Sri Lanka, the jewel of the Indian Ocean, was proclaimed by Marco Polo to be amongst the finest islands on earth.
Filled with cultural and natural treasures, the island encompasses magnificent landscapes, beautiful beaches, abundant wildlife and ancient art and architecture. Over 1,300 km of beach surround the island, from established tourist destinations of the southern coast to the less-visited beaches of the north and east.
Sri Lanka is home to seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Six of these are testament to a civilization with over 2,000 years of recorded history while a seventh natural site boasts some of the highest biodiversity in the world. These sites showcase the island's rich history and contribution to civilization. The largest of these sites are located in the 'cultural triangle', an area that links the ancient capitals of Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa and Kandy.