahuwa was built in the 13th century as a royal capital and a defensive stronghold and features an impressive stone stairway, intricate carvings on guardstones, Buddhist shrines and remains of palaces that once, it served as a haven for kings escaping invasions. Today, its well-preserved ruins showcase an intriguing part of Sri Lanka’s medieval history, stunning architecture, and expansive views of the surrounding landscape.