This is home to one of the most powerful, evocative sights in South Asia. In this vast complex of archaeological and architectural brilliance, you can explore ancient dagobas, pools and crumbling temples, built over the city’s thousand-year rule.
These well-preserved ruins show glimpses of ancient Sinhala civilisation and are often used as places for holy ceremonies today. This sprawling city is a very relaxed place to stay in too, with a warm village feel and easy access to bike hire.