Sri Lanka: Polonnaruwa, Sigiriya, Dambulla and environs
Score: 66

"The ancient cultural sites date back 1,000 to 3,000 or more years.The infrastructure, architecture, engineering, and artwork at all of these locations are truly extraordinary, especially in light of how old they are, and how little attention and resources they receive. Most of these sites are visited by a mixture of Sri Lankans and foreign tourists.These sites could improve dramatically with education materials, information centers, better trained guides, etc."

"A significant religious and cultural center with highly preserved built and natural heritage. It's stunning, with a rich variety of local flora and fauna. Some illegal commercial activity is occurring within the site. "

"Sites have declined in quality considerably. It is simply not acceptable to get chased by souvenir sellers, beggars and 'guides' inside the site."

"The seven-site World Heritage country-wide ticket for international visitors is a good program but does not generate sufficient funds for site improvements and upkeep."

"Basic good practices are in situ and there is good awareness of responsibilities. Access to these sites is difficult and not for the faint of heart, hotels are good but all are fairly expensive, and there are few facilities for backpackers."