Explore the local heritage
Heritage will surprise you.
Discover the rich culture of Sri Lanka with Silvan Tours as you journey to historical destinations. On your tour, you will visit UNESCO World Heritage sites, magnificent monuments and stunning landmarks that offer an insight into the days of the ancient king’s period.
Kandy
The last king of ancient Sri Lanka ruled the island from Kandy city before the whole country was brought under the rule of the British during the colonial period. Even today you will detect a feeling of royalty at the Kandy visit.
The sacred Temple of the Tooth Relic of the Buddha, is prominent and is one of the most popular sites of worship among Buddhists. The annual procession of the temple referred to as the ‘Esala Perahera’ is a grand event that displays the culture and traditions of Sri Lanka.
The Peradeniya Royal Botanical Gardens, Kandy Lake and Udawattakele Forest Reserve are some of the popular tourist attractions in Kandy.
Parakrama Samudraya
Among the many lakes built in the Polonnaruwa area during the Anuradhapura period, the five medium-sized lakes namely Thopawewa, Dumbutulu lake, Erabadu lake, Boo lake and Kalahagala lake, which are close to each other, were united by a single embankment and the great reservoir built by King Maha Parakramabahu was named as Parakrama Samudraya.
It is supplied with water through the canal called Akasha Ganga from Amban Gage, a branch of the Mahaweli River. This reservoir, which used to be a great resource for local agriculture, has been destroyed over time and is limited to only three tanks during restoration. The spread area is 2539.5 hectares.
Galle Dutch Fort
The Dutch Fort of Galle, located in the Southern province of Sri Lanka, was created by the Portuguese and modernized by the Dutch. Galle Fort with an area of 52 hectares is currently a tourist town.
There are three museums in Galle Fort, the Archaeological Museum, the Maritime Archeology Museum and the Maritime Museum. The Galle Library, one of the oldest libraries in Sri Lanka, is also found in the fort. Also, a lighthouse, several shrines, Galle court complex, schools, small and medium scale luxury hotels, small shops and many restaurants are found in the fort. This can be identified as a place of ancient historical value.
Pidurangala
The beautiful Pidurangala Rock, located not far from Sigiriya Rock, provides a great vantage point for tourists to enjoy the beauty of the surrounding area.
The views of the sunrise and sunset are particularly spectacular. The surrounding area is covered in lush, green forests and is home to all kinds of wildlife. The scenery of Pidurangala Rock and the valleys below is breathtaking. You can also see ancient monasteries and temples surrounding this rock.
Sigiriya
Considered the eighth wonder of the world, Sigiriya is one of the most famous tourist destinations.
King Kasyapa, who reigned in Sri Lanka in the fifth century, lived in this Sigiri gala kingdom and is a place of historical value. The lion’s foot, mirrored wall and Sigiriya paintings similar to the Ajanta cave paintings in India are prominent features here.
Also, the Sigiriya Water Park reflects the excellence of the country’s water supply technology.
Dambulla Cave Temple
The Dambulla Golden Caves are one of the most popular cultural attractions in Sri Lanka and are also included in the World Heritage List.
These are five magnificent caves set into a rock that contain over 150 Buddha statues painted 2000 years ago and stunning frescoes.
The artwork, which includes paintings and holy statues, is magnificent, and when viewed, it brings to mind the life and teachings of the Buddha. Located in the hills of Dambulla, this temple is a historical place of spiritual and artistic.
Dambulla Economic Center
The main economic center of Dambulla is a wholesale fruit and vegetable market, which is open 24 hours a day.
You can buy fresh products that brought by farmers from different parts of Sri Lanka.
Therefore it enables farmers to sell their crops at a good price and buyers can buy quality food.
Brazen Palace | Lovamahapaya
An archaeological wonder located in the central region of Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka, this place is also known as the ‘Brazen Palace’. Built by King Dutugemunu, the first historical king of Sri Lanka, the site first consists of a nine-storey building covered with a bronze roof. This was a place where monks used to poya affairs. It reflects the talent of Sri Lankan architects while giving idea tourists a glimpse of what Anuradhapura was like back then.
Abhayagiriya
The Abhayagiri temple is located outside the North Wahalkada in Anuradhapura. According to Mahavamsa, the Abhayagiri temple was started around the first century BC. A Thero named ‘Tissa’ supported the King in the Dravidian war fought by King Walagamba and after the king came back to power, he destroyed the monastery where the Giri Nigandha priest was and built the temple there. Later, a separate sect opposite the Maha Vihara was built in connection with this Abhayagiri temple.
Moonstone
The Moonstone is a semi-circular stone located at the entrance of the Buddhist temples or the monasteries of early historical period in Sri Lanka primarily in Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa. The Moonstone is carved in elaborate designs with small figures, circles surrounding animals, a thousand lotus petals and twining vines in measures between two circles, symbolizing stages in the Buddhist journey. Horses are symbols of life, lions and bulls are symbols of strength, elephants symbolize the circle of life and the birth of lotus depicts purity and enlightenment. It expresses the artwork and religious significance of the early Sri Lankan tradition.
Samadhi Buddha Statue
Among the Buddha statues located in Sri Lanka, the Samadhi Buddha statue can be identified as one of the most famous statues in the world. The serenity, the artistic quality, the living form here show the uniqueness of this place. This idol is currently enshrined in the Abhayagiri monastery complex.This is a sitting idol with dhyana mudra and virasana, about seven feet six inches in height. Limestone has been used as the raw material for making the idol. The idol is currently placed on a brick seat and a concrete roof has been built on concrete pillars to provide shade.
Jethawana Stupa
The largest stupa in Sri Lanka is the Jetavanarama, which is credited to King Mahasen. It is about 400 feet high. Jetavanarama is built in the Mahavihara area of Anuradhapura Jyoti Forest. Since then, Jetavanarama was the headquarters of the Sagalika sect until the twelfth century. The Stupa is bounded by Halpan Canal in the West, Malwathu Oya in the East, Entre Kandy in the North and Anuradhapura Railway Station in the South. The site of Jetavana was originally a part of the Nandana Forest. Because the Mahinda Thero’s body was cremated, the site of the Jetavana Stupa was called “Isibhumangana”.
Isurumuniya
Isurumuniya was known in the past as the ‘Megha Giri’ temple. The royal wedding garden called Meghavana is also located nearby, where ceremonies were held to bring rain. King Devanampiyatissa built this temple for his son-in-law, Prince Aritta, and five hundred children of the Vaishya caste. This temple is known in the ancient texts as ‘Issarasamanarama’, ‘Kechupgiri Vehera’ etc. Famous carvings such as ‘Isurumuniya Lovers’, ‘Elephant Carving’, ‘Horse Head and Man’ are found here. The Isurumuniya Archaeological Museum is also located here.
The Sacred Bo Tree
Among the sacred places in the historical city of Anuradhapura, Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi can be called the top of Buddhists. This is also among the eight places.
As a result of the friendship between King Devanampiyatissa and King Dharmasoka of India, he was sent to Sri Lanka the southern branch of the Dambadiva Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi along with Sangamitta Theraniya and others. This place has a long history.
King Parakramabahu Place
The Parakramabahu royal palace complex and auditorium in Polonnaruwa area dates back to the 12th century AD. Due to the destruction of Kalinga Maga invasions in 1215 AD, only a few ruins can be seen today that reflect its architect. This belongs to the reign of King Parakramabahu. there glory of past is characterized by beautiful architecture, beautiful stone pillared auditorium and carvings of lions and elephants at the base to represent power.
Ata Da Ge and Heta Da Ge
Atadageya, Watadageya and Hatadageya, built during the Polonnaru kingdoms, are the buildings designed to protect the dalada chambers where the relics were kept, and these show excellent architectural features. Also, the sandakada pahana, guard stones, stairs and korvak stones in the front of these buildings have interesting small carvings and reflect the excellence of the stone mason of that time. Also, the finest Sandakada Pahana of the Polonnaru period is also found in front of Watadageya.
Polonnaruwa Ancient City
Polonnaruwa was the second historical capital of Sri Lanka. It was originally ruled by the Chola invaders and at that time it was known as “Janata Mangalam”. After driving back the Chola invaders around 1070, King Vijayabahu chose it as his capital. The reign of Maha Parakramabahu, who reigned after king Vijayabahu, can be recognized as the golden age of the Polonnaruwa Kingdom. During that period, King Maha Parakramabahu brought economic and agricultural prosperity to the country. This city consists of many old historical places.
Ruwanweli Maha Seya
A large number of physical relics of the Buddha are buried in the Ruwanweli Maha Seya or Swarnamali Maha Seya located in the city of Anuradhapura.
At 338 feet (103 m) tall and 942 feet (287.1 m) in diameter, it is one of the tallest monuments in the world. It is a stupa that has become highly revered among Buddhists worldwide due to its architectural merits and awe.
Lankathilaka Image House
Among the brick idol houses in Polonnaruwa, Lankatilaka is the largest idol house. This idol house has three parts. The idol house consists of an inner womb with the idol, a mandapa with a door leading to the womb house and an antara on the ground floor. When looking at the statue, it is designed in such a way that it looks like five Malakas (floors). There is evidence that there was an upper floor inside. This idol house was built by King Maha Parakramabahu. Lankatilaka is located in a rectangular courtyard. It is 124 feet long. 66 feet wide. The existing Buddha statues are headless. The idol house is built on the site of Alahana Pirivena in Polonnaruwa.
Gal Vihara/Uththara Rama
Uttara Rama is an ancient idol place in Polonnaruwa. Nowadays it is known as the ‘Gal Vihara’ as it has many idols made of stone.
One can see Buddha statues in three postures such as a meditative Buddha statue with a single black stone Virasana mudra, a 22 feet 9 inches tall standing statue, a reclining Buddha statue etc.
Thivanka Image House
The Thivanka image house has a special place among the works that can be seen in Polonnaruwa kingdom. It completed during the reign of Maha Parakramabahu. It became famous because of the beautiful painting.
Many people call it ‘Polonnaruwa Art Gallery’ because of the beauty of those paintings. These paintings are drawn using colors prepared from natural materials and depict Jataka stories and moments of Buddha’s character.
Colombo City - Galle Face
Can identify Galle face Green as an area used for horse racing and golf games in 1859 by Sir Henry Ward, British governor of this country.
It is located in the center of the city and large crowds gather here to have fun, spend time with family and loved ones.
Red Mosque
Jami-Ul-Alfar, a mosque built in 1909, located at Second Cross Street, Colombo, Pettah, is designed with red and white to highlight the identity of Muslim culture and is therefore known as the Red Mosque.
Decorated with colourful patterns, this place attracts tourists and is a place of pilgrimage for Muslim pilgrims.
Colombo Fort Railway Station
Colombo Fort railway station is one of the largest railway stations in Sri Lanka and consists of buildings that have a rather ancient history.
A large number of people come here daily to travel to different parts of Sri Lanka and at present shops, restaurants etc. for the needs of passengers can be seen in the Fort railway station.
Gangaramaya Temple
This temple called Gangaramaya in Hunupitiya, Colombo was built in the late 19th century according to modern architecture and is located in the middle of Beira Lake.
A blend of Sri Lankan, Thai, Indian and Chinese architecture can be seen here, and among these, the Seema Malakaya building stands out. Local and foreign tourists visit this place due to the beauty of the temple.
Viharamahadevi Park
Built during British rule, Viharamahadevi Park was formerly known as Victoria Park and is located in the city of Colombo.
This place is named after Viharamahadevi who was the mother of King Dutugemunu who reigned in the past and there is a Children’s park, aquarium, swan boats, pony rides etc. to have fun with your loved ones in this place.
Independence Square
Independence Square was opened to the public on February 4th, 1957, symbolizing the pride of Sri Lankans in getting their independence. This is a building decorated with exquisite carvings that tell the world the pride of Sri Lanka.
The Freedom Memorial Library is also located here. This building is used for independence commemoration ceremonies as well as diplomatic activities. Foreign tourists come here to visit this national monument.