Sri Lanka prides itself on having a great many temples. Like churches in Europe, they’re part and parcel of the communities all over the island, and where there is a village one is almost guaranteed to see saffron-robed monks sweeping the temple grounds at the crack of dawn.

There are, however, a few iconic temples that have shaped not just their communities, but the greater history and culture of the entire country. Exploring these are generally very cheap, but always wear clothes covering your legs and shoulder, and to remove your shoes.

The first is Kandy’s Sri Dalada Maligawa, the Temple of the Tooth. Legend has it that when Lord Buddha died, His body was cremated in a sandalwood pyre and his left canine tooth sent to the city of Dantapuri (in Odisha, or Orissa in India). It was said that whoever possessed the tooth possessed the divine right to rule the land, and so wars were fought solely to take possession of this relic. Eight hundred years later, facing an army of invaders hell-bent on destroying the tooth, a king sent his daughter and her husband with the tooth to Sri Lanka.

In Sri Lanka, great palaces were built to house the tooth relic, and it was moved all over the land for safekeeping, until at last it was housed in the Sri Dalada Maligawa in Kandy. Here it has rested since then, in a sanctuary at the heart of the complex. It is never taken out, not even for the great Esela Perehera, an annual procession of song, dance and worship that brings all of Kandy to a halt; the Perehera itself must make do with the silver relic casket, accepted as a substitute for the relic itself.

The Temple complex itself has grown over the years, with numerous architectural and cultural additions – the golden canopy that marks the main shrine; the octagonal Pathirippuwa; the Alut Maligawa, a secondary shrine housing stunning Buddha statues representing a fantastic variety of styles of sculpture, with paintings that depict the story of the Buddhism in Sri Lanka.

Dambulla Temple

The Golden Temple, as is it called, is the largest and the most impressive cave temple complex in Sri Lanka, dating all the way from 100 BC. Outside, it is easily visible because of the massive golden Buddha statue that looks out over the entrance, facing the winding road. The statue fronts a vast rock that towers above the plain. Around this rock are over eighty documented caves, most of them natural grottoes that were excavated over the years.

The best exhibits lie in the five caves that lie under the rock. In the darkness, images on the cave walls and over 150 statues, hewn from the rock, point out landmark moments of the Buddha’s life. It is said that the cave temple began with King Valagambahu, who lived here for a decade and a half in exile before reclaiming Anuradhapura from South Indian invaders. In his gratitude, the king built the temple here, and over the centuries his successors added to it and restored what they could. Put together, the caves represent a work of worship over 20 centuries in the making.

Alu Vihararaya

The famous Alu Viharaya sits on the Dambulla-Matale road. The word “Alu” means “ash” in modern Sinhala, but once, it meant light. Here, the most important Buddhist scriptures in the word, the Tripitaka, were first committed to writing, after of existing purely in the minds and voices of monks. It is said that the same King Valagambahu who built the Dambulla Temple tasked 500 monks for this.

At its heart, the Alu Viharaya is a series of cave temples, linked by narrow stairs cut into the rock. The caves house a ten-metre long statue of a sleeping Buddha, and (respectively) sculptures of Buddhist hell, a cave temple to Valagambahu and the iconic Indian Buddhist scholar Buddhagosa and a bodhi tree apparently growing out of the rock. To the left is the International Buddhist Library and Museum, housing a copy of the Tripitaka as set down in ola leaves, in the tradition of what Sri Lankans call puskolapoth – apparently the same medium the Tripitaka was first written on.

Ambakka Temple

The Ambakka (or Embekke) Temple, in Kandy, is born from a strange legend, that of a drummer who, inflicted with an incurable skin disease, made the pilgrimage to Kataragama every year. At the last stages of his life, the god came to him in his dreams and instructed him to perform at a place where a miracle would happen. Soon, in a flower garden known as Ambakka, a tree began to bleed, and the drummer obeyed the god. Eventually he built a temple of branches around the tree, and the king of the region later ordered a huge temple built there and donated land and gifts to the temple.

The temple site itself is loosely divided into the inner and outer temples, and is built entirely of wood, without even the use of metal nails. Ambakka houses some of the greatest carvings in all of Sri Lanka, showcased on the pillars of the temple. These 126 carvings are all unique and are fantastic representations of Sinhalese art. Sadly, this site is nowhere near as cared-for as the older sites on this list.

Koneswaram Temple

Koneswaram, the Temple of a Thousand Pillars, is a sprawling Hindu temple complex in Trincomalee, built upon a promontory overlooking the Indian Ocean. A major place for Hindu worship, the geography of the region is of great symbolic importance. The original temple, existing roughly since 300 AD, was a shrine to the Hingu god Shiva. King Ravana, the mythical ruler of Sri Lanka in the 4^th century epic the Ramayana, is believed to have worshipped Lord Shiva here.

Over the years, subsequent Hindu kings expanded Koneswaram, making the shrine part of three great temples that stood upon Swami Rock, as the promontory was called. The site was wrecked by the Portuguese in the 17^th century, in what has since been called the biggest looting of the temples of Asia, and restored in the 20^th century. There’s even a bit of Dutch history mixed in.

Koneswaram is a complex site, and home to many religious ceremonies and processions. Fantastic sculptures adorn the structures, carved in the classic Hindu tradition. It’s under renovation, which in itself is an interesting process to observe. Try to get there in the morning or in the evening, as the sun heats up the rock quite a bit.

Katharagama, situated in the far south of the island, is perhaps of the best examples of Sri Lanka’s fusion of cultures. Bordering the Yala National Park, Katharagama was once a capital of Sri Lankan kings, abandoned somewhere around the 13^th century and resurrected as a multi-religious town primarily dedicated to god Katharagama.

The god’s exact origins are a mystery – some sources claim that it an indigenous deity, other than he is a king who came to be worshipped as a deity, and others that he is a Hindu god, and judging by historical records, a great cross-pollination of mythologies has occurred around this being. In any case, the site houses shrines, a mosque and a stupa. It is believed that the Buddha, on His third and last visit to Sri Lanka, discoursed to King Mahasena, who ruled the area in 580 BC. The Katharagama temple was built upon this site. Be aware that there is always a huge crowd of pilgrims at Kataragama, and that getting in might involve standing in line.

A UNESCO World Heritage Site is an important landmark chosen by the organization as a protected area. The places selected are usually in a historical location with cultural and anthropological importance. Keep reading to find out what they are, and plan your trip to visit them all.

1.The Sigiriya Rock Fortress

Sigiriya is probably the most famous of the UNESCO heritage sites in Sri Lanka and is also called the ‘Eighth wonder of the world’. It is a definite must see in Sri Lanka for the beauty and heritage it beholds is marvelous and bewildering. You can make a day trip to Sigiriya while you stay in comfort with us at Cinnamon Lodge Habarana or Habarana Village by Cinnamon, which is only a 20-minute drive from Sigiriya.

2.The old city of Galle and its Fortifications

Galle is rich in historic and cultural importance, the scenic Galle lighthouse, Dutch Fort and its sprawling lavish sandy beaches make Galle a tourist hotspot and the perfect destination to add some colour to your Sri Lanka travels. The city of Galle and its fortifications have attracted much tourist attention, not only for its cultural and historic importance, but also for the beautiful views from the city and its fortifications.

3. Historic city of Anuradhapura

Anuradhapura forms part of the Cultural Triangle and it is no surprise why it has been inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, as it is a repository of ancient monuments and artefacts. The city is considered to be one of the oldest cities in the country, which has been continuously inhabited, and is home to many a cultural monuments and historical artefacts. This makes it a treasure trove for history-lovers and enthusiasts.

4.The Royal Cave Temple at Dambulla

For a pleasant surprise of colour, artefacts and statues, you must visit the Cave Temple at Dambulla. What awaits you atop this rock is simply breathtaking and definitely worth the climb of 160m. Magnificent wall paintings and over 150 statues in and around the temple makes this a tourist hotspot that can be visited easily during your stay at Cinnamon Lodge Habarana or Habarana Village by Cinnamon.

5. Sacred city of Kandy

Kandy, situated in a stunning natural landscape of rolling hills and mountains never cease to leave travelers in a jaw dropping excitement with its evocative and lush green landscapes but that is not all! Kandy was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage site owing to the places of cultural importance including the Temple of the Tooth in all its ancient majesty and sacrality.

Experience the beauty of Kandy while you indulge with us at Cinnamon Citadel Kandy situated at the heart of all these sites in Kandy.

6. Sinharaja Forest Reserve

The Sinharaja Rainforest, loosely translated to mean the ‘Kingdom of the Lion’ is said to be the country’s last undisturbed area of primary tropical rainforest. Sinharaja is symbolic of Sri Lanka’s biodiversity and is home to innumerous amounts of rare endemic species including mammals, butterflies, birds, fish, reptiles and amphibians. It is an absolute must that you explore the Sinharaja rain forest and witness the rich biodiversity of Sri Lanka.

7. Central Highlands of Sri Lanka

This UNESCO World Heritage site comprises a combination of three wet-zone parks, which are the Peak Wilderness Protected Area, the Horton Plains National Park and also the Knuckles Conservation Forest. Being inscribed as a World Heritage Site in 2010, it is the newest addition to Sri Lanka’s list of world heritage sites. The Central Highland of Sri Lanka was added to the list owing to its rich biodiversity and it is definitely a must visit on your Sri Lanka travels.

8. Ancient city of Polonaruwa

Polonaruwa is another city, which forms part of the cultural triangle and is full to the brim with rich culture and history. The ancient ruins of Polonnaruwa contain many Bhramanic constructions from the Chola civilization. It is simply heaven for history lovers and sight-seeing enthusiasts owing to the countless ruins to witness, including Polonnaruwa Vatadage, Hetadage, Rankoth Vehera, Nissanka Latha Mandapaya, Gal Vihara and Vatadage.

Cinnamon Hotels and Resorts has much to boast about with its plush and comfortable living spaces, luxurious room, delectable and wide array of food, top notch service and much more.

Therefore, do stay with us at Cinnamon whilst you explore the world heritage sites Sri Lanka has been endowed with.

The Dunuwille Walawwa has been the home for more than eight generations of Dunuwilles who are proud to call it home. The verandah built in the front part of the Walawwa is dripping with grandeur. Intricate wood carvings of flora and fauna, interior design styles unique to the era and other elements of culture, this verandah bears stories like no other. It reminiscences how the great-grandchildren of William Dunuwille would sit on the floor and listen to stories said by their grandparents about the Kandyan Era and the heroic acts of their ancestry. It fondly remembers how William Dunuwille would visit his family on an elephant, the grandest mode of transportation in that time and how the floors would shake to the sounds of drums and pageants of elephants at times of celebrations. This verandah has been an integral part of the Dunuwille family as it was where they witnessed their lives unravel in good times and bad.

The Dunuwille legacy was carried on by his descendants. The halls of the Walawwa have witnessed many of his great-grandchildren become important members of society such as Mrs. Sirimavo Bandaranayake, the first female prime minister in the world. For the Dunuwilles’, the walls will always echo the laughter and the moments shared with the family when they would come together at auspicious times.

Walking amongst the corridors of the Walawwa, it is astonishing to realize that these walls had carried the weight of many family portraits, photographs of their ancestors and many more monuments carefully curated. These photographs are now a family heirloom protected with care, passed down to the generations that precede them.

The Dunuwille Walawwa is not merely a home but proof of the times before us, and every inch of the place carries a story, memory and the legacy of the Dunuwille lineage and the Kandyan kingdom.

After being under the care of the Dunuwille family, the Walawwa is now a part of a family of culture, as rich as its original owners; Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts. The Walawwa is what is now called Cinnamon Citadel Kandy, a grand hotel that allows its visitors to indulge in the beautiful city of Kandy and experience the tranquility of the soft winds only the city allows. Located by the banks of the Mahaweli River (the longest river on the island), the resort offers vistas never seen before; lush gardens veiled with mist in the mornings and peaceful nights overlooking the majesty of the city.

For all of those who visit Cinnamon Citadel Kandy, it offers more than a pleasant hotel experience but the warmth of the home it was once before. The hotel is of stark beauty as it continues to protect the legacy of the era and the cultural elements of the Kandyan Kingdom from architecture to interior design, carefully curated to contain the majesty of the Dunuwille Walawwa. The interior of the resort is rich with elegance and grace, with elements of heritage adorning it.

Maybe you will plan your next getaway here, and if you do so, remember this story. Wonder about the stories hidden among the beautiful woodwork and walls and celebrate the legacy of William Dunuwille and the artifacts of a kingdom that once was. Look around for the traces of life within a hotel that was once a home. Make your stay here an iconic one with the majesty that the hotel brings to life and breath in the serenity of the city of Kandy!

CinnamonU embarks on a journey through Kandy to create a unique culinary experience.

Here’s Chef Raminda Premarathne creating a contemporary Sri Lankan dish made using a Freshwater Common Carp and ‘Raja Ala’ also known as the King of Yams which are both indigenous to the hill capital Kandy.

The fish is made using a technique called ‘Paupiette’, using a banana leaf and the ‘Raja Ala’ is combined with Risotto Rice. The two ingredients complement each other perfectly to create a well balanced main dish completed with the fattiness of the fish combined with the tangy coriander marination and finished with the creaminess of the risotto laid on a bed of sauteed vegetables.

Tell us what you think! Join the conversation on Twitter – @CinnamonHotels

Enjoy life’s best moments with CinnamonU

What are the attractions that are most popular with visitors to Sri Lanka, apart from the beaches? We conducted an informal survey among tourists and tourist drivers and discovered these are the top five attractions visitors love. We think you will too.

 1. The Temple of the Tooth

Probably the most popular attraction for visitors is the Temple of the Tooth (known as Sri Dalada Maligawa) in the old hill kingdom city of Kandy (116km form Colombo). This houses the Sacred Tooth of Lord Buddha, an object of veneration to Buddhists, and of respectful curiosity to tourists.

A notice at the entrance to the garden in which the Temple stands, requests visitors to “refrain from wearing head dresses, mini-skirts, short trousers, sleeveless jackets, so to maintain the sanctity of the holy place.” There is an admission fee and all visitors must remove their footwear.

Tradition states that the tooth was taken from the ashes after the cremation of Gauthama Buddha at Kusinara in India in 543BC. It was eventually smuggled to Sri Lanka in the 4^th century AD. It was lodged in many places as a symbol of nationhood until coming to rest in Kandy in 1592.

The main shrine of the temple is on the first floor and its doors are opened during puja (offering) times (06.30; 10.00 & 18.30 daily) providing a glimpse of the sacred casket. You don’t actually see the tooth but a visit to the shrine is a soul-stirring experience whatever your faith.

2. Peradeniya Botanical Gardens

No visit to Kandy is complete without seeing the Royal Botanical Gardens, some 6km south of the town on the Colombo Road. Its origins go back to the 18^th century when it was a royal residence and park. It became a formal botanical garden under a British governor in 1821 and the first tea seedlings grown in the then Ceylon were planted there in 1824, fifty years before tea became a viable commercial crop.

The gardens consist of nearly 61ha (150 acres) dedicated to the flora of Sri Lanka with an arboretum and herbarium and, especially popular with tourists, an Orchid House with an amazing collection of rare orchids. The entire area of the gardens is embraced by the Maheweli River, adding to its stunning beauty. It is open daily (08.00-18.00) to stroll around at leisure or take a buggy; an admission fee is charged.

3. Elephant Orphanage

At Pinnawela (85km from Colombo via Kegalle), easily reached on the drive to or from Kandy, this orphanage remains unique since it was set up in 1975 to provide shelter and care for young elephants that had been abandoned or orphaned. There are now over 60 elephants, some of them being founder members who act as family for the newly arrived orphans.

Hugely popular with visitors, the best time to drop in is at feeding time (09.15, 13.15 & 17.00) or for the ritual bathing (10.00-12.00; 14.00-16.00) when the elephants troop off in an eager herd down a lane opposite the park to the Maha Oya (river). An admission fee is charged.

4. Round Trip Tour

Book it in advance of your visit or arrange a tour yourself with a licensed guide and a taxi or mini-van from your hotel for what is known locally as the “round trip tour.” This takes you on a tour to destinations of your choice (or leave it to your guide to advise) on a trip around the island.

As well as visiting the three attractions listed above, the typical tour would take in the ancient ruins of Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa and include “the eighth wonder of the world,” the Sigiriya Lion Rock. Once a royal citadel, this gigantic mushroom-shaped rock protrudes 183m into the sky and rewards anyone who climbs it with paintings of beauties as frescoes on the rock wall and a breathtaking view from the top. If you base yourself at Habarana you’ll be able to see elephants and wildlife at Minneriya, one of the island’s 16 National Parks.

For contrast let the tour take you southwards to the hill country around Nuwara Eliya to see the magnificent forest scenery patch-worked with vegetable plantations and hills clad with crew-cropped tea bushes. You can see gem mining too, at Ratnapura, or take the tour to the East Coast to visit Fort Frederick and the beaches north and south of Trincomalee.

5. Galle Fort

Galle Fort (116km south of Colombo) is fascinating even if you’re not interested in the country’s colonial occupation by the Portuguese, the Dutch and the British, all of whom had a hand in the Fort’s construction. Its massive ramparts loom over the southern harbour town of Galle and it is remarkable as, even though it is Number 200 on the UNESCO list of World Heritage Sites, it is a thriving residential area… and entrance is free.

Its attraction for tourists looking beyond the history in its colonial and art deco houses (numbering 470 in all) is its boutique stores selling souvenirs for the sophisticated, and its charming little cafés. Galle Fort has been gentrified in recent years but this has rescued it from decay, preserving its buildings and ambience, adapted to pleasing the modern tourist.

Nestled in between the ancient cities of Anuradhapura, Polannaruwa, Dambulla and Kandy is a wealth of history, a cherished collection of monuments and monasteries, palaces and ponds, sculptures and paintings; a testament to the ancient civilisation that wrought their domain with such ingenuity. These memorials are of immense value to Sri Lanka as well as the world, being of both a cultural and religious nature. Indeed, the triangle holds five world heritage sites within its imagined boundaries. An entire holiday can be planned around examining and relishing these vestiges of the past, and there are certainly some sights that aren’t to be missed.

Anuradhapura is called the cradle of Sri Lankan civilisation, it was the first kingdom of the country and it was the capital of Lanka for over a century. The most impressive thing to see in Anuradhapura is the Jethavanaramaya, a stupa of epic proportions, brick red and sprawling across more than 5 hectares. It reaches up 400 feet into the sky and was the third tallest structure of the ancient world. Abhayagiri is not quite as massive but is still very imposing, and the ruins of the monastery shrouded in forest are haunting. Watch out for a beautiful, intricate Moonstone at the bottom of the stairs as well. Ruwanweliseya is stark white, abounding in history. The Sri Maha Bodhi is the oldest living tree, grafted from the sacred Bo tree under which Buddha gained enlightenment. The tree is surrounded by a golden fence and one can experience the living religion of Buddhism as people throng to the tree and pray aloud. Nearby is the Brazen Palace, a two storey building that had a bronze roof and housed kings and queens. The Isurumuniya Temple is a rewarding site, as it includes a lovely pond with adorable elephant reliefs nearby, a climb up rocks that lead to a spectacular view and a small museum with sculptures including the famous Isurumuniya Lovers. Kuttam Pokuna or Twin Ponds is another lovely sight. These large baths were for the priests who lived in the monasteries nearby. The pools have elaborate designs running down the stairs and the sides.

Polannaruwa is similar to Anuradhapura, though smaller in size and thus more compact. The Alahana Pirivena, a massive complex, is a fantastic site to visit, featuring ruins of buildings and many statues. The Lankatilaka and Tivanka image houses are largely intact and hold antique paintings and sculptures. The Parakrama Samudraya of course must not be missed, built by the King Parakramabahu who sagely advised that not one drop of water should run to the sea without being used by man.

Sigiriya falls into the triangle as well, and the castle atop the large rock is perhaps the most fascinating and captivating historical site in Sri Lanka. With an epic backstory setting the ruin amidst royal betrayal and civil war, the beautiful gardens below and the stunning citadel in the sky are enthralling.

Kandy holds the extremely important Temple of the Tooth Relic, an artefact that lent great credence in deciding who had the right to kingship.

Dambulla has a cavern of magnificence, a pleasant climb up a rock that ends in a cave of dozens of golden Buddha statues. These are of great religious and aesthetic value.

Other sites within the triangle include Yapahuwa, a lesser known capital, as well as the massive Aukana statue of Buddha that stands at about 40 feet. The relics of Ritigala are melancholy, with unrestrained forest creeping over ancient stone. The nature parks at Minneriya and Kaudalla are also remarkable and well worth a visit.

Trinkets are usually available near the sites, ranging from the ornamental to the religious to the useful. A tip for photographers; do not take pictures of statues with your back facing them. Fruits and refreshing coconut water is available on the roadside, should you wish to freshen up. There are countless hotels that are stationed within the triangle, and many tours that are available. Whichever way you wish to do it, you will be rewarded by an adventurous romp through Sri Lanka’s cultural triangle.