Sri Lanka is full of UNESCO World Heritage sites, yet another pleasing surprise to learn about this wonderful country, given I hadn’t done much planning prior to my arrival.
Polonnaruwa in Sri Lanka, the second oldest kingdom in Sri Lankan history, was my first real taste of the country and a fabulous introduction into its early history.
Reminiscent of Sukhothai in Thailand, another ancient kingdom, I felt transported back in time while walking through the ruins on that boiling hot day right smack in the middle of Sri Lanka.
Things this old always truly impress me, given I come from a country (and especially a state) where most of our buildings were erected just a few hundred years ago maximum.
Then there was Sigiriya Rock, one of the most famous cultural icons that can be seen on much of Sri Lanka’s tourism posters and billboards. Rising 200 meters out of the jungle, it was an impressive place to build an ancient kingdom.
First used as a monastery in the 200s BCE, then occupied as a palace and fortress in the 400-500s CE, many parts of Sigiriya Rock are impressively well preserved, just as Polonnaruwa was:
Do it yourself:
Polonnaruwa:
- Polonnaruwa can be easily traveled around by bike
- Get there by hiring a car or taking the train from Colombo Fort to Trincomalee. From there, transfer to Gal Oya. The bus can be taken a similar route but the train is MUCH more comfortable
- You do not need a guide, though many will approach you. The entrance fee includes admission to the museum first, which amply describes everything you’ll see in the heritage site
Sigiriya Rock
- Access Sigiriya by bus or private car from Dambulla
- Again, a guide is not needed and the entrance fee also includes admission to the museum
- For both places, Galkadawala in Dambulla is a great place to stay and a decent jumping off point
* Special thanks to my travel buddy, Clement Marcelet, for sharing his photos with me after a bird, yes a bird, made off with my SD card.
A Southern Gypsy says
Been really enjoying your Sri Lanka posts as I’m thinking about adding it to my SEA trip. I do have to admit the very last sentence was my favorite part…how, exactly, did the bird make off with the SD card? 😀
Kristin says
Birds love shiny things and they’re always stealing! Seriously! Also it’s my fault for leaving it out on the table in the middle of the jungle. I suppose I was asking for it.
Leo says
Wow, such beautiful pictures!! Are you still going to stay in Sri Lanka for a while or are you already heading somewhere else?
P.S: Have you ever thought about coming to Brazil? ( and South America )
Kristin says
I actually left Sri Lanka December 15th and did a month in the Philippines following that. Just arrived in Vietnam today!
Hogga says
such a gorgeous place
Steph (@ 20 Years Hence) says
I REALLY want to visit Sri Lanka (as you know). These sites look absolutely incredible and I can only imagine what it was like to be there in real life and see them up close and not on a computer screen. I just wish that the cultural sites in SL didn’t have such horrific tourist pricing!
Kristin says
They are horrifically expensive for tourists! That really frustrated me.
det says
hi kristin
just stumbled upon your blog doing research for a sri lank trip
good work
cheers
det
Karl says
Of all your posts up to this date, these photos were really awesome! Love the two monkeys and the guard
Jeevni says
Great blog!! Pics look amazing…I would like to suggest visit Darjeeling, it also has many temples and places to see. am sure you will have a great time there!!