The Cultural Triangle is a region delimited by three cities forming a triangle. This abstract triangle is bounded in the north by the city of Anuradhapura, in the east by Polonnaruwa and in the south by Kandy. Of course, the Cultural Triangle is not limited to these three cities alone. It also includes the site of Mihintale, the city of Dambulla and Sigiriya. Visiting these history-laden places is a genuine journey back in time to the origins of Sri Lanka.

The must-sees

Anuradhapura

Capital of Sri Lanka for over 1,300 years, Anuradhapura was the largest and most important royal capital in the country, home to nearly 90 monarchs. Inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1982, the site is renowned for its numerous temples known as "dagobas." But the most sacred and most visited site is the Sri Maha Bodhi Tree and its temple. This is the sacred tree of Buddha, upon which the entire history of Anuradhapura's reign is founded.

The Avukana or Aukana Statue

Located between the city of Anuradhapura and the small town of Habarana, the Avukana statue is a standing statue of Buddha over 12 meters tall. Carved directly into rock during the 5th century, this statue is one of the most representative sculptures of ancient Sri Lanka.

Mihintale

Located 13 km east of Anuradhapura, the Mihintale site is a major pilgrimage destination in Sri Lankan Buddhism. Legend has it that it was at this place that an emissary of Asoka converted King Dewanampiya Tissa (founder of Anuradhapura) to Buddhism in 247 BC. Since then, Mihintale has been associated with the introduction of Buddhism to Sri Lanka, and each year a major celebration, "Poson Poya," is held on the night of the full moon in June to celebrate the arrival of Buddhism to the country. Generally, Mihintale is excluded from Cultural Triangle circuits because reaching it requires climbing a staircase of 1,840 steps, which demands excellent physical fitness. But the beauty of the place is the finest reward for this challenging ascent.

Polonnaruwa

Second capital of Sri Lanka after the fall of Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa houses numerous palaces, statues and monasteries, as well as very well-preserved temples. Some call it the "garden city" such is the abundance of vegetation. This site comprising 122 hectares is representative of Hindu architectural style. Although the visible monuments have a strong religious purpose, there remain timeless monuments such as the royal council chamber.

Sigiriya and its rock

An emblematic monument of Sri Lanka, the Lion Rock is a must-see of the Cultural Triangle. This red stone rising 180 meters above the plain houses the remains of an ancient fortress. Although the ruins are of lesser interest, the view it offers from its summit is simply breathtaking.

Dambulla Caves

Also known as the Golden Temple, Dambulla Caves is a site worthy of a detour. It consists of a network of five caves housing various representations of Buddha. One of them features a painting covering an area of over 2,000 m² depicting the temptation of Buddha by a demon.

Kandy

Former capital of Sri Lanka, Kandy is both a sacred city and a historic city located in the heart of Sri Lanka. Its charm and authenticity earned it UNESCO World Heritage status in 1988. This city owes its fame to its celebrated Peradeniya Botanical Garden, with its impressive collection of orchids, its spice garden and medicinal plants, and its numerous varieties of palms.

How long to spend

There is no set duration for visiting the Cultural Triangle—it depends on your pace and preferences. Moreover, you have the choice of hiring a private driver or traveling as locals do. Each of these modes of transportation has its advantages and disadvantages. For example, the former allows you to move quickly from one site to another, but leaves little room for adventure. Generally speaking, visiting the Cultural Triangle takes between 4 and 7 days.

The best time to visit

The Cultural Triangle can be visited year-round. The sites of Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa are located in an arid zone while Kandy is situated in a humid zone.