• placement: fullWidthHero
  • path: destinations/hero
  • containerId: gpt-ad-954175053513
  • possible size: [970, 250], [970, 90], [728, 90], [320, 50], [1, 1],
  • targeting: 
    {
  "url": "sri-lanka/the-ancient-cities",
  "destination": "The-Ancient-Cities",
  "title": "the-ancient-cities",
  "type": "Region",
  "region": "The-Ancient-Cities",
  "continent": "Asia",
  "country": "Sri-Lanka",
  "refresh": 30,
  "refresh_limit": 3
}

The Ancient Cities

Sri Lanka

Lonely Planet's Best in Travel 2026

Shop

Get even more with a Lonely Planet guide.

Shop Book
Ruins of The Loha Prasada ( Brazen Palace)

Getty Images/Lonely Planet Images

Overview

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.

Lonely planet’s trusted travel insurance provider

Dreaming of The Ancient Cities? Protect your trip

Travel with confidence. Protect your trip and your wallet.

LEARN MORE

We don’t represent World Nomads, we receive a fee from quotes using this link. This is not a recommendation to buy travel insurance.

Take your Sri Lanka trip with Lonely Planet Journeys

Pick one of our ready-to-book trips or fully customize your own with help from our local experts.

bookable trip

Snapshots of Sri Lanka: a Cultural Cross-Country Odyssey

highlights

  1. 1Visiting Sigirya’s hidden gems and iconic landmarks, including its famous, frescoed rock fortress
  2. 2Embarking on a scenic train adventure that will lead you through Sri Lanka’s diverse landscapes
  3. 3Snorkeling Trincomalee's crystal clear waters to uncover diverse species of fish and sea turtles
from $4,050

per person

book this tripsee trip details
Want our experts to design a custom trip for you?
start planning

Must-see attractions

Explore all
  • placement: fullWidth
  • path: destinations/top
  • containerId: gpt-ad-757085901507
  • possible size: [970, 250], [970, 90], [728, 90], [300, 250], [320, 50], [1, 1],
  • targeting: 
    {
  "url": "sri-lanka/the-ancient-cities",
  "destination": "The-Ancient-Cities",
  "title": "the-ancient-cities",
  "type": "Region",
  "region": "The-Ancient-Cities",
  "continent": "Asia",
  "country": "Sri-Lanka",
  "refresh": 30,
  "refresh_limit": 3
}
  • placement: fullWidth
  • path: destinations/middle
  • containerId: gpt-ad-586951928138
  • possible size: [970, 250], [970, 90], [728, 90], [300, 250], [320, 50], [1, 1],
  • targeting: 
    {
  "url": "sri-lanka/the-ancient-cities",
  "destination": "The-Ancient-Cities",
  "title": "the-ancient-cities",
  "type": "Region",
  "region": "The-Ancient-Cities",
  "continent": "Asia",
  "country": "Sri-Lanka",
  "refresh": 30,
  "refresh_limit": 3
}

in partnership with getyourguide

Book popular activities in The Ancient Cities

The Ancient Cities and beyond

View all
  • placement: fullWidth
  • path: destinations/bottom
  • containerId: gpt-ad-933237996641
  • possible size: [970, 250], [970, 90], [728, 90], [300, 250], [320, 50], [1, 1],
  • targeting: 
    {
  "url": "sri-lanka/the-ancient-cities",
  "destination": "The-Ancient-Cities",
  "title": "the-ancient-cities",
  "type": "Region",
  "region": "The-Ancient-Cities",
  "continent": "Asia",
  "country": "Sri-Lanka",
  "refresh": 30,
  "refresh_limit": 3
}