Sarah Kingdom explores six must-visit destinations in Sri Lanka’s Cultural Triangle and discovers an archaeological and cultural treasure trove in the heart of the island.
Encompassing the ancient cities of Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa, the rock fortress of Sigiriya, the cave temples of Dambulla, the spiritual centre of Mihintale, and the royal city of Kandy, Sri Lanka’s Cultural Triangle offers visitors a journey through the island’s rich heritage. These sites, four of which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites, showcase centuries of Buddhist influence, stunning architecture, and spectacular landscapes.
Anuradhapura: The Sacred Ancient City
The ancient city of Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka’s first capital, is a sprawling complex of stupas, monasteries, and ancient reservoirs that covers over 100 square kilometres – one of the largest archaeological sites in the world. Established in the 4th century BC, it served as the centre of Sinhalese civilisation for over a millennium. Today, it remains a major pilgrimage site for Buddhists and a compelling destination for history enthusiasts.
Highlights of Anuradhapura include the colossal stupas of Jetavanarama, Thuparamaya, and Ruwanwelisaya, which dominate the skyline and showcase the architectural brilliance of ancient Sri Lanka. The Sri Maha Bodhi tree, believed to be grown from a cutting of the tree under which Buddha attained enlightenment, is another sacred site that draws thousands of pilgrims annually.
The ruins of Anuradhapura are one of the island’s most compelling historical sites and a major place of Buddhist pilgrimage.
Polonnaruwa: The Ancient Capital
The great ruined city of Polonnaruwa, the second great capital of Sri Lanka, is one of the undisputed highlights of the Cultural Triangle and stands as a testament to the ingenuity of its rulers. Polonnaruwa thrived between the 11th and 13th centuries and was one of the great urban centres of South Asia. Within a century though, Polonnaruwa had been abandoned to the jungle, where it remained, unclaimed and virtually unknown, for seven centuries.
One of the highlights is the Gal Vihara, a collection of four Buddha statues carved from a single granite rock. These sculptures, ranging from a serene reclining Buddha to a meditative seated Buddha, are masterpieces of Sri Lankan art. Another must-see is the Parakrama Samudra, a massive man-made reservoir built by King Parakramabahu I, which highlights the advanced irrigation techniques of the time.
Unlike Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa is a compact city, making it easy to explore in a day.
Sigiriya: The Lion Rock Fortress
Rising 200 meters above the surrounding plains, the spectacular Sigiriya Rock Fortress, or “castle in the sky”, is one of Sri Lanka’s most iconic landmarks. Built during the reign of King Kassapa I (477-495 AD), Sigiriya was both a royal palace and a fortress for 20 years. The shortest-lived but the most extraordinary of all Sri Lanka’s medieval capitals, Sigiriya (“Lion Rock”) was declared a World Heritage Site in 1982 and is a truly remarkable archaeological site, made even more unforgettable by its dramatic setting.
The towering outcrop of red stone is a masterpiece of ancient engineering and the climb to the summit is reached between the giant stone paws of a lion. On arrival, visitors pass through the ruins of elaborate water gardens, where the remnants of fountains, pools, and monastic dwellings, offer a glimpse into Sigiriya’s past. An iron staircase leads to the summit, where the ruins of King Kassapa’s palace and panoramic views of the surrounding jungle await.
During your descent, you’ll encounter the famous frescoes of the “Sigiriya Damsels,” celestial maidens painted in striking colours. The adjacent Mirror Wall, originally polished to a high sheen, is etched with ancient graffiti that dates back over a thousand years. The climb, though challenging, is an unforgettable experience.
Dambulla: The Rock Cave Temples
The Dambulla Cave Temples are one of Sri Lanka’s most significant religious sites, showcasing over 2,000 years of Buddhist heritage. Located atop a granite outcrop, the complex consists of five caves adorned with intricate murals and housing 153 Buddha statues, as well as figures of Sri Lankan kings and Hindu deities.
The caves date back to the reign of King Valagamba (1st century BC), who sought refuge here during a period of exile. After reclaiming his throne, he transformed the caves into temples, as an act of gratitude. The interiors are decorated with vivid paintings depicting scenes from Buddha’s life, and the ceilings are entirely covered in intricate art.
Visit in the early morning or late afternoon, to avoid the heat. This is an active religious site, so bring a shawl to cover your shoulders and/or legs. Reaching the caves requires a short but steep climb – the effort is well worth it.
Mihintale: The Birthplace of Buddhism in Sri Lanka
Revered as the place where Buddhism was introduced to Sri Lanka in the 3rd century BC, Mihintale is an interesting collection of religious monuments scattered across a beautiful hilltop location. It was here that Mahinda, the son of the Indian Emperor Ashoka, met King Devanampiya Tissa and converted him to Buddhism, marking a turning point in the island’s history.
The site is dotted with religious monuments, including the Kantaka Cetiya stupa, the Ambasthala Dagoba, and a massive rock staircase leading to the summit. The climb, though steep, rewards with sweeping views of the surrounding countryside.
Mihintale’s spiritual significance makes this a must-visit site for those seeking a deeper connection with Sri Lanka’s Buddhist heritage.
Kandy: The Last Royal Capital
Kandy, tucked beside a lake in the country’s lush central highlands, was the last capital of the ancient kings of Sri Lanka. It is also home to one of the most sacred sites in the Buddhist world – Sri Dalada Maligawa, the Temple of the Tooth Relic, a teeming temple complex housing the relic of the tooth of Buddha. Since ancient times, the relic has played an important role in local politics, as it’s believed whoever holds the relic holds the governance of the country – wars have been fought over it!
Monks conduct daily worship in the temple’s inner chamber and rituals are performed three times daily. You can join the devout with your own petal offerings and light votive candles should you want to.
Beyond the temple, visitors can explore the city’s bustling markets, visit colonial-era buildings, or take a stroll around Kandy Lake. The city is also a gateway to Sri Lanka’s famed tea plantations.
Whether you’re drawn to the awe-inspiring ruins of ancient capitals, the artistry of rock temples, or the serenity of sacred pilgrimage sites, the Cultural Triangle offers an unparalleled experience of Sri Lanka’s rich past and vibrant spiritual traditions.
Tell me more about visiting Sri Lanka’s Cultural Triangle
For Sheri Fazleabas, travel isn’t just about seeing the world, it’s about really experiencing it. Born in Sri Lanka, but now living in the USA, Sheri’s company, A&S Signature Journeys, is known for crafting bespoke travel experiences that blend luxury with authenticity. “It’s not just about booking flights and hotels,” she explains. “We dive deep into understanding what our clients truly want. Are they foodies? History buffs? Adventure seekers? Every itinerary is tailored to their interests and budget.
To plan your Sri Lankan Cultural Triangle experience contact Sheri at sheri@ansjourneys.com or visit her at A&S Signature Journeys
Where to stay
Water Garden Sigiriya overlooks one of the Cultural Triangle’s key monuments, the ancient rock fortress of Sigiriya. The grounds are laid out to perfectly frame the view of the fortress in the middle distance, with your gaze drawn to the ‘Lion Rock’ by a carefully placed path that runs through the centre of the property.
The grounds are a 13-hectare oasis of lakes and water streams, which pay homage to Sigigiya’s ancient water gardens, with kingfishers, peacocks, egrets and cormorants all calling the property home. The 30 freestanding villas, many with private pools, feel extraordinarily spacious thanks to their separate living rooms with sofas and all are arranged around the birdlife-rich lakes. There’s a spa on stilts above the waters of one of the ponds and an excellent restaurant that opens onto a terrace beside the water. There’s an outdoor pool and a substantial fitness centre. Service is excellent.
The Dambulla Cave Temples are within easy reach, and the ruined cities of Polonnaruwa and Anuradhapura, as well as the hilltop Mihintale, are all comfortable day trips.
Water Garden Sigiriya Indigaswewa, Sigiriya, Sri Lanka.
reservations@watergardensigiriya.com Tel: +94 71 166 7667 / +94 66 493 3000
Prices start from $380 / £300 for a Deluxe Room and $579/£470 for a Superior Room.
There are a range of deals, seasonal discounts and special offers for international guests throughout the year including:
Stay More and Save More – 25% discount for bookings of a minimum of 4 nights
Early Bird Offer – 20% discount for bookings made 45 days or more in advance
Last Minute Offer – 22% discount for bookings made within 14 days of arrival
