Sri Lanka's 8 UNESCO World Heritage Sites

Located in the North Central Province, this ancient city was founded in the 4th century BCE and served as a major Buddhist spiritual center. Key features include the Ruwanwelisaya stupa, Abhayagiri Vihāra, and the sacred Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi tree, a cutting from the original Bodhi Tree under which Buddha attained enlightenment. Listed in 1982.

The medieval capital after Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa flourished in the 11th–13th centuries. Highlights include the Royal Palace, the Sacred Quadrangle, and the Gal Vihara rock temple with colossal Buddha statues. Listed in 1982.

Known as the Lion Rock, this 5th-century fortress and palace complex was built by King Kashyapa. It features frescoes, water gardens, and the Mirror Wall with ancient graffiti. Listed in 1982.

The last royal capital of Sri Lanka, Kandy houses the Temple of the Tooth Relic (Sri Dalada Maligawa), a major Buddhist pilgrimage site. The city is also famous for the Esala Perahera festival. Listed in 1988.

A cave monastery complex with five caves containing over 150 Buddha statues and extensive murals dating from the 1st century BCE to the 18th century. Listed in 1991.

A fortified colonial town on the southern coast, originally built by the Portuguese and expanded by the Dutch. It showcases European and South Asian architectural fusion. Listed in 1988.

A tropical rainforest and biodiversity hotspot in the southwest, home to numerous endemic species of plants, birds, mammals, and insects. Listed in 1988.

Comprising Horton Plains, Knuckles Conservation Forest, and Peak Wilderness Protected Area, this site is rich in biodiversity and endemic species, including the purple-faced langur and Sri Lankan leopard. Listed in 2010.