Best Things To Do in Sri Lanka’s Cultural Triangle

The ancient city of Sigiriya is emblematic of Sri Lanka, a massive column jutting 200 metres into the air above the jungle. Rising high above anything and everything around, Sigiriya Rock, an ancient rock fortress designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1982) is accessed by way of passageways cut into the rock face. It resides on the top of a flat rock and rises tall out of the plains. With the lion gateway being featured in many travel brochures, you’ll be sure to feel like Indiana Jones. Walk among the shadows of legendary kings and follow in their footsteps along ancient paths carved into the rock, climbing up the many stairs (and we mean a LOT - something like 1,200), between a monumental pair of lion paws to witness the incredible view. Catch a glimpse at the water gardens around the perimeter, and the stunning painted rock overhangs. 

This magnificent rock formation dates back to the 5th century and houses the ruins of a primordial palace built in the late 400s by King Kasyapa, with some evidence of people living in the caves below for hundreds of years before. 

Best time to visit would be around 4pm, or early in the morning to beat the heat.

With its colossal architectural variety, Polonnaruwa is a mini-city. Temples, royal palaces, baths, Buddhist sculptures on the walls - the region has no shortage of attractions. The UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of the best preserved in the country, so take a stroll or cycle among the buildings in this vast area and you'll get a clear idea of what life was like in medieval Sri Lanka.

Over 2,000 years old, the hilltop cave temples of Dambulla have been magnificently preserved. Each temple houses a Buddha temple, extraordinary paintings and an outstanding setting. The caves are unlike anything you've seen before and are undoubtedly a favourite with visitors. Caves 1 and 2 are the most impressive, with statues and murals galore. Don't forget to check out the monkeys along the trail for an extra thrill.

The two parks, although separate, are linked by an 'elephant corridor', ideal for allowing these magnificent and enormous creatures to move frequently between them. Once a year, between June and September, the Elephant Gathering takes place during the dry season, the largest gathering in Asia, when the river dries up and the elephants have to go to the parks' large reservoirs to bathe and graze. It's an experience not to be missed and easily accessible on a day trip from Sigiriya.

The impressive 12-metre-high Buddha statue is located 50 km south-west of Anuradhapura, in the village of Aukana. This immaculate rock sculpture is considered to be one of the most perfect statues in the country, dating back to the 9th century. It is best visited in the morning dusk to witness the glistening sun rise over the mesmerising artefact.

The ancient capital of Buddhist Sri Lanka, Anuradhapura was built by the Sinhalese in the 4th century B.C. This city is a living UNESCO World Heritage Site and a pilgrimage destination for Buddhists from all over the world. Unlike Polonnaruwa, it is not just ruins, as the temples are still active today, with frequent ceremonies and daily rituals, giving this sacred city a vibrant atmosphere that is hard to find elsewhere in Sri Lanka's Cultural Triangle.

The ideal place to mix things up on your fabulous cultural trip. Replace temples with an engaging night-time tour through the lush grounds. Setting off at 7pm for a torchlit tour, you can spot nocturnal fauna such as birds, deer and even a native slender loris if you're lucky. A friendly guide will point you in the right direction, with unrivalled knowledge of the local flora and fauna. It's advisable to book two days in advance so you don't miss out on this exclusive spot.

The sacred pilgrimage site of Mihintale, believed to be the birthplace of Buddhism in Sri Lanka, lies near Anuradhapura. Here, Buddhist monks first met King Devanampiya Tissa, marking the inception of Buddhism on the island. The mountain peak is adorned with majestic monuments, including an ancient 40-foot stupa, drawing pilgrims and visitors alike. The temple's religious significance makes it a bustling spot during local holidays. Prepare for a climb as many steps lead to the mountaintop, but the breathtaking sunset views make the ascent worthwhile.

Named after the ridges of the mountain range that resemble a closed fist, Knuckles is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in the Cultural Triangle. With its lush flora and fauna, waterfalls and rocky hiking trails, the entire region is considered a biodiversity hotspot. With dozens of trails and entry points to discover, pack your best walking shoes and enjoy a memorable guided tour of the central Sri Lankan wilderness.

In stark contrast to the landscapes of Sigiriya and Anuradhapura, Kandy boasts vast lakes and verdant mountain ranges. Known as the last capital of the Sri Lankan kings, this region is famous for the golden-roofed Temple of the Sacred Tooth, which houses the relic of Buddha's tooth brought here in the 16th century. Known as Sri Dalada Maligawa, this Buddhist temple is a spiritual centre with daily rituals and worship. Visitors are encouraged to show the utmost respect during their visit to this revered site.