Sri Lanka, an island country in Southeast Asia, has been inhabited since as early as the 6th century BC. Buddhism was introduced by the 3rd century BC, and a great civilization developed and flourished.
The island was conquered by a succession of invaders beginning in the 14th century and gained its independence in 1948. Its name was changed from Ceylon to Sri Lanka in 1972.
Sri Lanka is a predominantly Buddhist country and is home to one of the holiest sites in Buddhism, the Temple of the Tooth. Believed to contain a tooth of the Buddha, the shrine is visited by Buddhists from all over the world and great festivals are held in its honor. Sri Lankan popular religion blends elements of Buddhism, Hinduism and ancient concepts of gods and demons into a syncretistic religion of daily life. Sri Lanka is home to an array of fascinating shrines, pilgrimage sites, temples and even churches and mosques.
| Sri Lanka Sacred Sites List
Our index of temples, shrines and other religious and historical sites in Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka Satellite Map Get a birds-eye view of Sri Lanka and its major sacred places on this interactive satellite map. Sri Lanka Maps A collection of the best static maps of Sri Lanka, online and print. |
Sri Lanka Travel Forum Ask experienced travelers a question on travel to Sri Lanka or browse previous advice. Sri Lanka Travel Deals Check current vacation packages and discounts. Sri Lanka Guided Tours Browse a variety of tours of Sri Lanka and book before you leave home in your own currency. |
History of Sri Lanka Brief summary of Sri Lanka's eventful history. Buddhism in Sri Lanka History and characteristics of Sri Lankan Buddhism. Popular Religion in Sri Lanka Many Sri Lankans practice a combination of Buddhism and ancient folk religion. Christianity in Sri Lanka Christianity has a significant presence due to Portuguese and Dutch colonists. |
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Anuradhapura This sacred city, now in ruins, was once a major center of Sri Lankan civilization. Sights include huge bell-shaped stupas built of small sun-dried bricks, temples, sculptures, palaces, and ancient reservoirs. A World Heritage Site. |
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Dambulla Dambulla is famed for its many caves, which contain splendid Buddhist frescoes and sculptures, plus examples of Hindu art. A World Heritage Site. |
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Kandy This city of about 100,000 is home to the Temple of the Tooth, one of the most important Buddhist pilgrimage sites in the world. A World Heritage Site. |
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Mihintale This sacred mountain is believed to be where Buddhism was first introduced to Sri Lanka. Sights include numerous temples, monasteries and splendid Buddha statues. |
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Polonnaruwa This ancient city was the Sri Lankan capital in the Middle Ages. Many fascinating ruins remain at the site, including a reclining Buddha, seated Buddha and standing Buddha all carved out of a single block of granite. A World Heritage site. |
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Sigiriya This fascinating 5th-century palace is built atop a great rock and accessed via a stairway flanked by giant lion paws. Halfway up are frescoes of bare-breasted maidens and at the top are gardens and fountains. |
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