Famous Monuments in Sri Lanka | Most Visited Monuments in Sri Lanka

If you want to explore the history of Sri Lanka through the ages there are a number of historical monuments in Sri Lanka including the time-honored buildings, palaces, and parks where you can learn about the glorious past of Phuket. The presence of these monuments of Sri Lanka will take you on a walk through the city’s rich history. If you are willing to have in-depth historical information about Sri Lanka, we recommend that you take a wonderful guided tour to cover the major historical attractions. Also, check the opening and closing time for each so that you can organize your time. Make sure that you go through the complete list of historical sites in Sri Lanka for a great trip:

List of Monuments in Sri Lanka

1. Old Parliament Building 

It could be ironic, that this, one of the most visited tourist attractions in the city, is not open to the public. But considering that people are well satisfied with merely taking photographs of its great architecture, it is not so surprising. Built-in the 1930s in Neo-baroque style to house the Parliament, the function of this historical building in Sri Lanka changed in 1983 when the parliament moved to Sri Jayawardenapura Kotte. Today it is the home of the Presidential Secretariat and is the venue of many important state functions or events. In front of the building, in the garden, are the statues of various important Sri Lankan statesmen.

Address: Lotus Road, Colombo Sri Lanka

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2. Sri Dalada Maligawa 

Sri Dalada Maligawa is a UNESCO world heritage site and has been a political epicenter for centuries. This religious monument in Sri Lanka claims to enclose the tooth of Lord Buddha after his cremation In India. You would love to see a number of structures and monuments in and around Sri Dalada Maligawa or the Temple of the Tooth building complex like Mahawahalkada (The main entrance), Moat, Pattirippuwa (Octagon), Handun kunama, Golden canopy, New Palace, Royal Palace of Kandy, National Museum of Kandy, Old courts building, Kandy Lake, Biso ulpen ge (Queen’s bath), Diyathilaka mandapaya and the Udawatta Kele Sanctuary.

Address: Palace Square, Kandy, Sri Lanka




3. Independence Memorial Hall 

This memorial hall which is rising in the heart of Independence Square serves as an open pavilion of sorts. This was built to commemorate the independence of Sri Lanka from the British rule, the hall where religious events and annual national holidays are marked. The architect of this most popular monument in Sri Lanka was Tom Neville Wynne-Jones, who took inspiration from the Magul Maduwa, the royal audience hall of the Kingdom of Kandy. The hall is guarded by a line of stone carved lions, with flower pots called pun-Kalas in the corners. Inside its pretty 10,000 square feet, you’ll find a lovely arrangement of stone pillars, beautifully carved with traditional Sri Lankan designs.

Address: 7 Independence Ave Colombo 00700 Sri Lanka

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4. St. Lucia’s Cathedral

There used to be a chapel here during the Dutch occupation of the island. In its place, there is now a lovely new-Baroque and neo-Renaissance structure, and one of the historical religious monuments in Sri Lanka. Its facade though is somewhat Gothic and will remind you of ancient Greece too. A part of this mish-mash is explained by the fact it took nearly a century and a half to build it – starting in 1782, ending in 1902. They clearly put a lot of work into making this look good. This is why it’s surprising that when you head inside, you find an interior that’s so utterly plain. It’s still clean, and white, and solemn, ht you can’t help feeling that something went missing. The good feel all come back if you’re here for mass though – the acoustics are awesome. Look for a little shop to the west of the cathedral. It ought to be selling rosary beads.

Address: St Lucia’s St Colombo 01300 Sri Lanka 

5. Old City Hall  

An ecstatic structure of the past but now a semi-ruined building is what the old city hall is like. Built almost 150 years ago, this beautiful monument in Sri Lanka was a signature construction of the British era and is now mostly empty. The galleries on the ground floor display some municipal equipment and old trucks. The worth observing is the notable Mahogany stairs in the distinctive vintage style. These stairs lead up to the old council chambers and the virtual waxworks merit a watch. The replicas of the town’s first councilors from 1906 are displayed. The tinted windows offer a view of the tumult of the city and beware of the grisly dark indoors if you are not a night person.

Address: Street Main St, Col 11, Colombo, Sri Lanka

6. Fort Frederick 

Dating back to the first quarter of the 17th century, the Fort Frederick was built by the Portuguese on the site of the Hindu temple destroyed during the invasion. In the 18th century, the fort was captured by the French and later by the British in 1795 till 1948. Visit this ancient monument in Sri Lanka to see the gorgeous Back Bay and the Bay of Bengal and the well-maintained fortification walls. The Koneswaram Temple (destroyed in 1622) is located inside the fort. Don’t miss the sunset when here.

Address: Konesar Road, Trincomalee, Sri Lanka

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7. Seruvila Mangala Raja Maha Viharaya  

The Seruwila Mangala Raja Maha Vihara is an ancient Buddhist Temple that dates back to the 2nd century BC during the reign of King Kavantissa. This important landmark in Sri Lanka holds the relics of Lord Buddha (sacred forehead bone). Today, the Stupa with the relics is one of the most interesting tourist attractions in Trincomalee and is loved for its tranquility and peace. Don’t forget to take some time to really observe the architecture and the design of the place.

Address: Palatoppu-Seruwawila Rd, Seruwawila, Sri Lanka

8. The Sigiriya Fortress  

This historical place in Sri Lanka was designed by King Kasyapa to serve as his capital. Accordingly, prior to its abandonment, Sigiriya was surrounded by magnificent moats, gardens, palaces, and had four gates. A gigantic replica of a lion served as the entrance. Although only the claws and paw survive to this day, their size serves as a reminder of the grandeur of the ancient gate. One of the best things to do in Sigiriya is climbing the Lion Staircase. At the top of the staircase is the once majestic Sky-Palace – a number of airy buildings surrounded by ponds and gardens.  On the way to the summit are the Terrace Garden and the Boulder Garden – the most treasured tourist attractions in Sigiriya.

Address: Sigiriya, Matale District, Central Province, Sri Lanka.

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9. Independence Square 

You’ll see a statue looming up before you walking down Independence Avenue. This important monument in Sri Lanka was built to give honor to Honorable D. S. Senanayaka, father of the Nation, the first Prime Minister of Independent Ceylon. This site is a welcoming momento where Sri Lanka’s freedom from British rule was celebrated in 1948. Around the square is a manicured grassy garden, popular with joggers and exercisers. You might even see people picnicking. Restaurants and shopping complexes surround the area. The serenity of the place makes it a favorite hangout, recreation, and relaxation area. It gets crowded in the evenings, so that’s the best time for to people watch.

Address: 7 Independence Ave Colombo 00700 Sri Lanka

10. Trincomalee War Cemetery 

Being the resting place of the British soldiers who died during the Second World War, Trincomalee War Cemetery’s historical significance is why tourists come to visit the place. This must-see historical place in Sri Lanka place is also the final resting place of a few non-war Merchant Navy officers along with a few civilians. The well-maintained cemetery with uniform tombstones dedicated to each soldier is one of the six Commonwealth war cemeteries in Sri Lanka and is a pleasant site to walk around.

Address: 300 Nilaveli Road, Trincomalee, Sri Lanka

11. Angurukaramulla Temple 

If you think a 6-meter long reclining Buddha statue perched in the ruins of an ancient temple would interest you, then a visit to the Angurukaramulla Temple has got to be on your list of things to do in Negombo. At the entrance, you are greeted by a very characteristic dragon face only to intrigue you further in the temple’s insights. The interiors of this historical site in Sri Lanka are also notable for ancient murals that are certain to leave you awestruck. There is also a three-hundred-year-old library concealed in thick moss here to make things further interesting! 

Address: Temple Rd, Negombomaristhala, Sri Lanka

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12. Bahiravokanda Vihara Buddha Statue  

An amazing viewpoint of the Kandy town, you can walk up the stairs to view the Buddha statue located uphill. This one of the beautiful statues in Sri Lanka is about 88 feet in height. The hill is called bahirava Kanda; in Sinhalese, it means the devil’s hill where the statue was built. A stairway beside the statue can be climbed for a greater height. In fact, it will be well worth seeing the statue lit up at night. A good getaway from the busy streets of Kandy and a pleasing panoramic view can be observed from here. A collection of some magnificent pictures of Buddha’s life from baby to manhood you would love to see inside the small gallery. One of the best features of this site is the souvenir shop where you can get goods cheaper than in the city.

Address: Kandy, Srilanka, Sri Lanka

13. Gangaramaya Temple

Through modern architecture and cultural essence, Gangaramaya Temple encapsulates a mix of different cultures, such as Sri Lankan, Thai, Indian, and Chinese. It is one of the country’s most important temples, serving as a place of Buddhist worship and learning. Admire the beautiful exterior of its main features, the Vihara (temple), Cetiya (Pagoda), Bodhi tree, and Seema Malaka (monks’ assembly hall). At the same time, learn about the teachings of Buddhism, such as the notion of karma. Like many temples, admission to Gangaramaya Temple is donation-based. Don’t forget to make a small contribution on the way out to help with the maintenance of the complex.

Address: Sri Jinarathana Road, Colombo 2, Sri Lanka

14. Golden Temple Of Dambulla 

Comprising over 80 caves containing paintings and sculptures, this is another World Heritage Site within the cultural triangle of Sri Lanka, about twelve miles from the Sigiriya Fortress. In spite of the place being a famous monument in Sri Lanka, it carries a feeling of serenity and calm, as if stepping into another world. Containing a 30m golden statue of Buddha, there are five main caves and a golden temple. A beautiful, well-preserved site, containing over 150 statutes in an old monastery, the Dambulla Cave Complex is definitely a must-see destination for all tourists.

Address: Dambulla Golden Temple, Dambulla, Central Province, Sri Lanka

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15. Demodara Nine Arch Bridge

Located between the railway stations of Ella and Demodara, the Demodara Nine Arch Bridge is one of Sri Lanka’s most iconic bridges. This one of the oldest monuments in Sri Lanka is recognized for its impressive complex architectural structure, built solely out of rocks, bricks, and cement (i.e. no steel). You can get to the bridge by walking or taking a tuk-tuk. Check the train schedule before you go to ensure that there will be a train passing through during your visit. As impressive as the bridge alone is the sight of an old-school train gliding across adds bonus points to the experience.

Address: Nine Arches Bridge, Ella, Sri Lanka




So far we have discussed the best monuments in Sri Lanka, which contains the proper information regarding all the most visited monuments in Sri Lanka. I hope you might have loved reading this article and if you love to know more about Sri Lanka then kindly head to our other articles as well which will help you to get knowledge about.

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