The most predominant religion in the country is Buddhism. There are many religious attractions in Sri Lanka that attract visitors from all the corners of the world. They include the following:
Anuradhapura
This is one of the most popular religious attractions in Sri Lanka and has been designated as World Heritage Site by the UNESCO. Believed to have been established as early as the 4th century Before Christ (BC), the Anuradhapura was the first Sri Lankan capital. After its establishment in 4th century Before Christ, it was destroyed later in 10th century After Death (A.D. Within this attraction you will find another attraction – the Sri Maha Bodhiya: a Bo tree that is believed to be about 2,000 years old.
Polonnaruwa
This is among the religious attractions in Sri Lanka that have been designated as World Heritage site by the UNESCO. This city served as the second ancient Sri Lankan capital within the 10th century After Death (AD) after the destruction of the Anuradhapura (which served as the first Sri Lankan capital). In the ruins of this ancient Sri Lanka city you will find temples, stupas and royal places. You will also find the Gal Vihara statue in this religious attraction site.
Mihintale
This is one of the religious attractions in Sri Lanka that are very important to the followers of the Buddhism faith. It is a mountain that is very sacred because it is believed that it is where Buddhism was introduced in to Sri Lanka long time ago estimated to be about 247 BC. Within this religious attraction site you will get may lodgings and temples for the monks and various Buddha statues.
Ritigala
This is basically an ancient monastery that was used as the mediation place for the monks. Located within the Cultural Triangle, the Ritigala features walkways and mediation platforms but no stupas are present.
Aluvihare Rock Temple
This is one of the popular religious attractions in Sri Lanka that are located between the Kandy and the Dambulla. Within it you will find many caves that contain the Lord Buddha statues as well as the murals that depict the lurid punishments that await those who do not follow the Buddha principles and teachings.
Kandy
Again, this religious attraction in Sri Lanka has been designated by the UNESCO as World Heritage Site. It is believed to the house of Lord Buddha’s tooth. Many Buddhists visit the Kandy every year in order to pay their homage.
Dambulla Cave Temples
This is a popular religious tourist attraction and the world’s biggest painted cave temple. Believed to have been built long time ago estimated to be about 1st century Before Christ, you will find about 200 beautiful Lord Buddha statues in this cave.
Adams Peak (Sri Pada)
Also referred to as the Sri Pada, this mountain is one of the most important and most famous religious attractions in Sri Lanka because It holds a great spiritual and religious value for Hindus, Buddhists, Muslims and Christians who believe the foot print like indentation at its peak was left by Shiva, Buddha and Adam respectively. Sri Pada means Sacred Footprint.