Many of the Buddhist ruins in the ancient city of Polonnaruwa date from the 12th century.
Photograph by Priit Vesilind
Sri Lanka Features
-
Best Trips 2012: Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka's hill country features stunning scenery, tea plantations, and ancient Buddhist temples.
-
Sri Lanka Photos
Enjoy the vivid palette and traditions of this multiethnic, multicultural island nation.
-
Sri Lanka: South Coast
Still rebuilding from the deadly 2004 tsunami and years of civil war, Sri Lanka is looking to tourism to achieve its goals.
Sri Lanka Map
Quiz
Shop National Geographic
Top Picks for Travel
Advertisement
Our Trips
2013 Traveler Photo Contest
-
Share Your Best Travel Photos
Enter to be featured in our weekly galleries and win a grand prize trip to the Galápagos.