Now in ruins, this holy city and World Heritage Site was once a major center of Sri Lankan civilization. Sights include huge bell-shaped stupas of small sun-dried bricks, temples, sculptures, palaces, and ancient reservoirs.

The stunning Temple of the Tooth (Sri Dalada Maligawa) is believed to house a tooth of Buddha himself. This relic attracts many white-clad pilgrims bearing lotus blossoms and frangipani.

This ancient city was the Sri Lankan capital in the Middle Ages. Many fascinating ruins remain at the site, including a reclining Buddha, seated Buddha and standing Buddha all carved out of a single block of granite. A World Heritage site.