ANCIENT KINGDOMS. TIMELESS STORIES.
Sri Lanka
Explore ancient capitals, sacred cities, rock fortresses, colonial ports and tea-country landscapes. From the Cultural Triangle to the central highlands, southern coast and Tamil north, Sri Lanka offers an extraordinary journey through more than two thousand years of history.
AN ISLAND SHAPED BY KINGDOMS, FAITH AND TRADE
Discover Sri Lanka Through the Ages
From ancient Buddhist capitals and sacred rock monasteries to colonial forts, Hindu temples and tea-country railways, Sri Lanka has an exceptionally layered and visible past. Explore the places, kingdoms, religions and trading networks that shaped the island.
EXPLORE BY DESTINATION
Discover Sri Lanka’s Destinations
Colombo
Explore Sri Lanka’s modern capital through colonial Fort, Pettah, temples, museums and centuries of maritime trade.
Sigiriya
Climb Sri Lanka’s fifth-century rock fortress and explore royal ruins, water gardens, frescoes and one of the island’s most extraordinary ancient landscapes.
Kandy
Discover Kandyan royal history, the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, historic museums and the cultural heart of Sri Lanka’s central highlands.
Galle
Walk the ramparts of Galle Fort and discover Dutch colonial streets, churches, maritime museums and Indian Ocean history.
Jaffna
Explore Tamil heritage through Nallur Kandaswamy Kovil, Jaffna Fort, civic landmarks and the distinctive history of Sri Lanka’s northern peninsula.
SRI LANKA THROUGH THE AGES
A Brief History of Sri Lanka
From ancient kingdoms and the arrival of Buddhism to colonial rule and independence, Sri Lanka’s past remains visible in sacred cities, forts, temples, palaces and historic landscapes across the island.
c. 3rd century BCE
Buddhism & Anuradhapura
Buddhism becomes established and Anuradhapura grows into the island’s great sacred and political centre.
477–495
Sigiriya
King Kashyapa develops Sigiriya as a fortified royal centre with palaces, gardens and monumental art.
11th–13th centuries
Polonnaruwa Era
Polonnaruwa becomes the royal capital, leaving palaces, monasteries and vast irrigation works across the dry zone.
1505
Portuguese Arrival
Portuguese arrival begins a new era of European competition, missionary activity and coastal fortification.
1815
British Rule
The Kandyan Convention brings the last independent kingdom under British control, uniting the island under colonial rule.
1948
Independence
Ceylon gains independence from Britain, beginning a new chapter in the island’s modern history.
Ancient Kingdoms
Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa preserve the monumental legacy of ancient kings, monasteries and sophisticated hydraulic civilisation.
Buddhist Heritage
Stupas, cave temples, sacred trees and pilgrimage landscapes reveal more than two millennia of Buddhist history.
Colonial & Maritime Legacy
Portuguese, Dutch and British forts, ports, railways and hill stations preserve the island’s layered colonial and maritime past.
PLAN YOUR SRI LANKA TRIP
Everything You Need for Sri Lanka
Everything you need to plan your trip to Sri Lanka, from historic places to stay and guided tours to trains, road transport and flights.
Hotels
Find places to stay across Sri Lanka, from heritage hotels and city stays to tea-country guesthouses and coastal resorts.
Tours & Activities
Discover guided tours, ancient cities, temples, forts and memorable cultural experiences across Sri Lanka.
Car Hire
Explore Sri Lanka at your own pace, from ancient cities and tea country to coastal roads and remote historic sites.
Flights
Compare flights to Sri Lanka and find the best route to Bandaranaike International Airport.
Trains & Buses
Plan train and bus connections between Sri Lanka’s cities, highlands and historic destinations.