Cultural Triangle: A Definitive Guide to the Kingdoms in Sri Lanka

The cultural triangle is located in the heart of the country.

It is quite famous for the attraction sites and the history of civilization. There are 6 UNESCO world heritage sites that fall within this cultural territory.

Since most of these Kingdoms are from the long bygone era. Some of the structures are ruins.

Many of them are still preserved well. While its use has only kept increasing. Even during these modern times.

The Parakrama Samudra is one such reservoir. Another is the Kala Wewa reservoir that is still used for water conservation.

Where its unimaginable to continue paddy cultivation without such precise irrigation methods.

This truly claims the remarkable feat of engineering of such mega projects.

Why is it known as the Cultural Triangle

Fundamentally the reason is, how the landmark locations are situated on the Sri Lankan map.

The points of attraction fall in the shape of a triangle. Just take a look at the map below.

The cultural triangle also includes the first (Anuradhapura) and last (Kandy) kingdoms of Sri Lanka.

Whereas it includes the attraction points of kingdoms of:

• Anuradhapura
• Polonnaruwa
• Sigiriya
• Dambulla
• Kandy

The landscape still spreads the beauty across this region.

Mainly the weather here is dry and arid apart from Kandy. Therefore, Kandy can set itself apart from other locations.

However, you must not forget that it’s filled with a land rich for paddy cultivation and agriculture.

The cultural triangle is located in the middle of the country. Therefore it’s not a beachgoers place of visit.

But more of educational importance of cultural anthropology and history.

If you are getting ready for your next Sri Lankan adventure. It’s time to forget the beach and move further inland.

I can guarantee it’s worth 100% of your time.

All of these attraction sites can showcase the knowledge of the ancient civilization and the kingdoms that once prospered.

All before they fell into ruins.

Following successful invasions of the foreign forces like the Chola, Pandiya and British.

What are the attraction points within the Cultural Triangle

So this is going to be a little wider when it comes to attraction points within this territory.

After the beach, sand and sun the unique cultural territory is what attracts 80% of the visitors travelling to the country.

Now, let’s start hopping through to each attraction site in the cultural triangle.

What to see in Anuradhapura?

Anuradhapura is the first seat of capital in Sri Lanka. Established by King Pandukabaya. Also known as the birthplace of Buddhism in Sri Lanka.

The seat of Anuradhapura has established in the year 377 BC. Then disestablished in 1017. It was the only Kingdom to be ruled entirely by Sinhalese rulers.

During which it flourished for over 1300 years until it was successfully invaded and abandoned.

After that, it was hidden by dense jungle canopy until it was rediscovered. The city is also ranked as one of the oldest cities to be inhabited.

Now, if you are planning on travelling to Anuradhapura. You may want to go through the list of places below.

• Jaya Siri Maha Bodhiya – The sacred fig tree brought down by the Buddhist nun to Sri Lanka. Which is also the oldest human planted tree in the world. It widely regarded as one of the most sacred places of visit by the Buddhist all over the world.
• Ruwanwelisaya – King Dutugemunu built this sacred stupa. Which contains the largest collection of Gautama Buddha’s relics. This is also one of the tallest monuments of its kind in the world.
• Lovamahapaya – Although today it is in ruins. This was the tallest building in Sri Lanka throughout a millennium. The building was 9 stories high and is located between Ruwanwelisaya and Siri Maha Bodiya.
• The other religious sacred attraction worth visiting is the Mirisawatiya, Abayagiri vihara, Thuparamaya, Isurumuniya temple etc.

What to see in Sigiriya?

There is just one place to visit in Sigiriya.

It is the marvellous piece of real estate from history books.

King Kashyapa built the Sigiriya “Lion Rock Fortress” during his reign. To fear revenge by his brother Prince Mugalan.

On average there are approximately 1000 – 2000 visitors ascending to the summit plateau on a bright sunny day.

Read more about Sigiriya.

Not just that. If you climb Sigiriya in the morning why not schedule a visit to the Minneriya National Park in the evening. I’m sure there is no better way to end your day.

What to see in Dambulla

Dambulla lies right in the middle of the country. The cave temple draws many travellers to the city of Dambulla. Which is also a UNESCO world heritage site.

The complex cave system was inhabited long before the Buddhist monks. As remains of human skeletons have been found within the cave system. Which are almost 2700 years old.

The most fascinating fact is the number of murals that cover the walls. An area of 2000 square metres is covered by paintings.

Generally, the cave systems of Dambulla is worth a half-day visit. With a visit to Sigiriya lion rock fortress in the morning and the cave systems of Dambulla in the evening.

What to see in Polonnaruwa?

After the Chola forces invaded Anuradhapura. Polonnaruwa became the capital of Sri Lanka. Where the Chola invaders ruled the Kingdom for over 53 years.

The Kingdom of Polonnaruwa was established in the 10th century. After King Vijayabahu 1 defeated the Chola invaders.

The city is old as Anuradhapura according to archaeological findings.

Now, here is a list of places that you need to consider when planning your visit to Polonnaruwa:

• Gal Vihara – The attraction includes 4 images of the Buddha. All of which are carved in one single granite slab.
• The Royal Palace – Probably the most visited attraction site in Polonnaruwa. King Parakramabahu the Great built this palace during his reign. Although in ruins today the structure is tall 7 stories tall measuring 31m by 13m.
• Parakrama Samudra – The magnificent reservoir resembles the engineering capacity of the Kingdom of Polonnaruwa. Even today this reservoir supports more than 18,000 acres of paddy.

There are many other places worth a visit like the Rankoth Vehera, Manampitiya bridge, Giritale tank etc.

What to see in Kandy?

Kandy is the last Kingdom in Sri Lanka. Which fell into the hands of the British Colonisers. The beauty of this landscape comes in abundance.

A trip to Sri Lanka is incomplete if you don’t visit the hill capital.

The sacred city is home to the tooth relic of the Buddha. Also the world-famous Esala Perahera and the royal botanical gardens in Peradeniya.

What is the best time to visit?

According to weather conditions, the best times to visit would be from December to March.

Because there is plenty of sunshine throughout the day and mild temperatures across all these sites. While Kandy especially can pass a cooler temperature during these months.

Now,

It doesn’t guarantee you with absolute sunshine. There can be occasional showers. However, since it’s not the monsoon season. The rains will not prolong.

Then again, since these months are ideal for visiting. You are not going to be alone. And these are high season months.

You can easily experience a large crowd of international and local travellers visiting the attraction sites during these months.

So it’s best to schedule your visits and start early morning to avoid the mid-day crowd and the heat.

Getting There

Since you have to travel to the middle of the country.

My suggestion to you is to spend a day or night closer to Colombo International Airport. A perfect place is the coastal town of Negombo which is only 15 minutes from the CMB airport.

Effectively if you are down from a long haul flight from halfway across the world.

You can rest your head down a bit cut off compounding travel fatigue. So that you have rested well to embark on an adventurous journey the next day.

You can choose any mode of transport to get there:

• Air Taxi – This is by far the fastest way of getting into the locations of the ancient kingdoms. The charter planes and scheduled flights can fly you directly from the CMB airport into the cultural triangle.
• Road – You can either use a bus or a private vehicle to the cultural triangle. In the future post completion of the central expressway. The distance would become easily commutable.
• Rail – The most preferred choice if you are travelling up to Kandy. However not beyond that. As commuting can become hectic over long rail journeys and if you are under a strict timeline.

Getting around within attraction points

Since attraction sites are far from each other. The easiest option is to hire your private vehicle which will be available at your disposal.

Rather than depending on public commutes. As these are ineffective options.

A simple example is no public buses are leading you to Sigiriya rock fortress from any of the hotels.

You can hire such vehicles through a tour operator for your entire trip.

OR

If you are reading my blog and making your accommodation reservations with Booking.com and planning the tour yourself. Then its best to hire a vehicle of the hotel for your day trips.

Just so that you know you have someone move you around and bring you back safely.

Where to stay?

Deciding where to stay is not a problem at all. There are plenty of accommodation options available within the cultural triangle.

This unique territory has the options to cater to any type of traveller. Be it backpacking or luxury.

A few notable hotels within the area are:

• Heritance Kandalama
• Amaya Lake Dambulla
• Habarana Lodge
• Hotel Sigiriya
• Ulagalla by Uga Escapes

You can also check out many other accommodations options in the cultural triangle via booking.com.

I will recommend you stay overnight at hotels in Dambulla.

Why?

Mainly, if you are visiting Polonnaruwa, Anuradhapura & Sigiriya. You can visit these destinations by a day trip. While returning to base in Dambulla.

Or, you can check into hotels in each location. However, it’ll become a logistical nightmare to pack and unpack your luggage every day.

Conclusion

This, my friend, is an all-round guide for your visit to the cultural triangle of Sri Lanka.

This cultural territory is a true emblem of significance o culture, heritage and history of the pre-historic civilisation.

If you are travelling to Sri Lanka at least a week. Then include a trip to the cultural triangle into your bucket list. There is absolutely no reason to regret the time spent here.

Are you longing for a trip with history and wildlife in Sri Lanka?

If so, this is the perfect place to visit. Send me a message to organise your personalised travel to Sri Lanka.