North Central Province

 

Ancient City of Polonnaruwa

The Ancient City of Polonnaruwa, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, flourished between the 11th and 13th centuries as Sri Lanka’s second capital after Anuradhapura. It was developed by King Parakramabahu the Great, who constructed the vast Parakrama Samudra (a massive man-made reservoir) that still irrigates the region today. The city contains a mix of Brahmanic monuments built by Cholas and Buddhist constructions from Sinhalese kings. Visitors can explore the Royal Palace complex, Audience Hall, Quadrangle (with Vatadage, Thuparama, and Hatadage), Rankoth Vehera stupa, and Gal Vihara rock-cut Buddha statues. The site reflects advanced irrigation systems, urban planning, and religious devotion.

Mihintale

Mihintale, often called the “cradle of Buddhism in Sri Lanka,” is where Arahat Mahinda, son of Emperor Ashoka of India, introduced Buddhism to King Devanampiyatissa in 247 BC. This sacred mountain, located 13 km east of Anuradhapura, has a long stone staircase of 1,840 steps leading to religious monuments. The Ambasthala Dagoba, Aradhana Gala (rock of meditation), Kantaka Cetiya, and Mihindu Guha (Mahinda’s Cave) are important attractions. Pilgrims flock here, especially on Poson Poya, to commemorate the arrival of Buddhism. The panoramic views from the summit also make it a breathtaking site.

Dambulla Cave Temple (Golden Temple)

The Dambulla Cave Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the largest and best-preserved cave temple complex in Sri Lanka. Dating back to the 1st century BC under King Valagamba, it consists of five caves converted into shrines. The caves contain 153 Buddha statues, 3 statues of Sri Lankan kings, and 4 statues of gods and goddesses, including Vishnu and Ganesha. The ceilings and walls are covered with over 2,000 m² of murals depicting scenes from the Buddha’s life and teachings. The site is an active monastery with a golden Buddha statue at the entrance, symbolizing its spiritual importance.

Minneriya National Park

Minneriya is world-renowned for “The Gathering”—an extraordinary wildlife spectacle where over 200–300 wild elephants congregate around the Minneriya Tank during the dry season (July–October). The park, covering 8,889 hectares, consists of dry tropical forests, wetlands, grasslands, and scrub. It was declared a national park in 1997 and is home to spotted deer, leopards, sloth bears, purple-faced langurs, and more than 170 bird species. Safari tours offer a chance to see elephants swimming, socializing, and feeding—making it one of the top wildlife experiences in Asia.

Ruwanwelisaya

The Ruwanwelisaya stupa in Anuradhapura is one of the most significant Buddhist shrines in the world. Built by King Dutugemunu in 140 BC, it stands 103 meters tall and has a diameter of 290 meters. Legend says that the stupa enshrines relics of the Buddha. Surrounded by a terrace with 344 stone elephants carved in relief, the gleaming white stupa is revered as a symbol of unity, faith, and architectural brilliance. Thousands of pilgrims visit annually, especially during poya (full moon) days, to perform rituals and offerings.

Kaudulla National Park

Kaudulla National Park is another prime elephant habitat, often considered the second stage of elephant migration after Minneriya. It spans 6,656 hectares and was declared a national park in 2002. At the center lies the Kaudulla Tank, built by King Mahasen in the 3rd century AD, which attracts elephants, leopards, fishing cats, sambar deer, and over 160 bird species. The park is lush and green during the rainy season, but as water dries up, large herds of elephants gather, creating fantastic safari opportunities.

Gal Vihara

Part of the Polonnaruwa complex, Gal Vihara is a collection of four rock-cut Buddha images carved into a single granite cliff. The 12th-century statues include a seated Buddha (4.6 m), standing Buddha (7 m), reclining Buddha (14 m), and another smaller seated figure. The serene facial expressions and detailed carving are masterpieces of Sinhalese stone sculpture. Scholars believe these statues represent different aspects of the Buddha’s enlightenment and compassion, making Gal Vihara a spiritual and artistic highlight.

Wilpattu National Park

Wilpattu is Sri Lanka’s largest and oldest national park, covering 1,317 km². Its unique feature is the “villus”—natural sand-rimmed lakes filled with rainwater. These provide habitats for diverse wildlife, including elephants, water buffalo, sloth bears, mugger crocodiles, and over 200 bird species. Wilpattu is also famous for being one of the best places in the world to see leopards in their natural environment. Beyond wildlife, the park has historical importance as the landing site of Prince Vijaya, Sri Lanka’s legendary first king.

 Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi

The Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi in Anuradhapura is the oldest living tree in the world with a recorded planting date (288 BC). It is a sacred fig tree grown from a cutting of the original Bodhi tree at Bodh Gaya, India, under which the Buddha attained enlightenment. Brought by Sanghamitta Theri, daughter of Emperor Ashoka, it remains a revered pilgrimage site for Buddhists. Surrounded by protective walls, the tree is decorated with prayer flags and offerings year-round. Devotees believe blessings and spiritual merit are gained by worshipping here.

Ritigala Forest Monastery

Ritigala, rising 766 meters above sea level, is both a historical and mystical site. The forest monastery, dating back to the 1st century BC, was a retreat for ascetic monks. Unlike other monasteries, it lacks stupas and statues, emphasizing meditation and simplicity. The site has stone-paved walkways, reservoirs, and raised meditation platforms hidden in dense jungle. Legends connect Ritigala to the Ramayana, with some believing Hanuman dropped a fragment of the Himalayan mountain here while carrying medicinal herbs. The untouched forest adds to its mystical charm.

Hurulu Eco Park

Hurulu Eco Park forms part of the Hurulu Forest Reserve, declared a biosphere reserve by UNESCO in 1977. It serves as a crucial elephant corridor, linking Minneriya, Kaudulla, and Wasgamuwa parks. Covering 10,000 hectares, it is dominated by dry evergreen forests and grasslands. Elephants can be seen year-round, alongside peacocks, Indian rollers, grey hornbills, and other bird species. Jeep safaris here offer a quieter alternative to the more crowded parks.

Polonnaruwa Vatadage

This circular relic house is one of the most iconic monuments in Polonnaruwa. Built during the reign of King Parakramabahu I (12th century), it was designed to protect the Sacred Tooth Relic or Buddha images. The structure has two concentric stone terraces with elaborately carved moonstones, guardstones, and Buddha statues seated in the cardinal directions around the central stupa. Its symmetrical design and fine stone carvings highlight the artistic excellence of the Polonnaruwa period.

Medirigiriya Vatadage

Located 40 km from Polonnaruwa, Medirigiriya Vatadage dates back over 2,000 years to the Anuradhapura era. Built on a circular granite platform, the structure contains 68 finely carved stone pillars surrounding a central stupa. Its elevated location amidst a forested setting gives it a serene atmosphere. The Vatadage was believed to enshrine sacred relics and served as a center for monastic rituals. Despite being in ruins, it remains one of Sri Lanka’s most picturesque ancient sites.

Avukana Buddha Statue

The Avukana statue, carved in the 5th century during the reign of King Dhatusena, is one of the tallest ancient Buddha statues in the world. Standing at 42 feet, it is carved out of a granite cliff and depicts the Buddha in the Abhaya Mudra (gesture of fearlessness). The figure is finely detailed, with robe folds cascading naturally. Facing the Kala Wewa reservoir, the statue is both a masterpiece of craftsmanship and a symbol of protection for the kingdom.

Kalu Diya Pokuna (Natural Black Water Pond)

This tranquil pond lies near Mihintale, surrounded by rocky hills and forest. Its name “Kalu Diya Pokuna” comes from the dark, reflective waters that resemble black glass. Historically, it was used by monks for bathing, drinking water, and meditation. Nearby are ruins of ancient monastic dwellings. Today, the site is a peaceful natural attraction where visitors can enjoy quiet scenery and the pond’s unique mirror-like reflections.

Wasgamuwa National Park

Wasgamuwa National Park, covering 36,900 hectares, is one of the best places in Sri Lanka to see wild elephants in large herds. The park also shelters leopards, sloth bears, water buffalo, toque macaques, and over 150 species of birds. Its landscape features rivers (Maha Oya and Amban Ganga), grasslands, and dense forest. The park’s name comes from “Walas Gamuwa,” meaning the land of bears, highlighting its importance as a sloth bear habitat. It’s less commercialized than Minneriya and Kaudulla, making safaris here more natural and adventurous.