Anuradhapura — the sacred city (377 BC)

For 1,400 years this was the heart of the island. The Sri Maha Bodhi tree here, grown from a cutting of the original Bodhi tree in India, is the oldest documented tree in the world.

Polonnaruwa — the engineering capital (11th century)

When Anuradhapura fell, the capital moved east. King Parakramabahu built reservoirs so vast that one of them — the Sea of Parakrama — still irrigates the region today.

Sigiriya — the sky palace (5th century)

King Kashyapa built his fortress atop a 200m rock after murdering his father. The frescoes, mirror wall and water gardens are 1,500 years ahead of their time.

Kandy — the last kingdom (until 1815)

Hidden in the central hills, Kandy held out against the Portuguese and Dutch for 300 years before falling to the British. The Temple of the Tooth still defines the city.