The area known as the Cultural Triangle is home to five of the eight UNESCO World Heritage sites in Sri Lanka. To say there is plenty to see would be an understatement.
The Cultural Triangle runs from the hill-capital Kandy, the first Sinhalese capital of Anuradhapura to the medieval capital of Polonnaruwa.
Within this triangle, you will find the rock fortress of Sigiriya, the cave monastery of Dambulla and the Buddhist centre of Mihintale. Aside from these magnificent sites, there are others of particular note, including the mysterious forest monastery of Ritigala. The Cultural Triangle is also renowned for its elephants that gather here and can be seen in Minneriya National Park.
The ancient sites, many UNESCO listed, are superb. Enjoy exploring by bike or scrambling around the 2,000-year-old ruins. Visit Dambulla and Sigiriya – immense rocks that soar dramatically up from the flat central plains. The climb up can be a little steep but the views from the top in the early morning are incredible. Along the way, watch the playful monkeys that live in the temples. We recommend getting the climb out of the way before the heat and the coach tours arrive!
Explore off the beaten track with our favourite archaeologist, Nerina, who will ensure you avoid the crowds by visiting some little-known sites on the Cultural Triangle. Often busy, the best time to view the popular sites is shortly after sunrise in the morning, avoid any crowds and be among the first few to visit that day.
There is no better way to explore Polonnaruwa than pedalling the less trodden back roads. We organise a local cycling guide to accompany you – who is a villager and shares insider knowledge of the area. Pass beautiful rural countryside, passing lakes and lush forests
It’s all here. Things to see and do, places to explore and moments to discover.
A passion for travel runs right through every one of our experts - meaning they're always ready with first-hand insight about their specialist countries.
My travels were first inspired by my love of the UK, which I take as much pleasure in exploring as countries far and wide. For me, travel is all about the adventure, the people I meet and the food I sample along the way.
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