Cultural Triangle 2024 & 2025 INDIAN OCEAN | SRI LANKA
The Cultural Triangle of Sri Lanka is an expansive region that encompasses the cultural heartland of the island, boasting a wealth of historical sites, ancient ruins, and architectural marvels that span millennia. At its core lie the ancient cities of Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa, and Sigiriya, each bearing testament to Sri Lanka's rich heritage and illustrious past.
Beyond these ancient cities, the Cultural Triangle is dotted with lesser-known but equally fascinating archaeological sites, including the mysterious ruins of Ritigala, the cave temples of Dambulla, and the majestic rock carvings of Buduruwagala. Each site offers a unique window into Sri Lanka's diverse cultural heritage, from its ancient Buddhist roots to its medieval splendor.
Whether exploring ancient cities, admiring sacred relics, or unraveling the mysteries of ancient civilizations, the Cultural Triangle promises a captivating journey through the rich tapestry of Sri Lanka's cultural heritage, leaving visitors awestruck by the depth and diversity of the island's history.
Itineraries Including the Cultural Triangle
Grand Tour of Sri Lanka
Hills, Wildlife, Beaches
Sri Lanka - Off the Beaten Track
Things to do and see in the Cultural Triangle
Sigiriya
Situated in the northern Matale District of Sri Lanka, the small village of Sigiriya is best known for its proximity to the magnificent Sigiriya ‘Lion Rock’. This ancient rock fortress rises abruptly from the lush landscape and reaches over 200 metres in height.
Crowning this massive outcrop are the ruins of an ancient civilisation, which are considered one of the best-preserved examples of ancient urban planning and have been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
You can walk through the lily-dotted moats, lush gardens and cave shrines, through the grand lion-paw entrance, and climb the series of steep staircases passing beautiful murals painted on the sheer rock walls, and enjoy exploring the ruins and soaking up spectacular views of the surrounds.
Dambulla Caves
The Dambulla Cave Temples are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the islands most significant and impressive cultural landmarks. These caves have been carved into the rock face and date back over 2,000 years. Inside these caves you'll find a stunning collection of Buddhist art and architecture as well as colourful wall paintings, statues and other religious carvings.
The highlight of the caves has to be the Golden Temple of Dambulla which shines in the sunlight and has amazing panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.
If you are interested in culture, religion and history then a visit to the Dambulla caves is a must!
Polonnaruwa
The ruins at Polonnaruwa can be visited when travelling to the East Coast or as an east coast day trip as Polonnaruwa is just over an hour’s drive from the beach resort of Passikuda.
Polonnaruwa was Sri Lanka’s spectacular second ancient city, and the ruins from this golden age vividly reflect some of the most well-preserved architectural treasures of the time. Dating back to the tenth century, the ruins incorporate palaces, monasteries, Buddhist and Hindu temples, dagobas and many beautiful statues, and sit beneath shady trees near the Parakrama Samudra Tank.
The compact site can easily be visited in a day, and the best way to see all the sights is to hire a bicycle and gently peddle between the ruins.
Anuradhapura
Visit Anuradhapura on your Sri Lanka holiday to experience some of the world’s most spectacular ancient sites. From giant stupas that tower high above tropical parkland and jungle, to mystical moonstones, vast monastic complexes and one of the oldest trees in the world, Anuradhapura is a destination rich in history, spirituality and splendour.
The city is a devout centre of Buddhism and centres around the Sacred Sri Maha Bodhi Tree, a 23-century old cutting of the Bodhi tree in Bodhgaya in India under which the Buddha gained enlightenment. Ruins of the ancient city – a UNESCO World Heritage Site – are scattered over a few square miles and deserve at least a day or two of your time to fully explore.
Minneriya National Park
Located between Habarana and Polonnaruwa, the 8,890 hectares of Minneriya National Park features the ancient Minneriya Tank. Constructed in an evergreen forest where sambar deer, leopards, and elephants roam, this tank was built in 3rd century AD by King Mahasena. During the dry season (June to September), this is an incredible place to observe the elephants and flocks of birds, such as cormorants and painted storks.
The park belongs to the dry zone of the country from May to September considered as the dry season. The wet season lasts during the north eastern monsoon from October to January. The main habitats of Minneriya are of several types, including low-canopy montane forests, intermediate high-canopy secondary forests, scrublands, abandoned chena lands, grasslands, rocky outcrops, and wetlands.
Our Favourite Hotels in the Cultural Triangle
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