The Ancient Cities
Crumbling temples, lost cities and sacred Buddhist sites are the reason to head up country to the cultural heartland of Sri Lanka. It was here on the central plains that ancient Sinhalese dynasties set up their first capitals and supported massive artistic and architectural endeavors. Eventually these kingdoms fell, slowly to be reclaimed by the forest and jungles.
Trusted Partner
Dreaming of The Ancient Cities? Protect your trip
Travel with confidence. Protect your trip and your wallet.
We don’t represent World Nomads, we receive a fee from quotes using this link. This is not a recommendation to buy travel insurance.
Book your Sri Lanka trip with Lonely Planet Journeys
See Sri Lanka how it's meant to be seen
Planned by local experts and tailored to you, Lonely Planet Journeys handles the logistics so you can just enjoy the trip. Tell us what you want and we'll build your Sri Lanka itinerary from scratch, or browse our bookable trips to get inspired.
Top places to visit in The Ancient Cities
Discover the best attractions in The Ancient Cities from must-see sights to unexpected hidden gems.
-
Attraction in AnuradhapuraAbhayagiri Dagoba -
Attraction in PolonnaruwaPolonnaruwa Ruins -
Attraction in AnuradhapuraAnuradhapura World Heritage Site -
Attraction in PolonnaruwaGal Vihara -
Attraction in PolonnaruwaQuadrangle -
- Attraction in The Ancient CitiesSinha Pokuna
-
Attraction in The Ancient CitiesYapahuwa Rock Fortress
in partnership with getyourguide
Book popular activities in The Ancient Cities
Lonely Planet may earn a commission from affiliate links on our site. All recommendations and reviews reflect our own independent opinions.
The Ancient Cities and beyond
-
destinationAnuradhapura - destinationPolonnaruwa
- destinationSigiriya
