Top Things to do in Central Province
Top Restaurants in Central Province
What to do and see in Central Province, Sri Lanka: The Best Historic Sites
Discover the best top things to do in Central Province, Sri Lanka including The Lion's Paws - Sigiriya, Maha Alut Viharaya, Devana Alut Viharaya, Pachima Viharaya, Bambaragala Viharaya, kaludiya Pokuna, Mirror Wall - Sigiriya, Temple of the Gadaladenia, Rangiri Dambullu Maha Viharaya, Gayathri Peedam.
Restaurants in Central Province
1. The Lion's Paws - Sigiriya
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 9 reviews
Reviewed By Elena257 - Timisoara, Romania
The main spiral stairs are hugely overcrowded, I recommend to use the entrance from the paws, it will save you hours (and sun burn :) )
2. Maha Alut Viharaya
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
3. Devana Alut Viharaya
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
4. Pachima Viharaya
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
5. Bambaragala Viharaya
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 10 reviews
Reviewed By manel777 - Kotte, Sri Lanka
We went there with friends.Its quite a climb and we couldnt go to the top as it was difficult to climb through trees and bushes.The temple is quie old with paintings.The priest said the temple is more than 2000 years old and coyld be older.Its quite neglected ,which was sad.A place worth visiting.
6. kaludiya Pokuna
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 24 reviews
Reviewed By 504amanb
One of my favourite sites in Sigiriya. Took a tuk tuk from our homestay a 15/20 min journey the final part over a bumpy road leading to a broken bridge where we parted ways from our driver. Its a few minute walk to a hut where we came across 2 locals. We were asked if we would like to be joined and shown around. We opted against this expecting a casual stroll. We got to the forgotten temple and took in the serenity amongst the ruins. One of the locals found us and started showing us around explaining the history and then our stroll became more adventurous. Although there are paths he took us off the paths showing us caves and rock structures where Buddhist monks stayed. The stroll became a bit more challenging but was definitely worth it. The serenity and peace was stunning the views amazing and we got to a point where our guide told us going any higher would become dangerous, so we came back down the black lake. I enjoyed every second of this and highly recommend it.
7. Mirror Wall - Sigiriya
8. Temple of the Gadaladenia
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 185 reviews
Reviewed By mytropicaljournal - Colombo, Sri Lanka
A 14th century ancient Buddhist temple with Sinhalese and Hindu unique architectural mix. Once abandoned, the temple is locate 12 km away from city centre on top of a rock with lush green view of paddy fields and villages. The place is basically for historians who love explore different cultures. Area is renowned for brass work.
9. Rangiri Dambullu Maha Viharaya
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 38 reviews
The Turm “Rangiri’ came after gold coating done by King Nissankamalla(1187-1196). Still can observe the remains of the gold coat in some statues. King Maha Vijayaba(1056-1114),King Wikrama Bhahu(1360-1374) 5th Buwaneka Bhahu(1374-1408),King 1st Vimala Dharma Sooriya(1592-1604),King Senarath (1604-1635),King 2nd Vimala Dharma Sooriya(1687-1707),King Keerthi Sri Rajasinghe(1747-1782)and King Rajadhi
Reviewed By srilankansafetour - Kirindiwela, Sri Lanka
On your way to Sigiriya, it is worth stopping over at Dambulla to catch a glimpse of these wonderful cave temples, ironwood forest and rose quartz mountain. This temple was built in the 1st century BC, by King Valagamba. Mahawansa (old book) says about invasion of seven Tamils from South India in Vlagamba’s reign, (103 BC). The king was unable to fight against them so he fled. Driven out of Anuradhapura by Tamil and remained in exile for 14 years. He came to Dambulla and took refuge in the cave for 14 years. In the meantime he collected an army and went back to Anuradhapura and regained the throne and his second reign was (89-77BC). After regaining the power the king wanted to show his gratitude to the temple. He converted this cave into an interior carved beautiful Buddhist temple. Before the valagamba’s arrival, this cave was donated to the Buddhist monks as dwelling place by king Saddhatissa (137-119 BC).Under the drip ledge of the main cave there is a Brahmi letter inscription. Many other King added to it later and by the 11th century, the caves had become a major religious place. King Nissankamalla gilded the caves and added about 70 Buddha statues in 1190 AD. During the 18th century, belong to kandyan period. This complex of the cave at Dambilla is one of the most impressive Buddhist temples in the world with its great number of Buddha statues and more than 20,000 feet paintings.Todat Dambulla is a world heritage site declared by UNESCO in 1991.
10. Gayathri Peedam
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 4 reviews
Reviewed By Sallynaidoo - Durban, South Africa
A temple with 108 natural lingums. These lingums were found in India, took to Germany and brought to Sri Lanka . A Divine experience and the history of the temple Is phenomenal
