Aukana
A colossal standing Buddha statue carved from a single granite rock face in the 5th century, its robes and expression carved with a precision still studied by archaeologists today, and rarely included on standard itineraries.
Polonnaruwa
Sri Lanka’s medieval capital, its royal palaces, sacred quadrangles and the Gal Vihara’s rock-carved Buddhas explored at a relaxed pace by bicycle along quiet park roads.
Anuradhapura
Sri Lanka’s first great royal capital, founded in the 4th century BC and occupied for well over a thousand years, home to the Sri Maha Bodhi tree and some of the largest brick structures built anywhere in the ancient world.
Dambulla
Five rock cut cave shrines filled with over 150 Buddha images beneath painted rock ceilings, in continuous religious use since the 1st century BC. Almost always paired with Sigiriya, given the short distance between them.
Sigiriya
A 5th century rock fortress rising 200 metres above the surrounding plains, with hydraulic water gardens, ancient frescoes and a summit that once held a royal palace. The pre-dawn climb, before the heat and the crowds, remains one of the defining experiences of any Sri Lanka trip.