Cultural Triangle
Sum up
Sri Lanka’s Cultural Triangle has enthralled millions of travellers. It covers the north-central towns of Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa, Sigiriya and Dambulla where extensive archaeological ruins, protected as World Heritage Sites, provide a glimpse into the island’s history. It is here that Sri Lanka’s kings developed remarkably advanced civilisations. The shimmering central plains have low rainfall and several hotels are sumptuous enough to provide a holiday in their own right.
Weather
The cultural triangle is largely situated within a dry zone. Apart from a high rainfall in November and December when the less-severe Maha monsoon hits the east coast, conditions remain fairly arid, although visitors during June and July may experience the hot, strong winds that help keep the south-western monsoon in the south and west at bay. Sri Lanka is affected by two separate monsoons which generally means that there is usually good weather somewhere on the island. Traditionally, the best time to visit the west and south coasts and hill country is from December to April, while the best weather on the east coast is from April/May to September.
Highlights
- Gaze with wonder upon the ruins of Anuradhapura & Polonnaruwa
- Clamber up the giant rock fortress of Sigirya
- Discover Dambulla’s cave paintings and Buddha statues
- Watch the elephants in Minneriya
- Take a wooded walk through the ruins of Ritigala
- Cycle on peaceful minor roads by lakes and paddy fields
Getting There
The cultural triangle can be reached directly from Colombo, although from the airport it may be advisable to head via back roads to Kurunegala, avoiding the main Kandy road at busiest times. The quickest way to Anuradhapura is beyond Negombo up the north-west coast. The route from Kandy takes you via Matale.
The ruins of Anuradhapura
The ruins of Anuradhapura, the country’s first capital includes a large number of sacred Buddhist sites including dagobas, monasteries, palaces and the ancient Bo Tree, grown from the original tree under which Lord Buddha attained enlightenment.
Aukana Buddha
One of Sri Lanka’s most perfect and elegant statues, the Aukana Buddha lies to the west of Kala Wewa. The statue stands 12m high, carved from a single rock and is completely free-standing.
Dambulla’s ancient cave temple
Dambulla’s ancient cave temple has a rock ceiling with a sweep of colourful frescoes, some of which date back to over 2,000 years, depicting Buddhist mythology and the tales of the Buddha’s previous births
Mihintale
Mihintale, where Buddhism originated on the island in 247 BC is especially inspiring on a Full Moon Poya Day when hundreds of people congregate in silent prayer, the statues are surrounded with flowers and the air is scented with incense and burning oils. Vesak takes place on full moon day in May with remembrance of Lord Buddha’s birth, enlightenment and Prinivanpama (his passing). In June, the festival of Poson is celebrated in remembrance of the introduction of Buddhism to Sri Lanka by Mahinda.
Polonnaruwa
Polonnaruwa’s ruins include the magnificent sculptures of Lord Buddha at the Gal Vihara cut into Granite stone. The archeological museum in Polonnaruwa provides a useful guide to this ancient kingdom
The Ritigala Buddhist Monastery
The Ritigala Buddhist Monastery nestles deep inside the Ritigala Nature Reserve. Walking up wooded slopes to the beautiful ruins, it is easy to imagine yourself as Indiana Jones whilst clambering over the overgrown relics of a forgotten time.
Sigiriya
Sigiriya is one of the most dramatic historical sites in the world. A mythical past of feuding dynasties enhances Sigiriya’s striking setting, which was built in 5C by King Kasyapa as a rock fortress. Worthy of being called the “8th wonder of the world”, Sigiriya will astonish with its beautiful views and staggering engineering.
Wilpattu National Park
Tantirimale borders Wilpattu National Park. A gradual climb leads to acres of flat granite rock where there are several ancient statues of Lord Buddha carved out of the rock, a dagoba and Bo tree. Secluded and little visited with great views.
Yapahuwa
After the fall of Polonnaruwa, the Kandyan kings fled to a succession of inaccessible crags, bearing the sacred tooth relic of the Buddha. One of them was Yapahuwa, where you can climb steep steps to the ruins.
History
The Cultural Triangle is found on Sri Lanka’s central plains and encompasses Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa, Sigiriya, and Dambulla. It is here that the country’s kings gave rise to a great civilization based on agriculture and Buddhism.
These kings also treasured the ancient healing wisdom of Ayurveda, which remains preferred health care in rural areas as well as forming a centrepiece of many holidays.
Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka’s first capital, was the greatest monastic city of the ancient world and was ruled from the 4C BC to 11C AD by more than 100 Sri Lankan kings. Polonnaruwa became Sri Lanka’s royal medieval capital in 1073 where the Sinhalese king Vijayabahu I followed by Parakramabahu I, ruled. It remained Sri Lanka’s capital until the late 13C.
Another significant event in Sri Lanka’s history is the introduction of Buddhism to this island in 247 BC: Mihintale is especially inspiring on a full-moon day.
Water Garden
Serves delicious international cuisine (Indigaswewa, Sigiriya, 0664 933 000)
Jetwing Vil Uyana
The most popular restaurant in Sigiriya, serving a selection of Western, Asian and authentic Sri Lankan cuisine (0662 286 000)
Heritance Kandalama
International cuisine and spectacular views across Kandalama Lake (0665 555 050)
Ulagalla
This cosy dining venue offers you the best of Sri Lankan, Asian and Western cuisine as well as unique fusion fare (Thirappane, 0252 050 280)
Forest Rock Garden
Serves (only) authentic vegetarian cuisine (Puttalam Road, Andarawewa, 0252 033 000)
The Lake
Serves a selection of Western, Asian and Sri Lankan food overlooking a magnificent lake (New Town, 0272 222 411)
Deer Park Hotel
Serves a selection of Western, Asian and Sri Lankan dishes (Giritale, 0272 246 272)
Snapshot
Colombo is in an exciting phase in its history. There is a sense of renewed ambition now that peace has been restored to Sri Lanka, but it remains a compact, manageable coastal city offering excellent value and an atmosphere all of its own. Ancestral mansions stand side-by-side with modern hotels springing up into the skyline. Street bazaars buzz right next to a few modest shopping malls. While some roads are clogged with vehicles, there remain many sleepy tree-lined boulevards. Colombo might be mildly chaotic at times but it has at its heart a relaxed and genial air.
Weather
Sri Lanka is affected by two separate monsoons which generally means that there is usually good weather somewhere on the island. Global warming has made weather patterns less reliable, but essentially the main south-west (“yala”) monsoon brings rain to the west (including Colombo) and south-west coasts and hill country largely between May and July. The less severe north-east (“maha”) monsoon hits the east coast – including the cultural triangle – predominantly from November to January. There is also an inter-monsoonal period of unsettled weather preceding the Maha monsoon in October during which heavy rainfall can occur anywhere across the island, Colombo very much included.
Art Galleries
Permanent collections & temporary art exhibits of Sri Lankan artists are held regularlyat the National Art Gallery, Sapumal Foundation, the Lionel Wendt, Barefoot Art Gallery and ParadiseRoad Gallery Café.
History
Colombo is the commercial capital of Sri Lanka and lies alongside the present administrative capital, Sri Jayawardenepura, Kotte. Colombo’s port was influential as early as the 5 th century when ships from Rome, Arabia, and China traded with Sinhalese kings for food supplies, spices and jewels. Many nations fought for the island’s treasures including Arab settlers in the 8C, followed by the Portuguese, the Dutch and, finally, the British who captured Colombo in 1796. This era of western domination ended peacefully with independence in 1948, followed by a separatist war fought by the LTTE (Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam) that lasted 25 years. Terrorism was eradicated in 2009, bringing hopes of a lasting peace. Throughout it all, the city of Colombo remained relatively stable and, as well as the majority Sinhalese, Moors, Tamils, Burghers, Chinese, and Malay populations contribute towards its colourful fabric.
Food in Colombo
Food is a highlight of Colombo. The city boasts a wide range of fantastic cafés and restaurants serving cuisine from around the world, whilst smaller eateries serve local hawker-style favourites like string hoppers, lamprais and biryani, as well as spicy pastries including Chinese rolls, seeni-sambol buns and fish patties which are collectively known as short-eats. Some of the best street food is foundon the seafront at Galle Face Green, including delicious koththu roti and isso wade (prawn dumplings).
For a more in-depth experience of local fare, go on our Colombo Street Food Walk.
For a selection of our favourite cafés, bars and restaurants in Colombo, see our Colombo Restaurants Guide. Further recommendations can be found in our comprehensive Booking Information.
Popular Activities
Anuradhapura Sum up Anuradhapura was Sri Lanka’s first civilisation and the centre-point of the island’s greatest kingdoms, acting as the royal capital …
Dambulla Cave Temple Sum up Dambulla Cave Temple is one of the most popular religious cultural sites in Sri Lanka, attracting tourists …
Polonnaruwa Sum up The well-preserved ruins of Polonnaruwa, Sri Lanka’s medieval royal capital, are one of the country’s most prominent cultural sites. …
Sigiriya Rock Fortress Sum up Sigiriya is one of the most dramatic and inspiring historical locations in the world, a huge rock …
Traditional Sri Lankan Village Life Sum up Discover the authentic rural charm of Sri Lankan village life. Simple and peaceful, life in …
Pidurangala Rock Sum up Pidurangala is an enormous rock located a few kilometres north of Sigiriya. The two rocks have an interlinked …
Sri Lanka Hot Air Ballooning Sum up Red Dot now offers hot air ballooning in the Cultural Triangle, a dramatic and rewarding …
Minneriya National Park Sum up Minneriya National Park is a small but popular wildlife park home to a wide range of Sri …
The Monkey Kingdom of Polonnaruwa Sum up Quite apart from the incredible ruins of this medieval city, Polonnaruwa is home to a …
Wasgamuwa National Park Sum up Wasgamuwa is a remote national park which is home to a wide variety of Sri Lankan wildlife, …
Kaludiya Pokuna Sum up Kaludiya Pokuna Forest near Kandalama – not to be confused with the ‘Kaludiya Pokuna’ close to Mihintale – …
The Aukana Buddha Sum up The Aukana Buddha statue in Sri Lanka is not only the tallest ancient Buddha statue in Sri …
Aluvihara Cave Temple Sum up The ancient Aluvihara cave temple is on the outskirts of Matale, north of Kandy, and has great …