Cultural Triangle of Sri Lanka

Ancient capitals and Buddhist sites in the triangle of Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa and Kandy, with Sigiriya Rock and the Dambulla Cave Temple at the core.

Sri Lanka's Cultural Triangle is the north-central region with Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa and Kandy at its three corners. It contains five of the country's eight World Heritage sites and is the heart of the island's history and Buddhist culture. The main highlights are: the palace on Sigiriya Rock, built atop a 200 m rock, with its celestial maiden frescoes; the hundred or so Buddha statues and murals of the Dambulla Cave Temple (the Golden Temple); the giant white dagobas and sacred Bodhi tree of Anuradhapura, an ancient capital dating from before the Common Era; the rock-carved reclining Buddha (Gal Vihara) at Polonnaruwa, a medieval capital; and, at the southern tip of the triangle, the Temple of the Tooth in Kandy and the Peradeniya Botanical Gardens. In addition, Minneriya and Kaudulla National Parks see elephants gather in the dry season. A common plan is to base yourself at Sigiriya or Dambulla for 3–4 days, then head south to Kandy for 1–2 days, followed by the hill-country tea route. Public transport in the region is mainly by bus, though most visitors hire a car with a driver. At Buddhist sacred sites, remove your shoes, cover shoulders and knees, and avoid taking selfies with your back to a Buddha statue. Climb Sigiriya early in the morning to avoid the heat and the crowds.

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Itineraries